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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  this car sucks - 2005 Audi A4
  By Geroge - July 24 - 8:53 pm

  dont buy it t t t t t t t t t t tttt t t tttt t ttt t t t t t t t t t t t t tt t t tt t t t t t t t

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  2001 Audi A4 Quattro 2.8 - 2001 Audi A4
  By Steve - July 23 - 5:51 pm

  First of all, I can safely say that I still would have made the purchase back in October 2000, knowing what I know now. The only major disappointment in this vehicle has been the mileage. It has averaged probably less than 20 MPG (I mostly drive city), and even a fuel tank with 100% freeway miles is probably only averaging 25 or 26 MPG, which isnt great. Still, thats a minor quibble. The engine has been a complete dream. No problems whatsoever. the only glitches on the vehicle have been a leaking washer fluid gasket on the high pressure headlights, a broken elastic piece on the glovebox door, and a loose door handle on the drivers side. Thats it - in over 5 years. Ill buy again.

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  Enjoying the Florida Sun! - 2006 Audi A4
  By Mike Dobbins - July 23 - 2:34 pm

  Great fun to drive, especially the handling and overall ride comfort. The fuel economy is an added bonus for this car.

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  Stylish but lazy in performance - 2006 Audi A6
  By A6 3.2 Quattro - July 23 - 12:48 pm

  I bought this car mainly because of its edgy new look & safety. Unfortunately the 3.2 A6 is sluggish off the line. Unresponsive while cruising on Drive, and the Sport mode seems to shift with too much of an advanced delay. This car is fine for a driver who doesnt care about torque and responsiveness across the RPM line.

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  love the car!!!!!!! - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Michael Nicola - July 21 - 2:00 am

  Love this auto even more than my last Audi...these folks know how to please a cardriver.....would change very little if anything.maybe gas mileage. cant wait to see (and probably buy) the new Pikes Peak!!!

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  A4, A+ - 2004 Audi A4
  By SilverHawk007 - July 21 - 2:00 am

  My father got me the Cabriolet for my birthday and its been a joy to have. The triple layer top allows me to drive it in the winter, but its a summer made car. Both sports and luxurious, its a great car to have as a teenager. Its safe and fuel efficient. Needless to say, Im usually the designated driver. The only downside is the cupholders, one on the dash and the other inside the armrest, both are inconvient to access.

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  Buyer Beware - 2004 Audi A4
  By kwiel - July 21 - 2:00 am

  The car is good in the snow with the Quattro system - however, the build quality of this car makes it the worst car I have ever owned. 2 new transmissions in the first year and numerous visits to the dealer to correct squeaks and body trim falling off. Buy another make car!

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  Great car to own and drive. - 2006 Audi A3
  By Marsha in Texas - July 21 - 12:36 am

  I have nearly 5000 miles in three months and the driving has been great. I have the Sport package and love the aluminum trim. The car has a quality feel and the engine is great. It is easy to zip up to 80 miles an hour without realizing it. Highway mileage is 27-32 which is a plus. I have the navigation system with Bose stereo - fabulous. I am glad I bought this car and plan to enjoy it for many years. It is a fun car to drive.

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  A Bum Rap - 2005 Audi A6
  By tomm - July 20 - 8:53 pm

  The new A6 is a great car. I did have one major electrical/computer melt- down - tow to dealer, then a few weeks (with an 06 A6 loaner) for the non- responsive ignition to be corrected, but all is fine since. This car gets about 30 mpg on the highway! I have wanted a "big" hybrid (sick of hearing about the small trunks, though). I need my cavernous A6 trunk for clubs (4 sets with the drivers and 3-woods out and criss-crossed atop) and other things. Dont buy any other mid-size until you drive this fun, fast and fuel efficient car. Tomm

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  Love Hate Relationship - 2001 Audi A4
  By Jprep2004 - July 20 - 4:24 pm

  I just thought I would put my two cents in with the rest of the Audi owners having troubles. My engine blew out in the middle of Kansas 1 year after buying it used (32000 and Audi certified). The oil is a big problem. After that, I have no confidence in the car - its been back for some minor stuff, but everytime it hiccups or idles funny I get shivers. Now that Im at 70k and the car is worth 9k or 10k, the repairs are not worth it. Im waiting on the new BMW 3 series Coupe. Its a shame. I love driving the car when it works and was looking to mod it, but no way will I put more money into a car I cant trust.