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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  Excellent - 2001 Audi A4
  By ebryant - April 5 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. In the 3 years I have had it there has been virtually no problems, it gets great gas mileage for a performance car, and its solid all around. I like it so much Im going to buy it off the lease cause I wont be able to get the quality of this vehicle for the price range I can get it vs. getting another car.

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  Love the Car - 2004 Audi TT
  By DebDisney - April 4 - 3:00 am

  Teh car is fun to drive and has been very reliable. I have also found that the dealerships are very responsive when I have needed service. The difference in German technology & American is night & day.

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  Great Car Great Value - 1998 Audi A6
  By Raymondz - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Fell in love with this car from DAY 1, Now is about Day 3, Only got better -

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  Audi My new First Choice - 1998 Audi A6
  By Nradical - April 2 - 2:00 am

  I have owned this car for 4 Years, and Am now about to buy the A4, and trade this car in. 4yrs - 120k miles on the car, Still Drives and Handles the same way i bought it, The ride is very Luxorious Highway is Perfect, smooth and Never gets boring with this car. I recomend it.

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  Unbelivable Quality - 1998 Audi A6
  By JohnJaylayer - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Silly Ride, and Handling - LIke a Spider crawling Through the Roads, Grips roads with LOVE. Pure Luxury at an Affordable PRICE.

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  A6 Class B Luxury Affordable Relaible - 1998 Audi A6
  By AudiFan48 - April 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car about a year ago. Heard many electrical problems with the car, And it said it was very UN- Relaible.. NOT TRUE! Had a Minor window problem, Connection Got loose, My mech tells me this happens a lot with these cars. Only Problem, and the car is driven RUFF. Has 100k On it now, Drove 25k Miles - Very smooth Ride.

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  A4 Quattro - 1999 Audi A4
  By SavvyPlayer - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Great car -- just wish I didnt go with silver.

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  Perfect - 2004 Audi TT
  By Nevaeh - April 2 - 2:00 am

  Great car !! Great buy !! I love it !! Everyone should have one !! Best car ever !! I love this car !!

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  Excellent SUV Alternative - 2002 Audi A4
  By Audi John - April 2 - 2:00 am

  My wife and I bought this car a month ago, and we love it already. You rarely see A4 Avants, unlike the ubiquitous BMW/Volvo/VW wagons. Its also a superb value, especially Certified. I laugh at SUV drivers who paid a lot more for terrible handling, fuel economy, and in some cases, less room. It will not overwhelm you with power, but its got plenty of zip for a family car, and Quattro ensures excellent handling. Its not big, but its very comfortable. The interior lighting is great- at night, EVERY control lights up so you dont have to fumble in the dark. ItÂ’s a really intelligently designed car with great attention to detail. Very highly recommended!

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  Audi 2.7 s-line - 2004 Audi A6
  By Mr. Les - April 1 - 2:00 am

  I just traded my 3.0 A6 2003 for a new 2004 A6 2.7 s-line. I really liked my 3.0 but I love my 2.7 The acceleration and handling is just outstanding. The spoiler is just what was needed to finish the rear end. Too top it off, the quattro is awesome. By the way, the 9 spoke wheels are handsomely crafted. The braking is great. I would highly recommend the s-line to any car enthusiast.