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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  Sad to see go - 1997 Audi Cabriolet
  By aimeeder - June 16 - 2:00 am

  The Audi cabriolet has been a fabulous car for me. Very reliable, very zippy and tons of fun. As a petite woman, it was the only covertible that I test drove where I had any visiability out of the rear. Have loved this cars for years and cant recommend the model enough -- trunk space is minimal, but so easy to dump things in the back seat. Happily, a relative is buying this car from me, otherwise, I couldnt part with it. I had three people lined up who said, if you ever sell, I will buy!

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  Great ride, poor reliability - 1996 Audi A4
  By Call_me_Eric - June 16 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. It drives well, gets decent mileage and still looks great. The AWD is awesome. Interior design is very well laid out. If it had Honda/Toyota reliability, Id keep it until the wheels fall off. I have replaced the dash (dealer recall), replaced both catalytic converters ($900 each), replaced the left rear wheel bearing twice, replaced the A/C evaporator, replaced the water pump and the radio twice. The local dealer (I bought elsewhere) is poor. They seem to lack knowledge and caring.

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  Best yet - 2001 Audi A6
  By Alix - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Last 3 years I had a lexus GS300 BMW 330 and now this, this is the yet. and I will get a 2005 for my wife next year.

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  Better all the time - 2001 Audi TT
  By sansail - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Its been 3 years since I bought my TT and I am very pleased, overall. My green TT is dependable, comfortable, smooth, hip, fun and fast. It is still the best looking car on the road and the interior still delights. I put on 4 snows in the winter and shes a great all weather (snow) car. Shes quick off the line and itll cruise comfortably at 120 if Im so inclined. Itll go 140 if youre crazy. Plus... kids love it and I have gotten accustomed to kids at red lights calling to me about my great car.

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  Own two A4s - 1998 Audi A4
  By squidward - June 15 - 2:00 am

  I have two of these cars - a 98 Turbo FWD and a 99 Turbo Quattro. Most of the people on this site who have rated these cars are idiots - comparing apples to oranges. Yes, if you have Quattro it is goin to be sluggish in first and second. AWD robs power, you fools. Dont compare it to a FWD Japanese car. Yes, your car is going to need new tires and timing belt at 60,000 miles. Stuff wears out, suck it up. No, it is not more expensive to fix than a Japanese car - I have found it to be cheaper.

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  SJT Audi TT - 2004 Audi TT
  By sjt7271 - June 13 - 2:00 am

  A wonderful little car. Excellent handling, good acceleration and breaking. I love this car!!

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  Love the Car...hate the maintenance cost - 1997 Audi A8
  By 0977q345 - June 10 - 2:00 am

  This is really the finest of cars. I love the performance, comfort, and driving characteristics. The only issue is the exorbinate price of repairs. Driven entirely by Audis excessive prices. The screw in replacement antenna cost over $150 (dealer is only place to get part). You will love the car, but expect to pay ($$$) for that love!

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  Fun in the Sun - 2003 Audi TT
  By bigbald1 - June 9 - 2:00 am

  Fun factor is high. plenty of z4s out there so this car stands out!! Beauty inside and out. Audi Warrenty covers soups to nuts. Summer is here and the time is right for racing in the street. No problems nice fit and finish recommend the baseball optic leather interior.

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  Best Ive owned in 40 yrs of Luxury cars - 2004 Audi TT
  By Ed Laroche - June 9 - 2:00 am

  No problems and great fun...drives like a slot car....

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  Audis Suck - 2002 Audi TT
  By Audid - June 8 - 2:00 am

  My vehicle has been in for service 48 days and is not yet 2 years old intermitently does not start-dealership cannot find problem. Sway bars replaced 3 times, stereo replaced- insturment cluster failed,CD player had to be replaced- build quality is crap- DO NOT BUY-Mercedes,BMW,Infinity first-many electrical problems-I am having to sue Audi-Audi corp policy- THEY DO NOT REPURCHASE THERE VEHICLES- YOU DO HAVE TO HIRE AN ATTORNEY TO SUE THEM- not smart for a car company that wants to retain it customers- and really bad policy!!! So Cal Audi rep should be fired!!!