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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  Rock stable Dual personality - 2010 Audi S4
  By Steve M. - March 18 - 8:28 pm

  Complete control in any weather with the best tires. Very comfortable for a sports sedan that will cruse at 70 getting 26 MPG. Few compromises in design or function only in price to own and options lacking at $50K.

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  New Car - 2001 Audi S8
  By bwonger - March 16 - 6:24 pm

  This car is a sports car in a sedan body. Even though its technically a large car, it doesnt drive like one. The acceleration is almost instant and is plenty fast for all street driving.

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  performance enhanced luxury - 2010 Audi A6
  By ed svoboda - March 15 - 12:15 am

  Quite simply a pleasure to drive. Fit and finish very tight. It begs to be pushed. The supercharged 3.0T kicks at 2000 rpm and rips to 6500 plus.

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  excellent car - 2005 Audi S4
  By airgim - March 14 - 10:16 pm

  Fantastic engine performance. Very well built interior finishes. High quality. Excellent grip with 4wd. A pleasure to drive. You feel safe and enjoy high performance. I enjoy driving on s mode gear. A fan choice if you are looking for a used sports performance car, without looking like one.

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  Beautiful - 2009 Audi A4
  By Ray - March 12 - 10:45 am

  Very happy with this car so far. Was hesitant about purchasing an Audi as I have been partial to the reliability of Japanese brands for many years. The car had everything I was looking for. Good gas mileage, beautifully designed exterior and interior, safety features, good handling and responsiveness. This is my first Audi and I am hoping it will be as reliable as my previous Japanese made car.

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  Everything I wanted and expected - 2008 Audi TT
  By satisfied - March 8 - 9:44 am

  Im very happy with my decision to purchase this car. Ive been looking at it since they came out and have just been waiting for the right price on a used one. The car is quick and handles great. Its very comfortable considering its size. The interior is roomy for the front passengers. The back seats are fine for really small children for short durations. Bose sound system isnt horrible,but it could use more bottom end. The only thing my car didnt have was the nav. I mostly wanted it for the display and the SD card readers, but the 6 disc mp3 changer in the dash works well. It displays text unlike the ipod interface. Torque makes driving the manual easier in traffic.

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  Once you go QUATTRO you cant go back! - 2004 Audi A6
  By VGHOSTINE - March 7 - 11:30 pm

  This is the best piece of man made machine I have ever driven. I drove Infiniti G35s and Nissan 350Z and then had two hondas and one gm. Of all those cars, I can say this is in its own category and nothing comes to close to the performance and comfort and style and OH YOU HAVE A NICE CAR comments. MY next car will be an A8L but I will enjoy every bit of my A6. Every time I start the engine and hear the muffler noise (modified) I just cant wait to hit on the gas pedal and accelerate. The feel is way beyond anything I can ever own and AFFORD to own. 20k$

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  Terrific CPO purchase - 2006 Audi A6
  By mperfct - March 2 - 8:51 am

  I had finally outgrown my e36 m3 and decided to get a more austere sedan. I shopped Infiniti, BMW and Audi. I picked up a CPO 2006 A6 and couldnt be happier with it. The car drives wonderfully, although the V8 is a little thirsty if you keep your foot in it. I expected that though. The car is built very solid, and offers 90% of the 5er performance, but with a bit more comfortable ride. I have non-sport suspension btw, and look to change that at some point, mainly to minimize the 3" wheel gap (Toyota?). Otherwise, the car is gorgeous, and I look forward to keeping it for quite awhile. I think an A6 is a terrific CPO purchase, the extended warranty could come in handy (hopefully not).

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  Best Sport Sedan Hands down. - 2010 Audi S4
  By Phil Ontko - February 28 - 10:32 pm

  This car was the most researched vehicle I have ever purchased. I test drove with my wife the I- G37, M-C350, L-GS 350, A-TL, BMW 335 and yes the Audi S4. All the cars were great but the S4 really stood out on the interior finish also the acceleration with the 7-speed automatic was powerful & seamless. The fact that it didnÂ’t have much of an exhaust note I viewed as a plus. The ride when not pushed is very comfortable but make no mistake this car is a wolf in sheep clothing when you ask the car to perform it is an animal! The S4 we ordered and purchased is a red automatic, prestige, driver assist, red & black silk Napa leather, dark birch trim and Audi drive select.

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  Wow, really the best car! - 2010 Audi Q5
  By G - February 28 - 8:45 am

  WOW, what a terrific vehicle. I read a review before buying it that claimed it was the only SUV that truly drove like a car unlike others who claim the same, and I agree. It is very fun to drive, got hit with many snow storms this winter and I just drove right through everything with no problem, passing other struggling cars. Handles great, comfortable ride, technology is convenient. I have the Prestige package, fully loaded, and I dont regret spending the extra money. Its a beautiful car and I feel good about myself when being seen with it (as shallow as that sounds) I have the Luxury package with the Milano Leather and ventilated seats, which I cant wait to try in the summer! BEST CAR