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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  Lil Blue Thing - 2012 Audi TT
  By Herb stern - June 22 - 5:47 pm

  This is my 2nd TT. First one didnt have quattro and the car needs it to get the power to the ground. Good power, fairly good handling, not so good steering. Too boosted, most of the electric steering car now being made just cant compare to a good hydraulic system. For its size, it has good trunk space. I can fit my bike after taking off the front wheel. While I miss a manual, I am getting spoiled by the DSG box. Just work those floppy paddles. Car is reasonably priced if you dont load it up. I prefer the stock alcantrara suede. I had to order my car as all dealer stock came with many options.

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  TT coupe quattro - 2001 Audi TT
  By lesli - June 22 - 2:00 am

  This car was and continues to be a real head turner. Extremely fun to drive. A very sure-footed ride that hugs the curves.

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  Convertible Fanatic - 2003 Audi TT
  By kenwlund - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a new Miata (fun but too small if you are 6feet or taller), new Chrysler Sebring convertible(nice underpowered family convertible), a Jag XJS cabriolet (pretty but junk)and a BMW 328i convertible (Great Performance Car, but high maintenance) The TT is a great design, great ride and lots of fun. The Audi service plan built into the price lowers your annual operating costs as well and that made it very attractive. Also, to go with the great styling and mid- range performance, there are great deals on this car right now!

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  Great Car Bad Dealership - 2003 Audi TT
  By Bboy - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I love the car but dont by from Rusnak Pasadena. The customere service is horrible. Okay back to the car. Great to drive and really fun. A little small at first, but you get used to it. Overall very satisfied with the car.

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  so far so good - 2001 Audi A4
  By Eric 1 - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I am a guy who keeps his cars for over 10 years if possible, I was concerned that the Audi would not hold up. It is a bit early to say, but it is going well so far. I will have to replace the tires as there is a slow leak and I had to change the CD player (at no cost) but otherwise all is well. The car seems to be somewhat noiser that it use to be. I hope it holds up for a another 8 years !!! Eric

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  Nothing compares to this car! - 2004 Audi A8
  By wraith34 - June 20 - 2:00 am

  I have owned everything from Porsche to Jaguar to Mercedes. I have never driven any car off the lot that compares to the Audi A8L! It is like having the best of everything. Cant judge reliability yet, but based on my wifes 2003 S6 Avant I can only assume it will be its equal. I waited for its arrival this month and had actually expected to be disappointed and end up buying the S500. After a test drive up a twisting mountain road and an open stretch of highway I bought the car upon returning to the dealer.

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  Great Mix of Sport and Luxury - 2000 Audi A6
  By DanMarino - June 19 - 2:00 am

  This is a great ride that feels as though you are driving a sports car, although you a experiencing a quality luxurious ride. This car is put together well and is very smooth on the road.

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  The worst car ever created - 1999 Audi A6
  By Stevenam - June 18 - 2:00 am

  For the $40k this car cost, it should be reliable. Its not. 16 major problems and 22 minor ones in 4 years. I wish Id bought two $20k Mazdas instead. Ill never buy another Audi. EVER.

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  AMASING - 2003 Audi S8
  By ilko - June 18 - 2:00 am

  EVERYONE DIS CAR IS SIMPLY THE BEST...ROOMY WITH LOTS OF POWER

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  not worth it - 1998 Audi A4
  By nobullgirl - June 18 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car 2 months before warranty run out. Since then, it has been a year and half and Ive just totaled my repair bills. $6400! Water tank, timing belt, sun roof, gaskit, alarm, brakes, you name it. I wonder is it just this car or this model.