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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  Rolands 2002 Audi A6 - 2002 Audi A6
  By Roland A. Tripp - September 4 - 2:00 am

  It is without question the finest automobile I have owned or leased in over 50 years as a car owner and 65 as a driver

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  phenominal - 2001 Audi TT
  By phreekk - September 4 - 2:00 am

  The Audi TT is the definition of fun. It handles like a dream. The quattro system keeps the car hugging every turn at amazing speeds. You may laugh but I was amazed at how much the coupe can hold, fold down the back seats (theyre not useful sitting in at all). But with the seats down i was able to fit in all four off my street tires when i had my tires and wheels changed for winter.

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  Great - 1998 Audi A6
  By winojim - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I still am not too excited about the look of the rear tail lights and I think that the center cup holder is a poor design. One 7-11 big gulp and a slight sharp turn and your cup holder is reduced to broken plastic. How can Audi put a donut spare in a car of this magnitude? Other than that, I love this car! It gets a lot of looks and compliments and I love the safe feel that I get with the handling and the all wheel drive.

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  Effortless grace -- and eat my dust too. - 2000 Audi A8
  By chrisjh - September 2 - 2:00 am

  It does what you want when you want it with effortless grace and composure. Communicative under all circumstances. How can such a large car be so damn good, work so well, feel so good, catch so many looks and gestures/comments of appreciation -- its magical.

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  A6 3.0 Avant is sweet - 2002 Audi A6
  By Mark Cagno - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I am extremely satisfied with this automobile & this is coming from a tough critic. Overall if you like to drive cars, I believe this is the best all around wagon/Small SUV in the market. I was very worried about the power this car offered based on some of the reading I did prior to my purchase. The worrying was for naught. This car gets up to speed quickly with no hesitation. It is not a vette, but acceleration is better than most cars.

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  My 3rd Audi is fantastic - 2003 Audi A4
  By Happy CVT - August 30 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever purchased. The build quality is beyond belief! The CVT is so smooth and the performance is amazing. The interior is best Ive seen. The car has been problem free and I cannot not find one single item that needs attention. This is my 3rd A4 and they just keep getting better and better. CVT is truly amazing. With CVT your speed just builds and builds with very low engine RPM. It reminds you of an electric motor. Engine RPM stay low under most throttle positions. When pressed hard RPMs peak and your speed builds very rapidly.

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  No Buyers Remorse Here - 2002 Audi A6
  By Doug - August 29 - 2:00 am

  What a great vehicle! Everything including the style, ride, interior design, and comfort is fantastic!! If the 530I is a nine then the A6 is a 10. Audi pays more attention to the little details. The Audi staff at Boardwalk were great to deal with unlike the snotty impression given by the BMW sales guy.

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  Bargain Bin A4 - 1995 Audi 90
  By Jones - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I traded DOWN from a 96 A4 a few years ago when a second baby made me unconfortable with the high payments. I saved a lot of money and got essentially the same car. Not quite as sexy on the outside but a solid, well- performing german sports sedan. Clean, crips lines like a well-tailored gray flannel suit. Fast, if not quick. Unimpeachable 5-speed transmission, smooth clutch. Very reliable except for some minor electrical issues. Comfortable, if a little cramped for most Americans. Tenacious grip in all conditions.

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  Bargain Bin A4 - 1995 Audi 90
  By jones - August 28 - 2:00 am

  I traded DOWN from a 96 A4 a few years ago when a second baby made me unconfortable with the high payments. I saved a lot of money and got essentially the same car. Not quite as sexy on the outside but a solid, well- performing german sports sedan. Clean, crips lines like a well-tailored gray flannel suit. Fast, if not quick. Unimpeachable 5-speed transmission, smooth clutch. Very reliable except for some minor electrical issues. Comfortable, if a little cramped for most Americans. Tenacious grip in all conditions.

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  Augusta A4 - 1997 Audi A4
  By EMDII - August 28 - 2:00 am

  - More fpg than any sports sedan available - precie and predictable handling, even when going deep - the auto-tranny is surprisingly good, even downshifts well - RED!