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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  Lots of fun for a sedan - 2001 Audi A4
  By golfguy - March 11 - 2:00 am

  This is the very first Audi I have owned and I have been nothing but pleased. The car is able to maneuver perfectly in all weather conditions and has excellent headlights for night driving. I wouldnt call it roomy but it certainly offers a comfortable ride. Youll never have more fun driving your wifes grocery getter.

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  Sweet machine!!! - 2006 Audi A4
  By S. Clark - March 10 - 11:16 pm

  This car is an absolute joy to drive. I wanted a manual trans, but fell in love with the CVT on a test drive. With SoCal traffic Im glad I chose the CVT. Paddle shifting is a great feature. The build quality is first rate and so far (5300 miles) not one problem. Lots of positive comments on the appearance. Handling is wonderful and the power is surprising, especially from a four cylinder. I would highly recommend this car if a compact sedan suits your needs.

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  Now, THIS is FUN! - 2004 Audi S4
  By jshuchart - March 10 - 2:00 am

  What power, what handling. The car Ive waited for...THE CAR!

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  Greatest little Champion - 1995 Audi 90
  By RicoAudi90 - March 9 - 2:00 am

  After 100k all mine needs is a tune up and a front strut replaced, good on gas and retains individual looks

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  Happy - 2004 Audi S4
  By Happy with Audi - March 9 - 2:00 am

  So much fun to drive. Was looking at this and the M3, but thought 333 horses with rear wheel drive in the snow would be a nightmare. Quattro was the only way to go. Looks great, not obnoxious, but has a noticably sportier look than the A4. The seats are phenomenal and I really like the controls. Was a bit put off by lack of a navigation screen, so skipped the GPS option. Gas milage is atrocious, but all that torque helps you to forget about it. The combo of power and handling makes this the funnest car to drive that I have ever owned.

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  Power and the beauty of all wheel drive - 2004 Audi S4
  By Ah but - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This car has great power! Alhtough it is rather heavy, but is very balance through corners and lane change.

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  A REAL 10! - 2001 Audi TT
  By tt225driver - March 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive been driving an Audi TT 225 Quattro Coupe for almost three years now. I have had nothing but pleasure from it! Not a single problem other than those I caused myself by driving too fast! It corners like it is on rails! Everyone loves it. I get 28 mpg, driving like a fool most of the time.

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  New Audi Owner - 2007 Audi A4
  By jake - March 6 - 12:30 pm

  After a bad experience with my 2006 BMW and the run flat tires (my third BMW), I researched many cars to see what would be the BMWs replacement. When I drove the Audi A4 3.2 quattro, I knew I would never go back to BMW. The car handles better, better ride, quiet, large trunk, great storage and many useful features. Its an all around awesome car and Im looking forward to many years of driving enjoyment.

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  Audi Won My Heart with My 1st A6 - 1998 Audi A8
  By Ric D - March 6 - 2:00 am

  If you like nice, youll love your Audi, whether you purchase the A4, A6 or A8. I have moved up the chain as my family and resources have grown. The Aluminum frame is what sold me. Only three other cars have done this.Ferrari, Lambroghini and The Acura NSX. The appointments leave nothing to be desired. If I had anything to say, the first would be the exterior design. I feel that have not made enough updates o change the lines with the times, but many people feel it is classic.

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  BMW M who? - 2004 Audi S4
  By DR. G - March 5 - 2:00 am

  This Car has it all, Speed, Handling, Style, Comfort, and practicality. I feel it is just a fast as an M3 or a C 32, but runs circles around the other two in every other category. The M3 is too rough around curves and lack the S4s smooth grip and the C32 just stinks in the handling category. That V8 rumble is so much better than the BMW Whine and the style and practicality with the AWD are miles ahead of the other 2.