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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  Great car! - 2005 Audi A6
  By bbdholmes - March 12 - 5:11 pm

  This is the best car Ive ever owned, it is hard to keep it under 70 mph and 100 mph feels like 60 in other cars. Quality has been terrific, the navigation works extremely well, and the sound system is great as well. I bought the V6, and other than a rare occasional need for more snap I think I made the right choice. The gas mileage in and around the city averages about 20mpg.

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  disappointed - 2002 Audi A4
  By rich - March 12 - 11:30 am

  The A4 is a nice looking car that doesnt deliver. If you are looking to purchase this car, take the extended warranty and make sure the dealership is close. There are many gremlins that will keep your dash warning lights lit up.

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  Lemon or not? - 2002 Audi TT
  By Charlie - March 11 - 9:52 am

  I have dreamed of owning an Audi TT for years. I found an 02 with 14K miles on it, garage kept (impeccable condition). Still smells new. I thought I was getting a real good deal for paying $23,900. I thought there cant be anything wrong with this baby. Well, I bought it on a friday evening, took it home had it for the weekend and noticed a knocking noise coming from the front drivers side tire. Called dealership where was purchased, said you have to call audi, had it picked up monday, shipped to San Antonio TX, they kept if for 2 weeks, received it friday. Drove it 2 miles and same loud knocking. Its getting picked up mon again and god only knows how long it will be before i get to enjoy.

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  you will like them all - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By tosh - March 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my third Audi and they keep getting better. I am sold on the company and they stand behind thier product, but I have never had anything wrong. I have had this car lest than a year and have put many miles on it fast.

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  Great car! - 2004 Audi A4
  By covertaxn - March 8 - 2:00 am

  Great car! Second A4. A few minor dash ratlles, will have looked at on first sservice.

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  This car is so fun to drive!!! - 2006 Audi S4
  By Matt H - March 8 - 12:48 am

  Ive owned my 06 S4 for 3 months now and I never thought driving a car could be this fun. The AWD, V8, and 4 doors are mostly why I chose it over the BMW M3. The 40/60 torque differential is also a big plus, but note that the S4s w/tiptronic do not have this feature. This car loves gasoline and I average about 17-18mpg overall, but if you can afford this car and you crave performance then gas mileage should not be an issue. The cornering is amazing and the AWD really keeps the car glued to the road. Ive even driven on snow covered roads with performance tires and had no drama at all. This car does everything.

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  An excellent compact sport sedan. - 2006 Audi A4
  By bru quim - March 7 - 10:50 pm

  Have been driving the car for over a month already. Handles extremely well (great steering feel) and the 4- cylinder turbo engine provides more than enough performance while keeping fuel costs at a minimum. Dont know yet how reliable the car is since its new so cant comment on that.

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  Handles Like a Champ - 2001 Audi A4
  By 1.8T Man - March 7 - 10:00 am

  This car handles like a champ. There is no system in the world better than the Quattro all wheel drive. I cant ger over the power and capability in the rain. The car could use a little more power. But with a chip, it makes it MOVE.

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  Fun to drive, fun to own - 2006 Audi A6
  By Brett - March 7 - 1:05 am

  This car stood out in the dealer showroom. Blue with ameratto interior. But it not only looks great, the fit, and finish is "Audi usual" great. They thought of just about everything. Driving it is a pleasure. The low end torque off from start, is slugglish, but its acceptable. Fuel economy so far has been acceptable for this type of car. I look forward to a great ownership experience.

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  Impressive - Sure footed - 2006 Audi S4
  By Frequent Buyer - March 6 - 12:54 pm

  I am a frequent car buyer that is infatuated with performance and style. My previous cars include, 3-Series BMWs, Sabb 9-3 Viggen, Lexus IS300 - all bought new. I seem to always a reason why I need a new car. So this time I spent a lot of attention to Audi S4, BMW M3, Lexus IS 350, and Infiniti G35 coupe. After considerable test drive, the German choices were obvious for their fun to drive feel and style. Considering the off track use of the car and actual fun to drive feeling for us non-professional mere mortals, the Audi S4 proved to be the best choice. It has been 3 months and has definitely proven to be the best choice from the dealership experience, to its outstanding driving pleasure.