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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  High maintenance - 1999 Audi A6
  By George Burnetz - February 6 - 10:20 pm

  I bought a 1999 Audi A6 as certified vehicle with a two year warranty. One month before the warranty went up, the water pump went out while I was doing 80 mph on a trip out of town. The pump went out causing the engine to lock up and timing belt to come off. After all was said and done (6 weeks later), the costs for repair was around $15,000. I searched for warranties to extend the car from 60,000 miles to 100,000 miles but the cheapest I could find was $2,000. I chose not to get one because I didnt think I would spend that much in repairs. Shortly after, the alternator went out costing $500. The whole front bumper and radiator has to be removed to get to it. Its almost impossible to do repairs yourself and finding an independent repair shop is just as hard.

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  wow! - 2005 Audi A6
  By ek - February 5 - 10:49 am

  My 2005 Audi A6 absolutely rocks! I had planned on buying a Porsche Cayenne and decided to test drive the A6 while at the dealership. They have made so many improvements to this car! We already own an older A6 and this car is NOTHING like it! So... long story short.... we fell in love and traded our BMW in for an A6 and it was the best decision! Drive one.... you will be amazed!

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  Its a blast! - 2006 Audi A3
  By Greg Burke - February 4 - 4:00 am

  Dont test drive this car unless you are ready to buy it! That is how we got hooked. It is so much fun. The combination of power, quickness and handling really come together to create an exciting experience. The Direct Shift gearbox is smooth and quick and seems to be in perfect harmony with the 200hp 2.0 litre engine, which is incredibly smooth. Really like the interior design and ergonomics and love the external look. A great stereo adds to the overall enjoyment. We have been really happy with this puchase.

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  Phenominal - 2004 Audi S4
  By Hawk - February 2 - 9:20 pm

  The S4 is the most fun car I have ever driven The engine is a beast, with power through the entire range. I chose between the S4 and an M3, Ive never looked back.

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  Great Car - 2004 Audi A4
  By Sonnys - February 1 - 10:00 am

  The Audi A4 3.0Q /6M has been a great car overall the past year. There is a good balance of power, stability and comfort with the vehicle during any driving condition. The enhacned stiffness of the frame for these model years have improved interior feel and perception of a solid, well built car; Which, no doubt, the A4 is. The A4 is in my opinion the best buy for its price range.

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  Gotta Get the Ultrasport - 2004 Audi A4
  By tgoldie00 - February 1 - 10:00 am

  Ultrasport package gets looks from everyone! 6 spd manual gets the car up and going, and performance is great considering the gas milliage. Brilliant Red is just that...simply stated.

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  audi A6 a great car! - 2000 Audi A6
  By satisfied driver - January 31 - 4:26 pm

  Audi A6 is a great vehicle. It drives like a dream, and the cornering is superb. This car is a must to test drive in all situations. If you test drive this vehicle you will own one!!

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  dont look any further - 2005 Audi A8
  By carguy - January 27 - 2:12 pm

  Ive had Porsches, Mercedes-Benzes and BMWs. Look no further than the 2005 Audi A8 for the best value for the money. It has great handling, 4 wheel drive, and great comfort. This car beats them all hands down.

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  Dont Look Any Further - 2005 Audi A8
  By carguy - January 27 - 2:12 pm

  Ive had Porsches, Mercedes-Bezes and BMWs. Look no further than the Audi A8 for the best value for the money. This car has great handling, a 4 wheel drive system and comfort. This car beats them all hands down.

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  Great Car, Poor Service - 2004 Audi A8
  By DCooper - January 27 - 12:18 pm

  My 2004 A8 is my first Audi. It is one of the best cars that Ive ever owned. It has great power and a great ride even with the 19" wheels. It looks great with an understated elegance. It is a true pleasure to drive. My dealerships customer service is awful though. It is too bad that such a great car can be ruined by such poor service. This will be my last Audi!