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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  Total Control - 2003 Audi A4
  By rbtr8080 - February 28 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car on accident, I was on my way to buy a 325ci, but I saw the 2002 A4 and that’s all she wrote. For those of you who live in Southern Cal, try Topanga Cyn. The grip is remarkable! If you think youre too hot into a corner, press the gas! Amazing! That’s a move I could NEVER do in my GTI! It brings a tear to the eye.

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  What a Dream Car - 2003 Audi A4
  By Waregle83 - February 28 - 2:00 am

  My new Audi A4 Cabrio is beyond my dreams. I had an A4 sedan on order, but fell in love with this cabrio on the lot, and am so impressed with the vehicle. The engine is powerful, yet quiet. The new CVT transmission is so smooth on acceleration. The top mechanics are typically high quality german design, and makes the vehicle feel like a hard top coupe with the top up. Trunk space is limited with the top down, but not too bad.

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  Great Car but tire choice critical - 2003 Audi A6
  By TRB - February 27 - 2:00 am

  Driving an A-6 4.2 is a great experience. The car is fast, handles well and is an all-around first class sedan. But for those of us living in the snow belt, the choice of tires can be critical. The 17" Perellis have been trouble. I have experiences three damaged tires and two bent rims in the last couple of years. The lower profile, 17" 235-45 tires simply do not offer much cushion against road hazards. Even the Audi website (in the fine print) suggests that "sport" tires require a special decision. Ill probably buy another Audi - its a great car - but my choice of tires will be different.

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  Audi Avant A-6 - 2003 Audi A6
  By H Friedman - February 27 - 2:00 am

  The seats are extremely comfortable. The quatro is great in snow. The controls are logical.

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  Great Car but tire choice critical - 2003 Audi A6
  By trb - February 27 - 2:00 am

  Driving an A-6 4.2 is a great experience. The car is fast, handles well and is an all-around first class sedan. But for those of us living in the snow belt, the choice of tires can be critical. The 17" Perellis have been trouble. I have experiences three damaged tires and two bent rims in the last couple of years. The lower profile, 17" 235-45 tires simply do not offer much cushion against road hazards. Even the Audi website (in the fine print) suggests that "sport" tires require a special decision. Ill probably buy another Audi - its a great car - but my choice of tires will be different.

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  Lemon - 2000 Audi TT
  By Miki Smith - February 26 - 2:00 am

  This Audi I bought was "Assured" and Certified! It was in the shop more than 15 times in one year! I have 2 friends with other Audis and they have simular problems. Audi "Customer Care" wouldnt do anything since the Assured warranty went over 2 months before I called. They are so cute to look at, but a major pain in the &#@ to take care of.

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  Audi dissapoints - 2003 Audi S8
  By audima. - February 26 - 2:00 am

  In 25,000 miles its been in for service 9 different times and Ive been without vehicle a total 22 days. Power steering rack, control module, interior trim, windshield washer pump, intermitent alarm codes etc. I still lose my power steering off and on regularly. I was told by Sales Manager that the A8 I traded in would pale in comparison to the quality of the S8. $80,000+ sticker! This is as close to a lemon as Ive ever owned.

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  My second TT - 2003 Audi TT
  By Lewmar - February 26 - 2:00 am

  When the lease ended on my 180hp 2000 TT, I wanted a change, so I headed to the dealerships to find a replacement. The Infiniti G35 felt more like a Cadillac than a sports car, and understeered at 25MPH on a corner that I take daily in the TT at 35. The Porshe Boxter was faster, the BMW330 and Mercedes CLK a smoother ride, but somehow none gave me the smile that the TT has for 3 years. Im now the proud owner of a 2003 225Hp TTQ. Turbo lag is more pronounced than it was on the 180Hp, but the extra 45 horses are a welcome addition. It still turns heads, and the interior fits like a glove it couldnt feel more natural or comfortable to drive.

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  Great Car - 1996 Audi A6
  By 1Car - February 25 - 2:00 am

  This car is a lot of fun to drive. Its very roomy, and it has everything anyone would need in a car. There are only a few things I dont like about it, but overall, it is a very nice car.

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  20,000 Mile Review - 2003 Audi TT
  By PVTT - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Have had my TT for nearly 2 years. The car has been outstanding.. Styling, quality, performance and still turns heads. Only mechanical problem was a defective turbo replaced at 3,000 miles.