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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  One Fast Ride - 2004 Audi S4
  By GoErie - February 7 - 2:00 am

  At only 700 miles so far, I love this car. Power at all levels classy, top notch interior great seats. This car really moves, is great looking inside and out, and is a joy to drive. Tight suspension a bit bumpy for the everyday driver.

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  audis rule - 2004 Audi S4
  By chingy - February 7 - 2:00 am

  they are great cars

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  My Awesome car - 2004 Audi S4
  By okee - February 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive had over 24 cars. Most of them being sports cars and the Audi S4s my favorite. I was in an accident two years ago and totalled my S4. I hit a cement wall at 70mph head on and was not injured or even sore ( my ego was hurt,but that was it) I turned around and order the same car again. Its very safe and its so much fun to drive. It gets looked at and the thumbs up while Im driving down the road. I love my Audi.

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  disappointed - 2004 Audi A6
  By easton striker - February 7 - 2:00 am

  Overall this is a fine car, however I have been extremely disappointed with the service department at audi. The feeling I got is that we are there for them, instead of them being here for us. The wait time 55 minutes to hand them my keys was unacceptable. This is my 2nd 2.7t. The radio reception has been a major let down. I receive nothing but static on the strongest signals from the NY market

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  Just an Overpriced Volkswagen - 1998 Audi A6
  By rar - February 6 - 2:00 am

  Loved this car when bought used in 2000. Unfortunately, vehicle appears to be jinxed. Has been in for repairs way too many times. Washer fluid tank leaked. Instrument panel has been replaced onced before and needs to be replaced again due to LED fading. Transmission blew out at about 70k miles. Now leaks oil. Good thing I purchased after-market extended warranty, which I wouldnt normally do (wife talked me in to it). Ill never purchase another Audi again and advised others not to either.

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  Buyer Beware - 2002 Audi A6
  By lwhite - February 6 - 2:00 am

  Problems from day one on this A6. Had to get the tranmission control reprogrammed because excelleration was non-existant in Drive mode (Sport & TipTronic was fine.) Two weeks w/o car. Have had brakes/rotors adjusted or replaced 4 times (only 17K on it to date) and it still sounds like a school bus when I come to a stop. Audi says that is normal - right! Now I need to get some red flashers and paint it yellow. Power Steering fluid leaked out almost totally, window motors had to be replaced, tires vibrated constantly on highway, and it goes on. If this was a 9K car, maybe I could understand it, but its a 42K car - No Excuse. I miss my ES-300.

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  Simply the best and getting better - 2004 Audi A6
  By Happy A6er - February 6 - 2:00 am

  Why spend $15,000 more for the 540i? The A6 2.7 Quattro is truly the driving enthusiasts sport sedan. Beamers are everywhere -- kids are driving them to school for Peets sake. The Quattro A6 will open the door to a whole new driving experience Dont you owe it to yourself for all those years of hard work and dealing with lifes ups and downs. Reward yourself like I did. This is the car of the decade!!

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  great car - 2003 Audi A4
  By rloud - February 5 - 10:00 am

  great car love it, teh best car i have ever owned. i highly recommend it to everyone

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  All round performer , with cargo space - 2003 Audi A4
  By fppima - February 5 - 10:00 am

  Owning this car has been a thrill! Been able to move everything from furniture to friends in a sports like fashion. Owned a Focus wagon before as the work car, for home improvements an regular work because of supposed gas milage. WHAT A JOKE! Never better than 18 city/27highway now I get with a true vechile 22city/30highway with the advantages of safety, fun and reliablity.

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  Great Little Car - 1998 Audi A4
  By Audi Enthusiast - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought car Certified at 50k and have had no problems since. Now at 90k, car gets even better with age. Have Volvo V70R AWD and the Audi kicks butt all around.