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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  Amazing - 1995 Audi S6
  By Skeptik - May 27 - 2:00 am

  Simply one of the best, most underestimated cars ever built.

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  Sexy Silver Arrow - 2003 Audi A6
  By jlawrence - May 27 - 2:00 am

  This model of the A6 will be discontinued after 2004 and maybe the 2.7T engine as well. Im sure the new A6 will be great but the current one is an ageless work of beautiful automotive sculpture. For those who are not aware of the care and attention to detail Audi puts into its materials and craftmanship, you simply will not find better at any price below six figures- see for yourself. . The 2.7T engine is a jewel and provides intoxicating acceleration. I can only imagine what the RS6 with the 450hp biturbo V8 feels like.. Combine this excellent engine (Wards 10 Best Engines 2000/01) with the Quattro and Sport suspension and you have an unbeatable package

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  Best in Class - 1995 Audi S6
  By love my S6 - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Best car Ive ever owned...incredible handling, and you get every one of the 227hp on demand - its much more powerful than other vehicles with similar hp ratings. It looks like a family sedan on the outside, but gives the driver a special thrill. Maintainence is expensive, although Ive only had a single repair in 121000 miles....

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  Audi - My Car - 1999 Audi A6
  By Mthiran - May 26 - 2:00 am

  About 6 years ago I moved up from Volkswagen to Audi. At the time a switch purely based on the Fact the Volkswagen, Audi and Porsche are owned by the same xompany : VAG Gmbh. The Difference was noticably. Audi isnt the problematic car it was in the 80s and early 90s. It has come along way, Aside from design and comfort, reliability is definately a selling point. Aside from that, Reeves Import Motor Cars in Tampa has a service department second to none.

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  The best car I have ever owned - 1999 Audi A6
  By rison - May 26 - 2:00 am

  What can I say... I love my Audi

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  Still love it after 3 years and 33000 mi - 2000 Audi A6
  By mpuzach - May 26 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car Ive ever owned, bar none. Unlike some, Ive had no significant problems with the car. The few minor ones have been promptly taken care of by the dealer. Build quality, attention to detail are superb. The interior continues to mesmerize, with the beautiful red lighting and first- rate materials throughout. I recently installed Audi-approved Eibach Pro System (springs and shocks), new tires and 18" wheels. The effect on both ride and handling was huge. The car now looks and feels MUCH sportier without sacrificing comfort its now the way it should come from the factory. This is my first Audi and Im hooked.

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  BH+AP - 1999 Audi A4
  By BH+AP - May 26 - 2:00 am

  This car is great. i loovveed it.it was/is the best car i have ever owned in my entire life time.

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  more than expected - 2003 Audi TT
  By golfergirl - May 26 - 2:00 am

  traveling 1400 miles seemed like nothing. the ride, enjoyment and ease of driving made the "road trip" melt to a simple around the block cruse. averaging 80+ mph and 35 mpg is not your average sport car trip, not to mention the comfort and ease of driving. Z who? I had one. This car has style, and is an original. Like the original Z it sets the trend and others follow. sure other sport cars have more power, but none have more syle, comfort and originality. Read all the magizines comparisons you want. I will take my TT anyday over the competion. Ill be driving while they pump gas.

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  02 Audi AR - 2001 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By 1photo - May 25 - 2:00 am

  16000 miles & no problems. Turbo lag no problem, can be easily overcome. Fun car to drive, still turns heads.

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  I love it! Perfect! - 2002 Audi A6
  By Kevin Kim - May 24 - 2:00 am

  I owned Benz E320, BMW528 but Ive never met like A6 2.7T AWD. I love its everything. You must be happy with it. I guarantee it!