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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  Best on market, get one while you can! - 2004 Audi A6
  By I75AVANT - June 8 - 2:00 am

  Prior auto was 2001 A6 2.8 Front Track "Celebration Package" - It was entry level but got me in the door. Was impressed by warranty support. My lease was up and my 2004 Avant was sitting on the lot - it was meant to be. Quattro is AMAZING! I found myself in the left lane being tailgated by a trucker - Tiptronic - from 75 to 85 in nothing flat to get myself out of a bad situation. The Michelins and Quattro were like rails. Needless to say, the best safety feature is a car capable of getting you out of a bad situation before it occurs.

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  Fun to drive, nightmare to own - 2000 Audi S4
  By nomoreaudijunk - June 7 - 2:00 am

  Issues included: A/C system was improperly assembled and poured water into the passenger seat. Water pump, catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, and coil packs - all replaced. When I brought it in last week, the ABS computer was shot. Cruise control switch shot. This car is a piece of crap. When the cats and pre-cats were replaced under an emissions system warranty, at Metro, I had to pay for new O2 sensors. They were an Audi mandated repair along with the converters, but Audi wouldnt cover it EVEN THOUGH THEY REQUIRED IT AS PART OF THE WARRANTY REPAIR. I got Audi customer service to cover half the cost, and they acted like they were doing me a favor.

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  Love my new S4 Cabrio - 2004 Audi S4
  By KenSchwartz - June 7 - 2:00 am

  This car is quick off the line with true appeal on turns. The SMG paddle shifters give the control of a stick without the annoyance of a clutch in traffic. Stereo is clear, seats are so comfortable. This thing is just great in turns and loves to jump off the line. I had a 1999 Corvette and I like this more - cant believe Im saying this. Mine- brilliant red with silver/wood interior.

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  Surprisingly good - eats country roads - 2004 Audi A8
  By CountryMotoring - June 7 - 2:00 am

  Picked up new 2004 A8L recently - with trepidation after reading about problems/bad reviews surrounding acceleration, brakes, and electrical (battery life) systems. After 200 mile run - absolutely no problems - nada. A real all around pleasure - from both comfort and fun to drive perspectives. Actually this is the real luxury alternative to a SUV - lots or room, 4wheelDrive, trunk space forever, and adj. air suspension. My 14 year old daughter in the back-seat loves it. A huge move up from my 2001 BMW 330ci. And big brother to my Jeep Cherokee Overland.

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  I know what I have - 2000 Audi A4
  By XedoS69 - June 6 - 2:00 am

  I bough the car used. It is actual second B5 platfor car in my house. this is my wifes car. I drive 98 Passat that basicly uses the same platform. The car drivers perfectly. So far did not have any major problems. I see so many negative opinions here, but the truth about VAGs (Volkswagen und Audi Gruppe) is that these cars requires regural work and check up. If you do all of these you will have a great car for years. Timing belt is a must after 60k miles. ($500-$700 at dealership or $200 DIY) If wont do it, you might be looking into new engine. The car is fun to drive and the AWD is a perfect for Michigan winters.

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  Racecar fun, SUV utility and MPG - 2004 Audi S4
  By christhegoalie - June 6 - 2:00 am

  I am one of the 10 Americans that LOVE wagons and this one is as good as you can buy. I have the one from the ads, blue w/ blue and black int. Looks awesome. V8 is stellar! (especially after you add the APR complete exhaust sys.) Great brakes (I might even leave them factory!) Decent suspension (likely to upgrade) Downside: Even being super nice I cant get 20 MPG.

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  Sullo Family A8 - 2004 Audi A8
  By Carl Sullo - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Its just what I expected it to be. My last car was a 2001 Mercedes S430 and I have no regrets. Its an outstanding car that has it all over the Benz. Quatro is an experience!!

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  What a car!! - 2004 Audi TT
  By tucanos - June 5 - 2:00 am

  This is the most enjoyable car I ever driven. It is a car that respond quickly to acceleration and the ransmission is smooth and sporty. The car with the soft top on, appears ordinary, however you lower the top and the fun begin. The car I drive car has a Bose system and capacity for six cds. which allow me to enjoy music for a long time, and that is a good thing because the access to the cd changer is cumbersome to say the least. The instrumentation readings took a couple of weeks to handle it, now is just perfect for me. This is a good looking car that I recommend, especially to those people living in places with plenty of sunny days.

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  Still my dream car... - 2002 Audi TT
  By Dream TT - June 5 - 2:00 am

  After 2 1/2 years of ownership Im still in love with this car. The design of this car is timeless and I cant imagine ever owning another sports car. In the twisties, it drives like a slot car (even in the rain with Quattro all wheel drive.) The interior design fits the overall design theme and I have plenty of room (Im 6 2".) Its surprisingly roomy for such a small car. Its also very comfortable on long trips (no driver fatigue.) I also like not seeing multiples of my model of car everyday. Sometimes I go days without seeing another TT....and I dont live in the boonies!

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  The Best Car ever build - 2002 Audi A4
  By Nirmal - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Build quality is exceptional. This is one of the best looking car on road. I have never had any problem so far. It give me wonderful mileage