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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  Art on wheels - 2001 Audi TT
  By David_G - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I have shared this car with my son-in-law for the past 4 years. We both loved it. While not the greatest in acceleration, the car has a fun and looks rating higher than anything either of us have driven in the last 50 years. Dont buy one if you need lots of cargo room but that is what sport utes are for, not sports cars.

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  A4 3.0 - 2004 Audi A4
  By Audi Matt - July 20 - 10:00 am

  This car is quick, but not fast. Great gearbox, very crisp and pretty short throws. Have yet to try the quattro in the snow, but this thing feels like it is on rails. This was the only car I could find that met the majority of my requirements in performance and luxury. I looked at the G35, 330, 9-3, TSX and IS300 and ultimately choose the Audi. AWD was a big factor for me over the G35 and 330. It is hard not to love this car....

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  Outstanding Machine - 2003 Audi A4
  By Tony Libaridian - July 16 - 2:00 am

  I have owned Audis for 7 years now and this car is definately one of my favorites. Beautiful design, performance, and buid quality. This car is one of the reasons why I will never buy anything but an Audi. There is no better car in the sport wagon segment.

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  i love my car - 1998 Audi A4
  By PsychUOut13 - July 15 - 2:00 am

  Theres nothing I can say that someone already hasnt covered. Quattro is unbelievable in rain, gravel, snow, and grass (hehe). The acceleration is good, but not stellar. The gas mileage hurts a bit too much for the Quattro though, seeing as how I average 21 mpg on 93 octane. For a compact car Id expect a little better. All in all, if you can afford the gas and want to stick to the road (or whatever surface youre driving on), get the A4Q. The suspension is definitely a problem. Youll just have to get it fixed. It feels good in the city, even better on the freeway, super firm yet comfy enough for long trips. I love my car.

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  disappointed - 1998 Audi A4
  By peter j - July 14 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car new. Loved the looks and how it performed in the snow. However, I spent way too much time at the dealer. Replaced 3 airbags, starter, wheel bearings,tie rods and had repeated "check engine" problems. All the exterior molding fell off and interior was poor quality. Brake handle broke,as well as other interior parts. Spent $31000 for the car and it was not close to being worth it. Did not hold its value and was not impressed with Audi customer service. Bought a new Subaru Legacy and love it.

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  POOR QUALITY - 2003 Audi A6
  By LINDA CASATELLI - July 14 - 2:00 am

  I have had it back many times for a loud bang when it shifts, passenger headlight fogs up, left headlight yellow reflector fell off. Audi insists it is normal except for the reflector. Passenger front wheel out of line right after service. I am very unhappy with the amount of money spent and the return on investment. It was bought on reputation and the parent company refuses to assist.

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  sleeper wagon - 2004 Audi S4
  By lisainla - July 13 - 2:00 am

  I think that this car was custom made for me by the powers that be. My husband knew he was sunk as soon as I sat in it! The wagon is such a sleeper, just to see the look on the faces of the wanna be racers I blow away on the freeway makes me giddy. Yet, the wagon is extremely versatile. I have 2 large labs that I cart around in the cargo space, with the seats up! I take long trips with the dogs and the car is super comfortable and performs in all types of weather. The seats hug you comfortably and overall the cars performance it stellar. I LOVE IT!! Was gonna hold out for the BMW545it, but glad I didnt.

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  One great automobile - 2004 Audi A8
  By Cochrane Chase - July 13 - 2:00 am

  This automobile is the finest vehicle that I have ever owned. I have not had to return to the dealer once for warranty work, only for the five thousand mile service. The fit and finish is exceptional.

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  Problems already? - 2004 Audi A8
  By James Dvorak - July 13 - 2:00 am

  Lets see, I have only 400 miles on my A8L and it has spent 4 days in the shop because the MMI system locks up or just will not start. I really hope this is not an indicator of things to come. I had to get rid of a 745i for similar iDrive errors and recalls. Audi needs to nip this in the bud quickly before they end up buying back all of their first year models.

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  One Test Drive and Youll Be Hooked - 2002 Audi A4
  By byebmwhelloaudi - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Value to feature content incredible like std in dash 6 disc cd, subwoofer, stability system, dual zone a/c, 6 airbags. Got sports pckg plus sunroof. Rides a bit harsh when road is rough, other than that, I get close to 500 miles on 17 gal tank, and an incredible smooth and quiet ride (3k rpm at 70mph). Cant believe this is only a 1.8 engine. My former BMW cant touch refinement and price/value ratio.