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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  a4 kicks butt - 2002 Audi A4
  By bensA4 - May 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive had my 2002 a4 for 8 months and it rules. Sport package, sunroof, heated seats. I still cant believe the beauty of the interior. I traded in Buick Regal for a4. Comparing the two cars would be like comparing Babe Ruth and Bob Eucker.

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  Fix the MMI - 2004 Audi A8
  By waitingforhelp - May 23 - 2:00 am

  MMI has constantly failed, including running down the battery forcing a tow job. Dealership cant fix and blames Audi USA. This is a very serious problem that they need to come clean on. Credibility is vanishing!

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  great car - 2004 Audi A6
  By ninja - May 23 - 2:00 am

  great car fun to drive fast handles well

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  Understated Style - 2004 Audi TT
  By Arah - May 22 - 2:00 am

  This is a car for those who is tired of copycats and wannabe designs. It is so elegant and driving it is a joy.

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  Electrical Malfunction - 2004 Audi A8
  By baker - May 21 - 2:00 am

  Otherwise stellar car spoiled by serious problem -- Nav system and other elec. components periodically decide to continue to drain power hours after the car is switched off -- resulting in dead battery. Three trips to dealer and still no fix. Battery is in the trunk if you need to jump it.

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  Audi TT - 2004 Audi TT
  By Garry - May 21 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. Quality throughout in fit and finish. The only sports car to have in the snow. A bit underpowered, particulary off the line.

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  Audi A6 Avant - 2004 Audi A6
  By lhata - May 21 - 2:00 am

  Excellent automobile that my family loves!

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  S4 vs M3, I have both - 2004 Audi S4
  By Audibmw - May 20 - 2:00 am

  S4 is soooo much more the total package. How can anyone drive an M3 and an S4 and really like the M3 , unless they plan on driving at the track. I am still not sure the M3 will beat it. And it will take so much effort trying. Thats the difference. And you dont feel like a "hood" driving an S4. It just goes and sounds great doing it.

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  German Delight - 2003 Audi A4
  By shirow - May 20 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned this car for about 9 months now and it has been a real pleasure to drive. The handling is superb and the power is adequate. The interior is exquisite and luxurious. Weve had no problems in 5500 miles except for a bad seat memory module. Gas mileage is improving as I am still in the break- in period. Overall, Ive had a fantastic experience with this car.

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  So much fun! - 2001 Audi TT
  By wmjwood - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I used to have a Miata many years ago and went through two JEEP Grand Cherokees before going back to a convertible, but I absolutely love the TT. It is so much fun to drive and amazingly, it is much bigger than I had expected. There are a ton of hidden compartments and storage spaces. I am a big fan of the safety features in this car as well as the fact that it gets great gas mileage (well, compared to a JGC). :)