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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  Der Uber Audi S4 - 2002 Audi S4
  By pkvoss - October 1 - 2:00 am

  This car is the best value for a German sports sedan when compared to a Benz or BMW. Nearly every thing is standard, very few options. Even the 6 speed manual or 5 speed automatic is a no charge option! Std Quattro AWD is still the king after 20+ years of proving its self. The Benz still does not have AWD as an option on a C class, BMW left the AWD market in the late 80s to early 90s due to poor reliability in their 325 ixs AWD design. And the new BMW 330 xi sits a lot higher up than a non AWD 330 sedan. BMW still has a way to go on perfecting the AWD sedan!

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  The 2004 S-4 is a Solid Success - 2004 Audi S4
  By MisterDuck - September 30 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 S-4 has the best across-the- board torque I have ever experienced. Acceleration is superior even in sixth gear. The shifter is quick and precise, and the exhaust note is thunderous (though not for anyone who thinks a quiet, serene ride is a high priority). Handling is outstanding and ride quality is refined without compromising the tautness and road feel expected from a performance sport sedan.

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  RocketShip - 2004 Audi S4
  By Alon - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I have been an Audi Lover all my life. I waited a year for this car and well worth it. I was the first to drive the car off the lot and have been getting looks ever since. The car has amazing torque. Handling is unbelievable. Gas mileage is a bit of a burn, yet all it takes is a good release of all 340 horses and you quiclky forget the trip made to the pump. Eat your heart out M3 lovers.

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  Great car... but - 2003 Audi A4
  By geneaudi - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I love this car. Fit and finish is great. Car looks aggressive with performance package 17 inch wheels. Fun to drive. Quattro is awesome. But I am plagued by squeaks and rattles. I would expect better from Audi.

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  Outstanding!! - 2004 Audi A4
  By rabnreb - September 30 - 2:00 am

  This is my second A4 The CVT transmission is a vast improvement with smooth and peppy acceleration. Our dealers service department is especially outstanding, a strong factor in our decision to purchase another Audi

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  My favorite car so far! - 2002 Audi A4
  By DolphinCVT - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Ive own this car for a month and a half now. I love it! It could have used some more HPs though.

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  A fun yet practical drive - 2002 Audi A4
  By wantsmalcar - September 29 - 10:00 am

  This car has been an excellent purchase for me. I was looking at Jettas and others of that ilk, but his car is obviously head and shoulders over those. After driving the BMW 325xi for some time, I have to say I like the A4 more! The manageability and infrequency of repairs and even scheduled maintenance make this car a no-brainer decision if youre looking at this price level or even moderately below (because the total cost to own is small).

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  Why would anyone buy a BMW? - 2002 Audi A4
  By Roughgem - September 29 - 10:00 am

  Looked at the BMW 3-series and BMW 5- series, and then ... with some skepticism ... visited the Audi dealer. WOW! The interior is so far superior to anything the BMW 3 offers both in terms of build quality and space, and to get a comparable BMW 5 would cost at least $10,000 more! The interior is plush, sleek, and oozes luxury. Loved the drive with the 6- speed right from the get-go - zippy and responsive. The extras and the bells and whistles on this car made me think of a Bond vehicle - more toys than you can imagine, and thats standard! I LOVE THIS CAR, its everything I could have asked for in a European luxury sports sedan, and more ... dont forget the AWD!

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  Best Mid-size Luxury Senan - 2003 Audi A6
  By LUV MY AUDI - September 29 - 2:00 am

  I purchased my A6 3 weeks ago, and I LOVE this car!!! Exterior is simple yet luxurious, interior top notch, and it has plenty of power. Its quality matches (if not exceeds) that of BMW or MB, yet it costs thousands less. If you are looking for a midsize luxury sedan, make sure you testdrive the A6. Ive heard of some reliability problems, but so far so good :)

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  Audi A6 2.8 - 1999 Audi A6
  By A6 is A ok - September 27 - 2:00 am

  I just purchased this vehicle with 39,900 miles on the clock and to date no problems. The 2 year/100,000 mile Audi Assured warranty sealed the deal for me. The car is extremely smooth and fast - although acceleration off the line is not quite what I expected. The dealership has been great so far. There were a few cosmetic features that they fixed for me and the car is immaculate. I would recommend this car to anyone providing they buy Audi assured.