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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  Solid, Safe & Fun - 2002 Audi A4
  By Fegs229 - January 24 - 2:00 am

  My first luxury car was worth the wait. Solid car, feels safe to drive and has the features to back up the claims. Fit & finish excellent inside and out. 3.0L engine with the CVT is smooooth and fast. I love the extra power it delivers at high speeds, passes others without straining. Amazing car for the money. Drove the BMW-3 and chose the A4 for FWdrive and price. My wife wouldnt drive this car for the first 1 1/2 years, too powerful. Now I cant get it back from her.

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  I love my car - 2004 Audi A6
  By nicejams - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought it and havent touched another car ever since it would be like cheating. I love it all I can say is test drive this car you will love it to.

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  Beats my BMW - 2000 Audi S4
  By carlylsdad - January 21 - 2:00 am

  Love this car! Bought it new in 2000 after test driving it.....the salesman said Id buy it and he was right! Have 50,000 miles on it and the only trouble was a wheel bearing at 36000 miles. Still drives like new. Put a Garrett Industries chip in it and it has 310hp and will drive up a wall with the 4wd. Great in snow with 4 snow tires and in the summer with 4 performance tires. Beats the pants of my old 540 BMW at 15 grand less!

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  My audi tt - 2004 Audi TT
  By ikayjayi - January 21 - 2:00 am

  I love it, Its fun to drive, a very stylish car. Its great to cruise around in. Everything in the interior is beautiful. Its super fast too!

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  Winter driving - 2004 Audi A6
  By Sondra - January 21 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the best car I have driven in tough winter conditions here in Minnesota. I have previously always used SUVs, but will never go back to one again. I also appreciate the XFM radio standard in this vehicle. The heated car seats activate very quickly.

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  I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Audi TT
  By julia - January 20 - 2:00 am

  I ABSOLUTLY LOVE IT!!!!!!

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  best I ever owned - 2004 Audi A8
  By arnier - January 19 - 2:00 am

  I have been a bmw(2 740il, one 850csi), two porsche, and this is my first Audi. This is the finest automobile I have ever driven...second is not close! There is nothing, nothing, that was not perfect at delivery...and it has remained that way for the first 8,000 miles.

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  Fun Car - 2004 Audi TT
  By Jaegen - January 19 - 2:00 am

  Fun car to drive, fast and holds the road well under all conditions.The engine is very smooth with no power lag when shifting gears.

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  Fantastic! - 2016 Audi A3
  By Carolyn - January 17 - 8:19 pm

  This car is classy and so much fun to drive. The A3 is for someone who wants luxury and affordability.

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  2002 A6 2.7 T - 2002 Audi A6
  By LindaJ - January 16 - 2:00 am

  My second Audi. Love it in the snowy Northeast Winters. Handles great, with superior pickup in all conditions. Fun, while safe, to drive.