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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  Roadhandler - 2001 Audi TT
  By Pedlinpharmacist - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I have had my TT for 1 year. It is wonderful. The AWD is great it sticks to the road like it has glue on the tires. Have been thru curves rated 25mph at 65+. Nothing but pure fun in the mountains, even with snow/rain. I put on Blizzak tires in the winter. No problem anywhere I went. The TT may not be the fastest car off the block, but it is no lagger either. Very tight all over. The design is great, turns heads were ever I go. You constantly have people waving at you and hollering "what a cool car". Only problem I have had is trying to get a base luggage rack to carry my skis and bike. Recommend it to anyone who wants a really fun machine.

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  GREAT SPORTS SEDAN - 2002 Audi S8
  By PAUL WEEKS - August 3 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE HAD VIRTUALLY NO PROBLEMS WITH MY S8. I DONT LIKE THE NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM AND WOULDNT PURCHASE IT AGAIN! CUP HOLDERS ARE WEAK! OTHERWISE NO COMPLAINTS.

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  An unbelievable machine! - 2000 Audi A6
  By byrnes - August 3 - 2:00 am

  I beat the heck out of my cars, and my Audi a6 2.7T is no exception. No car Ive owned has held up nearly as well as this one. Ive racked-up about 70K miles since April 2000. No problems, basides small electrical issues that were covered under warranty. Still drives like new and handles incredibly. Quattro is awesome in the snow and responds better than the SUVs Ive owned. I will definitely buy-out my lease and keep this one!

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  Great Car - 2002 Audi A6
  By KRK - August 2 - 2:00 am

  After a 4 month wait (factory order), I finally got my A6 and it is worth the wait. The acceleration of this vehicle is very good. You can feel it off the block and at high speeds. The sports package is an excellent option. I have not put the Quattro all-wheel drive to test yet. The fuel milage is very bad. My average is only about 16 mi/ga., probably because of my short city drive from home to work.

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  S4 HEAVEN - 2002 Audi S4
  By Beemersux - July 28 - 2:00 am

  This car is definitly the transportaion used to go to heaven.

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  Best Car in this Price range - 2000 Audi A6
  By TwinTurbo - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I have looked at a few cars before buying the A6. HereÂ’s how they compare: Acura TL is nice for its class. It is not a luxury car. It feels like an Accord. Compared to the A6, its interior looks and feels cheap. More road noise. No rear head rest (dangerous in a rear end collision). Lexus GS300 is a bit smoother and a bit quieter but less powerful, loose steering feel, seats do not fold down, smaller trunk. BMW 528 has better exterior styling and is more sporty but less powerful, more road and engine noise, less luxurious interior. Mercedes E320 costs a lot more and I dont think it is worth the money. BTW, A6 2.8 doesnÂ’t have enough power.

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  fun wagon - 2001 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By QUATTRO - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I dont think I would go back to driving a SUV after buying the versatile wagon.

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  2001 - 2002 Audi A6
  By Dicky Doo - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Excellent Quality and interior design. Good handling automobile. Horsepower is weak, needs more power from 0 to 60.

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  1993 Audi S4 - 1993 Audi S4
  By William Otto - July 23 - 2:00 am

  This car is a phenomenal car. Even without extra performance add-ons this car screams. Mine is ten years old and doesnt look it. The lines are classic. I fall in love with this car every day I drive it.

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  Rear Air conditioning could be better. - 2000 Audi A6
  By Robert A. Schrameyer - July 23 - 2:00 am

  The Audi A-6 is the finest car Ive ever owned. I love the all-wheel drive and wouldnt have another car without it. However, rear seat temperature control is worthless. You can only feel air blowing about three inches away and with all that rear window glass, rear seat passangers sweat misurably if its over 90 F. Buy summer package and more tinted windows