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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  Fun, sexy, fast, and still practical! - 2004 Audi A6
  By rjm98119 - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Ive really enjoyed this car so far. It drives great, its very quick and sporty when you want it, yet can be very civil for daily commuting. When you add AWD to the mix, I dont think theres a comparison at this level. Not to mention its beautiful and has an understated sexiness BMW and MB dont have. The only quibbles are a few squeaks/rattles that had to be ironed out, the seats are a little too firm, and the sound system isnt the best in class. Those things aside, I love this thing. Ive test driven everything from a Corvette to a BMW M3, and things in between... this thing has the best of all worlds. Best car purchase in 10 years.

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  Control and fun - 1995 Audi S6
  By Abbas - September 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car as backup/mountain car but this is the most fun car I ever drove. its true in my case that many times I drove extra miles just because I was having fun. Control and road grip is awesome. Maneuvering, control, big torque, aggressive, fun. For me, love with this machine start after 40mph. AC, sound, climate control, pocket seats, finishing, elegent style, all is flawless

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  Great car when it not in the shop - 2001 Audi A6
  By mrchaseA627T - September 10 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy my A6 2.7T except that is has spent too much time in the shop. Problems arose at about 2.5 years and its last stay in the shop was 26 days waiting for a tourqe converter. I was given a loaner, a much lesser car. At end of lease I was well under the mileage limit so although I paid for the more expensive A6, part of the time I drove a stripped A4. The dealership and Audi have not been very responsive so no more Audis for me nor would I recommend the car or the dealer to others. They are not reliable.

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  My A6 - 2002 Audi A6
  By tacik - September 9 - 2:00 am

  A Fun car to drive, esspecially in the sport mode. But the fuel economy in the city is very poor.

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  The Audi Experience - 2004 Audi A4
  By Robert B - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my vehicle 4 months ago. It has spent 2 weeks and going in the shop with an electrical problem. Audi of America has brought no value to resolve the issue or expediate the repair of this $35,000 paper weight. Its a beautiful car if you dont have a desire in driving it. Overall, the car had been a fun driving vehicle despite the cramp quarters.

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  Audi on the move - 2002 Audi A6
  By doug pincus - September 8 - 2:00 am

  My 2.7t A6 manual transmission is a great car. If you have the need for speed and crave the excellence of a german car this is for you. Benz, BMW and the likes better keep there engineers on the ball because Audi is coming to kick you to the curb. I would buy another Audi. this is already my 2nd Audi. Belly up to the line and let rock!

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  Could have been a contender... - 2001 Audi A6
  By harrydirt8 - September 8 - 2:00 am

  This car has a solid and subtle design. The interior is laid out well with exception to the climate control. Performance is also exceptional with the factory performance package and overall features are above average. Warranty and scheduled service was handled professionally and efficiently. That said, the implementation of the so- called solid design is extremely poor. Based on the number of trips to the dealer for serious defects and warranty service and recalls, I give a very low reliability rating for this car and I would never buy another Audi again.

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  A+ for my A4 - 2002 Audi A4
  By dxt - September 8 - 2:00 am

  Bought my A4Q 5 speed 2 years ago, have driven from OH to MA twice, though local mileage is low (have 20K on ODO). The car has been flawless!! Audi Symphony Sound system is excellent. Car is still quiet, handles beautifully and is tight and responsive. Still running Pirelli P6s. Everything works as well as the day I took it home. Best car I have ever owened!!

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  Love My Avant 3.0! - 2003 Audi A4
  By stevenyc - September 8 - 2:00 am

  I have had this car for about 2 years now and I still relish the chance to drive it every time I get into it. The Avant is very practical and the added cargo room has helped immensely with the occasional trek to the neighborhood mega hardware store. So many extra design details: drawers under seats, first-aid kit, cockpit lighting to aid driver...so much to mention. Reliability has been very good. Better than the Toyotas that my parents have bought. Dont believe the CR reports. They are lies and strongly biased towards Japanese cars. Check this out: http://www.allpar.com/cr.html

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  Great ride! - 2003 Audi A4
  By trigger - September 7 - 10:00 am

  Very pleased with the aesthetic, performance, and ride! CVT is terrifac despite my initial misgivings.