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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  Comfortable in Carolina - 2005 Audi A6
  By David - March 16 - 1:44 am

  The 4.2 is truly a magnificent car. It took four months to get it after I ordered it, but it was worth the wait. The navigation system is one of the easiest to use that Ive seen, and the voice recognition is just fun! The handling and solid feel is unmatched. The controls are easy to access and for the most part easy to learn, and I still have a lot to learn. There is so much the car can do. The ambience lighting really gives the interior a warm feeling, and to control the intensity of the lighting is even better. I know I will enjoy this car for years to come.

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  Love this CAR - 2000 Audi A6
  By TonyM - March 15 - 6:27 pm

  I used this site prior to buying my 2.7T. I was hesitant at first but after a test drive I fell in love. This is a wonderful car all around. The performance on wet or dry roads is outstanding. If snow is concern picture this, a hill early morning snow, front and rear wheel cars spinning their tires and an A6 2.7T Quattro going by without a problem. If you are looking for a car that looks good from all angles and performs as goods as it looks. Then look no further than the A6 2.7T. The only complaint is fuel economy. I also recommend Dealer service, they maybe more expensive but they know what they are doing and the peace of mind is worth it.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Driven - 2004 Audi A4
  By Kylieholt - March 14 - 2:10 pm

  The Audi A4 is the most underestimated car on the market. I have always been drawn to its understated elegance, but in the past 3 years, Audi has really stepped up and started grabbing the attention of people who want luxury cars, but dont want to clone every other "wannabe" in that market. I have the A4 1.8T Quattro, Ultra Sport edition of the car. I have every possible option avaliable. It is the best car I have ever driven to be honest and I know I will be an Audi owner for life!

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  Creamy Smooth... Perfect! - 2005 Audi S4
  By eli - March 13 - 10:53 pm

  The S4 Cabriolet is the most beautiful convertible on the road, to the elegant eye. It is sooo creamy and smooth, that I just want to rev the engine in neutral. It is so beautiful, it sounds like an automotive sonatra. Physically, it is beautiful from every angle, inside and out. And it is satisfyingly fast and dominant on the freeway, with the ladies hair flowing out of it. It makes others jealous to see such a perfect convertible. Love it, except for gas mileage!

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  This Cab is perfect!! - 2004 Audi S4
  By S4 CAB in Cali - March 12 - 10:45 pm

  I have owned the cabriolet for a month now and I must say that it has far surpassed my expectations. The inside of the cabin is just beautiful. The car gets long glances all the time - on the highway, in parking lots, etc. Once you tune the sound system properly, it sounds amazing (the subpar sound had me worried for a while). Power is superb and visibility is not that bad for a Cab. Mileage can be poor if your foot is made of lead, but easy acceleration brings it back to average. But wheres the fun in that!!!

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  The Perfect Car? - 2000 Audi S4
  By Jim - March 12 - 1:17 am

  Excellent acceleration and handling. Great summer cruiser and ski vehicle. 27mpg on trips. Tends to sandblast rocker panels over time. Essentially a 4-wheel drive, 4-door Corvette I can use to haul my kids to the ski slopes!

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  One Drive and Youll Fall in Love - 2005 Audi A6
  By Aintlion - March 11 - 11:50 am

  Im not an automotive enthusiast. When the opportunity arose to upgrade to a mid-level luxury car I decided to test drive all the major brands. I tried a Lexus GS430, Mercedes E500, BMW, Acura and then I found an Audi dealership. I took a "loan" of the A6 4.2 (they just give you the keys to borrow and tell you to come back when youre done) and I knew immediately I had to have that car. The power under the hood and the handling was simply awesome. It was more comfortable than anything else and features for the money beat all the competition. When I brought it back I tried the 3.2 but it was too late I was already spoiled. Ive been thrilled with my A6 4.2 ever since. Nice ride!

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  Still a head turner-- - 2005 Audi TT
  By Mike - March 11 - 10:17 am

  I Love my 2005 Audi TT. I switched from BMW 330 and havent regretted it. I have not experienced any problems since I drove out of dealership eight months ago. It is quick and really performs once you reach 80 mph. It offers superb handling and braking ability. I cant wait for the 2006 model.

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  Everything You Would Want in a Car - 2005 Audi A8
  By D SWARTZ - March 11 - 10:13 am

  I did a lot of research and test drives before purchasing a 2005 Audi A8. I road tested a Mercedes-Benz E320, Jaguar S-Type, and was given a Jaguar XJ8 to try over a weekend. The Audi blew all of these away. I was on the Florida Turnpike in an absolute monsoon and the Audi never waivered. It stayed glued to the road. The car offers a luxurious ride with the handling of a much smaller car.

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  Fabulous car - 2005 Audi TT
  By colleen n. - March 11 - 10:01 am

  My 2005 Audi TT is the nicest car that I have ever driven. It handles beautifully, both on road and highway. I have total control, even at high speeds. I wouldnt change a thing but the coffee holder, which is in a lousy location. I cant wait for nicer weather, so I can take the top down. So far so good in the snow and rain, which is a big relief here in Chicago. Im glad that I bought this automobile!