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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  2003 Audi A-4 cabriolet-close to perfect - 2003 Audi A4
  By Maui Steve - August 30 - 2:00 am

  I chose Audi over BMW mainly because of styling and performance. The BMW has become boring looking to me, and there are too many of them on the road. The Audi has a crisper look and feel. The interior is more luxurious, and the seats are more supportive. The CVT transmission takes some getting used to. It is not as fast off the line as the BMW, but the absence of any noticeable shifting is very luxurious feeling. Side by side, the Audi A-4 just has it all over the BMW. CAUTION: BUY ONLY THE 3.0 V-6. The 1.8 is hopelessly underpowered. BUY THIS CAR. Youll love it!

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  Most Complete Car in Class - 2004 Audi A4
  By jpeter - August 30 - 2:00 am

  After deliberating and driving everything including Acura TL, Infiniti GX, Saab and BMW 5 Series (3 series seemed too small), I concluded this was the best of the bunch and best value for the money. Quality is outstanding, 3.0 engine is smooth and powerful, has great looks and interior is as nice as anything I have seen. Further, where traction is any kind of issue the quattro cant be beat. Really seems to be the best looking yet most practical sports sedan out there right now.

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  Love it! - 2006 Audi A4
  By CR - August 26 - 8:00 am

  I test drove the 3.o but couldnt justify the extra 10k for the additonal power. The 1.8 is slow off the line but at about 30 you can feel the turbocharger spin up and it feels like a 6 cyl. The fit and finish are excellent and the Audi offers features that the Volvo, BMW and Saab didnt. Im 62 and it fits like a glove, although it has less leg room in the back than the Volvo. My wife and I (by rights its her car) fight over it everyday... starting to feel like that commercial!

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  Fun & classy...I love it! - 2004 Audi A4
  By ksh - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Best convertible ever! Even strangers stop to compliment its styling and the gas milage is wonderful.

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  A pleasure to drive - 2004 Audi A4
  By jgh - August 25 - 10:00 am

  Car is easy to handle; seats are cimfortable and firm; accelerates well on expressway; Drivers controls are easy reach; I have a problem with the cup holder location, it is limited in the size and height of cups it will hold.

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  2004.5 Ultrasport better than a Benz! - 2005 Audi A4
  By HeyZeus - August 23 - 10:26 am

  When I first saw the Silver 2004.5 Audi A4 with the Ultrasport package, I said to myself, I got to have it!! So, I sold my 1994 Mercedes Benz CLK320 and got bought one of the first A4 Ultrasport in the SF Bay area. I love the exterior look (especially after Audi FINALLY decided to paint the lower body panels) and the interior quality. The ride is a little stiff and the power could be more. But, nothing that couldnt be fixed with lowering the tire pressure and chipping the ECU (i.e. reprogramming the engine computer for more turbo boost). I got the APR Direct-port programming for 209hp and 236lb-ft torque!! Summary: After chipping, the car is perfect!

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  What a FUN FUN car to drive - 2003 Audi A4
  By ArunDC - August 23 - 10:00 am

  Picked up my brand new car just a couple of days ago and ever since then Ive been trying to find an excuse to drive it. Its such a fun car to drive, the Quattro has super exceeded my expectations. It sticks to the road like GLUE, and the shocks/suspension rocks! This car just has to be the best value possible for any car this size. Beemer driver wannabes should consider this car as well.

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  Sporty, Comfortable & Solid! - 2009 Audi A4
  By golfgal - August 16 - 8:33 pm

  I had been researching the 09 A4 since March 08 - I ordered it in July and picked it up 2 weeks ago. The car is everything Id hoped for. It is beautifully redesigned with a sportier & elegant lines. The headlights are making heads turn on the road!! The trunk is spacious; interior is luxurious and roomy. I debated on waiting for the 6-speed manual, but decided to go with the 6-speed tiptronic. The response is quick with a very smooth shifting; excellent acceleration. I have the premium plus package with navigation/back up camera option. There are abundant features included in the premium plus package; I also added the navigation package which included the MMI.

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  Best 4x4 car on the planet... - 2003 Audi A4
  By AlaskanA4 - August 16 - 2:00 am

  If you havent driven one of these in the snow, you just dont know what you are missing.. truely awe inspiring

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  This is one great car - 2003 Audi A4
  By jpcourt - August 6 - 10:00 am

  This car is a blast, I just live it.