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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  Its No Lexus!! - 2002 Audi A8
  By oskiguy - November 7 - 2:00 am

  The best car Ive ever owned. Not as quiet and as functionally/logically laid-out as the Lexus (wifes). Fun to drive, excellent fuel economy and one seldom sees another one.

• 

  FUN CAR - 2002 Audi A6
  By RickyB - November 7 - 2:00 am

  THIS CAR HANDLES GREAT. A VERY SMOOTH RIDE AND A GREAT AMOUNT OF POWER. THE UPPER LEVEL A6S ARE ONLY ABOUT A 1/2 SEC. FASTER 0-60. LOVE THE CVT TRANSMISSION WHEN IT IS USED RIGHT AND INTERESTING AT OTHER TIMES. ALREADY HAD TO BEREPLACED AT 10000K,LUCKILY UNDER WARRANTY.NOISEY SUNROOF WHEN CLOSED ALL YEAR ROUND. OTHERWISE GREAT CAR.

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  Puts a smile on my face everytime - 2002 Audi A4
  By intastella - November 7 - 2:00 am

  Overall this car is great. The design of the interior and exterior is second to none. Minimalist with depth is the best way I can describe it. It is truly the cars best feature. The seats are tight and spartan (base vinyl package), which does not bother me but annoyed others. The CVT drive is smooth as silk at speed but off the line it can jump. I have learned to control the acceleration better though I suppose since it rarely happens now. The low end torque leaves something to be desired but once the turbo kicks in you are off to the races, i.e. 1 second after you hit the accelerator.

• 

  Very happy - 2000 Audi A6
  By DMH - November 5 - 2:00 am

  My husband and I have owned Audi cars for 20 years. He currently drives the S8 I love this car. I am the original owner and have had no problems with it. I had problems with previous Audis but this one I ordered custom. Perhaps that made a difference or maybe they have finally addressed a few of their quality issues.

• 

  TT 225 - 2004 Audi TT
  By nissim Sasson - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Yhis car is exelent great performance nad fun one ofthe most fuin i the market

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  Great value for high end car!!! - 2001 Audi A8
  By xios - November 3 - 2:00 am

  Car drives like a dream. Its a little slow off the line, but when it gets going, wow! Lots of room and many upgrades. You must consider when, looking in the large sedan category.

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  no contest! - 2002 Audi A6
  By pagalmunda - October 31 - 2:00 am

  Ive been an audi fanatic for over 10 years now, and my love for the cars still holds strong. The 2.7T engine is unbelievable for crusing, and for those red light launches. The xenons are great, visibility is unmatched, The bose is crisp, heated rear seats are just cool, and the engine is to die for. This is my 5th Audi in 10 years and they get better everytime!!!!

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  Fantastic Fun for all Seasons - 2000 Audi TT
  By koelle.p - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I never expected to own a sports car but I could not resist the test drive. It was so much fun! The 180hp engine gives plenty of power to this small car, accelerating so fast that before you know it you have to slow down to the speed limit. The 4WD grabs the road on every turn and is really convenient an safe in the snow. The front seat is comfortable even for me (62"), which does not happen even in some SUVs. The biggest surprise was the trunk, much more space than I expected, luggage for 2 people is easy to accomodate. And on top of all: It is BEAUTIFUL! Necks turn to look at it all the time.

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  Love with reservations - 1998 Audi A4
  By hirospens - October 30 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car - fun to drive, super traction and cornering, very good curb appeal. I love the styling - I just cant get into the newer A4s and A6s.

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  good - 2001 Audi TT
  By NC - October 29 - 2:00 am

  No major problems, car is 2 years old, with 15000. Wipers have been replaced 3 times and dealer repalced windshield as wipers scratched window. Slight grind shifting into 3rd, dealer claims is normal? Water gts into door sill when washed, dealer also calims is normal. Fun to drive and no mechanical issues other than transmission shift into 3rd gear.