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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  I love this car - 2001 Audi A4
  By C.Smith - July 14 - 8:26 pm

  I absolutely love my A4. It had two recalls but after that its been my cruise machine. My only gripe is that it uses Premium gas and that is getting expensive since I have a leadfoot. I love being able to acelerate and drive in the mountains with all wheel drive and a tiptronic system. THIS car is zoom zoom.

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  More Cruiserweight than Comfort Cruiser - 2003 Audi A4
  By SeanCostello - July 14 - 10:00 am

  We chose the A4 Avant because we needed more space than a compact sports sedan, but didnt want to drive a brick-like SUV. Boy has the Audi delivered. It is a joy to drive, with smooth accelration and endless road-holding. In addition to holding the asphalt, the car holds more cargo in the boot than you could ever imagine for a car of its size. The interior is quiet, and every control is easy to use and within a fingers reach. Everything about the car feels rock solid. Audi engineers have thought of everything, the result is the car contnues to reward hard driving and daily commuting.

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  2004 Audi Allroad 4.2L - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Steve - July 14 - 7:13 am

  Bought this car after selling 2001 Allroad 2.7T; liked everything but turbo lag. Love versatility of Allroad; deceptively large cargo area, ski bag great - holds 3-4 skis, so ski rack not needed. V-8 very responsive, great handling for an SUV-type vehicle, terrific exhaust note. Fit and finish of both exterior and interior excellent. Overall, does almost everything I want. Only wish Audi continued to import Allroad to US. Plan to hold on to this one for a long time.

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  Auf Wiedersehen Boxster -Guten Tag A3 - 2006 Audi A3
  By RT in the Big D - July 13 - 7:06 am

  I am a Porsche guy...I have owned them since college and I love driving and caring for them. I love the style, handling and especially the performance. Recently I had three in my garage, but the times...they are a changing and I need to simplify my life, so something had to give. I bid farewell to my 944T and now to the Boxster. I went looking for a car that is FUN, FAST, practical, FAST, handles great.. looks good.. and did I mention FUN and FAST? My search lead me to the A3 and it was as if Audi designed this car just for me. Incredible good looks, great powertrain and that DSG... how sweet. Audi continues to build cars that are targeted to the enthusiast driver, buy this car, youll love it!

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  A6 S-type...Hot - 2004 Audi A6
  By Rob Rockwell - July 12 - 1:28 pm

  Extra horsepower is noticable. Rides on rails. Excellent in all road conditions. One of the best temp control systems in the automotive world. Hot/cold very quickly. Makes you grin when you push it.

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  Classy Fun - 2006 Audi A4
  By SoCal1 - July 12 - 5:40 am

  A precise machine. Perfectly balanced 6-speeed. Zero turbo lag thanks to the direct injection. Very comfortable seats, even if over 6 feet. Great stereo. Standard suspenion handles great, absorbs bumps. Easy to use navigation.

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  Couldnt be happier with my Roadster! - 2005 Audi TT
  By lotsoflots - July 9 - 3:56 pm

  great vehicle - had a tough time finding the color combo (white & navy blue) I wanted here on the east coast (they stopped making the white ...so I had to search the country for a leftover in 2004). Have been VERY pleased with performance, reliability, appearance. I bought it as a second/fun car, but I find I use it ALL the time (leaving my Mercedes SUV sitting in the garage most days)!

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  Amazing Luxury and Performance Wagon - 2005 Audi A4
  By AKD - July 9 - 7:11 am

  We compared wagons from Audi, BMW, Saab, Volvo, and Mercedes, and loved the modern design and understated luxury of the A4 Avant. We ordered a manual with just a few options (premium package, wood trim, and 17" wheels). I got it last week from after 3 months of waiting -- it was well worth the wait. Photos do not really do the car justice. The big grill looks great in person, and the interior is simply the best in this class. The most surprising experience is the unbelievable performance from a 2.0 liter engine. Although the reliability of European cars was concerning, driving the Audi Avant puts a smile on my face that my past Hondas and Subarus never mustered.

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  A4 review - 2003 Audi A4
  By Skatz - July 8 - 10:00 am

  I think this is a great car!!!

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  drive and you will buy - 2005 Audi S4
  By mike - July 6 - 1:41 am

  best driving car ever only car that compared was the turbo porche suv.