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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  EXCELLENT - 2003 Audi A4
  By Steven C - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I have driven my car over 26000 miles in one year. Thats the equivolent to 2 years driving...nothing but a pleasure. On the longest drives (8 hours total, non-stop, city/ hgwy) Ive always remained comfortable. During rainy days and at night w/ my xenons, always safe. No engine troubles, no stalling, no electrical problems. Fit & finish are great, as well as all the non-gadgetty gadgets. Although I would prefer better gas mileage, the comfort & prestige and head turning design make it all worthwhile and gives a huge level of satisfaction!

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  Superb ride in a sport piece of luxury - 2004 Audi A4
  By myiatrou - September 26 - 10:00 am

  We are very pleased with the car and the design in and out, is superb and well thought out. This car turns on a dime however be careful... it only takes a few seconds to get to 60 mph and 90mph doesnt feel like 90. Wonderful ride, lush interior and piece of mind when driving with little ones. You know that you are safe when driving with Audi.

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  a4 audi wagon - 2004 Audi A4
  By Lori Wikert - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car we have ever owned. We need it for the snowy terrain where we live and it drives like a little sports car

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  i need a 6th gear.... - 2004 Audi A4
  By audigirl - September 26 - 10:00 am

  great salesman at dealership....love my Audi...no problems thus far...supper fun to drive, BOSE system should be standard.

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  Lews Reviews - 2004 Audi A4
  By dunk - September 26 - 10:00 am

  It is truly a pleasure to drive and there isnt a day that goes by without someone mentioning "what a beautiful looking car".

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  my great Audi - 2004 Audi A4
  By Steve Allen - September 26 - 10:00 am

  wonderful car no problems except for a few elctrical window and sunroof

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  FROM A CORVETTE TO AN A4...LOVE MY CAR - 2004 Audi A4
  By OOHBABI55 - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I ABSOLUTELY LOVE MY CAR...SURE IT DOESNT HAVE THE POWER THAT MY CORVETTE DID, BUT ITS STILL PEPPY TO BE A 4CYL...I LIKE THE QUATTRO. TOTALLY HAPPY!!!

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  My Audi - 2004 Audi A4
  By Rochelle - September 26 - 10:00 am

  I love the Audi A4. I love the way it looks and its a great price for a luxury vehicle. Its fun to drive because of its sporty grip on the road but does lack horse power. The interior is designed beautifully but it has very little space in the back seat, yet a ironically large trunk. Being the back seat is so small it does not make a good small family vehicle. Other than that, I love the car.

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  Euope - 2004 Audi A4
  By shariberri - September 26 - 10:00 am

  Crome around gear shift scratches too easily. High pitched whistle when excelling. When waxing the car the exterior seems is fragile.

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  WOW - 2005 Audi A4
  By Audi Lover - September 24 - 3:56 pm

  For anyone looking for affordable, fun, upper end car. The audi A4 is the car, I was shopping for german car with lots bells on it and the A4 was the car for me. I am a big Honda and I traded my Honda v6 for the A4, I felt that Audi is the higher end of a honda that will last you and run for ever and you pay for what you get. I could have gotten a bmw if I wanted to pay for all the standard options on that already came on the Audi. My next car will be the new A6.