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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  Dead Solid Near Perfect - 2006 Audi A6
  By MJBatchelor - March 4 - 3:20 pm

  Only 1200 miles, so far, but a beautiful ride. Had a 1998 A6 for 3 years on lease with no problems. It just wasnt powerful enough. The new motor takes care of that problem. The build quality is simply fantastic. Paint finish and interior quality are excellent. The biggest thing is the Quattro - its like driving on rails, very confidence inspiring. Economy is good for a vehicle of this type. The MMI is slightly confusing at times but, once you use it for awhile, it becomes more intuitive. We have almost all the options (Technology, etc.), but the heated steering wheel (which just wasnt in stock.) The interior lighting, switches, etc., is simply best in class. We love the car.

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  Safety first - 2005 Audi A4
  By Lora - March 3 - 10:16 pm

  I feel very safe in my Audi A4 3.0. I previously owned a Lexus IS 300 which couldnt hold a candle to the Audi in winter conditions. The A4 is a very fun car to drive and has a solid feel.

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  Love my TT - 2001 Audi TT
  By jillysue - March 3 - 3:33 pm

  This is the most fun I have had driving, ever. I look forward to an hour commute back and forth to work when I can drive the Audi. The handling is exceptional. I never have a worry.

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  best car I have ever owned - 2003 Audi A4
  By chris - March 3 - 12:41 pm

  This is the most comfortable car, and I love going on long trips, in the rain or snow.. I have had 2 back surgeries and for once I can drive in comfort. Amazing seats. A blast to drive and at 40k not a single problem. Great service free oil changes etc by dealor were always a positive experience. Would definitly buy Audi again, but I dont want to part with this car. !!

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  Audi S4 - great fun car!! - 2004 Audi S4
  By Nick - March 3 - 11:28 am

  As the title suggests, I feel that this is a great car to drive. Its fun, has a great exhaust note (especially with my aftermarket exhaust) and provides for a very balanced driving experience. It might not be the fastest car out there for the money, but it provides for one of the best overall packages (quality of interior, performance, versatility, etc).

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  Mid-Life Crisis Aversion Mobile - 2005 Audi A6
  By Chris Laing - March 2 - 11:06 pm

  Audi is really running circles around its competitors with this awesome car! I still have not tired of finding any excuse to take the A6 3.2 for a drive. Light steering, quiet and comfortable ride around town make it feel like a limo in L.A. traffic. Step on the gas on PCH or the 5 Freeway north to San Francisco and try staying under the speed limit. This car is a joy to drive. Its very powerful and responsive when you need it. At all times, its controlled power in a car that feels substantial and safe. Driving through a torrential rainstorm to San Francisco, we felt in complete control. Plenty of power in a crisis, like the time we chased a road- rager at 100 uphill.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2006 Audi S4
  By John L - March 2 - 11:21 am

  I have owned Caddys Lexus Lincolns BMW and Mercedes. This car, especially since it is a convertible, is the best car I have ever owned. Fast response. Tons of power. Great on highway and especially fun going through the mountains. Im 6 1" and I cant believe the spacious feeling even when the top is up.

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  A4 - 2003 Audi A4
  By AWDfreak - March 2 - 10:00 am

  Beats BMW Xis...classier than a Lexus, cheaper than a Benz...hhmmm...one complaint though, could up the HP a bit...

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  love my A4 - 2003 Audi A4
  By steiner - March 2 - 10:00 am

  No complaints so far, just want to keep driving!

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  A4 - 2003 Audi A4
  By alfonsseca - March 2 - 10:00 am

  I wish my other car was this one too...but I guess one is enough, Im broke now, but I love driving everyday.