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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  Swiss Army Knife of All Trades - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By RostyVyg - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Who needs a SUV when car like this exists...

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  Audi - 2004 Audi A4
  By Stevet - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Why get a BMW, Infinite or Lexus when you can get all of what they have and more. This unique car is set apart from the others with its comfort, safety and for the guys who love their gadgets, this car has so many, that you couldnt possibly remember all of them. When it comes to speed, this car rips!!! I mean WOW! When Im driving I dont relize when I jump up to 75 MPH because it is that quick and that smooth. If thats not fast enough just pull the gear shift back one more notch to "Sport Car" mode and you can feel the engine Scream! In this mode, you feel like you are in a Porshe. This car is the greatest car that I have ever owned!

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  Excellent Price/Performance/Confort - 2000 Audi A6
  By Bolzani - July 12 - 2:00 am

  The car offers you excellent pleasure to drive and you feel safety with its performance and breaks. Its AWD Quattro feature offers you the sensation youre in a small car with total control.

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  Audi A8 3.7 - 1998 Audi A8
  By DeMarco - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I have loved this car since as long as I can remember. It is everything with out the snob appeal of MB or BMW, this gem is so understaded its a shame.

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  Audi wins at Lemans and my garage. - 2002 Audi TT
  By David Deitch - July 11 - 2:00 am

  This is the third Audi I have owned, and I love each one progressivley more than the previous. To date I have had zero problems with the car, which holds true with the quality of my other Audis. The car is a blast to drive, and garners lots of looks.

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  No Compromise - 2001 Audi S4
  By Fess - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this rocket sled for just under a year and couldnt be happier with the purchase. It flies. It takes corners like its teathered to the apex. It stops. It holds tons of stuff (particularly with the rear seats down).

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  Reliable performance with comfort - 1995 Audi S6
  By keytree - July 8 - 2:00 am

  The S6 is by far the best car I have ever owned. I was a bit hesitant when I purchased it with 80k miles, but 70k miles later, I have only had to do regular maintenance (brakes, tires, suspension). The engine is strong and reliable. I upgraded the suspension and the handling is much improved. I would highly suggest this vehicle, even with higher miles. People think the car is new, even with ~150k miles on it. Im not planning on selling it until its at 300k!

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  One of the Best BigEuro Sedans ever made - 1999 Audi A8
  By Brutus - July 8 - 2:00 am

  Understated luxury in an all-aluminum chassis and body. Its sportslike handling capabilities from this "big cat" is just one of great things about this Audi A8. After 3 years, it still is as beautiful as the day I picked it up and has the same tight and powerful drive feel too.

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  99audi a-6 review - 1999 Audi A6
  By ayr_aca_jst - July 8 - 2:00 am

  I drive my Audi A-6 100 miles each day to work. The drive seems time less as I listen to the Bose sound system--- its like being at a concert!! The ride and handling gives me that Autobahn feeling as I press into the curves with that Quattro drive system.Its the finest car I have owned in 35 years of driving!!!

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  Not enough power? Get a pickup. - 2004 Audi A4
  By Calgary Audi Guy - July 6 - 2:00 am

  I have a hard time reading reviews about this car that state theres not enough power . The 1.8T is a perfect match for this car, especially if you drive in adverse conditions as we do here in Canada on a regular basis. My A4 has about 1500 miles clocked and although by no means a rocket ship, is quite satisfying for an entry level LUXURY SPORT SEDAN. Want more power and the same level of sophistication? Get an S4. Before purchasing, I drove both the 3.0 and 1.8T. There isnt enough of a difference to justify the price for a 3.0. And you simply must get the Sport Package", Handles MUCH better and the lowered car just plain looks great.