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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  99 Audi - 1999 Audi A6
  By LAshrink - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I like the car

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  2003 Audi A4 - 2004 Audi A4
  By jackfrost - November 12 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle has ben flawless since purchased. The service is great superb warranty.This is my 3rd Audi and I love it even more than my last one.

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  I think I have ruined myself... - 2001 Audi S4
  By BluecarsRgood - November 11 - 2:00 am

  I test drove some other cars this weekend, how will I ever be content to say nothing of happy with anything that doesnt perform like my S4? It does everything a car should. I even get between 26-27 mpg on the highway- which is were I drive it the most. I love the fact that it is exotic without having to try. I have alcantara seating, I get WOWs everyweek! The hardest part about owning this car, is obeying the speed limit. If you can, get one. You will not be disappointed. Oh yeah-- In a couple years, when my warranty is up- CAN YOU SAY 500 HP ! What a great idea !

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  This is the best - 2003 Audi TT
  By chriswcs - November 11 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever driven, it is sooooo awesome!

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  Too much fun - 2002 Audi TT
  By tlutzy - November 10 - 2:00 am

  In a world of vanilla, where every car now looks just about like every other car, the TT stands out. The proportions are perfect. The lines are perfect. And the Bauhaus approach--use good materials, include it only if it is functional--works. Theres a feeling that everything you need is there and intuitive to find and use. And, theres no excess or cheap materials. It is so much fun to drive that it turns this 50-something into a kid again. And, in a country in which bigger is always better, it is emotionally satisfying not to be contributing to the "my SUVs bigger and beefier than yours" syndrome.

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  So far - 2009 Audi A4
  By scott - November 9 - 4:40 am

  I wish this car had better MPG. Thats my only complaint so far. Its competitive with others, but Im finding closer to 26/27 on the highway versus 30/31 as dealerships tend to suggest youll get, rather than the numbers listed on the window. Then again, who trusts car dealerships. I find the front seat very very comfortable and since I do a lot of highway driving, this is a big plus.

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  For adults only - 2003 Audi A6
  By Trina - November 8 - 2:00 am

  My car is a 2001 A6 2.7 turbo, just plain fun to drive. There is plenty of room for those teen of yours or just hauling a pice of lumber, since the back seats fold down. In the winter, no fighting on who sits in the back seat, since the back seats have seat warmers. It handles like a dream on those curvie back roads. My last car was a Lexus which was o.k., this car has far more bells and whistles then most $40k cars. The German quality is curtainly there. You wont realize the good purchase you made until you have owned this car for awhile.

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  Nothing but good things to say - 2002 Audi A4
  By Greg Mason - November 4 - 10:00 am

  I finally stumbled upon the new A4 and fell in love at once. I have always liked the styling, but Audi has been weak in performance and I almost didnt even give the car a second look. The increased horsepower has made this car a dream to drive. The interior is meticulous German engineering and provides an environment that is comfortable and refined, yet not overdone. The AWD capabilities make this a perfect all around automobile. I have been nothing but pleased with the car over the past 8 months.

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  Perfect Car - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By nwPDXdriver - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Needed a car for suburban driving and the trips to the mountains. Handles well in snowy cascade conditions. The adjustable ride hight is a nifty feature when clearance is needed. The seats are extremely comfortable and there have been no reliability problems except realignment once.

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  Excellent Car!!!!! - 2004 Audi A4
  By Pezley - October 31 - 10:00 am

  After 4 MBZ SLKs my Audi is a much needed change. I almost forgot what a car in this class was suppose to be! Excellent ride, handling and fit! It is easy to see the outstanding attention to detail Audi has by the interior. Only one less than perfect comment - the cupholders. The in-dash holder does not hold cups correctly and falls out. The arm rest holders are, well, in the arm rest! Not very useable! However since this is my only less than perfect comment..I think I can live with it!