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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  So much that is so right, yet! - 2002 Audi S4
  By Ross1113 - June 22 - 2:00 am

  Overpriced but delightful companion.

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  Cabiolet 98 - 1998 Audi Cabriolet
  By NancyandCasey - June 21 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has extensive problems with the electrical system throughout its warranty period. The dealership was consistently unable to difinitively diagnose the problem. Since warranty expired (about 1 1/2 years ago)there has only been one episode... so perhaps they finally did fix the source of the ongoing problems. Maintenance is expensive on this vehicle as should be expected and it is not easy to find a qualified mechanic outside the dealership, especially one that can accomodate my personal needs for convenience.

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  Great sports car - 2002 Audi TT
  By Alex Yovanovich - June 20 - 2:00 am

  Driving a six-speed, turbocharged, five-valve per cylinder, all-wheel- drive, convertible sports car with brushed aluminum accents and fine leather on the interior and stylish exterior is about as good as it gets.

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  One to keep - 1993 Audi 100
  By Lucy - June 19 - 2:00 am

  Ageless near perfect car.

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  Sweet ride!! - 1996 Audi A4
  By supercool - June 19 - 2:00 am

  The FWD has great pick up especially if you have the 5spd with the saved weight. It is a little on the roley side, but it is taken care of by easy instal of sway bar in the rear. Super comfy and attention to detail is incredible. It had no problems with it when I got it at 63k and it still doesnt at 80k. Turns heads and I have got more comments on this car then any other even my 300zxtt.

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  Quattro is the way to go - 2000 Audi A4
  By audi fan - June 19 - 2:00 am

  I had a 2001 FWD A4, it was definatly a great car as well, but i did not realize what i was missing not having the AWD quattro system. I live in florida, and i figured snow is where u need quattro, but in a rainy place like florida quattro is reall amazing. Handling is great, power is great as well for a 4 cylinder engine. Fun to customize as well as drive.

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  Great All Around Car - 1996 Audi A4
  By NNDF56A - June 18 - 2:00 am

  Bought new May 1996. Had only one problem in all that time power window control needed to be replaced. Fantastic in the snow with a set of Pirelli snows. Fun to drive and has been very reliable

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  The perfect anti-SUV - 2000 Audi A4
  By audiboy - June 18 - 2:00 am

  My 2000 A4 2.8 Avant quattro is the ideal alternative to the typical poseur SUV. This car has multiple personalities, but is is not a disorder. It is sporty, elegant, functional, unpretentious and filled with superior German engineering, design and safety features. The interior design and build quality is unmatched by any other car at any price. The all-wheel-drive has become one of my favorite features, and is the most sophisticated system out there. The only other car I considered was a BMW 3-Series, an excellent car but saddled with a snotty, "hey-look-at- me" image. The Audi is cool, understated technical and design sophistication.

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  Fun to Drive Sedan - 1998 Audi A4
  By dkowalew - June 17 - 2:00 am

  Weve had this car for 5.5 years and its been great to us. Fun to drive, great in the snow and ice we get in the north, and very rich in the interior department.

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  The German Luxowagon - 1994 Audi 100
  By Terence L. Smith - June 16 - 2:00 am

  My 1994 Audi 100CS Quatto Avante Likes: Everything! Superb styling inside/out. Materials used are second to none after 172000 miles, you would be hard put to tell mine from new. Handling is excellent, I leave cars in the dust on twisty roads. Its a car you fall in love with instantly no more Detroit junk for me! Dis-likes (mild): Gas mileage sucks. 17 in city, 20 city & highway combo, 22 highway. Weighs almost 2.5 tons & is therefore very solid and safe-feeling (like a tank!), but with only a 2.8 V- 6, mileage should be better. Power could be better, needs a turbo. Emergency brake should be stronger. Gas pedal & brake pedal are too close together.