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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  Audi A6 - 2000 Audi A6
  By tummyofsteel - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Great car to drive, some minor reliability issues.

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  Its Good But It Could Be Great!! - 2002 Audi A6
  By Ed-d - July 30 - 2:00 am

  The A6 is a great looking and great driving car but the small problems that arise detract from the cars appeal. On day one the window motors were a problem and they have been a problem for the past 35 months. Add to this heated seats that dont always heat and a heated steering wheel that never heated (it took the dealer 12 months to "resolve" the problem and it was never really fixed). Lastly, dashboard indicators go dark periodically. Do you think they have an electrical issue to resolve at Audi?

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  A Great Car - 2000 Audi A4
  By ktleyed - July 29 - 2:00 am

  I have never had a problem with this car. It zips around effortlessly and it handles great. Reliable, gorgeous, and sporty.

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  Great car! - 2001 Audi S4
  By AudiS4er - July 23 - 2:00 am

  Ive been the proud owner for more than a year now. With an added performance chip and new air filter, Im up to 310HP (above the stock 250). An unbelievable increase in power - worth every penny. The car rides great, handles well, but in need of escaping the A4 look. 2003 should be a nice change.

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  L reg 1993 quattro 2.8 100E - 1993 Audi 100
  By BIGdave - July 21 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car second hand a few months ago and have found it one of the most luxurious, omfortable and eye- catching cars yet. Considering the car is 9 years old, no problems have occurred and it feels as a luxury car should. I hope it carries on running well in to the furture.

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  This Car Saved My Life - 1998 Audi A6
  By CarChick - July 20 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. Not only does it look beautiful, but it is extremly safe. I walked away from a horrible accident w/ only a broken hand. I also got many compelements on the unique look of the car from total strangers. It was very fun to drive, but it did get poor gas mileage (19- 24mpg). The only complaint i have about the body is that the front end sits very low and can easily be damaged by concrete parking barriers. Granted I only had my A-6 for 4mos and 4,000 miles, but i would recommend the car.

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  ULTIMATE SPORTS SEDAN!!! - 2000 Audi S4
  By Lionheart13 - July 18 - 2:00 am

  I happened to be in the position to "test drive" this car. I havent driven too many cars in my life, but this rates as the #1 experince ever. Not only does this car come stock w/ more than ample power coupled w/ the agility of the quattro drive system but this car has tons of aftermarket tuning potential. Twin turbo induction that is only steps away from running 90% of the nations cars off of the road. This car here is the true definition of Phenom. Move over BMW this IS the Ultimate Driving Machine.

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  Yvonnes - 1997 Audi Cabriolet
  By yvonne - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Good experience with this car! no big problems and fun to drive. I am becoming more concerned with safety, thus the convertible may not be a good choice for me anymore.

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  One Great Machine! - 2002 Audi A4
  By Landen111 - July 4 - 2:00 am

  Great fit & finish. Wonderful car for the price... Sells for at least a few thousand less than a comparably equipped BMW (plus it has quattro which BMW doesnt have). Luxury interior, sporty performance. It really is an enthusiasts car!

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  Very Happy! - 2002 Audi A6
  By Art123 - July 3 - 2:00 am

  To put my rating in perspective, I came out of 3 yrs in a BMW 535, and 3 yrs in a 540. This car is a very pleasant surprise. Very nice response from the twin turbo-kicked engine. Optional sport package suspension w/ 17" wheels and Dunlop 9090s provides excellent road handling in the twisties. Looking forward to the Quattro here in Minnesota. If the BMWs were "10/10ths", this 2.7T is 8.5/10ths, and for the money, Ill take it.