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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  Best Car I have Ever Bought - 1991 Audi 100
  By blue2290 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  For such an old car, I have had to do relatively little to fix it. The interior is gorgeous, a luxury car for a small budget. I have had a few electrical glitches, which are common in this model. Overall I would buy 2 if I could, but the other one would be a Quattro.

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  rocket - 2002 Audi A6
  By rob62 - June 25 - 2:00 am

  ok its ten grand more then the 2.7 t but iam 6ft4 and i needed the extra inches. plus the a8 seats. and the v8 is near perfect, except for the poor misleading gas millage. i live in los angeles, home of the bmw and merc. there everywhere. i choose the audi because its hip without being pretentious and the craftmenship of the interior is flawless.

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  I Love My TT!! - 2000 Audi TT
  By nanadude - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Im a 57 yr. old grandmother & always desired a small sporty car. First time I saw a TT coupe on the road I fell in love with it. I sped up to get close enough to find out what it was. All I could think about was the cute curved shape. When I found out it had a small back seat that folded down to make extra room in the trunk, that was it for me. I had to be able to get all my "stuff" in the trunk for trips- luggage, golf clubs, etc. It was a yr before I drove the TT, all the time thinking to myself "this isnt going to be all Ive dreamed of this past yr", but sure enough it was and much more. Its so peppy on acceleration and hugs the curves(quattro).

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  Cabiolet 98 - 1998 Audi Cabriolet
  By NancyandCasey - June 21 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has extensive problems with the electrical system throughout its warranty period. The dealership was consistently unable to difinitively diagnose the problem. Since warranty expired (about 1 1/2 years ago)there has only been one episode... so perhaps they finally did fix the source of the ongoing problems. Maintenance is expensive on this vehicle as should be expected and it is not easy to find a qualified mechanic outside the dealership, especially one that can accomodate my personal needs for convenience.

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  The German Luxowagon - 1994 Audi 100
  By Terence L. Smith - June 16 - 2:00 am

  My 1994 Audi 100CS Quatto Avante Likes: Everything! Superb styling inside/out. Materials used are second to none after 172000 miles, you would be hard put to tell mine from new. Handling is excellent, I leave cars in the dust on twisty roads. Its a car you fall in love with instantly no more Detroit junk for me! Dis-likes (mild): Gas mileage sucks. 17 in city, 20 city & highway combo, 22 highway. Weighs almost 2.5 tons & is therefore very solid and safe-feeling (like a tank!), but with only a 2.8 V- 6, mileage should be better. Power could be better, needs a turbo. Emergency brake should be stronger. Gas pedal & brake pedal are too close together.

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  Performance w High Maintenance Cost - 1995 Audi S6
  By onefastdriver - June 16 - 2:00 am

  The S6 is truly an animal in the snow. It handles up to 12 " of snow with ease and outperformed my 4 runner. Performance is exceptional, but maintenance is costly, and any work done at the dealership is down right cost prohibitive. Electrical problems can be difficult to track down.

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  Audi S4: Boxster with 4 Doors - 2000 Audi S4
  By trulegnd - June 16 - 2:00 am

  --incredibly fast, nimble, comfortable, yet actually packs a back seat. --bought a used 2000 model for about 30k, about a year ago. The S4 is overall, the most satisfying and balanced car on the (used) market. It is very close to a Boxster with 4 doors. more stable than a 911, seats 4, and very snow capable, unlike the M3.

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  Cant ask for more - 1999 Audi A6
  By indidrvr - June 12 - 2:00 am

  My previous car was a BMW 325i (E36). I bought the A6 in 99 after we have our second child to have more room. Comparing to the BMW, the A6, I has more room, comfort, luxury less sportiness. This is my third year owning the car. Ive only experienced one problem. The steering got stiff. That was fixed under warranty. The Quattro is tremendous. I live in the hilly area of Portland, Oregon, where they dont salt or sand the roads when it snows. The A6 have no problem making it through the hills, even with stock tires. My 3 year lease is up next month. I will buy the A6 because I like it so much.

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  AUDI 100CS - 1992 Audi 100
  By GENE - June 6 - 2:00 am

  GREAT CAR/REPAIRS $$$$$/RELIABLE AND GREAT ON THE HIGHWAY!

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  Overrated - 2002 Audi A6
  By German Car Expert - June 6 - 2:00 am

  Great idea, poor execution