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 Ive owned - 2002 Audi TT
  By GWK - July 13 - 2:00 am

  I was hesitant to even look at a TT because I needed at least a minimum cargo capability. When noticed the sizable amount of cargo space the TT Coupe has and my buying barrier disappeared. I have had the car to weeks and it is fantastic. It clearly designed as a work or art....smooth lines and 21st century construction. I would say that as many things of beauty it will take care to keep it that way. No door trim coupled with smooth sheet metal will make the slightest door ding very visible. Keep in mind its a small car. I am only 5-9 and I have to pull my head down to enter. But once inside its a beautiful and roomy feel.

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  Swiss Army Knife of All Trades - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By RostyVyg - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Who needs a SUV when car like this exists...

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  Audi - 2004 Audi A4
  By Stevet - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Why get a BMW, Infinite or Lexus when you can get all of what they have and more. This unique car is set apart from the others with its comfort, safety and for the guys who love their gadgets, this car has so many, that you couldnt possibly remember all of them. When it comes to speed, this car rips!!! I mean WOW! When Im driving I dont relize when I jump up to 75 MPH because it is that quick and that smooth. If thats not fast enough just pull the gear shift back one more notch to "Sport Car" mode and you can feel the engine Scream! In this mode, you feel like you are in a Porshe. This car is the greatest car that I have ever owned!

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  Excellent Price/Performance/Confort - 2000 Audi A6
  By Bolzani - July 12 - 2:00 am

  The car offers you excellent pleasure to drive and you feel safety with its performance and breaks. Its AWD Quattro feature offers you the sensation youre in a small car with total control.

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  Audi A8 3.7 - 1998 Audi A8
  By DeMarco - July 11 - 2:00 am

  I have loved this car since as long as I can remember. It is everything with out the snob appeal of MB or BMW, this gem is so understaded its a shame.

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  Audi wins at Lemans and my garage. - 2002 Audi TT
  By David Deitch - July 11 - 2:00 am

  This is the third Audi I have owned, and I love each one progressivley more than the previous. To date I have had zero problems with the car, which holds true with the quality of my other Audis. The car is a blast to drive, and garners lots of looks.

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  Yvonnes - 1997 Audi Cabriolet
  By yvonne - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Good experience with this car! no big problems and fun to drive. I am becoming more concerned with safety, thus the convertible may not be a good choice for me anymore.

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  Piece of Junk after 60K - 1996 Audi A4
  By Disappointed in Audi - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Loved the car, until I hit 60K miles - fuel pump, thermostat, two water pumps, CV Boots, coolant reservoir, radio/casette player. Treated like a human wallet by the dealer in Hermosa Beach, CA. Used to love the car, now I am going broke keeping it going.

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  No Compromise - 2001 Audi S4
  By Fess - July 9 - 2:00 am

  Ive had this rocket sled for just under a year and couldnt be happier with the purchase. It flies. It takes corners like its teathered to the apex. It stops. It holds tons of stuff (particularly with the rear seats down).

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  Reliable performance with comfort - 1995 Audi S6
  By keytree - July 8 - 2:00 am

  The S6 is by far the best car I have ever owned. I was a bit hesitant when I purchased it with 80k miles, but 70k miles later, I have only had to do regular maintenance (brakes, tires, suspension). The engine is strong and reliable. I upgraded the suspension and the handling is much improved. I would highly suggest this vehicle, even with higher miles. People think the car is new, even with ~150k miles on it. Im not planning on selling it until its at 300k!