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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  Audis Finest A4 yet! - 2002 Audi A4
  By turboa4 - December 1 - 10:00 am

  Had it 5 months so far and am loving it! Have the 1.8T 5 speed and it is so fun to drive! Plenty of pick-up. Handles extremely well too!

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  Sweet!! - 2002 Audi A4
  By rahul - December 1 - 10:00 am

  This car is amazing. I have driven 12,000 miles in 6 months. Car is a pleasure to drive. Nice pickup and precise handling. It get a bit cramped if 5 people are sitting in the car. The dash board has too many buttons, but I find that cool. I find it hard to think of any mistakes in this car.

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  Turbo lovers! - 2001 Audi TT
  By turbo dreams audi tt - November 30 - 1:34 am

  The 2001 Audi TT 225 quattro is an underdog in my eyes! With the AWD system launching off the line, and putting you into your seat smoothly accelerating from 0-60 in under 7 seconds. For 30,000 dollars I think its worth every penny. Most of all there are many performance upgrades for the TT. The Audi TT is a car that can meet the needs of anyone who just loves to be noticed or loves to drive!

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  Fun, Practical, and Cool! - 2008 Audi A3
  By youngmc8 - November 30 - 12:10 am

  Having driven my A3 for 7+ months now, I am very happy with this purchase. My previous car was a Subaru WRX, which made me consider what I would give up in performance with an A3. Well, now I realize that for 99% of my driving, the Audi provides more than what I need. (That 1% is pushing it beyond my comfort zone anyways.) The A3 gives you refined power and handling. It is a smart blend of style and practical considerations in a sports sedan. It has been a very responsive, comfortable, and rewarding driving experience.

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  AUDI - 2004 Audi A4
  By Littleseamus - November 29 - 10:00 am

  Clearly outstanding! I evaluated against BMW 330i and found the BMW to be nicely built but with older styling, a cheaper interior and for $5k more! The choice was easy. This car is a headturner!

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  Beauty - 2008 Audi TT
  By matt - November 29 - 3:51 am

  Perfect in every way. Love the headlights, tail lights, interior, exterior, and 10 spoke bicolor rims that stand out.

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  Safe & Fun - 2009 Audi A4
  By Bob409 - November 28 - 11:22 pm

  The new Audi A4 is perhaps the best of what Audi has produced. The German definition of engineering continues to be distinct with safety first and foremost. This car is fun to drive and I expect Audi to improve on its interior functionality in the next few years. For us larger drivers a better designed front seat would be appreciated. No doubt the quattro all wheel drive system ranks at the top in winter weather. If you are comparing models this is one you have to try.

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  Couldnt be happier - 2009 Audi A8
  By Joe - November 28 - 6:14 pm

  The Audi A8 is the best car I have ever owned. I have owned Audis before and finally made the jump to the flagship. The only problem is that I could never go back to a lesser car. It drives like a dream, is simultaneously luxurious and sporty, does everything well, is unflappable under all road conditions, and has unquestionably the best interior in the automobile industry. I have driven it 600 miles at a stretch and didnt actually want to get out.

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  This car is bad! - 2001 Audi A6
  By Steve - November 27 - 6:41 pm

  Purchased the vehicle used, drove for 5 months...over $2,000 in maintenance bills! Attempted to trade in vehicle. Even the Audi dealer would only give me $4K for the trade-in. This car is a nightmare! My advice: Do not buy this vehicle, especially this engine model, unless youre loaded and can stomach the repair bills. Buyer beware!

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  Total pleasure to drive, and beautiful - 2009 Audi A4
  By Carson - November 27 - 1:49 pm

  I love to drive this car. Its the Prestige with nav and drive select. The handling is unbelievable, combined with a truly solid ride and plenty of power. I was concerned at first whether the car would have sufficient power for my lead foot, but it certainly does, especially in sport mode. You just need to punch it -- with a turbo, one needs to use more pedal than with a non-turbo 6 cyl. The gadgets are wonderful: Nav, bluetooth, Sirius radio, backup parking beeper and camera. The Bang & Olufsen sound system is fabulous, worth the extra. I took the car on a 3000 mile trip. One barely notices getting to high speed, very solid, esp. with dynamic mode. Radar detector needed!