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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  beyond expectation - 2004 Audi A8
  By shereen - March 16 - 2:00 am

  A very smooth and more comfortable ride than expected. It is very quick and has a very amazing sound system. Every feature is easy to use.

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  Minor faults - I love it - 2003 Audi A4
  By DN - March 14 - 10:00 am

  My last car was an Acura, which was wonderfull car, but as much fun as an reliable appliance. I love to drive this car. It has left me wanting for nothing but open road. It took this past NY winter completely in stride - Quattro, heated seats,headlight washers, great defrosters etc.. Looks great in Denium Blue w/the optional 17" wheels My only problems have been with a left turn signal that only worked intermittantly for about a month, (its working agin full time) and the dashboard read out of the outside temperature - its usually way off

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  Great Value - 2003 Audi A4
  By Tough Sale - March 14 - 10:00 am

  I have had my A4 for about a month. Its a great value compared to others in its class, like the BMW 3 or Saab or Volvo. A bit sluggish off the line, but handles great and has great features. I especially like the Audi red illumination. The drivers seat is a bit cramped with the center console encroaching but I got over that after the first week.

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  drivers car - 1999 Audi A4
  By 4 rings - March 13 - 2:00 am

  lots of fun to drive, quattro makes it super on most any surface. look for narrow dirt roads and have a blast. new version looks good but I like the "pinch" on the top of the trunk on mine better.

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  A4 review - 1999 Audi A4
  By 3 bar - March 13 - 2:00 am

  Overall im very pleased with my vehicle However ive had a few problems with it. The drivers side window has been giving me issues. It appears to bind at times not wanting to go up also, the MFA illumination doesnt work well all the time. I wasnt expecting a cream puff since I bought it used but, these are issues I didnt expect these so soon. The car so far has been super reliable with great handling in any weather condition. I generally get about 27.5 mpg hwy and 23 in the city. Overall imvery happy with my purchase and would buy another A4.

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  2004 Audi A6 Avant - Superb! - 2004 Audi A6
  By MPero - March 13 - 2:00 am

  My A6 Avant is a sporty and versatile alternative to an SUV, more fun to drive, gets better gas mileage, and is nicer looking. The cars build quality is evident with no sqeaks or rattles in spite of really rotten local roads. The electronic stabization program/yaw control and quattro kept me in control and safe while swerving into the Interstate median grass at 70 MPH when an 18 wheeler blew a tire directly in front of me. The A6 is a much better value for the dollar as compared to BMW 530 Wagon or MB E320 Wagon and gives nothing up to those two marques. The interior materials are superb. We could not be pleased more with our new A6 Avant!

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  Lots of fun for a sedan - 2001 Audi A4
  By golfguy - March 11 - 2:00 am

  This is the very first Audi I have owned and I have been nothing but pleased. The car is able to maneuver perfectly in all weather conditions and has excellent headlights for night driving. I wouldnt call it roomy but it certainly offers a comfortable ride. Youll never have more fun driving your wifes grocery getter.

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  Sweet machine!!! - 2006 Audi A4
  By S. Clark - March 10 - 11:16 pm

  This car is an absolute joy to drive. I wanted a manual trans, but fell in love with the CVT on a test drive. With SoCal traffic Im glad I chose the CVT. Paddle shifting is a great feature. The build quality is first rate and so far (5300 miles) not one problem. Lots of positive comments on the appearance. Handling is wonderful and the power is surprising, especially from a four cylinder. I would highly recommend this car if a compact sedan suits your needs.

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  not again - 1996 Audi A4
  By not again - March 10 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the car with 50,000 miles and drove it for another 125,000 miles. I can not say enough about the handling and performance, but that is my heart talking. This car has been back to the dealer for this, that, and the other thing 5 times each. The only thing left original at 175,000 miles is the clutch and body. Even both catalytic converters were replaced twice. Service is a headache. I bet if I added up the service repair costs, they will be more that the car cost new. If you have the cash to throw at the car, by all means you will love the ride.

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  Twin Turbo Fast fun and practical - 2001 Audi S4
  By Zen Akita - March 10 - 2:00 am

  This car is safe, VERY Fast, handles like a super car and is Amazing in snow and rain. Is it the perfect car. I have found it to be. You may also.