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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  Luxurious interior and nice ride, unique - 2001 Audi A6
  By LadyAudi2.8Q - October 7 - 10:19 am

  The car I bought had some maintenance issues before I purchased it. I have found a dealership that very professional and not overpriced. The quality of work is good. I also found parts on line to circumvent overpricing. The car is a dream. It needs the normal 6 yr old car things, but it makes me smile each time I get in. The interior design is gorgeous! Yes, Audi has a few minor switch, cup holder and headlight issues but those parts arent very high. The check engine diagnostics can be done for free at a local autoparts store. The fuel, air filters can be purchased in bulk to save $. It is the price for luxury and it isnt bad. I gladly drive it instead of the mass similiar car.

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  Who needs a BMW? - 2006 Audi S4
  By Tim - October 6 - 12:51 am

  After test driving a new Corvette and a Boxster S, I drove the Audi S4. I fell in love with the S4! Great looks, the sweetest interior, and a cool sounding exhaust note. The MMI system and the Sirius radio help keep my mind from driving this car as fast as it wants to go!

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  German Precision American Vision - 2002 Audi TT
  By Beeyond - October 4 - 10:50 pm

  The car lacks power but has EYE appeal galore. I added a Borla catback system, a D-BOV both of which make great sound, power and Looks. P-flo air. Euro tail lights, short shifter, custom mats, red LEDs inside and paint wax custom front full bra. I have a ride I can be proud of set of tires are General 225/45/17 never thought I would own GENERALS but made by Uniroyal great tyres. TT holds the corners and going up hill it keeps giving you more power. My wife drove it and could not believe the power it has she said it never quit when she demanded more it was there for her.

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  The best Ive owned - 2006 Audi S4
  By Jgutman - September 29 - 10:25 am

  The moment I test drove it I fell in love. Have owned M3s and C55. Nothing corners like the S4. Rigid body, great handling, powerplant sounds like Mozart wrote the notes. Passing ability, and comfort are all just perfect. No reason to have a porsche. Trunk is huge, will hold two golf bags in comfort. I do not think I could have done better, and I test drove them all. Quality and finish are impeccable. Even the factory blue tooth, and navigation, as well as premium sound are superior. Good going Audi!

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  Another Quattro for me - 2006 Audi TT
  By jonny - September 29 - 2:54 am

  My 1989 Audi 100 Quattro served me well for 17 years, so when I finally decided to get a new car, Audi was the car to beat. I checked out the competition, but nothing came close. Although the TT is much different than a 4-door sedan, it still has the quality feel and classic style I loved in my old car. Soon after I purchased the vehicle, I set out on a 3-week, 3000-mi roadtrip to see if anything needed fine-tuning by the dealer. Everything worked and performed perfectly. Now the new car feels like a part of me when I drive, just like my old one did.

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  Great Car For Family - 2007 Audi Q7
  By Beyat - September 28 - 3:33 pm

  I never thought to own an SUV unitl we had a child and we test drove this car. Wow, it feels a lot like my BMW sedan yet has room like an SUV.

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  Gorgeous - 2005 Audi A4
  By marcossjk - September 27 - 7:34 pm

  One of the most beautiful cars around. The interior is first class. The Special edition adds more fun to the driving experience, though a little stiff on bumpy roads. The only con is performance. The engine could use a little more power. Overall, a car that turns heads and gets lots of ohhh!! inside and out but dont challenge other cars for a quick race... youll be left eating dust.

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  Fast and Smooth - 2006 Audi A4
  By BaS - September 26 - 2:01 pm

  First, the gearbox in this car is amazing... flawless shifting! This car is all about the driver, giving an excellent drive that is fun, fast and smooth. The quattro allows for quick, stable handling, especially at high speeds, that is superior to anything else I have owned.

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  Little Car, No Compromise - 2007 Audi A3
  By bumpjump - September 26 - 11:22 am

  Third Audi, coming on the heels of a 2001 TT and an 03 A4. This is the Goldilocks car: not too small, not too big, just right. Our commute got shorter this year, so this is basically a city car. Shopped the 330i, the IS 350, the new A4, and the G35. Loved the A3s functionality and nimble, cut-and-thrust attitude.

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  Best Bang for your Quarta! - 2007 Audi A6
  By Darth Vader - September 26 - 12:10 am

  The first thing that is great about the car is its elegant interior, Ive owned BMWs and Lexus and MBZs and they all come in a distant second to the interior. The sure footedness of its all wheel drive makes it a fun car to drive, yet not stiff and rugged like its german relatives. This vehicle is not the quickest off the line but the real world does not live in the 0-60 realm, it is in real driving situations where this car exceeds expectations. The MMI took a while to learn, but who needs it when you have the voice activated commands?