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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  This car is a race horse! - 2006 Audi A3
  By Dino - May 15 - 11:13 am

  I have had my 3.2 quattro for a week now and I love it! Just about every option is standard on to 3.2. Well worth the extra money for the V6 quattro. Fun to drive, handles like a dream in the corners. Adaptive bi- xenon lights turn with your steering wheel, how cool is that? Red backlit gauges, looks sweet at night. After owning a 2001 Lexus IS300, the Audi A3 wins hands down all the way. This car has tons of features and is definitely a keeper.

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  the best car for the money - 1993 Audi 90
  By awd_drift - May 15 - 2:00 am

  I did some minor repairs to front brakes and suspension bushings, but those are wear items on every car. Repairs were done by myself-a person who never done repairs on any car, just read instructions online. Its fun to drive, but mostly on the frictionless surface! I did autocrosing and car performed very well. In my area I saw only 9 more cars, which makes me special and people are usually surprised when I tell them that my car is not a 2001 model. Ive heard about Audi dealers not being nice, but I never had problems because b4 I go to the dealer I do homework. There are online support groups availabe, so its easy to get help.

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  Audi Surprising Satisfaction - 2001 Audi A6
  By redhead - May 15 - 2:00 am

  When I purchased the Audi, I had driven a reliably Chevy Tahoe for three years to recover from a Lemon Lexus... I have been incredibly satisfied by my purchase of a dealer demonstrator. This car is the most exciting drive: it combines superb road feel with precise handling in a luxury envelope. In one day, Ive driven 700 miles in my A6 comfortably. So good, my best friend bought one just like it!

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  Audi Surprising Satisfaction - 2001 Audi A6
  By Redhead - May 15 - 2:00 am

  When I purchased the Audi, I had driven a reliably Chevy Tahoe for three years to recover from a Lemon Lexus... I have been incredibly satisfied by my purchase of a dealer demonstrator. This car is the most exciting drive: it combines superb road feel with precise handling in a luxury envelope. In one day, Ive driven 700 miles in my A6 comfortably. So good, my best friend bought one just like it!

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  Better than PORSCHE Cayenne S - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Wernerk320 - May 13 - 10:00 am

  The allroad offers more amenities for the money, incl. air suspension, rear seat heaters and OnStar, which is extra on the Cayenne S and standard only on the Cayenne Turbo (actually OnStar not available at all). Also the allroads on pavement handling is better and smoother then any of the two Cayennes. They do feel more like trucks. The interior in the allroad also appears to be more understated and elegant. Needless to say the AUDI materials are real, vs the Cayennes painted plastic.

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  awesome car - 2002 Audi A8
  By pacsman - May 13 - 2:00 am

  Wanted a full-sized luxury sedan but RWD BMW 7-series too risky for midwest winters. Went with A8L because of 4WD. Very happy with car. Definitely more comfortable seats than MB S430. Original tires were Dunlop 8000 performance tires but ride was too rough so dealer switched them to Toyo and ride much better. Will get much better milage with 18" wheels but less ride comfort. Im getting 22mpg city and 29mpg highway! Theres nothing this car cant do. Its awesome!

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  Great Car - 2002 Audi S4
  By spark888 - May 12 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Audi and I love it. Great power and handling. Most fun car I have ever driven.

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  Not too flashy , but very good, Audi 100 - 1992 Audi 100
  By J. Wittig - May 10 - 2:00 am

  This car has been very solid the fit and finish is excellent. After ten years, there are no rattles or rust or worn seats. It is extremely comfortable on long trips and always feels secure even at high speeds. Ill keep this one as long as it lasts, which I suspect will be at least another 75000 miles.

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  wonderful car - 1999 Audi A4
  By psyx46 - May 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car with 1800 miles on it. I dont think I could have swallowed the price of a new one, but the 3 year(at that time-now its 4) complete warranty was reassuring. Its a blast to drive. The quattro is mandatory in the snow belt. I put 4 Michelin snows on in the winter, and go anywhere without worry.

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  Stunning - 2002 Audi A4
  By spw77 - May 9 - 2:00 am

  The current A4, in my opinion, is one of the most beautiful cars on the road. Its a head turner, it is one of a few cars that really stands out from the rest. It is also a blast to drive, the V6 engine performs well and sounds great when driving it hard. The Quattro AWD system gives this car a tremendous amount of road holding grip, which is great for bad weather or having a bit if fun.