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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  My Audi - 2002 Audi A4
  By tbrander - April 29 - 1:23 pm

  This car drives like a dream it perfectly mates the driver to the road in a seemless interface. It is a pleasure to drive. I look for excuses to get in my car and drive on the weekends. My wife loves it because I am more likely to run erands for her. The problem she finds is that it takes me much longer to return home than it used to.

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  A Great Car -- Under Warranty - 2003 Audi A4
  By JTCain - April 29 - 11:14 am

  The handling, performance, fit and finish are all excellent. The fuel economy is better (avg. 31 mpg) than expected. The dealers warranty service has been outstanding, which is a good thing. In 45,000 miles I have replaced one front loudspeaker, ignition coils (a recall item), windshield washer pump, sun roof switch, front cam shaft oil seal, and head cover seals. All this was warranty work, but if it hadnt been, it would have been a couple of thousand dollars on items that shouild last the life of the car. Given its record, I am not sure that I will keep it after the 50,000 mile warranty expires, or buy another one.

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  Pure Joy - 2005 Audi A6
  By Ezeuzoh Francis - April 27 - 11:15 pm

  It is simply a joy to drive, do not take my word, just run to the Audi dealer and you be the judge. I love it.

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  A4 cabriolet - 2005 Audi A4
  By steven katz - April 27 - 10:28 pm

  The car is a dream to drive. Very efficient for fuel. Love the power top. Do not like where the cruise control is placed. Great idea to have the space under both seats used for storage. The car is a little noisy at the lower gears but is quick in traffic to get in and out of lanes. Rear seats do not have a lot of room - good for short people or dogs. I am glad I do not have to sit there. I do a lot of travel on the interstate and the 6th gear is just great. This is a 4 cylinder with a lot of pep. Highly recommend this car.

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  Drop Top Fun - 2005 Audi S4
  By newaudilover - April 27 - 5:14 pm

  Bought my 2005 Audi S4 quattro Cabriolet over a 2005 Chevrolet Corvette Convertible, 2005 Mercedes-Benz CLK 500, and 2005 BMW M3 Convertible. After a brief test drive, my wife and I were both very excited about this car. It had the leg and headroom I need (Im 65"), as well as the comfort and convienience my wife wanted. The performance is great in S mode, very laid back in Drive (the Corvette is much faster). The handling is great (equal to the Corvette and BMW, better than Mercedes). This cars fit and finish are wonderful. The navigation system is the best Ive used. I have not been this excited about a car in a very long time. I can even live with the low fuel economy.

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  Ive got the manual! - 2005 Audi A4
  By Ego - April 26 - 5:02 pm

  The 2005 Audi A4 3.0 quattro Cabriolet is a great car. The AWD has been great when driving up to the mountains when there is lots of snow. I can use the "ski" bag for two snowboards with bindings on, which is great for a convertible. The car is incredibly quiet on the road. This car is very comfortable even at top speeds with the top down, although the Bose 9-speaker stereo has a hard time getting heard at those speeds.

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  Move over Mercedes-Benz - 2005 Audi A8
  By Romin - April 26 - 3:38 pm

  Ok everyone. Im not an employee of Audi, or anything like that. I just traded in my 2003 Mercedes-Benz E320 for the Audi A8L, and let me tell you that I will NEVER buy a Mercedes again. Its probably true that Audis dont have the same "chick factor" as the Mercedes, but now that Im married I guess that doesnt matter anyway. This car is simply amazing. I enjoy driving to work now, and can honestly say that this car meets and exceeds all my demands.

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  A for Audi - 2006 Audi A3
  By tomas - April 26 - 9:40 am

  The car is sporty and fun to drive. The DSG shifts smoothly as manual clutchless or automatic. Car handles great. No Turbo Lag. Fit and Finish is of a Luxury Car quality.

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  ...You just might like it !!!!!! - 2002 Audi A4
  By Monarch - April 26 - 2:33 am

  I have to say of all of the different entry level luxury cars... The A4s in/outside design surpasses many cars twice its price ! Please, BMW is seen way too often... and more often you are paying through the teeth to own one... only later to find out what type of value you had passed by !!! Trust me, three friends ( BMW drivers ) have clued me in. If it is only for an around the block drive... This car is going to surprise you again and again !

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  S4 Cabriolet - 2005 Audi S4
  By Chris - April 26 - 1:14 am

  My 2005 Audi S4 Cabriolet is a total rocket! It was clearly built to appeal to men and it delivers with ease. I found the car more appealing than the BMW M3 Convertible. I particularly love the sound of the 340 horsepower V8 engine and the great 6 speed stick transmition. It has all the bells and whistles a luxury car should have. The electric top goes up or down in a flash. This is the most fun car Ive owned.