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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  love the new A6!!! - 2005 Audi A6
  By barry fain - June 11 - 1:31 pm

  I traded in a 1999 A8 for the new 2005 A6. Wow!!! Even with the smaller engine the car gives me a lot more get up and go than this cowboy could possibly need. Given that I live in a heavy snow area, the added weight of the A6 (compared to the sometime too light old A8) and of course the four wheel drive, made this baby cruise through our snowy streets, especially the hill I must negotiate to get home each night. The creature comforts are outstanding and I actually find excuses to go on journeys now... aided by both the navigation system and sirius radio. In short, I have fallen in love with this baby and look forward to many years together.

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  Fantastic ride - 2005 Audi TT
  By Don Megby - June 11 - 12:58 pm

  I purchased the TT Quattro from a friend and fell in love with it. The performance is fantastic, design, style and eye appeal is unequaled in my opinion. Ive owned many sport vehicles, but this one takes the prize!!

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  Satisfied Owner But Waiting to See - 2005 Audi A6
  By Herbert Hunter - June 11 - 12:34 pm

  When I lease this car, with 400 miles on the odometer, there was a vibration in the steering wheel and on the floor of the car. After returning it twice, and wheel balancing and an exchange of driveshaft from another car and new wheels, it took the dealership at least three weeks to find out the nature of the probem and hopefully correct it. Not what you would expect with a new car of such "high quality." The air conditioning system gadgets are too complicated to use.Too many Elvis Presly selections in the Sirus, no Blues as I recall.

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  Mixed feelings - 1994 Audi 90
  By Sasha - June 11 - 12:12 pm

  I love my Audi, shes an amazing car being my first. Its a good price unlike cars that are in that range and year. It is amazing. The main cons are: very jutty acceleration, slow pick up, wiggling when you accelerate on wet pavement. Crappy airflow within the vents, not very comfortable with cloth seating.

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  Like it more each day. - 2006 Audi A4
  By Louis - June 11 - 7:16 am

  Quattro with premium and cold weather packages. Silver with black interior. First time Audi driver. Love the agile performance of the 2.0T. Its almost too easy to get to 80 mph... the ride is so smooth. Rock solid cornering and responsive handling. Im 64" and have been most surprised by how comfortable I feel.

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  A fantasic car - 2001 Audi S8
  By Alan B. - June 10 - 11:04 pm

  My last three cars were Audis, and this one has been the best so far. I used to own a 2000 S4, but I enjoy driving this Audi S8 because of its larger size and it has more comfort and room. I just purchased a new 2005 Audi W12, so I am selling the 2001 Audi S8 on the internet. Hopefuly others will find out what a truly great car the Audi S8 is, not to mention how unique and rare this automobile is, when you want something a little different try an Audi. I am pretty tired of all the BMWs and Mercedes I see on the road so I felt this car was more unique.

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  S4 V8 Tiptronic - 2005 Audi S4
  By david smail - June 10 - 10:50 pm

  Traded a 2002 S4 with Triptonic didnt relish giving up the visceral whine of the twin turbos, but the burble of the V8s exhaust is music to my ears. The 2005.5 cost $14,000 more than the 2002 however, it has a lot more content, e.g. Recaro seats to die for, puddle lights, automatic headlights, rain sensing windshield wipers, etc. that makes the price easier to swallow. It is a mature drivers sports sedan, not a frantic M3, or boy racer STI. It is easy to drive fast responsibly. The paddle shifters can be activated while in "D" or "S" which gives you best of both worlds i.e. fully automatic or Tip. Audi Driver (UK) suggests the tip is faster after launch than the stick version...

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  Automobile Work of Heart - 1996 Audi A4
  By ryancp85 - June 10 - 3:03 pm

  This Audi is a gem to look at from every angle. Looks better than the 96 3 series and the 02 A4. Quattro gives snow days a blast and you can do all sorts of tricks in the snow. Before purchasing this, I would find a friendly mechanic who can work on Audis. Dont bother taking it to a dealer and only bring it there for only changes and minor work.

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  I Love This Car - 2005 Audi S4
  By Ellen - June 10 - 11:02 am

  I have had so many compliments on this car. Ive been stopped in parking lots with people asking me about it because it looks so good. And it drives equally well. The backseat has room for 2. Its much roomier and more comfortable than any other convertible weve seen. Ive never been much of a car person, but I LOVE THIS CAR!

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  fun, fun, fun - 2005 Audi A4
  By terryjbg - June 10 - 10:24 am

  A perfect car for someone with a family living in the northern climate: a convertible with room in the back for kids, AND a quiet roof and Quattro AWD for winter driving. It is really two cars in one.