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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  Fun but costly - 2000 Audi A4
  By go4th - September 4 - 2:00 am

  This is my wifes first new car and I can say with certainty we will not be purchasing an Audi again. This car may be fun to drive but we seem to be constantly taking it in to the shop. In our case the troubles seem to be with the key fob, water pump, headlights, and brakes. The dealership was good while vehicle was under warranty but repairs post warranty are now terribly expensive no matter where we take it. Large acceleration lag when you put your foot down. Cruise control works only occasionally. We will go with something more reliable next time that is also cheaper to maintain.

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  Executive Rocketship - 2003 Audi A6
  By Scott F - September 4 - 2:00 am

  Im 65, so the first hoop to jump in any car is height and legroom. I could wear a cowboy hat in my A6. If I put the seat all the way rearward, I cant push the clutch in far enough. Theres still room in the back seat, too. It drives like its on rails, and so fast and quiet you really have to pay attention or itll get away from you. Oh, yes. A smoooooth ride, a luxury feel, and more performance than Im qualified to push.

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  audi 90 Q are fun to drive - 1993 Audi 90
  By turboaudi - September 3 - 2:00 am

  The features on this car are simply amazing even though its dated now. The interior on mine is leather and it is very durable, just take care of it like anything else and it will last. There are some improvements that can be made to this car that can make it even more fun to drive. Such as a bored throttle body which helps low end torque. RS2 ellipsoid headlamps to improve vision at night considerably. Also changing out the suspension is something that I did to improve handling. This car comes in FWD and Quattro but I had to get the Quattro. It rides quiet and I am very happy with mine.

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  WOW - This car is the big secret - 2003 Audi A6
  By jcoffey10 - September 3 - 2:00 am

  This car is fun fast and beautiful. The interior is so nice I feel like I should move into the back seat! Powering through turns with confidence with the quattro AWD is something that the BMW freaks cannot begin to understand (traded a BMW 535IS). Stopping power and cornering traction are incredible. How does BMW gets the hype from the media while ignoring the 2.7T 6 speed. Those in the know will take this car hands down. More room than a 330I or 530I , a world better traction, faster 0-60 time, nicer interior, solid warranty. I have had no problems except for two burned tail bulbs. We like this car: My wife traded her SUV for an Audi A-6 Avant.

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  Awsome Car - 2003 Audi A6
  By jredwinger - September 3 - 2:00 am

  This car is everything you want and more. once you get past the hot design of the exterior, sitting in the front seat is the best. the control panel is a very hot and easy to use design. from the air conditioner to the fold in mirrors this car was made for good times. the drive is great it is very smooth and its a pretty powerful car. the best part is you can have your friends in the car because the back seat and the truck are amazingly huge. im 6-3 couldnt fit in a bmw 3 series or an a4 so i tried the a6 out. i can fit in the front seat and the back without having to move the seat settings. this car is all that and i recommend it to everyone!!!!

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  A6 yeah baby - 2004 Audi A6
  By kennyyyyyyy - September 3 - 2:00 am

  runs great nice power get plenty of compliments from people in nyc

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  Saab 9-5 to Audi A-6 - 2004 Audi A6
  By Barry Peretz - September 3 - 2:00 am

  new lease - quality auto. coming from saab 9-5 , which I loved. Audi is a fine auto

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  Love my S4 - 2000 Audi S4
  By jprny - September 2 - 2:00 am

  This has been the best car I have ever owned. Fun to drive, but with the comfort, solidity, etc. you expect from a 40k car. 52000 miles & I still absolutely love the car.

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  Total Driving Experience - 2001 Audi S4
  By NMS4 - September 2 - 2:00 am

  I was looking for a performance vehicle that could carry more than a overnight case, and this is it. Its looks may not scream speed and handling, but that is just fine, since these outstanding features attract the wrong kind of attention.

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  The Perfect Accessory - 2004 Audi TT
  By epip4u - September 2 - 2:00 am

  Its only been a few days with this 2004, and I like the style, the interior just makes me feel happy. Love the little metal portholes that adjust the vents. The instruments could be more intuitive but you get used to the layout after use... took me a couple tries to figure out how the wipers worked... and where the light switch was... its zippy and cute and just too fun to drive with the top down. So far its the best... cruising down LSD these summer nights... well see how Chicago winter goes (but kept the sedan just in case)...