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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  A Bargain at this price - 2005 Audi A4
  By JR - May 28 - 5:22 am

  A great car, powerful, plush, fun to drive and a relative bargain compared to the BMW 325xi it replaced. A great blend of performance, luxury, technology and rock steady handling. Best thing is that it doesnt seem to be afected by weather or road conditions as it drives the same in bad weather, bad roads or any conbination of the two. Understated looks but stands out since nothing else looks like it. I love this car.

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  Best ever - 2005 Audi A8
  By connie ehrlich - May 27 - 9:39 pm

  We own Mercedes S600 and 600 SL and rate the Audi superior to both. We will buy the new a8l w12 instead of the s6oo better finish, design and comfort. The heating and air conditioning is unbelievable. We have a total of 30 cars including Rolls Royce, Porsche, Ferrari and GM SUV and pick up but the Audi is the favorite of all. We purchased to take the place of the S600 in the winter when the S600 must be parked with snow on the road. We now find that we will opt to take the Audi as our car of choice.

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  I LOVE this CAR!! - 2005 Audi TT
  By ConnieGRG2 - May 27 - 8:07 pm

  This car is FABULOUS! I traded a BMW 5 series for my little TT and it was the best thing Ive ever done! There isnt a day go by that I dont tell my husband "I LOVE THIS CAR!" Who knew a car could be this fun to drive!?! The TT is a head turner with great get up and go Did I mention I LOVE THIS CAR?!

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  Real, Solid Value, A "Keeper" - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Jim - May 27 - 5:16 pm

  It seemed pricey at first, but the Allroad delivers. Great style, amazing performance (on the highway at least), and build quality that MB should strive for (Ive had 15 MBs and never again). The Allroad is simply amazing. My only regret is that Audi chose to go for the awful Q instead of bringing in the new Allroad. Looking at the new A6 its nice, but no Allroad. Ive had no problems, wonderful driving experiences (yes, theres the turbo lag thing, but you "adjust" ). The Allroad is a competent, accomplished vehicle from a mark that is a benchmark for the interior quality -- shame on Audi for not giving us the new Allroad.

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  A4 CONVERTIBLE A WINNER - 2003 Audi A4
  By PAUL C - May 27 - 10:00 am

  ITS THE MOST COMFORTABLE AND BEST HANDLING CAR I HAVE EVER DRIVEN. WISH IT WAS AVALIBLE IN A STICK BUT TIPTRONIC IS NOT BAD. 1.8T ENGINE IS A LITTLE UNDER POWERED WHEN A/C IS ON. OTHERWISE THE CAR IS VERY QUICK.

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  Better than a BMW - 2003 Audi A4
  By gottahaveone - May 27 - 10:00 am

  BMW owners say that they are superior because BMW just make BMWs where Audi is just a glorified Volkswagon. Doesnt BMW also make the Mini? The only thing that the Volkswagon has in common with the Audi A4 is that they are made in Germany. I have test drove a BMW before I got my Audi and the BMW is outdated and cannot handle corners or any sports driving. If you want a car that is smooth, updated, classy and fast, get the A4!

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  Happy but not Overjoyed - 2003 Audi A4
  By Mestas - May 27 - 10:00 am

  Overall I think this car is very competent. The car sticks to the road like glue, but lacks "whiplash" acceleration.

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  Total Package - 2003 Audi A4
  By DARNOLD35 - May 27 - 10:00 am

  I looked for a long time and drove many cars before I decided on the A4. Sure the IS300 and the BMW may be a little quicker 0-60, but I wanted a car that was more than speed. I feel that when you jump to this level of car that it should deliver in all categories. The Audi does that. I have always been told that for the best ride and handling, you must go with a German car. I have not been disappointed. I chose the Audi over the BMW for two reasons. The interior styling and bang for your buck. I feel that the Audi gives you a better value for your dollar. Also my experience with the service department has been great.

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  Winner - A4 Carbiolet - 2005 Audi A4
  By JPouchet - May 26 - 6:59 pm

  After examining all of the top marquees the Audi A4 was the big winner for topless driving. IMHO it represents the best performance, style, quality, and value for topless luxury/performance driving in the four- seat category. And our dealer treated us like royalty when others thought the A4 1.8T price level was not worth their effort. If you are considering topless driving give the A4 a serious look. Test with & w/o sport suspension. Not for everyone but great for me. Love the handling, lighting, interior, and wonderful aesthetics. Top is awesome and down 90% of the time.

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  Great Car - 2005 Audi A4
  By taxman - May 23 - 10:50 pm

  I now have three months of experience with this car and find no faults. Interior is great. Exterior is great. Mechanicals and dynamics are outstanding. Bose and XM sattelite sound system is excellent. Zero defects at delivery. High gas mileage on my one long trip - nearly 30mpg at 75-80mph. Welcome step up from a 2001.5 GLX, 5MT VW Passat that I thought was going to be hard to beat.