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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  WHAT A CAR! - 1997 Audi A8
  By wil03 - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I have owned Lexus LS400, Mercedes S500, and BMW 750IL. This car is by far the most fun to driveThe car is ultra smooth at speed in excess of 100 mph, truely a car made for the auto Bahn. I cant believe this car gets over 25mph on the freeway too! The Quattro is an asset to the car that makes you feel confident in any snowy/rainy road... something most of the other luxury car maker have not been able to match. So for ultimate safety and performance, this car is a deal! Especially for a used one, since unfortuantely this car doesnt hold up its value very well new.

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  ultimate car - 2002 Audi S4
  By lagger - August 8 - 2:00 am

  The best car on the road for value, function, performance & style.

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  Booming - 2002 Audi A6
  By Miki - August 8 - 2:00 am

  A6 2,7 Biturbo 250 HP Quattro Tiptronic really rules, especially on the tight mountain curves, where no M5 or AMG or the horrible SUVs can keep up!

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  Best Car Ever - 2001 Audi TT
  By kudzu - August 8 - 2:00 am

  After having owned a BMW 635 and BMW M5 I have found the TT Quattro Coupe with 225hp engine the best all around car for racing and commuting I have ever owned. I have driven 1200 miles in a day and felt very relaxed and comfortable at the end of the day. I have driven it on a road course and had the tires squealing all the way around the track and the very next day driving around neighborhoods looking at landscaping. Just absolutely amazing.

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  Just one guys opinion - 2000 Audi A6
  By Gaucho - August 6 - 2:00 am

  I have owned Audis since 1990 and this one is the best so far. No question, at the time I bought it it was one of the best engineered cars on the road.

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  No more American cars - 2000 Audi A6
  By fundguy - August 6 - 2:00 am

  After the Audi experience, I would NEVER buy another american car. This A6 performs better in the snow and ice than my old 1995 Chevy Blazer 4WD.

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  Beautiful and Refined - 2003 Audi A4
  By Meni - August 5 - 10:00 am

  An absolutely stunning convertable. When topless, wind and noise levels are pleasantly low. With the top up, comfort is comperable to a sedan, which is a good thing. The roof is even lined on the inside! The interior design and amenities are lavish, logical, and perfect to the touch. Audi is clearly a class leader when it comes to fit and finish. The 3.0 V6 married to the high- tech Multitronic transmission results in smooth acceleration. Power is surprisingly plentiful and fuel efficient for such a heavy car (3800 lbs). Only regret is that I didnt get the Sport Package (which will be remedied with after-market springs).

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  Extremely Happy Owner (1.5 Years) - 2001 Audi S4
  By Larry V - August 5 - 2:00 am

  I thought Id contribute this review after 1.5 years of ownership and 17,000 miles. I still love this car. It has been reliable and continues to thrill.

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  We love this car!!!! - 2001 Audi TT
  By Sarah H - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Very stylish. Awesome drive. Cant beat the body style. Very cool car.

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  My Review - 2000 Audi S4
  By Jan Vangrov - August 4 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Practical, fun. Attracts little extra attention but goes like hell yet under control