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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  Best Car in this Price range - 2000 Audi A6
  By TwinTurbo - July 27 - 2:00 am

  I have looked at a few cars before buying the A6. Here’s how they compare: Acura TL is nice for its class. It is not a luxury car. It feels like an Accord. Compared to the A6, its interior looks and feels cheap. More road noise. No rear head rest (dangerous in a rear end collision). Lexus GS300 is a bit smoother and a bit quieter but less powerful, loose steering feel, seats do not fold down, smaller trunk. BMW 528 has better exterior styling and is more sporty but less powerful, more road and engine noise, less luxurious interior. Mercedes E320 costs a lot more and I dont think it is worth the money. BTW, A6 2.8 doesn’t have enough power.

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  fun wagon - 2001 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By QUATTRO - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I dont think I would go back to driving a SUV after buying the versatile wagon.

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  Worst car Ive ever owned - 2000 Audi A6
  By hatemyaudi - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Constant small problems such as leaks, windows getting stuck over and over again. Rides like a tank. No pickup, very sluggish. Stereo is 3rd rate. I thought I was buying a higher end car, the only thing I got was a headache. NEVER, NEVER again will I buy an Audi.

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  2001 - 2002 Audi A6
  By Dicky Doo - July 24 - 2:00 am

  Excellent Quality and interior design. Good handling automobile. Horsepower is weak, needs more power from 0 to 60.

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  1993 Audi S4 - 1993 Audi S4
  By William Otto - July 23 - 2:00 am

  This car is a phenomenal car. Even without extra performance add-ons this car screams. Mine is ten years old and doesnt look it. The lines are classic. I fall in love with this car every day I drive it.

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  Great car! - 2001 Audi S4
  By AudiS4er - July 23 - 2:00 am

  Ive been the proud owner for more than a year now. With an added performance chip and new air filter, Im up to 310HP (above the stock 250). An unbelievable increase in power - worth every penny. The car rides great, handles well, but in need of escaping the A4 look. 2003 should be a nice change.

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  Rear Air conditioning could be better. - 2000 Audi A6
  By Robert A. Schrameyer - July 23 - 2:00 am

  The Audi A-6 is the finest car Ive ever owned. I love the all-wheel drive and wouldnt have another car without it. However, rear seat temperature control is worthless. You can only feel air blowing about three inches away and with all that rear window glass, rear seat passangers sweat misurably if its over 90 F. Buy summer package and more tinted windows

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  Early impression of a 2016 Q5 TDI - 2016 Audi Q5
  By Q5 TDI driver - July 22 - 4:16 am

  Ive become a big fan of diesels for their driving characteristics and efficiency. The Q5 TDI does not disappoint. This SUV is very quick with little turbo lag, which gives a lot of confidence pulling out into traffic and merging, whether from a stop or at highway speeds. The engine is very refined. For a family of 4 I felt the Q5 was the right size. I also liked the 3L TDI over the 2L offerings in BMW and MB. There is not much of a hit in mugs going with the 3L, since I have been getting around 30 mpg around town and mid 30s on the highway. The seats are comfortable, although they could be softer. The lumbar support is good. The sound quality of the Bang and Olufsen sound system is very good. The MMI infotainment system takes time to get the hang of, but is logical once you learn your way around. Most selections are made using the center console, since there are not many buttons on the steering wheel. Im enjoying the panoramic roof more than I expected since it fills the interior with light and makes the car feel even roomier. I have the 20 inch wheels and Im pleased that this does not make the ride harsh. This SUV has a firm ride and handles more like a sedan. Even on a 6 hour drive I did not feel fatigued and felt confident driving in a torrential rainstorm. Looking forward to seeing how it handles the snow, once I put the 17 inch blizzaks on. So far, very satisfied with my purchase.

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  Stealth Wagon - 2002 Audi S6
  By happy audi guy - July 22 - 2:00 am

  I agree with the others here this is a sports car that just so happens to be in the form-factor of a station wagon. It is extremely difficult to observe posted speed limits. Use the cruise control or youll be sorry (only took me 2 weeks to get a ticket from a country bumpkin speed trap dude). I can not even fathom what the RS6 will be like. 450 hp? They must REALLY haul on the autobaun.

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  Fun Car - 2002 Audi A6
  By Biewel - July 22 - 2:00 am

  Bought it 5 month ago and have no regrets what so ever. This car is fun to drive and offers plenty of space for the family. Rented a 2.5 TDI in Europa last month and Audi should offer this engine in the US as well. That car rocks.