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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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2006 Audi S4
  By esam1 - April 29 - 5:52 pm

  The S4 Cabriolet is beautiful inside and out, performs like no other cruiser-sports car, and commands a price that is less than its competition by thousands. There is no car Id rather own- unless youre talking about the RS4 Cabriolet (but I wouldnt want such bad gas mileage right now)!

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  Very Sweet Ride!!! - 2006 Audi A3
  By Chef - April 28 - 4:13 pm

  I drove a lot of cars, some much more expensive, before buying the A3 and I couldnt be happier. The build quality, ride, handling, and power development in this car is excellent, especially at the price paid. The technology with the FSI engine is class-leading which includes a factory front mounted intercooler and forged engine components that should last a long time. The fuel mileage started off only fair at a mixed 20mpg, but over the first 3k miles improved to 25mpg. I attribute the slightly lower mileage to my heavy foot and the cars speed inspiring exhaust notes. An ECU chip brings this engine to max performance with 240+hp & 275+torque, a true monster!

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  Quid Pro Quo - 2000 Audi A6
  By L Mac - April 28 - 2:45 pm

  Bought the car with 78k miles, to use as a weekly commuter vehicle, between Long Island, NY and New Hampshire, while doing contract work in NY. I was familiar with a friends 4.2, and figured a quattro drive was critical for long weekly drives, through a Northeast Winter. However, because I insisted on a standard transmission, but still wanted performance, I went with the 2.7 biturbo 6-speed(sport package).

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  I wake up everyday excited to drive it. - 2004 Audi S4
  By raji1278 - April 27 - 11:53 pm

  This is my only car and it fills all my needs without ever complaining. My best analogy for this car would have to be the story, "Dr Jekyll and Mr. Hyde". When needed, the car will get you to and from work, run errands, cruise across the country, whatever, all in a surprising amount of comfort. But, when you desire to have some fun with the car, it seems to transform into an absolute beast! It will pin you into the seat and scare the hell out of your passengers! Admittedly, the M3 performs slightly better in some categories, but its also a VERY high-strung car, not nearly as comfortable to drive on a daily basis.

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  Tremendous Car - 2004 Audi S4
  By waxonwaxoff - April 26 - 2:00 am

  Had the car 3 days. Wow, what a car, dont want to get out of it. Own 98 cobra as well and this car moves, but with serious class. Styling is impeccable with the aluminium trim and leather/suede seats. Ride is very firm, but not jarring and holds the road like glue. Felt very safe in drive home in the snow.

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  Great Stuff! - 2003 Audi A4
  By Joost - April 26 - 2:00 am

  My car is 9 months old and I have driven it across Canada and then to Boston. First gear has been a little stiff, but at 12,000 miles it has finally broke-in. The car is fantastic. The 3.0L engine I think is essential since the car is quite heavy. I test drove the 1.8L Tubo engine but found that it hesitates when you step on the gas which can be a little scary when you want the power to get out of a problem. Gas milage is great in the 3.0L...much like a four cylander. I highly reccomend this car.

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  Hot, stylish ride - 2001 Audi TT
  By drandolph - April 26 - 12:34 am

  Ive loved this car since the day I bought it. Cruising through winding mountain roads with the top down can be a thrill or a pleasure depending on the weight of my foot. And to get great gas mileage (30 mpg) is the icing on the cake. Fun, fun, fun.

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  What a blast! - 2004 Audi TT
  By TT FN - April 25 - 11:23 am

  This car is the most fun I have had in a long time. I can feel myself smile each time I get into it and start the engine. Everything just fits and feels great and the engine purrs like a lion. I wish it had a 6 disc CD in- dash but my i-Pod and i-Trip work great with the radio and to complain about CD capacity in an otherwise perfect vehicle just seems petty. The handling and performance are right on target for daily driving and road trip fun and the seats are about the most comfortable of any in this class of vehicle. I strongly recommend this car.

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  Fast Cars and Freedom - 2000 Audi A4
  By Smiley - April 24 - 4:45 am

  I have only had it a few days so I am not sure about reliability. I really fell in love with the car when I drove it. Small engine yet feels powerful, and able to please. I am a Daimler Chrysler man, but I really am into German vehicles in general. It is no Hemi, but with 35-40 mpg that is ok. This car pulled me to it. I am very impressed so far. Changing the oil was unique that is for sure. Service on a vehicle so advanced is a little scary.

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  Nearly Flawless - 2005 Audi S4
  By S4ever - April 21 - 11:07 pm

  S4 Cabrio is the most satisfactory car Ive ever owned- it has luxury, stlye, performance, speed, and subtle class like no other convertible on the road. The V8 is creamy smooth, and the 6-Speed auto, although not as good as the DSG in my daughters A3, is wonderful in Sport mode. Interior/exterior are both beautifully made and beautiful to look at- typical Audi. This car is worth your money and your time, and its more of an extremely fast luxo-cruiser than a sports car- this is a good thing.