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 think I have ruined myself... - 2001 Audi S4
  By BluecarsRgood - November 11 - 2:00 am

  I test drove some other cars this weekend, how will I ever be content to say nothing of happy with anything that doesnt perform like my S4? It does everything a car should. I even get between 26-27 mpg on the highway- which is were I drive it the most. I love the fact that it is exotic without having to try. I have alcantara seating, I get WOWs everyweek! The hardest part about owning this car, is obeying the speed limit. If you can, get one. You will not be disappointed. Oh yeah-- In a couple years, when my warranty is up- CAN YOU SAY 500 HP ! What a great idea !

• 

  This is the best - 2003 Audi TT
  By chriswcs - November 11 - 2:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever driven, it is sooooo awesome!

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  Good, but could be better - 2002 Audi A4
  By CJJK - November 10 - 10:00 am

  The 1.8T in the quattro, automatic is lethargic. Audi really needs to boost up the HP to make it a pleasing ride. The car is solid and handles great, but just too darn slow,,push the gas and it doesnt want to move!!!! Driver needs mopre leg room , its too cramped and I am of average height and weight.

• 

  Too much fun - 2002 Audi TT
  By tlutzy - November 10 - 2:00 am

  In a world of vanilla, where every car now looks just about like every other car, the TT stands out. The proportions are perfect. The lines are perfect. And the Bauhaus approach--use good materials, include it only if it is functional--works. Theres a feeling that everything you need is there and intuitive to find and use. And, theres no excess or cheap materials. It is so much fun to drive that it turns this 50-something into a kid again. And, in a country in which bigger is always better, it is emotionally satisfying not to be contributing to the "my SUVs bigger and beefier than yours" syndrome.

• 

  So far - 2009 Audi A4
  By scott - November 9 - 4:40 am

  I wish this car had better MPG. Thats my only complaint so far. Its competitive with others, but Im finding closer to 26/27 on the highway versus 30/31 as dealerships tend to suggest youll get, rather than the numbers listed on the window. Then again, who trusts car dealerships. I find the front seat very very comfortable and since I do a lot of highway driving, this is a big plus.

• 

  Biggie sized A4 - 1997 Audi A8
  By TVO - November 9 - 2:00 am

  I enjoy the high-speed crusing at 85-90. It is quite, refined, and solid, with more than enough power available at highway speeds. You can drive for extended miles on the highway and arrive relaxed. The large fuel tank will allow you to go over 600 miles before refilling, but your bladder probably wont last that long without a stop. A used A8 is a much better value than a new A4 for the same dollars.

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  For adults only - 2003 Audi A6
  By Trina - November 8 - 2:00 am

  My car is a 2001 A6 2.7 turbo, just plain fun to drive. There is plenty of room for those teen of yours or just hauling a pice of lumber, since the back seats fold down. In the winter, no fighting on who sits in the back seat, since the back seats have seat warmers. It handles like a dream on those curvie back roads. My last car was a Lexus which was o.k., this car has far more bells and whistles then most $40k cars. The German quality is curtainly there. You wont realize the good purchase you made until you have owned this car for awhile.

• 

  German quality....but - 1996 Audi A6
  By Need2Speed - November 6 - 2:00 am

  Superb vehicle if you live in the north were winther is an issue of getting around or not. The Quattro system is the worlds best real-time all wheel drive system, expect high maintenance price and do not buy an Audi without warranty. Built quality interior and exterior is very high compared to domestics.

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  Excellent Car, fun to Drive - 1999 Audi A4
  By audi fan - November 6 - 2:00 am

  In auto, the car is somewhat doggish from the start, and even in 1st gear manual mode it takes off a bit slow. Once it shifts into 2nd, it is pretty good. That little 4 cylinder does the job. It is not as smooth as the 2.8, however it is not so noticeable at higher speeds. Once this thing wakes it cruises like a much larger engine. The mileage however is similar to my 6 cyl engines in the city, averaging between 18 and 24 mpg depending how you drive. I can get 34 mpg! When doing between 100-115 for a couple hours straight, I will average around 26-28. Mileage could be better for a small engine, but you are pushing a heavy car with 4 wheel drive with it.

• 

  Excellent Car, fun to Drive - 1999 Audi A4
  By Audi Fan - November 6 - 2:00 am

  In auto, the car is somewhat doggish from the start, and even in 1st gear manual mode it takes off a bit slow. Once it shifts into 2nd, it is pretty good. That little 4 cylinder does the job. It is not as smooth as the 2.8, however it is not so noticeable at higher speeds. Once this thing wakes it cruises like a much larger engine. The mileage however is similar to my 6 cyl engines in the city, averaging between 18 and 24 mpg depending how you drive. I can get 34 mpg! When doing between 100-115 for a couple hours straight, I will average around 26-28. Mileage could be better for a small engine, but you are pushing a heavy car with 4 wheel drive with it.