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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  160000 miles Just like new - 1999 Audi A8
  By tire - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Just keeps rolling along. No repairs, normal maintence, 160000 miles. Still makes 23 miles to a gallon.

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  My Audi - 2003 Audi A4
  By JWKISER2 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Nice car and has all the extras, but needs more power. The inside is spectacular and looks so nice at night when it is all lit up. Bose stereo is good, but no like a Harmon Kardon or a Mark Levinson in a rivial sedan. Fun to drive, but just not as fun as my old BMW. My openion is, this car is nice, has plenty of options and extras, but if you can afford it buy a BMW 3 series because it is a better vehicle and funner to drive. I promise!

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  a great car - 2004 Audi A4
  By drew22204 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  an outstanding car that feels much more expensive than it is.

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  Awesome A4 - 2002 Audi A4
  By GeoffL - November 30 - 10:00 am

  I have a 3.0 Tiptronic Quattro. Ebony inside and out. Leather too. This is my second A4, and I must say that the 2002 model is 100% improved from the previous generation. I thought the previous generation was great, but the 2002 model feels soooo solid and well built. It is better in every regard. The fuel economy ratings are right on target; I consistently get 25 MPG on the highway and a little over 18 in the city. Im not faulting the ratings, I just wish the fuel economy was a little better. I think the front seats are a little firm, but that is just my taste. Perhaps theyll soften up as time goes on.

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  Unbelievable handling - 2002 Audi A4
  By D. Snutz - November 30 - 10:00 am

  The handling in this car is unlike any other car Ive driven. The BMW 3-Series 4 wheel drive doesnt compare. The car rides a little bit rough at lower speeds and its pick-up is good but not great, but where this car really excels is on the open road. Extremely tight handling at higher speeds, this car is extremely fun to drive. One major drawback for me has been that the Check Engine light will not go off despite repeated trips to the dealership.

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  Super Car - 2001 Audi S8
  By Dr. Tom R - November 30 - 2:00 am

  My other car is a Porsche 911 and I dont know which car is more fun to drive!! For every day driving to the office down a super highway Ill take the S8. Understated something special. I like it because most people have no idea of what a great car it is.

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  Run, dont walk to your Audi dealer !! - 2004 Audi A8
  By Michael M - November 30 - 2:00 am

  From the inception of the sale to the delivery was the most professonal and best experiences I have ever had.Shelton Motors are first class.Having owned a 745iL,911 and trading my 2001 s55 amg I can assure everyone this is "THE CAR"at a fraction of its real value.Having paid a $102k for the amg I still feel I was"Taken for a ride."Not only did the Mercedes ABC suspension FAIL and leak often.The car stunk like a bad escalator.Mercedes couldnt fix it.The cure was simple I traded it in."Wow what a car".With production numbers low it wont be like the mercedes or the BMW."They are like bellybuttons everyones got one".

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  2004 Audi A6 4.2 is a thrill to own - 2004 Audi A6
  By missmolie - November 29 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the 2004 A6 4.2. It has the premium sound package, including the XM ssatellite radio system. It really goes in the snow. I had a 2001 Lexus GS430 This car is just as cushy and powerful. The interior is well laid out. All the driver info is displayed in the middle of the dash, ahead of the steering wheel. I can keep my eyes ahead and know the time and which radio station is playing. The exterior styling is graceful, but not overbearing. One caveat, If youreconsidering a built-in navigation system, get the Magellan Roadmate 700 gps unit instead. Audis unit is inferior.

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  Love the car - 2004 Audi A6
  By gregda - November 29 - 2:00 am

  I own two BMWs (540 and 328ci) and enjoy many of the features in the A6 more. I looked at the BMW 545, but was sold on the all wheel drive of the audi. Other features between BMW and Audi were comparable on whole. I love the car which is solid and fun.

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  Awesome Audi!!! - 2008 Audi A6
  By D. Wonders - November 28 - 8:15 am

  This car delivers on all counts!!! Its pricey but worth every dollar!