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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  Best Car I ve Ever had - 2000 Audi S4
  By SHA - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Fast, dependable, great to drive, classy, GREAT service, wouldnt trade it for anything: NO problmes of any kind - 26,000miles

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  Good car - 2003 Audi A8
  By dfmrrd - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Well proportioned body offers a great ride. Steering is precise and ride is fantastic. Corners without a hassle. Good low-end torque and gusty engine. Brakes are excellent.

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  All smiles! - 2006 Audi A3
  By Likealot - February 18 - 12:16 am

  I love this car. We traded in our 2003 BMW 3 series because we saw the car sitting at the dealership and were looking for a car with more room. We drove it and fell in love with it instantaneously. The interior is beautiful, the power and handling is great and we get over 31 mpg! The rear seats fold flat giving you a cargo hole that can almost hold a dryer!! The rear seating is a little short on leg room, but the BMW wasnt any better.

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  u know it - 2003 Audi A4
  By nick sutter - February 17 - 10:00 am

  great car very good excel and excellent steering. this the best car u can buy for its price.

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  fun ride-super service - 2003 Audi A4
  By robert simerlink - February 17 - 10:00 am

  cant understand consumer guides rating of "unreliable". maybe this will come to pass after the warranty expires but at this moment it is a joy to ride. fit and finish is outstanding. The cvt trans.is a remarkable innovation. On extended trips i have averaged 35mpg. my only suggestion to Audi would be to develop a better way to adjust the passenger seat. for a beautiful car of this quality ,i cant understand why it isnt power. great car---good value.

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  Fun Ride - 1993 Audi 90
  By jfalcon - February 17 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car with 58,000 miles. I had one problem and the dealer took care of it, a main seal leak between the engine and the tranny. Otherwise I have not had a single problem. The tires on this car go every year a half, at 180 a tires it isnt cheap, but hey its and Audi! The car drives like its new. You can cruise at 95 and it feels like 65. I wont give this car up for awhile.

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  One of Audis best - 1994 Audi S4
  By agentblu - February 17 - 2:00 am

  When this car came out in 94 it was very far ahead of the competition in design, comfort performance and quality. This car still holds these values over many of today’s new cars. The car is solid and fast just as if it were driven off the lot new. The performance in the rain is excellent and cant be beat. Interior is beautiful with leather and wood trim. The dash is beautifully rounded with racecar style gauges. The look of vehicle is still modern and many of my friend’s thought the car was on a few years old. This car has actually inspired three of my friends to purchase Audis, and that in itself says a great deal about these vehicles.

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  e(S)tatic about the S4 - 2000 Audi S4
  By karshopper - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Unbelieveable car!!! Has tons of torque and tons of control. It rides a little softer than the M3 (good or bad based on the persons choice). The car is subdued for a "sports" sedan when you talk about exhaust note. Again, plus or minus depending on the owner. The Quattro is the best in the industry but because of the perf. focus of the car you need snow tire for the really foul weather (1-1/2 more of snow). The trunk space is good and again larger than its main competitor (the M3). The S4 is a amazing car with no turbo lag and almost limitless potential with small modifications.

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  Best Luxury Car On TheMarket - 2002 Audi A8
  By Dub - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Absolutely the best luxury car on teh market. Those that know, own an A8. I have owned a 740i and this car excels in every way the BMW could not.

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  First time Owner - 2003 Audi A6
  By nrzermd - February 16 - 2:00 am

  THis is my first Audi. I have been very pleased with the fit and finish of the car as well as the understated elegance and style. I have received many compliments. Most people are amazed that they havent seen more of them especially considering the price difference between this auto and a BMW 5 series.