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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  Quattro - 1997 Audi A6
  By Fs2 - January 26 - 2:00 am

  The 1997 Audi a6 is a weather monster perform perfect with the "Quattro" awd system and no 1 can do it better than audi. Has a great fight at the red line

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  tt quatro 6 spd - 2004 Audi TT
  By mrs m - January 26 - 2:00 am

  The vehicle has lived up to my expectations. It performs and handles great, is reliable and comfortable. Its sporty, yet practical, 4 seats and a good size trunk/hatch.

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  Audi A8L - 2004 Audi A8
  By Tom2438 - January 25 - 2:00 am

  Intuitive Software for navagation system which is the heart of all accessories. Great sound and beautiful interior.

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  Audi Repeat - 2004 Audi A6
  By mbedoc - January 25 - 2:00 am

  Had 2001 A-6 quattro 2.8 with 54000 miles and liked the car very much. When I saw a new 2004 4.2 quattro at the dealer, I couldnt turn down the deal. It also had satellite radio which I enjoy. The car has plenty of power and the handling expected from an upscale German car. I have no complaints and it is a blast to drive. My only problem is keeping my 18 yr old son away from it.

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  Beautiful Wagon - 1999 Audi A6
  By Audi Girl - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Without a doubt, the Audi A6 Avant is a stunning car to look at. Although I didnt have many problems with it, it is now out of warranty and Im getting rid of it before it attacks me in the wallet. Too expensive to fix and I fear a transmission problem developing ("clunking" at 70+ mph. Have had to replace the tires twice in 3 years and I keep losing trim pieces: cupholders fall apart and the cover on the headlight washers have fallen of, while driving, 4 times and Ive had to replace them. It is a lovely vehicle, but dont keep it past its warranty!

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  Great driving year after year - 1997 Audi A4
  By Dottie - January 24 - 2:00 am

  This car has outstanding handling, acceleration, and road worthiness. It is a joy to drive under any conditions - in town or open road. The one drawback to the design is the limited leg room in the back seat which was improved somewhat in the newer model. Like any high performance car, it is not cheap to repair but the driving pleasure it offers offsets that negative.

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  Way2Fun - 2004 Audi TT
  By Wislynn - January 24 - 2:00 am

  Way2Fun is the personalized plate I hope to have on my brand new TT 3.2 Quattro! It is Imola Yellow and gorgeous inside and out. Distinctive, comfortable, and appeals to my practical side: year-round driving, a hatchback, a small, but useful backseat for little things. The sound system is great as well. I drove it in the snow and cold yesterday for the first time and, wow, great performance! (With snow tires on.)

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  Solid, Safe & Fun - 2002 Audi A4
  By Fegs229 - January 24 - 2:00 am

  My first luxury car was worth the wait. Solid car, feels safe to drive and has the features to back up the claims. Fit & finish excellent inside and out. 3.0L engine with the CVT is smooooth and fast. I love the extra power it delivers at high speeds, passes others without straining. Amazing car for the money. Drove the BMW-3 and chose the A4 for FWdrive and price. My wife wouldnt drive this car for the first 1 1/2 years, too powerful. Now I cant get it back from her.

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  Beware of temperature sensitive glass - 2002 Audi A4
  By NDanger - January 23 - 2:00 am

  rear hatch/door window is very fragile in extremely cold temps. Currently waiting 5-6 weeks for replacement.... from Germany!

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  Awesome Ride - 1997 Audi A6
  By guzinta - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I absolutely love this car. Its like a rock on the road. Extremely comfortable, ample power, very good handling in all types of weather. Very smooth shifting (auto trans). My only complaint is the location of the cup holder.