Overview & Reviews

In business for more than 100 years, Audi is an automaker that builds luxury cars and SUVs. The company was started in Germany and has remained Deutschland-based to this day.

"Audi Automobile Works" entered the German car-manufacturing business in 1910 and remained independent until the Great Depression. Because Audi's founder, August Horch, had left a 10-year-old company bearing his own name, he chose a Latin form of his name -- Audi -- for his new company. Audi joined with three other auto manufacturers in 1932 to form Auto Union. Audi, the only surviving nameplate from that union, was purchased by Volkswagen in 1964.

During the 1970s, Audi started to get noticed in the U.S. with its 100LS luxury sedan and compact and sprightly Fox coupe and sedan. By the late '70s the brand had replaced the dated 100LS with its new 5000 luxury sedan.

Every manufacturer has its defining moments. For Audi, one such moment came in March 1980 at the Geneva Motor Show. The automaker unveiled the Audi Quattro, an all-wheel-drive sport coupe that was met with a wildly enthusiastic response on the show floor. The Quattro's all-wheel-drive system went on to help Audi win accolades in motorsports and it was eventually integrated into the entire model range.

That year also saw the Fox replaced by the 4000. Four years later, the range-topping 5000 was redesigned. Audi's sales shot up nearly 50 percent, thanks chiefly to that newly aerodynamic yet handsome flagship that featured what would become an Audi hallmark -- an elegantly stylish, high-quality cabin.

Sadly, Audi's fortunes turned for the worse when the carmaker's 5000 model was accused of unintended acceleration in a 60 Minutes television episode. A subsequent government investigation found Audi innocent of the charge, but the resulting drop in sales nearly put Audi out of business in the U.S.

The late '80s saw Audi redesign the 4000, renaming it the 80 and 90 (with the 90 having more equipment) and also rename the 5000, dubbing it the 100 or 200. The 200 featured a turbocharged five-cylinder with all-wheel drive as opposed to a non-turbo five and front-wheel drive, as on the 100. A Coupe also debuted, as did a new flagship, a V8-powered 200 sedan simply called the "V8".

The following decade saw the A4 and Cabriolet models, as well as the renaming of the 100 to A6. The stunning A8 was introduced as Audi's new flagship, boasting all-aluminum construction and a beefy V8. High-performance versions of the various models bowed, dubbed S4, S6 and S8.

The start of the new millennium brought the TT, Audi's low-slung sport coupe (and later roadster). It also introduced RS versions of the A4 and A6, providing even more performance than "S" variants. In addition to "S" and "RS" versions of the TT, Audi's more recent releases include the A3 hatchback, Q5 crossover SUV, slick A5 coupe, exotic R8 sports car and A7 luxury hatchback sedan.

Today, Audi continues its success in the prestige car marketplace by offering a wide range of vehicles that impressively combine luxury and sport.

User Reviews:

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  TT is a great car - 2003 Audi TT
  By riskytrader - November 13 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely a great car even given it only has 180 HP. My only gripe about it is the backseat where not even a small child can fit. Possibly they can but only if they sit sideways. Other than that its a pretty cool car!

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  Good, but could be better - 2002 Audi A4
  By CJJK - November 10 - 10:00 am

  The 1.8T in the quattro, automatic is lethargic. Audi really needs to boost up the HP to make it a pleasing ride. The car is solid and handles great, but just too darn slow,,push the gas and it doesnt want to move!!!! Driver needs mopre leg room , its too cramped and I am of average height and weight.

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  Biggie sized A4 - 1997 Audi A8
  By TVO - November 9 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy the high-speed crusing at 85-90. It is quite, refined, and solid, with more than enough power available at highway speeds. You can drive for extended miles on the highway and arrive relaxed. The large fuel tank will allow you to go over 600 miles before refilling, but your bladder probably wont last that long without a stop. A used A8 is a much better value than a new A4 for the same dollars.

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  German quality....but - 1996 Audi A6
  By Need2Speed - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Superb vehicle if you live in the north were winther is an issue of getting around or not. The Quattro system is the worlds best real-time all wheel drive system, expect high maintenance price and do not buy an Audi without warranty. Built quality interior and exterior is very high compared to domestics.

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  Excellent Car, fun to Drive - 1999 Audi A4
  By audi fan - November 6 - 2:00 am

  In auto, the car is somewhat doggish from the start, and even in 1st gear manual mode it takes off a bit slow. Once it shifts into 2nd, it is pretty good. That little 4 cylinder does the job. It is not as smooth as the 2.8, however it is not so noticeable at higher speeds. Once this thing wakes it cruises like a much larger engine. The mileage however is similar to my 6 cyl engines in the city, averaging between 18 and 24 mpg depending how you drive. I can get 34 mpg! When doing between 100-115 for a couple hours straight, I will average around 26-28. Mileage could be better for a small engine, but you are pushing a heavy car with 4 wheel drive with it.

• 

  Excellent Car, fun to Drive - 1999 Audi A4
  By Audi Fan - November 6 - 2:00 am

  In auto, the car is somewhat doggish from the start, and even in 1st gear manual mode it takes off a bit slow. Once it shifts into 2nd, it is pretty good. That little 4 cylinder does the job. It is not as smooth as the 2.8, however it is not so noticeable at higher speeds. Once this thing wakes it cruises like a much larger engine. The mileage however is similar to my 6 cyl engines in the city, averaging between 18 and 24 mpg depending how you drive. I can get 34 mpg! When doing between 100-115 for a couple hours straight, I will average around 26-28. Mileage could be better for a small engine, but you are pushing a heavy car with 4 wheel drive with it.

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  Disappointed - 2002 Audi S6
  By No More Audis - November 1 - 2:00 am

  What a shame a great concept spoiled by poor execution. My initial car had a driveline shake that the dealer was unable to correct despite four visits within the first month. A second car was ordered and had the same problem. Audi of America called after the sale but had no comment or interest in finding the fix.

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  A6 "A Technical Nightmare" - 2005 Audi A6
  By John 206 - October 17 - 3:20 pm

  Since I got my new 2005 A6 three weeks ago, there is a hesitation problem. When starting from a dead stop, the vehicle will occasionally hesitate in first and second gear. From the time you press the gas pedal until the engine responds, there is 1 to 3 seconds delay which is a real problem in traffic. I have taken for service to two different dealers with no solution. Since the dealers computerized diagnostic program does not show an error message, they dont have a clue. All controls are computer and software driven including the electrical linkage from the gas pedal to the engine. The A6 is so technically complex, I fear the vehicle is a technical nightmare.

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  choose wisely - 2002 Audi TT
  By Chris_steiner - October 14 - 2:00 am

  initially, we thought we would never sel this car. Boy were we wrong. Handling and performance are great, but what a dissapointment in terms of maintenance and aggrivation. small plastic pieces (knobs, buttons, levers, etc. ) are CONSTANTLY popping-off or breaking. Replacement parts take FOREVER to come to the dealer. - BEWARE!!.

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  Head turner! - 2003 Audi A4
  By VenTTed - October 12 - 10:00 am

  Great car (this is our second Audi) and my wife loves it. It will be her dily driver and shes captivated by it. The CVT tranny though results in a VERY slow pick up as you initially accelerate. Once moving, this car is impressive in all areas for a cruiser and a blast to drive. In two weeks, we have 1800 miles on it.