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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  So far so Good - 2002 Audi A4
  By Liking It - December 30 - 2:00 am

  My A4 is a 2003 Model, Denim Blue. In this color, the car is truly one of a kind. I have yet to see another one on the crowded Long Island streets. And at $26,000 no other car came close in features (leather, 17" wheels, 6-CD in dash, auto climate etc), style, and handling. 30 more horses would be nice, but the 5-speed helps overcome this. Im only 2000 miles in, so hopefully the reliability is as good as my 99 Passat, which was trouble free for 60,000 miles.

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  I came back - 2003 Audi A4
  By brianb - December 30 - 2:00 am

  My second A4, big improvements over 2000 model. Only wish that I opted for the sport package again, not nearly as good handling, even with the 17" 235/45 tires. Milage is good, 22-27 mixed, winter/summer, 30+ on hwy. Cup holders stinks, still. Miss the auto dimming mirror, too.

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  Best car for the money - 2003 Audi A4
  By teu - December 30 - 2:00 am

  I was shopping for a new entry level luxury car, and the A4 simply ruled. At under 30k, you couldn’t find anything else even close in its class. Leather, 6disc in-dash cd player, dual climate controls and little gadgets like underseat foot lighting, power outlet in the trunk, full size spare with matching rims, first aid kit.. etc etc.. Interior is of the highest quality and excellent exterior styling. The most beautiful car out there. The CVT also feels like a jet taking off.. smoothest transmission I’ve ever driven. Owned a BMW 328 and MB C320 before, and will now always look to Audi’s first for my future choices.

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  Amazing car for the price... - 2004 Audi S4
  By Biff-S4 - December 29 - 2:00 am

  The car is incredible. Super fast, tons of amenities, superb build quality, blows most other cars off the road.

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  Great Car - Better than expected - 2006 Audi A4
  By BryanW - December 28 - 10:03 pm

  Just a few hundred miles on my car, but I love this thing. This is my first Audi. Also looked at the IS, TL, G35 & 325i. Have been more of a BMW guy in the past, expected Id like the 325 better, but after driving 325i, it was no comparison, not as refined. AWD is very nice in corners, perfect balance of comfort and sportiness w/o sport package, wonderful interior quality, and the outside looks are great (love that front end). High 20 MPG even with hard driving. My biggest gripe on the car is the rough idle which is on all 2.0T cars I test drove. Dealer says its the direct injection. It would be nice for the auto shifter to look a little better, less "Passat." A/S tires lack performance.

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  Stealthy, wild & fun - 2000 Audi S4
  By yobblue - December 28 - 2:00 am

  Have loved my S4 since March 04 - would have chosen stick, but couldnt wait to have one. I am just as happy with this car since day 1. No problems. Fast! Diplay panel is like jet dashboard - lights up red, and all passengers comment. I am still finding features I didnt know existed on the car. For winter geos - must have winter tires! Perfs only during other seasons- dont mix with all season - you lose the experience.

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  Audi Critique - 2004 Audi A8
  By Charles Vallone - December 28 - 2:00 am

  Automatic trunk closure never worked properly. MMI system shuts down completely at different times-very erratic Nav system did not function properly when purchased Rear seal leak- Had to be replaced Local dealer would not offer loaner-he did not sell the car. It takes 12-14 days to schedule maintenance with local dealer. This has happened on three separate occasions.

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  THE NEW CLASS LEADER - 2004 Audi A6
  By J P W TIEDEMANN - December 28 - 2:00 am

  AFTER REVIEWING ALL OTHER MAKES & MODELS IN THIS CLASS, BY FARE THIS IS NOW THE INDUSTRY LEADER.THIS CAR HAS BEST STYLING, PERFORMANCE AND QUALITY. THE BMW 5 SERIES WILL COST ABOUT $20,000.00 MORE FOR THE SAME AMENITIES, AND THE NEW TRUCK DESIGN DOESNT WORK. IT LOOKS LIKE IT BELONGS TO ANOTHER CAR. THE M-BENZ E CLASS IS ABOUT $13,000.00 MORE. BUYING OPTIONS IS LIKE, BUYING A CHEVY. EACH ITEMS IS SOLD SEPERATELY.DRIVING THE PRICE UP. ALSO QUALITY HAS DROOPED OFF IN RECENT YEARS. IAM VERY PLEASED WITH THIS PURCHASE, THE CAR NEVER LETS YOU DOWN. VOLVO & JAGUAR HAD A HARDER RIDE A SMALL REAR SEATS.

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  Little Bump Expensive Repairs - 2001 Audi TT
  By JimDave - December 28 - 2:00 am

  Its a great car to drive, just make sure you dont bump any wheel stops in Mall parking lots. My little bump is going to cost $1,500 to fix. I had a Z3 and didnt have this problem.

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  pony - 2004 Audi TT
  By robert jr - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I love the style of my TT, it handles excelently around curves and the acceleration is perfect.