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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  really sorry BMW - 2004 Audi A8
  By terryo - August 7 - 2:00 am

  Great handling car with the looks to match. Very quiet and a great handling car. I did not like the 19 inch wheels because the car was more noisy and did not travel the road very well. However the 18 inch all season tires are better matched for my climate and driving. Also the CD player quit after 2 days,but it is replaced. The sound system is good in urban areas however the reception in rural areas is not as good as my old 98 A8 or my Town and Country.

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  Love the stares - 2002 Audi TT
  By gumby_europe - August 7 - 2:00 am

  Have nothing but fun with this car. Excellent Autobahn cruiser. What are you waiting for ??

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  I waited too much - 2004 Audi A4
  By Tal-Yvan - August 6 - 10:00 am

  I dont know how I waited that long to have suche A+ class car. Great product, confortable, it fits perfectly for and average 510 to 6 foot tall people. Great performace once you put your RPMs over 3000. The 6SP tends to rev really fast, so the first 3 gears have to be changed quickly. The torque under 2100 just pushes the car a bit, the the turbo comes and nails you to the seat (careful departing from stop signs). Really happy with the car. PERFECT for daily commute. As for the shark fin... just try to ignore it.

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  Perfect Choice - 2004 Audi A4
  By AirCanada - August 6 - 10:00 am

  The Audi A4 1.8T is one great package. It handles like a dream, looks great, is one of the safest cars you can get, and the interior is second to none. The car may not have the power of a G35 but it has plenty for most drivers.

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  Dream Maker - 2003 Audi TT
  By CherylB - August 6 - 2:00 am

  The Audi TT (220 hp)is the car of my dreams. I believe the 180 is a waste of time.(Nice copy of the 220...but not even close to the REAL thing) They spared no expense in making it all luxury as well as being the ULTIMATE sports car. Audi knows how to pamper drivers by making the experience the most pleasure you can get with your clothes on!!! I love my car and will continue a relationship with Audi/Porche for my next purchase. Thats IF I EVER give up my TT!! Thank you Cheryl Bellows Nashua, NH

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  A Dream vs. 528i - 2003 Audi A6
  By gjs - August 6 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Audi, prior I had a 98 BMW 528i and traded it in for the A6 2.7T. Hands down the A6 is a more enjoyable car. Steering is a wonderful, and the power is un- matched. As long as the car holds up, Im sold on Audi. I really liked the BMW, however now I can take this car to the mountains without a worry. Love it.

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  IMPRESSIVE - 2002 Audi A4
  By sdmacken - August 6 - 2:00 am

  Since the A4s introduction to the US I have wanted one and now I do. The new body style is aggressive and masculine which is indicative of its power. The 1.8T is phenominal in its pickup speed and at times I feel as if I am in the Daytona 500, well maybe not to that extent but you get my drift. I did test drive the 02 Passat and Jetta in order to make a wise choice that the A4 was for me. The Passat did not even have a chance. The sporty feel and tight steering were not there and the A4 had it all. The Jetta was a strong contender with the A4, however, the A4 won me over with its robust exterior and the luxurious interior.

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  One cool car - 1999 Audi A6
  By DocBranch - August 5 - 2:00 am

  After four years of owning my A6 I still love it and people still take notice. Its understated, subtle and classy. The Black w/ Black interior really sets off the instrument panel. On the interstate I can run as fast as my hear will stand it even though its a 6cyl. I cant see buying any other but another one of these.

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  1998 A4 Avant - 1998 Audi A4
  By Mudbone - August 5 - 2:00 am

  The ride is solid, road feel is excellent and it looks great. I purchased it used with 37k miles at the end of the original 4 year warranty period. I purchased an extended warranty from a local Audi dealership which has paid for itself in service cost savings. The warranty covered the instrument cluster, an oil gasket leak, a cv boot and a power window switch. My dealer has given me excellent service and the car has held up well under daily commutes in the Arizona heat. The cost of wear and tear maintenance is high. Find a mechanic other than the dealer for the regular maintenance items.

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  TT4ME - 2003 Audi TT
  By NicholasB - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Although Ive only owned the TT for a little over a month, I am thoroughly pleased with every aspect of the car. The TT has plenty of power, excellent build quality, and, for a sports car, a comfortable ride. The four year old design still looks fresh and modern. It is a blast to drive!