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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  Troubles - 2000 Audi A6
  By CatherineE - July 20 - 10:00 am

  We have had trouble with the car burning oil - about 4 quarts between scheduled maintenance - they say its normal. We have also replaced the front brakes 3 times. The check engine light has gone on several times. Once it was repaired - the other times just goes off and on. The tie rod ends were replaced, water temperature guage didnt work, the oil low pressure light came on once, and there is static in the left front speaker. Now the car is shifting really hard. Love the car, but not all the numerous problems.

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  Wonderful Car - 2000 Audi A6
  By craig - July 19 - 2:06 am

  I have had my 2.7T since new (6 years) and it is a superb ride. At 70,000 miles I upgraded suspension with Eibach springs, Bilsein gas shocks, 17" BBS wheels and Pirelli P-Zero Nero tires. Wish I had done that sooner. The handling has gone from floaty to tracking on rails. The turbo motor is smooth, fast and fun. I can take the care anywhere and it looks great, especailly now that its lowered a bit. Audi is making terrific cars these days. I love it. Only disappointment has been the brakes. Typical Audi issue.

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  all of these reviews are dead on - 2006 Audi A3
  By Pisha - July 19 - 1:13 am

  Its incredibly fun to drive. Fast, fast, fast. And agile! I wouldnt bother with a MT b/c the DSG lives up to the hype - definitely get it without the sport package because the paddles are a blast. The 2.0 is doing 80 before you realize, so the 3.2 must be incredible. When you fold down the back seats there is plenty of room. Definitely test before considering any comparable vehicles.

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  Poor quality car - 1997 Audi A4
  By Edwin - July 19 - 12:48 am

  Like our Audi A6, the A4 is very unreliable after 50K miles. In the last 11 months we have paid over $4K in repairs (engine 3x, ignition key). They are fun to drive, but with such an unreliable nature and high-maintenance cost, they are not very attractive cars any longer.

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  Poor quality car - 2001 Audi A6
  By Edwin - July 19 - 12:41 am

  This is our second Audi and like the other one, after 50K we ran into multiple defects (engine failures, electric windows, leaks). Our latest repair at 60K miles, is more than $3K. Its a fun car, but after the free maintenance periods (multiple repairs too, but since its free maintenance and warranty you tend to brush over these quality issues), the poor quality becomes too much.

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  TT Envy - 2005 Audi TT
  By Will - July 18 - 6:16 pm

  It took three years to decide to buy and so far, so good. The TT is incredibly fun to drive. Its speedy, but more of a cruiser than a bruiser. Style is the selling point.

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  1st Audi after 4 BMWs - 2006 Audi A6
  By steve - July 18 - 2:57 pm

  WOW is all I can say. And Im sorry that I was a BMW "snob" for too many years. I bought the Audi primarily because I was looking for AWD in the winter. Having only had the car now for one month in the summer, Im truly sorry that I didnt consider an Audi prior to this. This car is the ultimate driving machine!!!

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  Fantastic! - 2005 Audi S4
  By Punchai - July 17 - 3:41 pm

  Honestly, it’s too early for me to objectively rate all the characteristics. It’s SO much fun to drive - rain or shine. The engine is a beast and roars like a race car . . . people stare and frequently someone will ask what I’m driving. I love all the amenities – Recaro seats, Bose, NAV, XM, etc., etc. The ride is awesome and handling is second to none. My biggest criticism is that city gas mileage is poor (though comparable or better than a big truck or SUV).

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  Excellent A4 - 2003 Audi A4
  By David L - July 17 - 11:47 am

  Love the 2003 1.8T A4 Quattro. No problems, squeaks or rattles so far. Handles like the car is on rails. Very smooth although the turbo lag takes a bit to get used to. Averaging 27 mpg.

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  Traded 99 Boxster for this - love it so - 2006 Audi A4
  By Larry - July 17 - 10:55 am

  Started having maint issues with Porsche... wanted something with convert., good warranty, luxury, and the scheduled maint is still included thru 06.