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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  Audi SA a good alternative to a BMW 7XX - 2001 Audi S8
  By Michael Feld - February 14 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the best high end sedan that I have ever driven.

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  Quality, Fun, Look - 1999 Audi A4
  By DavidVB - February 14 - 2:00 am

  ...this car has it all. I recommend the 1.8T over the 2.8, b/c the turbo engine is fabulous and its also lighter (4 vs 6 cyl) which provides the car with an outstanding weight balance.

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  Pocket Rocket - 2003 Audi TT
  By Tony Stokes - February 14 - 2:00 am

  This was my dream car when it came out. Now I have my dream.

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  German Twins!! - 1993 Audi 90
  By bighuges - February 13 - 2:00 am

  My uncle has owned a 1993 Audi 90s for about three years, and when I was looking for a car, he didnt want to sell it to me. One school night, he literally chased down an Audi 90s with a FOR SALE sign that looked exactly like his at 80 mph and I bought it. In about three months, I have gone through a lot with this car. It is a reliable and a solid piece of German engineering.

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  I Like it Alot!!!!! - 1996 Audi A4
  By Nancy K. - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car brand new in 1996 and after having a 1981 Rabbit, I thought that this car was absolutly exceptional! The engine was very good and pretty fast. The interior was very luxerious and the features and amentities were awsome. This car was ahuge leap in history for Audi. (from the old 80 and 90.)And I am glad that I bought it! Isold it in 2000 and bought an S4. The S4 is a rocket ship-I wrote a review for that too.

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  Oh my word! FAST! - 2000 Audi S4
  By Nancy K. - February 12 - 2:00 am

  Bought this rocket ship in April of 2000. Ever since, it has been the fastest, coolest car ever. I can beat almost any car on the road if I wanted to, (except for some Ferraris or Porsches or Maseratis) but it is the fastest, most luxirios sedan out there! I drove it out of the dealership amazed at how fast it is. The bi-turbo engine is wonderful. The interior is also luxirious, like all Audis. This is my second Audi my first was a 1996 A4.

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  Stealth and style - 2002 Audi S8
  By Pugboy - February 11 - 2:00 am

  Fast, handsome, unobtrusive, the S8 gets my vote for any long-distance car trip. Seats and legroom are excellent. Acceleration from 65 to 85 (or from 85 to 105 -- but I wouldnt know) is tremendous. The price you pay is poor gas mileage. We love the interior layout and materials. Light on its feet for a large car. Grippy tires, stiff suspension. Excellent sound system. Huge trunk.

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  Audi A8 L - 2002 Audi A8
  By Sean McKinley - February 11 - 2:00 am

  The car is beautiful on the inside, but, the outside design is somewhat bland. The car handles wonderfully and is a lot of fun to drive, especially in sport mode.

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  Works for me. - 2000 Audi A6
  By Johnny Payroll - February 11 - 2:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive. Whether your cruising in town or on the highway youll ride in comfort. The drivers seat is by far the most comfortable car seat Ive ever sat in. Havent had any issues, would recommend this car highly. If your concerned with the potential for maintenance costs buy an extended warranty or go buy a Toyota Camry.

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  Great car for active lifestyles! - 2001 Audi A4
  By yss - February 11 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this car for close to 2 years now... and the only problem has been a pair of squeeky windshield wipers. The car handles wonderfully... my quattro wagon handles better than my buddys BMW 330ci. Its fun to drive and great for trips with friends and all our gear. The car gets lousy gas mileage... I get about 13 mpg in the city! Well, what can I expect? I live in San Francisco and I drive up many steep hills in a relatively heavy car with all wheel drive! However, I can drive from San Francisco down to LA on one tank of gas! Overall, a great car!