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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  I love this car! - 2001 Audi A4
  By Absalom Mori - September 9 - 2:00 am

  The A4 is an excellent combination of performance and comfort in a smaller car. With the addition of the Bridgestone Pole Position ties this car drives like it is on flypaper, especially on sweeping curves where many BMW driver has only the view of my four rings disappearing in the distance ahead of them. :)

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  Excellent Car - 1998 Audi A4
  By Neil - September 8 - 2:00 am

  I love my A4. Got it for $11,000 a year ago. Just throw a APR chip in it and its a blast to drive. Now its got 200 Hp / 240 lb feet of torque & still gets 30 MPG. Excellent used car to buy. Be sure to do the timing belt before 75K & let the car run for a minute or two to cool the turbo before turning it off. These cars hold up great, still nice and tight with 80K on the odometer. Just change the oil, spend a little extra for mobil 1.

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  Audi Lemon - 2003 Audi A6
  By minime11 - September 7 - 2:00 am

  Had car 1 month in shop for complete electrical failure, windows, security system, rear warning system, sunroof, etc. Over the next 11 months, car was in shop for same problem for a total of 20 days out of service. Local dealer had no idea how to repair problem. Audi corp refused to acknowledge our existence. Finally found BBB Autoline arbitration. Met with arbitor and explained problem. Audi did not bother to show up for meeting, only faxed statement saying do not replace vehicle. Arbitor found in our favor and now awaiting Audi to repurchase vehicle so we can say goodbye to their product forever. Beware.

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  I love my Audi TT - 2004 Audi TT
  By Becker - September 6 - 2:00 am

  I love my car! I have never had so much fun driving to work--or anywhere else for that matter. I bought my car and took off on a "road trip" to Chicago. Top down--Bose speakers--and all that Jazz. Its a FUN car to own and drive!

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  A year after the honeymoon, still sexy! - 2001 Audi A6
  By Psyber - September 5 - 10:00 am

  I came from a 2000 Passat 1.8T. I loved the Passat and had it not been for the Chrome trim and taller greenhouse, I might have gone with the B5.5 model Passat. But the A6 seemed to tie it together better than both the Passat and the A4. The car has got looks, more than enough power for civilized driving, plenty of room in a shiek cabin, and the road manners of a locomotive- meaning it sticks! In good weather its nice with the roof open and Bose stereo up, but this car even makes bad weather fun to drive in. Comfortable, stable/predictable, solid, etc... I knew this coming into the relationship, and I have not been let down yet.

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  Fun - 2001 Audi TT
  By long time owner - September 5 - 10:00 am

  This is a fun car. I dont know what people are complaining about--its a sports car. Its small! Its not a Caddy. Its going to be hard to get into. My big problem in 15000 miles is a seat belt that catches and squeeking windshield wipers, both fixed immediately. My dealer, Premier Motors in Albuquerque, has been terriffic. No problems with their service at all. Im very happy with my TT. I wouldnt trade it for anyting else.

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  Great A4 - 2002 Audi A4
  By Jeff Maher - September 5 - 10:00 am

  After waiting 3 months to recieve my car it finally arrived. What a great car! I looked at a BMW 330, but the styling was boring. After getting the complete new Aero kit (first in the USA) put on the car it looks great! I love the Tiptronic, now my wife can enjoy driving a fast car also.

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  A6 2.7T 6 spd - 2000 Audi A6
  By Puma128 - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car, great power and very smooth, good gas mileage to boot. The twin turbo deliervers more low end torque than the 4.2 V8. Lots of nice features. And if you want more power (not that you need it in this car) you can get alot more power via performance chip.

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  Great Car..My 4th Audi - 2000 Audi A6
  By BOBDallas - September 5 - 2:00 am

  This is by far the best Audi I have owned (my 4th). Cant beat the quattro experience. The acceration is adequate and highway crusing is its specialty. No issues with reliabiltiy.

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  Blindspot - 2004 Audi TT
  By VALuptuous - September 5 - 2:00 am

  Good job, Hans and Frans! Those Germans know how to make good beer and cars - this car hugs curves, just like how my playmate hugs my rump.