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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  Awesome Car - 2005 Audi A6
  By MythirdA6 - May 4 - 3:01 pm

  This is my third A6. My first two had the 2.7, V6 engine. All the things I did not like about the previous A6s appear to be corrected, ie. Navigation display, front seat storage, sun glasses compartment, cell phone charge outlet, acceleration delay, body roll on cornering, electronic instrument panel. The only item not fully corrected is the cup holders, however, with the power and fun this car gives you, you should not be worrying about cup holders. Audi has out done themselves on this vehicle. I had great success with my previous A6s. After 3000 miles I can say that "I LOVE MY CAR!"

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  Great Car - 1993 Audi 100
  By Andrew - May 4 - 12:42 pm

  This was my first quality car purchase and I am glad that I decided on this vehicle. It has been a great car. Reliable and safe. It handles great, especially in the snow and ice. The exterior and interior are near perfect which is pretty amazing for a car that is 12 years old. Everything works great except the cruise control which stopped working at about 95,000. The car is fun to drive and very solid. If you are thinking about purchasing a car like this, do it! It is worth every penny. The only thing major that I had to replace was the steering rack, about a $600 job. Other than that it has been fantastic. I would buy it again.

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  ExtremeCar - 2004 Audi A4
  By FunCar - May 4 - 10:00 am

  This car has the best interior quality and features compared to any other in the same class. Car is extreamly smooth and has a ton of power. Shift into sport gear and you will experience G force. You feel accelleration even with a slight touch of the gas pedal. It becomes an extention of you.

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  BETTER than $BMW$ - 2004 Audi A4
  By BOILER84 - May 4 - 10:00 am

  This car has it all. For any would be 3 series buyers out there, do the test drive and try in vain to match the superb performance.

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  Incredible Machine - 2005 Audi A8
  By SMA8L - May 4 - 2:19 am

  This 05 A8L is my 5th Audi. Last was an 02 allroad. I cannot believe how incredible this car is. Stunning ride quality, acceleration, comfort and stability. Here in Colorado there is NO better choice in a luxury vehicle. Awesome traction in snow and total command in every imaginable driving situation. I am most impressed with how quiet the car is. And I do really love the drivers seat. Incredible amount of adjustments enable you to dial in a perfect fit and comfort level. But the rear seat guests have the best environment - better seats than most luxury autos provide for the driver. Stunning exterior styling and interior finish. This is a great drivers car.

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  Incredible Machine - 2005 Audi A8
  By SMA8L - May 4 - 2:19 am

  This 05 A8L is my 5th Audi. Last was an 02 allroad. I cannot believe how incredible this car is. Stunning ride quality, acceleration, comfort and stability. Here in Colorado there is NO better choice in a luxury vehicle. Awesome traction in snow and total command in every imaginable driving situation. I am most impressed with how quiet the car is. And I do really love the drivers seat. Incredible amount of adjustments enable you to dial in a perfect fit and comfort level. But the rear seat guests have the best environment- better seats than most luxury autos provide for the driver. Stunning exterior styling and interior finish. This is a great drivers car.

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  Best LSP - 2005 Audi A6
  By GregA62005 - May 4 - 1:31 am

  For comfort and drivability this is this best luxury sports sedan.

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  Buy this Car - 2005 Audi A4
  By PLD - May 3 - 6:55 pm

  Just passed the 1K milestone and everything in this car is better than anticiapted. Great performance PLUS good fuel economy. I absolutely love the navigation system, its the best Ive ever seen. In fact, I was reluctant to have the system but I was won over by the time I drove the car home fom the dealer. The interior of the Audi is superb and very sport-driver friendly.

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  My Electric Blue Beach Buggy - 2005 Audi S4
  By Steve Morris - May 1 - 2:07 am

  The Audi S4 Quattro soft-top is a beautifully manufactured machine. I think that the degree of attention to detail both fom both an ergonomic and design standpoint are about the best in the business. I have owned Mercedes Benz, Porsches, including a Turbo Carrera, a 1987 Maserati Quattroporte, GTO, Morgan +4, BMW Z3, but this Audi SA Cabriolet is the most "together" car I have ever owned. The 335HP V-8 coupled with the smooth 6 speed shifter is a joy. Sure, not Ferrari fast, but driving in Los Angeles is more about responsive on-tap acceleration and Quattro manuverability. The electric covertible top is a piece of enginneering beauty.

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  COOLEST CAR ON THE PLANET! - 2005 Audi A4
  By Leslie - April 30 - 2:12 pm

  I replaced my Miata with the A4 convertible. Not just a step up, but 100 steps up! I compared it with the BMW 300 serier and the Mercedes. No comparison for me. The creature features are over the top on the A4. I want luxury inside with a luxury exterior & price & ride = you dont all that with the BMW or Mercedes. The interior is beautiful & functional & comfortable. Can you tell I love it!