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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  Saab 9-5 to Audi A-6 - 2004 Audi A6
  By Barry Peretz - September 3 - 2:00 am

  new lease - quality auto. coming from saab 9-5 , which I loved. Audi is a fine auto

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  Love my S4 - 2000 Audi S4
  By jprny - September 2 - 2:00 am

  This has been the best car I have ever owned. Fun to drive, but with the comfort, solidity, etc. you expect from a 40k car. 52000 miles & I still absolutely love the car.

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  Total Driving Experience - 2001 Audi S4
  By NMS4 - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for a performance vehicle that could carry more than a overnight case, and this is it. Its looks may not scream speed and handling, but that is just fine, since these outstanding features attract the wrong kind of attention.

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  The Perfect Accessory - 2004 Audi TT
  By epip4u - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Its only been a few days with this 2004, and I like the style, the interior just makes me feel happy. Love the little metal portholes that adjust the vents. The instruments could be more intuitive but you get used to the layout after use... took me a couple tries to figure out how the wipers worked... and where the light switch was... its zippy and cute and just too fun to drive with the top down. So far its the best... cruising down LSD these summer nights... well see how Chicago winter goes (but kept the sedan just in case)...

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  Think Carefully - 1996 Audi A4
  By SMPM - August 31 - 2:00 am

  I love my A4 but the reviews are true. My model year recd high marks for everything Xcpt suspension these cars crush themselves under their own wght & wear down the assoc parts more quickly. Its a heavy car and it makes a difference in an accident I was broadsided at 35mph I lost my rear passenger door and some trim but wasnt hurt. Interior ergonomics second to none 5-speed auto is silk. Get 30mpg on the highway with the 2.8L. Its prudent to get the timing belt changed much earlier than the rcmmndd mfgr mlge date. These are things that have to be done on any auto anyway.

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  Unbelievable Car - 2004 Audi A8
  By Smiling Customer - August 31 - 2:00 am

  This car is incrdible. They have really done their work. Audi should be proud of their accomplishments. I am just tickeled that I only had to pay $77,000 for this awesome vehicle. Mercedes could not touch the aminities of this car for the price. In fact for them to offer us a car with the same aminities would run more than $90,000 (including All wheel drive. You just have to try it out for yourself. Thanks Audi!

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  Fantastic Vehicle - 2001 Audi A6
  By gigrktek - August 31 - 2:00 am

  Looked at several vehicles when purchasing this vehicle. This is the best value vehicle I could find for the price/performance. Have had this vehicle for twenty-seven months and absolutely still love the vehicle. Just had my 30K maintenance checkup and rotors/pads were replaced (dealer initiated replacement). Nice to have maintenance warranty.

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  Fantastic Machine!! - 2004 Audi A8
  By Gulfquest - August 29 - 2:00 am

  After owning BMW 7s for years, this car is incredibly smooth, quiet, and powerful. Handling/power is excellent and comfort/interior appointments are superb. Living in Florida, I wonÂ’t test the four-wheel drive to any great degree, but the adjustable height suspension has come in handy with all the flooding weÂ’ve had (I used the lift mode to raise the body to go through some bad flood areas - A brand new LS430 was not as fortunate). Audi has clearly designed a winner and with Audis low production numbers, it is also a car that has a high measure of exclusivity on the road. I am soooo happy I didnt buy a 745 or S500 while waiting for this car!!!

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  Audi A4 1.8L quattro - 1998 Audi A4
  By murf - August 28 - 2:00 am

  We live in snow country with 200 average inches per year so whatever car we bought had to have all wheel drive. No SUVs allowed--Im a sports car fan. The choice was between Suburu and Audi and we did not make a mistake. Even though we are 250 miles from our dealer we have made the scheduled service dates and they have treated us well.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Stephen - August 26 - 2:50 pm

  This is my sixth Audi Quattro. Im an AWD only person, living in snowy MI. The V8 and the air suspension are wonderful. The interior is gorgeous, and I can drive it all day and feel SO coddled. I feel that this is a "no excuses" car. No matter the weather, the road (no holes in the oil pan due to rocks!) or the occasion (black tie dinner or plaid shirt camping trip), this vehicle delivers. I love this allroad. I have the monochromatic silver body and I really like the sophisticated, yet ruggedly athletic, look of this wagon. My wifes car is a 1995 Audi S6, which is not too shabby, either, but does not have the "no excuses" aspect of this allroad...be careful on rocky roads!