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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  Versatile luxury sedan - 2001 Audi A6
  By audiX2 - March 30 - 5:13 pm

  This is possibly the best all weather luxury sedan ever made. Great for northern winters, and fun in the summer. Build quality is excellent, and the ride is better than a BMW.

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  Awesome car.....except - 2001 Audi A6
  By Kelly Garcia - March 30 - 4:30 am

  I love this car, frustrating as it is. From the performance to the comfort and sound system it is a joy to drive. My wife and I have driven Passats for the last 5 years with virtually no problems. Well this Audi is a different story. From exterior water intrusion to interior electrical and mechanical problems, this car is surely testing my patience. My recommendation, never ever buy a used Audi that is not certified. Just as important, consider your proximity to the nearest Audi dealer, all warranty work must be done there! I admit the dealer has treated me very well. I just prefer not to be there! I still have a long way to go to reach my low reliabilty standard of my Jeep Grand Wagoneer!

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  The TT is peppy! - 2000 Audi TT
  By Kristen - March 30 - 1:50 am

  Driver seat is comfortable, interior circle theme is interesting and catches everyones eye. This car has a reputation for being fast and upscale. Despite a 4 cylinder, this car quickly accelerates, the AWD feature must give it an extra jump. Smooth ride at high speeds. AWD does indeed help in the snow. The rumbling sound gives it a race car feel. Small enough to fit in the tiniest of parking spaces. Leather is first rate. BOSE sound system is awsome. Large trunk when seats are folded down. Red interior lights are cool. Downsides: 0 legroom in back, this car is made for 2 and a couple of dogs. Expensive oil changes.

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  Too many problems - 2001 Audi A4
  By my A4 - March 29 - 3:15 am

  Certified does not mean new or even reliable. I have owned my car for 9 months and its been in the shop at least 5 times, once within 1000 miles to have the engine rebuit and all other problems should have been checked before delivery. Car rides great handles good and is great in the snow purchase price was good, service has been a nightmare. Im going back to Saab.

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  Bought it used - 2004 Audi S4
  By R - March 28 - 9:01 pm

  Have only had the car (2004 S4 sedan) for a few weeks, but I love it so far! I bought it used with high mileage for a 1 year old car. But it runs great, and as every other owner has said, lots of fun to drive, extra power in all gears, and 4WD to boot. I test drove a BMW 330xi, but compared to the 330ci it just didnt seem to have the same power. A better comparison to the S4 would be the M3xi -- oh, but theres no such thing! )

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  Great Car - 2004 Audi A6
  By Alan - March 28 - 2:40 pm

  Powerful engine and great handling in straight line and around corners. With Dunlop winter sport tires, great traction in snow and handles better than my previous AWD Grand Cherokee,Subaru and 4Runner. Interior is high quality and very comfortable.

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  Finally Satisfied - 2005 Audi A6
  By WY - March 26 - 6:40 pm

  I have had my A6 4.2 for about 3 weeks now and I must say that I thoroughly enjoy this car. I was looking for a stylish interior. I moved from a BMW 540i 6-speed manual to the Audi. I thought it was going to be a step down from the BMW 545i that I was looking at. The interior in the Audi is really laid out nice. Their information system is a lot easier to use than BMW. The MBZ E500 was $11,000 more money without the Nav, XM Sat Radio, etc...Not quite the head turner as my BMW, but worth every penny. Consider me extremely satisifed.

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  Excellent Automobile - 2003 Audi A4
  By Henry VIII - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This is a magnificent car in just about all respects. The only negative comments I have is that it the 1.8T Quattro is a trifle slow off of the light and that the engine is a little louder (but not loud at all compared to other autos) than what I anticipated in a luxury auto.

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  Great Sports Sedan - 2002 Audi A4
  By zegers330 - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I was basically down to the A4, IS300, or G35. Wouldve chosen a 3 Series, but didnt look like too good of a value in comparison. Been driving an IS300 regularly and its awesome, but didnt want two IS300s. Finally chose the A4 because of quattro, looks, and warranty. So far the car has been great. Handling is good, but not quite as sharp as the 3 Series. Ride is excellent, turbo has surprisingly good torque, engine music readily heard. Tiptronic works great. Road and wind noise is low, and interior shouts quality. Lots of pleasant surprises (lights everywhere, little compartments). Car looks great, especially with 17-inch alloys. Lots fun to drive.

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  Best Performing Car - 2005 Audi A6
  By Andy - March 24 - 4:24 pm

  Only flying feels better