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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  Blast to drive - 2006 Audi A3
  By elaine brewster - September 4 - 5:13 pm

  Drove lots of other cars & SUVs before trying the Audi A3. I was instantly sold on the fun and the solid feel of the car. For a small car, it packs a ton of pickup. Drives so easy! Lots of thoughtful features and styling in the interior.

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  2007 4.2 S line A6 - 2007 Audi A6
  By fs - September 3 - 4:41 pm

  I agonized over this car for months Audi vs BMW vs Lexus vs Acura... I am defiinitely very happy. The V8 is quick off the line but is more appreciated when passing on the freeway. S line handling and paddle shifter are fun but not mandatory. New addition is the review camera - which becomes important in the city (bumpers not made for love taps). Interior comfort very similar to the A8. The car is awesome. The Nav is easier to use than BMW. Decent mpg for a V8. The brakes could be a more responsive. Apparently they didnt make too many of the V8 A6s - usually are ordered only - and so you wind up paying more for it (just 1k under MSRP) but is definitely worth it.

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  One of the Most Competent Cars Out There - 2004 Audi A4
  By Muckraker - September 2 - 2:00 am

  As I buy cars for 5-10 years of ownership, I did not want to have a turbo to maintain... and I appreciated the extra power and smoothness of the 3.0 six. Car is incredibly well-suited to long highway stints as well as carving up twisty roads. And it handles city living (and horrible city roads here in Washington, DC) with aplomb. AND when it snows and the city doesnt plow our street we just get in our all- wheel-drive Audi and drive out!!! The warranty and free maintanence --as well as great dealer-- make this a great ownership experience. Very pleased.

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  Never buy an Audi - 2003 Audi A4
  By Toppro - August 31 - 1:59 pm

  After owning a 1998 A4 1.8T quatro, and an older Porsche Boxster I traded them both in due to age not condition for this A4 Cabriolet. What a mistake! After 8 months of ownership the car has been in the shop for a variety of problems ranging from electrical problems with the fuel injection system, to stupid items like the front windshield fogging up in the summer with the A/C on and top up. The car constantly has an issue with it to the point that you cannot enjoy it. Youre always waiting for the next issue to occur. Audi has gotten over confident of their product since 98 and the quality is now very poor. I would recommend you look elsewhere for a vehicle in this price range.

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  Nice Little Car - 1998 Audi A4
  By Nacho - August 31 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car used from a guy in my neighborhood who took great care of the car (a 1.8T Quattro.) He only had 20K miles on it when I bought it from him. So far so good with the car. It has the chip and is fast, but doesnt have the best pickup from the line. I love the car. It is comfortable, looks great and the build quality is fantastic! I am still looking for an Audi club in the Phoenix area, so I can get some tips from other owners...

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  01 have trans problems-still fun 2 drv - 2001 Audi A4
  By joplinstadium - August 31 - 10:00 am

  I have had the 99 and now the 01 - the 01 has a lot more problems than the 99, expecially a very rough and uncomfortable transmission - also fuel economy is very very bad for this car, average only 17 - maybe because it is so fun to drive and zip around everywhere. Despite these problems, i still do love to drive it, but it will probably be my last Audi.

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  A4 1.8T Quattro Auto - 2002 Audi A4
  By jim s - August 31 - 10:00 am

  I had a 99 passat, great car for the money. The 02 version is muched improved. But i wanted to upgrade to a serious sports sedan. Even though the A4 and the passat share the same engines, they are two totally different cars. I tested several sports sedans in this class, the is300, bmw 300 series, TL, and the c-class benz. The only car that came close to the A4 in terms handling/performance was the the bmw 320xi. A4 won over the 320xi due to Audis superior tiptronic...so much more responsive and smooth vs. the steptronic. The interior is rich looking while the chrome trim and red ambiance lighing separates the A4 from any other car.

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  Great Car All Conditions - 2000 Audi A4
  By ChrisA4 - August 30 - 8:38 am

  I purchased my first premium European car with a 2000 Audi A4 Quattro. I got the 1.8T with a 5 speed manual. An automatic may be sluggish so the 5 speed makes the car more fun to drive. If you are getting into an Audi you must get a Quattro. I am passing SUVs with this thing when the weather turns "ill"!

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  What a fun car! - 2000 Audi S4
  By Edward - August 29 - 3:51 pm

  In both summer and winter conditions, this car is amazing. With a twin turbo and plenty of horspower it really moves. In the winter, with the right snow tires it handles amazingly well (better than my wifes huge landcruiser). Note, make sure that you put winter snow tires on this car if you drive in the snow. the summer tires that come with the car are dangerous in snow. Overall, I loved owning this car!

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  A8L will always be my only car - 2004 Audi A8
  By Audi onwer for life - August 28 - 6:23 pm

  I purchased my 2004 A8L after owning a 1999 model. This car is a major advancement over the previous generation car which was a great car in its own right. It is a technological wonder mechanically and the interior is darn near a work of art. The structure is rock solid with no body flex and the suspension is a perfect balance of comfort and handling. The engine has excellent power and smoothness yet sounds like a performance car when pushed hard. This is the most intelligently designed car in the world according the to the window sticker and I couldnt agree more. As long as Audi continues to build this model I will own one.