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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  Exceptional Car... Couldnt be happier! - 2004 Audi A4
  By Saundra - August 9 - 8:23 pm

  The A4 is not only great looking and fuel efficient, but it is FUN to drive. The 170 hp and almost 170 lb feet of torque pack more than enough power. I get compliments on my car quite frequently. I am a reformed BMW driver. I will never go back. Quattro (the AWD system) has given me newfound confidence when I drive.

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  My third TT is my "best buy." - 2005 Audi TT
  By CWK - August 9 - 7:42 pm

  This certified 2004 250 3.2 TT with DSG is my best buy. Price was right and warranty is for 5 more years and up to 100,000 miles. The DSG is perfect for my commute which includes the I-80 "parking lot" in Berkeley. Acceleration is brisk and fuel economy is good. My first TT was a silver 2000 180 TTQC. My second TT was a silver 2002 225 TTQC. It was a fine car,my bad left knee just got tired of shifting on my commute. This 3.2 TTQC with DSG is perfect for my present needs. I love the interior and exterior design of the Audi TT. Since I do not like the shield grille design change Audi is making on new models, I am pleased to own one of the original design models. Certified makes sense.

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  Interstate Comfort and Safety - 2002 Audi A6
  By David L - August 9 - 7:27 am

  The A6 is easy to drive and blast through the Sierra Nevada interstate system. As I let my 16 year old drive from Vegas to San Diego, it is a joy to let him learn to "operate" this vehicle. I feel confidence in Audi, and am looking at the new A4 2.0T for my next trip to the dealership. The CVT now feels "right" with my stop and go driving in town... but took getting used to. The MPG has been 22-26 without really trying. I am now a convert of the teutonic quality build of this A6, and will recommend it to all my best friends. I have had no problems with this car.

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  2004 A6 S-Line - 2004 Audi A6
  By Bill - August 8 - 8:50 pm

  Plush interior and sleek exterior make for the ideal sedan. I considered the Infinity G-35 and various BMWs, but chose the A6 without any difficulty. I am most impressed with the "fit and finish" of the Audi- the doors are solid, the trim is rich and well put together, but my above all, the design is unmatched.

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  A No Brainer!!! - 2005 Audi A6
  By First Audi, not last - August 8 - 6:33 pm

  Like everyone else here, I was looking for a luxury, mid-sized sedan. I considered the Infiniti-M35, the Mercedes E class and the BMW 5-series, however threw it out quickly because of the new design. Looks cheap. The A6 is luxury throughout, is a head- turner and performs great. First gear hesitates slightly, but the rest of the gears leave little to be desired. Overall acceleration is terrific. Considering the price was $10k less than BMW/Mercedes and $5 less than the Infiniti, it was a no brainer. For all the negative press Ive read about the MMI, dont believe the hype, its a great feature, extremely easy to use and not a distraction at all. Audi wins a new fan!!

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  Quality made in germany - 2015 Audi A3
  By Marc - August 8 - 4:16 am

  Nice car with excellent quality and low gas consumption.

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  good - 2004 Audi A4
  By bigcoolalberto - August 8 - 2:00 am

  this is the best car ever!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  1.8T 6m - 2004 Audi A4
  By Dabney - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I have had my A4 for a month now. Nad have about 2k miles on it. I got it for 3 reasons. Gas mileage, 4wd, and i need a sedan for the family. I love this car, one of the most fun sedan s i have ever drove. Vehicals i looked at new TL, 330, and is300. This being the th slowest vehical of the 4 i normaly wouldnt have picked it. But i couldnt help myself. I just love this car. And the all wheel drive is great.

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  So little to criticize so much to like - 2004 Audi A4
  By jnick - August 8 - 2:00 am

  All aspects - the tight engineering and design, the smart use of turbo in a 4 cyliner - add up to just a great purchase. One little complaint? The standard sound system is tinny at low decibels... of course easily cured by turning up the volume.

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  AWESOME CAR! nothing like it on the road - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By joedepaul - August 7 - 9:00 pm

  Got over 100K miles and drives better than great. Recently forked over a grand to get belts and pump changed as is routine for a vehicle with these many miles. Worth every penny for peace of mind. I cant say enough about the styling. Theres no other car out there in this class, new or old, that looks this good. You would think the interior would be dated but looks better than a lot of the newer luxury brands out there. The car looks great both inside and out! Quality superb! Driving dynamics and performance will keep pace with a brand new german or japanese sports sedan any day of the week. \And I have never, NEVER EVER driven a better car or SUV in the snow! AWESOME CAR!