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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  Ooo-La-La - 2003 Audi TT
  By MmmmTT - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I love my TT. Plain and simple. Ive ridden in and driven corvettes, porsches, bmw M3s M5s, lancer evo, wrk sti, etc. Mostly while shopping for my girl recently. None just felt as right as my TT. After each drive I hop back in the audi and suddenly Im reminded of why I work 50 hours a week to drive this car. Oh and for the love of god please dont buy a roadster. Please.

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  Finally! A car that exceeds expectations - 2001 Audi A6
  By Joehlers - November 26 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a Benz (1998 E320), Corvettes, Olds Aurora, ... but this is the nicest car Ive ever had. A vette is a vette (tight/sporty), but this car handles better than the Benz and was more reliable than any of the 10+ new cars I have purchased. Were buying a 2004 A6!

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  What a great car - 2004 Audi A6
  By Florida Driver - November 25 - 2:00 am

  This car is great. The CVT makes it a quick vehicle. The vehicle is very stable at all speeds. Road noise is minimal and you have to be careful or you will find yourself well over the speed limit. Workmanship is excellent and the German engineers have put a lot of functionality into this model. Its a much better value than the BMW 5 series, not to mention Mercedes Benz. A German automobile and a very reasonable price.

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  ettp - 2001 Audi TT
  By ettp - November 23 - 2:00 am

  The TT is not the most extreme performer in its class, but it does more things well at once than any competitor. It can keep up with 99% of sports cars on the tight twisties, but it is also a pleasure to drive for hundreds of miles and many hours on end. It is also the only car in its class that is likely to end up in an art museum for its design alone. Put this all together and no other car comes close.

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  fast 2.7t - 2004 Audi A6
  By srur54a - November 19 - 2:00 am

  Great car to play with. I installed an aftermarket chip in the 2.7t and it flys. Also installed Euopean spec audi nav plus system. Best interior out of any car in its class (or above for that matter.) Good reliability. Any problems I have had are minor and covered under warrenty. A lot of car for the money. A bargain but not a bargain car. Cant bring myself to spend a few thousand more for BMW or MB. 4 wheel drive rocks! I really enjoy this car. It may not corner like a BMW but I dont take corners at 60mph. Great muscle car with lux abound. Perfect for American drivers. Cup holders are a little small.

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  Lovin the A8 - 1999 Audi A8
  By polly - November 18 - 2:00 am

  Had the car three and a half years. Installed S8 suspension. Excellent build quality and style, still gets compliments. Excellent milage for 300 hp V8. Very comfortable for long trips. Excellent ride handling compromise after intalling factory S8/sport suspsension Had a few minor issues covered under warrenty but my dealer (Hoehn) has been great.

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  Sleeper - 2004 Audi A8
  By Chichay - November 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is incredible in what it delivers for the money compared to "the other two brands". Smooth, powerful, roomy, excellent workmanship both inside and outside. Well thoughtout controls.

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  Eye Candy - 2003 Audi TT
  By MikeSJ - November 17 - 2:00 am

  This hot little sportster is a eye catching whiz. Everybody looks, everybody wants to know how much it is! I have only one problem--the tilt wheel does not move the wheel far enough down or up as other car models do. Other than that the car is packed with fun accessories and a nice little learning curve on how to use them!

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  Love my Audi - 2001 Audi A6
  By cbelden - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Not since my 89 Acura Legend have I driven a car theat cost me so little in repairs. The car has been completely reliable, so much so I fully expect to get the next version A6 when it comes out in 2004.

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  DRIVE ON A CLOUD - 2004 Audi A6
  By MOGSPEK - November 17 - 2:00 am

  THE CVT IS THE SMOOTHEST, SEAMLESS, GREAT TRANSMISSION. FEELS LIKE YOUR IN THE RIGHT GEAR ALL-THE-TIME. NO DOWNSHIFTS.