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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  fantastic - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By brocky - January 31 - 2:00 am

  a great fun family car

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  THe best Yet - 2003 Audi A4
  By Kevin Taggart - January 31 - 2:00 am

  THis car is very well assembled. Quick quite, and affordable

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  Audi TT - 2000 Audi TT
  By audi tt - January 28 - 6:05 pm

  This is a hot car... it turns heads everywhere I go. Also, on the functional side it is very reliable, no problems at all with it.

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  Sports Sedan of the Decade - 2001 Audi S8
  By ed - January 28 - 1:01 pm

  The 01 to 03 S8 is the best sports sedan of the last 20 years. It is an all business, aluminum engineered masterpiece. Ask any engineer with knowledge and they will agree. I bought it Audi certified with no regrets. I strongly advise buying one of these S8s if you are into subtle from the outside and awesome from the inside type of driving experience. I read another review before I bought that described it as a 4 door Porsche 911... I agree. My wife thought I was nuts for buying a 4 year old car (certified), but now fights for the keys. Can easily carry 2 kids and gear on any excursion. Would buy a certified one with warranty again!!

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  New SUV is Welcome Addition - 2007 Audi Q7
  By Karen - January 28 - 11:03 am

  After 6 years driving a Lincoln Navigator, the Q7 was a wonderful change. It handles like a sports car seats are very comfortable engine and ride are extremely quiet and smooth luxury features such as MMI, bluetooth, rear camera, air suspension system, large sunroof and sunscreen, and rear hatch are very useful and the electronic stability system really works - I felt very safe descending a steep, winding, icy road without having to use the brakes. While the purchase price is high, I feel it is worth it. I actually look for reasons to drive this car. My gas mileage is a bit better than estimated: 21.5/highway, 16 city. I have received many compliments on this car.

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  Best Top Secret in the Market - 2007 Audi S6
  By BlueSky - January 28 - 7:06 am

  Audi A6 S6 will exceed your expectation. This is a car for the "connoisseur". The only way to appreciate the A6 S6 is take a test drive. Once you sit behind the wheel, you will see what I am talking about. This is a luxury car inside out and the V10 will let you know that you have a rocket in your hands. Attach your seat belts and enjoy the ride....

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  Three months with the 07 A8 - 2007 Audi A8
  By cctdi - January 26 - 5:23 pm

  I bought this car in October last year after three months I have yet to find a thing that I donÂ’t like, it took me no time to get used to the mmi, and the voice command is very responsive. I got the black/ black in and out which shows the crafty, style and quality more apparent. I like the A8 that muchÂ… Now, I am dreaming the S8!

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  Audi S4 - 2007 Audi S4
  By searly1 - January 26 - 8:49 am

  Outstanding performance agile and responsive excellent braking and steering more comfortable than its BMW counterpart great engine sounds excellent build quality. The only disadvantage, which is a given for this kind of performance, is relatively poor mileage... 22 on open road.

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  Cannot be Duplicated - 2006 Audi TT
  By Kalieb - January 25 - 12:35 pm

  I being 62" find it slightly uncomfortable with an upright seating position. However, this roadster provides a thrill that is unique. The power is adequate (could use a little more HP) for an amazingly light but sturdy car. The DSG transmission zips through gears seamlessly as if it was a continously variable. The contact and firm grip of the road through Quattro gives you the best position for off-the-line starts. The paddle-shifter located on the steering wheel gives a fun sport to driving but allows you to command more power (and speed) when you take the road. In addition, the convertible can set a mood for scenic cruising or "in-car-flight."

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  2006 A6 Quattro - 2006 Audi A6
  By David Price - January 22 - 2:12 pm

  Nice ride, Great car for that Sunday drive out in the country good or bad weather.