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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  The Best Ever - 2005 Audi A8
  By jchrist983 - October 2 - 2:00 am

  The absolute best luxury sedan that I have ever owned. This includes the BMW 700 series and the Mercedes Benz S series.

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  A fun car - 2004 Audi TT
  By Meggie D. - October 2 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car because it reminded me of the old Karmann Ghias. It doesnt drive like one though. Its zippy, powerful and a blast to drive.

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  Reliability seems like hit and miss... - 1998 Audi A4
  By bigaudidriver - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Did alot of research for this car. I bought it with 40K on the odo. So far, I have 75K and still going strong. Soon as I bought the car, I chipped it and threw in K&N filter. Boosted the output considerably (Need it b/c I have tiptronic, Porsche version). Definately a must if you own this car. About to put in exhaust (surface rusted) and NOS sprayer for intercooler. Handles very well but not too harsh. I do lot of hi-way traveling. Pretty quite for car of this size and sportiness. I love the AWD on this. Drove to ski resort and surprise to find that I can drive 35+mph on them slippery stuff. The ski boot was another neat feature. Didnt know I had it! Gotta like the heated seats^)

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  Great Rag Top - 2003 Audi A4
  By caringeagle - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Fast, fun, sporty. Comfortable. CVT is wonderful, makes for smooooth driving. Drive with top down Apr.-Oct.

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  This car rocks! - 2007 Audi A4
  By rockstarguitars - September 30 - 9:00 am

  This thing is soo fun. Ive had an MB C230 before and it cant even compare to my 07 A4 2.0t. Its really fast with the sport mode trans and so easy to drive while maintaining complete control. Awesome brakes too. Sweet sound system and cool lighting while driving at night.

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  Ive loved this car... - 1999 Audi A4
  By mcnorris - September 29 - 10:00 am

  ...its going off lease in 3 months and it will be a sad parting. Luckily the new A4 has a new body style (and hopefully more room in the back seat??) All in all this has been a great car. Very fun to drive, sporty, eye-catching and reliable. Only a couple of minor problems (a timing issue, cruise control switch, and the headlamp washer hose). Highly recommended vehicle.

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  Hella-cool - 2007 Audi A4
  By Hella-cool - September 28 - 1:23 pm

  Second A4 Ive owned and it keeps getting better and better. Love the design, the engine, the interior. Still notice the turbo lag but not as pronounced as my 05 A4 1.8L. The car will get up and move when asked and is very responsive, and I love to hear the growl of the engine. Until audi does something really bad to these cars Ill always buy another audi. Will always recommend audi before other luxury cars also.

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  Fun Until...... - 1998 Audi A6
  By NOMOREAUDI - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, like all Audis. Great for the driver, better for the mechanic! Engine started leaking oil at 30K Miles. Check engine light went on at 45K miles because of a recall related item. ABS went out at 70K miles. The electrical system blows bulbs all the time. Spotty build quality + German mechanics = no money left at the end of the day.

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  Unsung Hero - 1998 Audi A4
  By Couldnt Afford A S4 - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Bought used 1.5yrs ago with lowish mileage. Been a good car with only one failure that warranty covered. Love the ergonomics, build quality, high quality materials throughout and advanced engine and drivetain design (AWD). Car is a great do everything vehicle, with reasonable performance (0-60 in 7.1 seconds)

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  New to Audi - 2001 Audi A4
  By s-hiem - September 28 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a pre-owned 2001 A4 1.8t Quattro. Sales experience: Best Ive ever had. Audi of Mendham, NJ, was fantastic in every respect and exceeded my expectations. Also looked at Infinity I30, Lexus ES300 and Acura TL. Infinity was more luxury oriented but dealership was beyond horrible (Lynnes in Bloomfield, NJ). Lexus was too expensive and the 2002 model made the 2001 look like crap (styling changes). Acura was great but exterior styling for 2001 was bland. The Car: Have to get used to turbo power coming on, but it does. Feels very luxurious, yet sporty enough to keep you "cool". Grips the road with confidence. Small interior can be a problem