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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  What a rush - 2002 Audi S4
  By mis4tune - March 4 - 3:18 am

  A great alternative to a true "sports car". Great in bad weather, has 4 doors, fast, handles great without a harsh ride. Whats not to like? I would have to own 3 separate cars to do what this ONE can.

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  Cupholders Please - 1997 Audi A4
  By jaylay - March 4 - 2:49 am

  Bought this vehicle on the Audi Assured program. A very reliable and a great car. It is fun to drive...but have a few complaints. 1st, oil changes at the dealership are expensive ($65 to $100) and required to maintain the warranty. 2nd, the cupholders are AWEFUL! Note to Audi...Americans like to drink beverages when they drive. The 2 excuses for cupholders on this car will hold a can of soda, and thats it...Other than that, great car that runs smooth and never fails me in the snow.

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  best car car for the money - 2002 Audi S4
  By jason white - March 3 - 6:06 pm

  this is the the most increditable car owned

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  "New" 93 90CS - 1993 Audi 90
  By salesrep - March 2 - 5:13 pm

  I just bought a "new" 93 90CS sedan today from a private party. It has <50000 miles and is spotless. Back seat never sat on. Full maint records included. I have owed Audis before and look forward to many miles of fun and safe driving.

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  Great Car - 2002 Audi TT
  By Golf2a - March 2 - 1:55 am

  The TT is an amazing car. You are guaranteed to recieve attention in this car. Id recomend it to any person looking to buy in this price range.

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  Perfection - 2002 Audi TT
  By ESS04 - February 28 - 11:07 pm

  After test driving many compact roadsters such as the BMW Z3, Porsche Boxter S, and the Audi TT, I decided the Audi was by far the most competant all around car in this class you can buy. It is a GREAT CAR!!

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  Amazing car - 1994 Audi 90
  By audi9490s - February 28 - 9:17 pm

  The cars amazing, only downside is that its expensive for maintenance and repairs!

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  Love my S4 - 2002 Audi S4
  By MIke - February 28 - 6:24 pm

  The car is great. The fun you can have in four door. The 250hp engine really comes to life and you can feel it just go and go. The quattro system is unbelieveable and the ESP is a nice addition. THe interior is very retro and new, not boring like every other car out there. I love my Audi!!!!!

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  Best car ever Ive driven - Audi S6 - 1995 Audi S6
  By fishhawkey - February 28 - 2:30 am

  Amazing vehicle. I am waiting for them to import the next S6 to America.

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  Audi A8 - 1999 Audi A8
  By parachute - February 27 - 8:55 pm

  A fun to drive, powerful, classic looking, unpretentious, great for highway and on the curves, and with Quatro - good for all seasons.