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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  2005 Audi A6 - the car to beat! - 2005 Audi A6
  By Scarsone - June 26 - 10:50 pm

  I spent a considerable amount of time researching, reading every review, test driving as many vehicles as I could in this class. I knew from the moment I sat behind the wheel of the A6 that this was the car for me. So far - Ive had the car for half a week - and I have been very impressed with the ride and pickup of the 3.2L engine. The distinctive front end and elegant rear have drawn a lot of looks and compliments from friends & strangers. Although every car in this class has very similar technology (bluetooth, nav, RF keys, etc. I have been very impressed with the integration of this technology in the A6 - very effective and valuable while remaining, most importantly, easy to use

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  I am having too much fun - 2004 Audi A4
  By barz - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I drove both 325 and A4 and decided that there wasnt much difference between the handling, and went for more bang for the money. The car handles great, really good pick up, and excellent fuel economy. And most of all, it is a fun car to drive. I needed some getting used to the CVT, but now that I am used to the smoothness, I am really happy with it.

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  Audi A8L 2004 -- Audi hit a homerun - 2004 Audi A8
  By jeff G - June 25 - 2:00 am

  The car looks great and drives even better -- first real experience with a luxury car and am totally impressed. The car has class written all over it without the glitz of the S Class or 7 Series. Great car for those of us that appreciate quality and elegance but dont need to pay a premium for an inferior "better known" car (Mercedes/BMW). Well worth the wait!

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  Audi TT - 2001 Audi TT
  By gharrower - June 25 - 2:00 am

  While it isnt a Porsche, its a great sports car. And living in the Midwest I love it in the winter...with winter snow tires Ive never had a problem with snow its as sure footed as a mountain goat. With Z rated summer tires its more fun to drive than anything Ive been in before.

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  TT coupe quattro - 2001 Audi TT
  By lesli - June 22 - 2:00 am

  This car was and continues to be a real head turner. Extremely fun to drive. A very sure-footed ride that hugs the curves.

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  Convertible Fanatic - 2003 Audi TT
  By kenwlund - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a new Miata (fun but too small if you are 6feet or taller), new Chrysler Sebring convertible(nice underpowered family convertible), a Jag XJS cabriolet (pretty but junk)and a BMW 328i convertible (Great Performance Car, but high maintenance) The TT is a great design, great ride and lots of fun. The Audi service plan built into the price lowers your annual operating costs as well and that made it very attractive. Also, to go with the great styling and mid- range performance, there are great deals on this car right now!

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  Nothing compares to this car! - 2004 Audi A8
  By wraith34 - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I have owned everything from Porsche to Jaguar to Mercedes. I have never driven any car off the lot that compares to the Audi A8L! It is like having the best of everything. Cant judge reliability yet, but based on my wifes 2003 S6 Avant I can only assume it will be its equal. I waited for its arrival this month and had actually expected to be disappointed and end up buying the S500. After a test drive up a twisting mountain road and an open stretch of highway I bought the car upon returning to the dealer.

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  Great Mix of Sport and Luxury - 2000 Audi A6
  By DanMarino - June 19 - 2:00 am

  This is a great ride that feels as though you are driving a sports car, although you a experiencing a quality luxurious ride. This car is put together well and is very smooth on the road.

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  AMASING - 2003 Audi S8
  By ilko - June 18 - 2:00 am

  EVERYONE DIS CAR IS SIMPLY THE BEST...ROOMY WITH LOTS OF POWER

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  My A4: I think Ill keep it... - 1998 Audi A4
  By j.boy deluxe - June 17 - 10:00 am

  I factory-ordered my A4 Avant with the works -- Pelican Blue metallic over beige leather with sunroof, sport suspension, Bose sound and (most important) the five-speed manual. Although Ive put only 44,000 miles on it in four years, I still have to say that my A4s about as reliable as my old Acura Integra GS-R. Small problems arose at the very beginning (jammed CD changer and balky starter and cruise control switches) but since then its been smooth sailing. I foresee putting many more years and miles on this vehicle.