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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  Overall Great Car - 1992 Audi S4
  By TopNotch - July 31 - 6:26 pm

  I bought this car with 133,000 on it and drove it from AZ to MN with no problems(now has 152,000). The seats in this car are great, I could have driven the whole trip without stopping. The power delivery in this car is great, once the turbo spools the car takes off. Havnt spent too much on the car other than regular maintenance. Car has no rattles in it, solidly built! It has been very reliable for me and I would drive it cross country in an instant. Highly recommend this car to anyone!!

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  Actually a 2006 Cabriolet - 2006 Audi S4
  By dreward - July 31 - 3:54 pm

  I have just received my 2006 S4 Cabriolet (Silver with red leather seats) and so far it is great. The driving has been smooth with a slight edge and I can honestly say I have never had so much fun behind the wheel of a car. It has the bluetooth prep which works well but does not transfer the phone book or control the phone directly this is in my view a bug and needs to be corrected. If phone book transfer directly from the phone is tough why not at least allow phone book transfer from the SD card? The sound system is stellar even my wife (who is notoriously picky and sensitive to volume) tells me to crank it up

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  Own one. Now. - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By cleetus - July 31 - 10:00 am

  The only complaint I have about the car - since I feel any review needs some type of criticism - is the lag in the Turbo. Compared to the A6 with the same engine, the allroads longer drivetrain and heavier body give the engine a split second lag off the line. Once you get going, though, the car is peppy, and so much fun to drive.

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  Black beauty - 2002 Audi A6
  By Kovacstx - July 30 - 8:09 pm

  The car is simply beautiful. But which Audi isnt? Even with the new A6 out on the market the 2002 still looks very stylish. I bought it for my wife who is switching from a 323i (We bought the BMW new and had a mass of problems, turned out to be a dissapointment). The A6 is very comfortable and the CVT shifter is smooth. Its got enough umph to beat most like cars at the light but I did not buy it to race. I wanted a stylish touring sedan with plenty of space, comfort, power, and for great (European) heritage. Since we bought it the engine oil level sensor has been replaced in it by the dealer.

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  Best Ever, Ive had a lot - 2006 Audi A6
  By ken - July 30 - 10:29 am

  Traded in my A4 Cabriolet for some extra space and luxury and am not disappointed. Economy is much better than expected and if driven conservatively will get over 23 MPG. Have a diesel in europe, wish they would send them here. Luxury and interior design are unequalled, ride is smooth, great handling and braking. This has got to be one of the best Audis ever. I am in my 50s and at last count have owned over 25 cars, sports, SUV, Vans, wagons and Muscle cars, almost every model, This is by far the best .

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  Best Luxury Auto - 2006 Audi A8
  By Dr. Brad Chapman - July 30 - 10:21 am

  The fit, finish, and ride are all superb! The V-8 is smooth as silk, and the all-wheel drive handles any road condition 12 months a year. Anyone looking at MB and BMW need to compare with the A8. After doing so, the obvious result wil be the Audi. This is my opinion from a past MB and BMW owner.

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  A4 Audi Cabrio is service intensive - 2005 Audi A4
  By Audilover - July 30 - 12:40 am

  I checked out every compact convert on the market before stepping up and buying the A4. Let me say., I LOVE THIS CAR. I also need to say, LOVE THY AUDI SERVICE MANAGER. The car needs a lot of attention to keep it at its max. Small crap, but still, you need to take it in like most German vehicles. Electronics, brake squeals, AC issues, electric window motor, engine computer idle issues, and so on. But, if this car were stolen today, Id buy another one later today. Better looks and ride than BMW 3 series, but consider the V8 S4, which doesnt have the power robbing CVTransmission. Perhaps my absolute favorite convert (Ive owned at least 2 dozen of them) tight and taut. And fab looking.

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  Good choice - 2005 Audi A4
  By JES - July 29 - 3:16 pm

  I checked out and drove a Saab 9-3, Acura RL, and Volvo S 40 and 60 before settling on the A4. The 2.0 T and the new transmission work together for power and excellent gas mileage (the EPA projections are pretty darn close to right so far.) The quattro drive was probably the tipper over the other cars, providing more stability in the curves. If I had a few more available bucks, I would have definitely gone with the convertible version. Good for city and road.

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  classic solid car - 1994 Audi 90
  By eric - July 28 - 9:34 am

  classic style, the type you cannot find on any newer vehicle. I bought mine from an original owner who spent a good deal of $$ to keep it in top shape. The V6 has plenty of power to move this heavy car with AWD. This is an enthusiasts car that is best when you learn to upgrade and fix things yourself. I bought it with 102k which is a baby for this engine. Its not uncommon to see 300k + for the V6. Audi has the best rust protection and paint so the car actually lasts and stays looking good. The interior luxury, fit and comfort are also impressive. Its a solid car for its price range and value. On a recent trip across the US I clocked 3000 miles, no problems and 27mpg. Thats fantastic!

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  Worth The Wait! - 2005 Audi A6
  By Steve - July 27 - 10:28 pm

  1040 miles on my new 4.2 and not a single flaw. Exceptionally quiet and a smoother ride than what Ive read in various reviews. The car is fun to drive and the $9K extra for the 4.2 may just be worth the extra sizzle in performance. I ordered all the options, including the solor sun roof which works well during these recent hot and dry triple digit Nevada summer days. I too switched from a 2005 5 Series BMW purchase order after taking a last minute visit to the Audi store. Fit, finish, ride all helped to change my mind. Quattro is a must during those long Lake Tahoe winters, something BMW is still trying to perfect.