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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  Audi Nightmare!!! - 2000 Audi A4
  By Jennifer - August 4 - 2:00 am

  This car was WONDERFUL-- until the warranty expired. Since then, I have spent thousands of dollars on engine and suspension repairs. Steve White Audi (Greenville, SC) has the least professional and incompetent service department I have encountered. Audi of America does not hold the dealers responsible, and make minimal efforts to ensure quality service.

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  Roadhandler - 2001 Audi TT
  By Pedlinpharmacist - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I have had my TT for 1 year. It is wonderful. The AWD is great it sticks to the road like it has glue on the tires. Have been thru curves rated 25mph at 65+. Nothing but pure fun in the mountains, even with snow/rain. I put on Blizzak tires in the winter. No problem anywhere I went. The TT may not be the fastest car off the block, but it is no lagger either. Very tight all over. The design is great, turns heads were ever I go. You constantly have people waving at you and hollering "what a cool car". Only problem I have had is trying to get a base luggage rack to carry my skis and bike. Recommend it to anyone who wants a really fun machine.

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  GREAT SPORTS SEDAN - 2002 Audi S8
  By PAUL WEEKS - August 3 - 2:00 am

  I HAVE HAD VIRTUALLY NO PROBLEMS WITH MY S8. I DONT LIKE THE NAVIGATIONAL SYSTEM AND WOULDNT PURCHASE IT AGAIN! CUP HOLDERS ARE WEAK! OTHERWISE NO COMPLAINTS.

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  An unbelievable machine! - 2000 Audi A6
  By byrnes - August 3 - 2:00 am

  I beat the heck out of my cars, and my Audi a6 2.7T is no exception. No car Ive owned has held up nearly as well as this one. Ive racked-up about 70K miles since April 2000. No problems, basides small electrical issues that were covered under warranty. Still drives like new and handles incredibly. Quattro is awesome in the snow and responds better than the SUVs Ive owned. I will definitely buy-out my lease and keep this one!

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  Great car, expensive to maintain - 1999 Audi A6
  By zander - August 2 - 2:00 am

  The Audi A6 wagon has been a pleasure to drive. Its single drawback is a grossly underpowered engine. Although the numbers tell you that you can do 0- 60 in 9.5 sec., it sure doesnt feel it. The car is solid and heavy, which may contribute to the slow sensation. My biggest dissapointment was a $1,200 repair bill three months after the 36 month warrantee expired. All of the repairs were for items that had declined overtime and appear to be not unexpected in Audis (air conditioner sensor / controller failure, ignition key mechanism failure. Maybe the new 48 month warrantee will catch these things, if not, enjoy he car but watch out.

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  Audi A6 - 2000 Audi A6
  By tummyofsteel - August 2 - 2:00 am

  Great car to drive, some minor reliability issues.

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  Great Car - 2002 Audi A6
  By KRK - August 2 - 2:00 am

  After a 4 month wait (factory order), I finally got my A6 and it is worth the wait. The acceleration of this vehicle is very good. You can feel it off the block and at high speeds. The sports package is an excellent option. I have not put the Quattro all-wheel drive to test yet. The fuel milage is very bad. My average is only about 16 mi/ga., probably because of my short city drive from home to work.

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  Its Good But It Could Be Great!! - 2002 Audi A6
  By Ed-d - July 30 - 2:00 am

  The A6 is a great looking and great driving car but the small problems that arise detract from the cars appeal. On day one the window motors were a problem and they have been a problem for the past 35 months. Add to this heated seats that dont always heat and a heated steering wheel that never heated (it took the dealer 12 months to "resolve" the problem and it was never really fixed). Lastly, dashboard indicators go dark periodically. Do you think they have an electrical issue to resolve at Audi?

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  A Great Car - 2000 Audi A4
  By ktleyed - July 29 - 2:00 am

  I have never had a problem with this car. It zips around effortlessly and it handles great. Reliable, gorgeous, and sporty.

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  S4 HEAVEN - 2002 Audi S4
  By Beemersux - July 28 - 2:00 am

  This car is definitly the transportaion used to go to heaven.