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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  Great performance and day-to-day driving - 2005 Audi S4
  By pags - October 18 - 2:00 am

  Been driving for one week and love it. Will write another review in a few months to see if I have changed my mind. Excellent car so far. Does not drive like a A4 or Passat at all. I have driven them both. This car should not be compared with other high performance rear-wheel drive cars like it has been (esp. M3), but with other AWD sedans. I have yet to see one that could come close to the S4s performance, yet.

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  Lease ONLY-Major Problems - 2000 Audi A4
  By amr3636 - October 17 - 2:00 am

  When I was car shopping I thought I was buying a high end car. As nice as it looks, dont be persuaded by that. I have had my car for a little over a year and I have had nothing by problems. I had to have the brakes redone right after buying it, 3 seals have broke, the fuel pump needed to be replaced, the air sensor thing is not working. My check engine light has been on 4 times in 12 months and now the blinkers do not work. And, I have replaced about the headlights 4 times. Repairs are overpriced and its hard to locate a dealer. Looks are definitely deceiving on the A4.

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  Audi just misses... - 2004 Audi A8
  By lyleseven - October 17 - 2:00 am

  This is a great care to look at and it can be fun to drive. Unfortunately, Audi never got the transmission down. If you dont mind an unpleasant surge as you commence to accelerate from a stop, you will be happy. It drives me nuts. Also, dont buy the 19" wheel version as the ride quality tradeoff is drastic. Audi advertises as the "Intelligent car" but the nav system is difficult to operate and that pop up screen to control the radio sucks.

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  Audi A6 2.7T - 2001 Audi A6
  By Dallyup52 - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Great car, comfort and road hanling all in one package.

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  amzing s4 - 2005 Audi S4
  By car fanatic - October 17 - 2:00 am

  This is the absolute best car i have everd owned. I have owned close to 60 cars including bmws and mercedes. It drives amazingly and has tons of power. Very comfortable Recaro seats.

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  id buy one again - 2000 Audi TT
  By Mike_Hodgskin - October 14 - 2:00 am

  The Audi TT 225hp quattro is a dream car.

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  Pure Performance!!!!! - 2005 Audi S4
  By Coolz - October 13 - 2:00 am

  I truly enjoy the experience. The performance is top notch and the handling is superb. This car really is the marriage of power and beauty. I would definitely recommend this car to anyone.....

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  Awesome car - 2005 Audi A8
  By vcool - October 11 - 2:00 am

  This car is awesome. I like the every inch of the car from the time I have first seen it.

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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2005 Audi A8
  By love my audi - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Leased a 05 A8L, Beige, Ameretto interior (special order). All the goodies except parktronic. Chose it over s430, LS430, XJ8, and the 745. After looking at them all it was an easy decision. Now that Ive put 2500 mile on the car a few observations. Smooth, fast, seems lighter that it is, interior is exquisite, back seat and trunk are enormous. Drivers seat is the most comfortable seat Ive ever sat in. Love the XM radio. On-Star is nice, just hope I never need it! Best car Ive ever owned

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  Great little Car! - 2004 Audi TT
  By Tino - October 11 - 2:00 am

  The Audi TT is truly a drivers car. Your get great "bang" for your purchasing dollar not only with the TT but wit any Audi product. The TT is responsive to the touch of the gas pedal in any gear and blasts you along the road in style, comfort and look. This is a great performing car that is super on sunny days and will keep you smiling no matter how difficult your day at work was.