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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  Lovin My Audi A4 - 1997 Audi A4
  By Phatnasylink - September 23 - 2:00 am

  This car is the greatest car I have ever owned. It is a very beautiful car! It has all the fine german details and enginering that will make this car last forever. It has been very reliable for me, and gets great gas milege. The quattro is AWESOME! I get compliments everywhere i go in my A4. :D

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  My favorite car, ever. - 2001 Audi A4
  By sar21102 - September 22 - 2:00 am

  I chose the A4 over the BMW 3-series because you get so much more for your money. Ive never regretted it. It handles great, has excellent pickup, and, with the Quattro AWD, I am safe and glued to the road. Fit and finish are tight, and theres a feeling of solidity. I think the 1.8T is one of the best small engines ever made. Ive never had a disabling mechanical problem. There was a recall for replacement of faulty coils, but I never had the faulty coils. Reliability has been excellent.

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  Like they say, - 2004 Audi TT
  By JosePA99 - September 21 - 2:00 am

  The design, both interior and exterior, of this car is 22nd century. It handles pretty good as well. Not the fastest machine on the road, but fast enough to feel that the car "goes" when one wants it to go.

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  BACK TO THE DEALER - 2002 Audi A4
  By DUMPTHEAUDI - September 20 - 2:00 am

  My wife has owned this vehicle for about a year and its been back to the shop 14 times. We have decided to get rid of the thing. Its got 11000 miles on it. What a complete disappointment this vehicle has been. I have never owned such an unreliable vehicle in my life. Back to Toyota.

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  Phone Issues - 2004 Audi A8
  By BM - September 19 - 2:00 am

  As a previous BMW 745il owner I have a good idea for the cars differences. The A8l is a good car comparatively from a performance point of view to the BMW and a hands down winner from a looks , both in and out, point of view.

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  GREAT!!! - 2003 Audi A6
  By Rod Doede - September 19 - 2:00 am

  After 10 months and nearly 15,000 miles I am very satisfied with my overall experience with The Audi Quattro A6. There have been a few minor problems which were quickly handled by my dealer (great job - under warranty) but these were quirkly things like a blinker switch, etc. , nothing mechanical. The performance is great, the styling is great - clean lines - and will never go out of style. Real wood trim and a fit and finish that is second to none will keep me happy for a long time.

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  Love hate relationship - 1999 Audi A4
  By Laker - September 18 - 2:00 am

  You cant find a more satisfying car on the road. Exceptional handling, great for long trips on the freeway, and nice looks.

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  A wonderful car - 1999 Audi A4
  By Santorin Boy - September 15 - 2:00 am

  A comfortable, solid car that is fun to drive and excellent in the snow.

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  great - 2004 Audi TT
  By koonie64 - September 13 - 2:00 am

  greatest car ive ever driven.

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  Result of my shopping - 2000 Audi A6
  By Alien - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Great breaking. Outstanding internal material quality. Nice strong engine, but it doesnt live up to Mitsu 3000GT Turbo I once had. Very well designed trunk (lotsa space). Smooth yet tight ride after 55K. It runs better than my dads brand-new Volvo. Had to replace tiptronik electro plate for $800. Wish I didnt have to deal with a dealer (waiting list was 3 weeks). Chose the car over BMW, Acura, Infin, and Lexus GS300 (came closest but not good enough).