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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  Great Car - 2001 Audi TT
  By jeremithc - October 24 - 2:00 am

  I really enjoy this car dont regret it for a minute. I do notice however a lot of cars coming out like the 350z are cheaper for better performance. Umm makes me wonder maybe audi can come out with a TT powerhouse

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  A6_Avant - 1999 Audi A6
  By Former_Audi_Fan - October 23 - 2:00 am

  We chose the A6_Avant knowing about its relatively poor gas mileage and its under-powered engine. These were acceptable given the car’s smooth, quiet ride, AWD capability, and styling. We did not expect an unending series of repairs and recalls, though. We had problems with the fuel-sending unit, the instrument display cluster, the rear-window lockout control, the rear speakers, the radio/CD player (2X), the windshield washer sensor, an engine hose, and front window clips. Unfortunately, these problems seem common for Audi, and I would not recommend the A6_Avant.

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  I hate my AUDI - 1999 Audi A6
  By myaudisucks - October 23 - 2:00 am

  I loved it to START with...but now it just sucks! I have spend over $3000 in repairs in the last year and a half. It sucks.

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  a4 2.8Qtip - 1999 Audi A4
  By Ramo - October 23 - 2:00 am

  Great Car, fun to drive. Handles well, accelleration is great with the Tiptronic. Insurance rates decent

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  Life is good in my little TT - 2003 Audi TT
  By im14fun - October 23 - 2:00 am

  The TT Roadster is one of the most fun and good looking cars out on the market today. Unfortunately, it is a bit slow out of first. With the one exception, it is the best little car I have owned.

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  Three Years in an A6Q - 1999 Audi A6
  By tubey - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Its not perfect, but its the most satisfying car Ive ever owned. The superb build quality - particularly the peerless interior design and finish - make it a joy to always enter. Sure, I wish it were thriftier, but thats the joy of living in a congested city. On the highway it does just fine and really can fly too.

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  One of the best cars Ive ever owned - 2002 Audi A4
  By PEM - October 22 - 2:00 am

  30,000 miles and no problems whatsoever.

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  Great Performance, Outstanding Design - 2002 Audi A4
  By LeonardPA - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my A4 3.0 Quattro 6 speed for almost 2 months and I love the car. The only option I got is the sports package but the car comes loaded stock. I love the A4s handling, the Quattro shines when the roads are wet. The power is well suited to the car, not the fastest in its class but it achieves a very good balance. My last car was a Miata, the A4 has much of the sports car feel but with the back seat and all of the comfort items you would expect from a German luxury model. And the A4 is gorgeous inside and out.

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  unique - 2000 Audi S4
  By caopsina - October 20 - 2:00 am

  so far no disappoinments at all,stock power is amazing, stability super, i coud`nt recomend a better value for the money.

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  A6 AVANT - 2002 Audi A6
  By FRANK WILSON - October 20 - 2:00 am

  WE NEEDED A CAR FOR MY WIFE TO DRIVE IN ALL WEATHER AND PICKED THE AVANT...BEST VEHICLE WE HAVE EVER OWNED SO NOW WE ARE LOOKING FOR AN A6 4.2 QUATTRO SEDAN FOR ME.