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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  Great car - 2005 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By luis pedro - June 2 - 9:13 am

  Audi allroad its a great car, here in europe the diesel 2.5 tdi with 180 cv are the most wanted, very spacious for legs, children and baggage, great engine, with 450 nm/m of binary, excellent quality in interiors and exteriors, good road driving, its the car that you expect in every situation.

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  Mostly a good used vehicle! - 2000 Audi A4
  By scrotummaster - June 1 - 2:00 am

  Exterior and interior are both well executed. Nice lines, quality materials, and great build quailty. My Audi came with the optional sport package (16 inch 10 spoke rims, leather seats, lowered suspension) and it looks much better than the stock car with only 15 inch rims. Quattro is excellent, especially in winter driving conditions. I am slightly worried about future mechanical problems based on other users reviews but I have an extended warranty (which I recommend for any used German car) but I havent had any problems up to 06/2004. Recommended-with an extended warranty!

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  Bose stereo - not impressed - 2002 Audi A4
  By desert man - June 1 - 2:00 am

  The Bose stereo is a weakness. Sound is only average. FM and AM reception poor. Dealer cannot improve it. Sound system in this car should be fantastic. Cant upgrade a Bose must replace all.

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  Audi Convertible - 2004 Audi A4
  By jshuchart - May 26 - 2:00 am

  Almost bought Saab convertible...glad I didnt. Love the CVT transmission; front wheel drive was terrific in recent 9" snowstorm. Car is fun to drive, very responsive. A dream!

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  audi 3.2 coupe - 2004 Audi TT
  By owen74 - May 25 - 2:00 am

  great car, fun to drive. with the new v6, power is plenty. the dsg gearbox is very smooth with instantaneous shifts. the ride is a bit choppy.

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  Electrical Malfunction - 2004 Audi A8
  By baker - May 21 - 2:00 am

  Otherwise stellar car spoiled by serious problem -- Nav system and other elec. components periodically decide to continue to drain power hours after the car is switched off -- resulting in dead battery. Three trips to dealer and still no fix. Battery is in the trunk if you need to jump it.

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  My 1.8T Quattro - 2003 Audi A4
  By GForce - May 14 - 2:00 am

  Great looking exterior. Interior is fine, but 3 series is slightly more luxurious. Love interior lights. Feels like cockpit of a jet fighter. Handles great. Poor lowend torque. Leather feels cheap. Bose stereo isnt anything spectacular. Love spacious interior compared to 3series. Lots of leg room. Center console is a bit wide, knee keeps rubbing against the side and really hurts. Driver seat uncomfortable. Average Audi service. Dont always take care of the issue and loaner policy blows. I spend 30k and when its serviced, I have to drive around in a Ford Escort?!

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  A6 2.7T - 2004 Audi A6
  By siravast - May 12 - 2:00 am

  The car is quick however not as agile as I would like (as compared to my BMW 528i with sports package). God use of space and quality materials throughout.

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  great car fun too drive - 2003 Audi A4
  By omari35 - May 12 - 2:00 am

  the car drives well and handling is great but it does need a little more power for the turbo.

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  Love/Hate - 2000 Audi S4
  By eastcoasttkd - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Love it: Fun to drive, especially in the twisties of the North Georgia mountains. Plenty of room for the family of four and trunk space for travel or sports events. Still my favorite car since my 67 Firebird Convertible (and drives much better). Hate it: In less than 35000 miles it has needed a new radio, transmission, clutch, flywheel, drivers airbag, and in-dash electronics. Also, on third set of tires (Bridgestones went at 6k and 17k). Most (including tires) has been covered under warranty (3 years only).