Notes: This was an entry-level sedan, one of the first with the Quattro option (all-wheel drive). The original model had antilock brakes as an option, and a driver’s side airbag. AM/FM cassette and a "chip in the key" anti-theft circuit was also standard. A sports package is another option, as is a manual sunroof. In 1991, the 108-horsepower engine was dropped, replaced by a 130-horsepower engine. Fog lamps and all-season tires became standard, with the Quattro version also gaining antilock brakes, a sports suspension, and sports seats as standard. In 1992, antilock brakes became standard on all models, and the optional sunroof became an automatic one. Negative points are the acceleration, which is sluggish even in the 130-horsepower version, and trunk space, which is skimpy.

Notes: This is a "near-luxury" car, not quite as well appointed as full luxury cars, but better than standard vehicles. With a standard transmission, the Cabriolet is very responsive and smooth; with the automatic transmission, the engine is drained of the ability to deliver quick bursts of power. The automatic transmission also tends to shift abruptly and tends to hold onto gears too long. The Cabriolet's ride tends to be a bit rough in urban environments, with bumps such as tar strips and even small potholes causing noisy bumps. The interior of the vehicle is quality, using fine materials and good dashboard and control layouts. The Audi, built in Germany, suffered in sales from competitors such as Acura, Infiniti, Lexus, and Nissan, and is a bit harder to find that those companies' cars, and, due to the fine materials used in its construction, is also more expensive than those cars. The Cabriolet comes in a 4-door sedan and a 2-door convertible model.

Twilight 2000 Notes: Vehicles beyond the 1995 model year are not available.

Notes: This is one of the lowest priced vehicles in the Audi line, and though, since it is an Audi, it is better appointed than most economy sedans, you get what you pay for compared to other Audis. The engines are smaller than those equipping other Audis; the 172-horsepower V-6 gives adequate performance, while the turbocharged 227-horsepower I-5 gives snappy performance. Both engines are degraded if automatic transmission is used; in addition, the automatic transmission can get "stuck" in a high gear if the high gear is used for a long period. Room is ample for 4 occupants; a fifth can be carried, but the back seat can get a bit cramped if all the passengers are adults. The wagon version has a folding third seat, but this is best used by children. The dashboard and most of the controls are well-placed, but the climate controls are placed low, and the symbols for their functions describe their functions poorly and much experimentation must usually be made to figure out which position does what.

Twilight 2000 Notes: Vehicles beyond the 1995 model year are not available.

Notes: This is a premium sedan that offers a large amount of luxuries (for the period). Versions include a 4-door sedan, a 2-door sedan, and a 2-door fastback coupe. They have Quattro all-wheel drive, and manual or automatic transmission. The model began with a choice of a 102-horsepower I-4 or a 115-horsepower I-5, but a 130-horsepower I-5 was added in 1987. The engines are economical but sluggish, and the 4000S can be plagued by electrical problems. In addition, spare parts can be expensive.

Notes: When the 1984 Audi 5000S appeared, it was the world’s most aerodynamic sedan (for the time). A sedan version came first, with a 110-horsepower engine, and a 140-horsepower turbocharged I-5 appearing later in the model year. A wagon version also arrived later in the model year. In 1986, a larger, more powerful 162-horsepower turbocharged I-5 engine was added, along with a version with Quattro all-wheel drive and antilock brakes. In 1987, a 130-hosepower I-5 replaced the anemic 110-horsepower engine as the base engine. In 1989, the "5000S" name was dropped and the standard-engine version was called the 100, and those with turbocharged engines called the 200. In 1990, a driver’s side airbag was added, and in 1991, 217-horsepower turbocharged I-5 was added to the 200 series. The trunk of these vehicle is spacious, but acceleration with standard engines is sluggish. Turbocharged engines can have sudden acceleration when shifted from Park into Drive or Reverse.

Notes: This is an evolutionary upgrade of the Cabriolet. Most of the problems of the Cabriolet's automatic transmission have been fixed in the A4, with smooth gearshifts and ability to quickly shift to change power levels. The engine has also been improved, and three alternate engines have been introduced, a turbocharged 4-cylinder, a higher-power dual overhead cam 6-cylinder, and a powerful supercharged V-6. Road noise has been improved, though the tires themselves do contribute to noise. However, the power steering is a little too over-assisted, leading to somewhat sloppy steering, and the power brakes are a bit touchy and require getting used to. The A4 comes in sedan and wagon versions, both with 4 doors; a sport package is available for both models, which consists of minor body styling differences, an upgrade in the sound system, and a better suspension. When in wagon configuration, the A4 is known as the Avant.

Twilight 2000 Notes: This vehicle is not available.

Notes: This premium compact car returned to the Audi lineup for the 2004 model year. This version of the A4 comes in sedan, Avant wagon, and Cabriolet convertible versions. All-wheel drive is standard on Avants and optional on sedans and Cabriolets. Sedans and convertibles with the V-6 engines have continuously-variable transmission; others have a choice between conventional manual or automatic transmissions. All A4’s have standard antilock brakes, front airbags, side head curtain airbags (except on the Cabriolet version, which has an automatic pop-up roll bar), and an AM/FM/cassette/CD player. Options include a navigation system and CD changer; options for the 2005 model include satellite radio. The car is described as a joy to drive, but the legroom in the front and headroom and legroom in the rear can be challenging for tall people.

Twilight 2000 Notes: This vehicle does not exist.

*Add $10,000 for a navigation system; add $175 for satellite radio.

Notes: Designed to replace the 100-series, the A6 is a premium midsize car, a "near-luxury" vehicle. It is basically a larger version of the A4. It comes in a sedan and Avant wagon version. During its first year, front-side airbags were standard, and side impact airbags optional. The airbags were somewhat advanced in that they would pop out with less force if a smaller person is in the seat to try to avoid causing injuries from the airbag. The transmission was an automatic transmission known as "Tiptronic;" the transmission could be changed to manual if so desired. The engine for 1998 was a 200 horsepower V-6. Quattro all-wheel drive was an option. The 1999 model offered only minor changes, with the addition of a standard first-aid kit, and optional heated seats; the passenger side mirror was also made larger. The 2000 model year added two performance sedans with either a 250 horsepower V-6 or a 300-horsepower V-8. New standard features included side-impact airbags, and options included a satellite navigation system (audio prompts only). In 2001, a wagon with an SUV-inspired variable air suspension was added, as were power seats with memory and a cell phone with controls on the steering wheel. In the 2002 model year, a sports sedan, the S6, was added to the line, with a 340 hp V-8 engine. The base 200-horsepower engine was replaced by a 220-horsepower V-6, and On-Star assistance with optional email service was added to all models, along with a 6-CD changer. For the 2003 model year, the limited R6 sports sedan was added to the line, powered by a 450-horsepower V-8, and having a dynamic ride control suspension.

The A6 can be a bit noisy, especially in the area of tire noise. The suspension is firm, but can transmit too many road bumps to the occupants. In the wagon versions, the rear seat is only for children, due to the cramped quarters.

Twilight 2000 Notes: This vehicle was never built.

* Add $10,000 for a navigation system.

Notes: All 2004 Audi A6’s have all-wheel drive as standard except for the 220-horsepower V-6 version, which has it as an option. 220-horsepower versions also have continuously-variable transmission, which the others lack (they have a choice of automatic or manual transmissions). All of these cars have standard front and side curtain airbags, antilock brakes, and antiskid/traction control systems. Options include side curtain airbags for the rear passengers, a rear-obstacle warning system, OnStar assistance, and satellite radio.

Acceleration can be a bit slow from a standing start; all of the available engines function best above 3000 rpm. Both the manual and automatic transmissions can be a bit slow about shifting. Premium fuel is recommended for proper operation. Bumpy roads can make for a harsh ride. Wind noise can be a bit loud.

Twilight 2000 Notes: This vehicle does not exist.

*Add $2,000 for OnStar; add $10,000 for a navigation system; add $175 for satellite radio.

Notes: The 2005 model year marks a fairly comprehensive redesign of the A6, with more interior room, more powerful engines, a longer wheelbase, and changes in dashboard controls. The 2005 has the new Audi MMI system, which replaces many of the dashboard controls with just a few knobs that may be turned or moved in different directions. The 2005 comes in sedan and all-road wagon configurations, but the sedans and the wagons use different engines and the sedan’s engine choices are more powerful. Like many earlier Audi offerings, the automatic transmission offers a manual-shift capability (the Tiptronic transmission). Standard equipment includes front airbags and side-curtain airbags, antilock brakes, and an antiskid system; options include high-intensity headlights, a navigation system, satellite radio, and (for sedans) headlights that turn with the steering wheel.

The ride quality is firm, though bumps can be jarring. Handling is excellent, and the stopping is fast and even. The V-8 engine can be loud at high speed.

Twilight 2000 Notes: This vehicle does not exist.

*Add $10,000 for a navigation system; add $175 for satellite radio.

Notes: Audi’s flagship car, the A8 was introduced for the 1997 model year. Though it is a large car, it is much lighter than comparable cars in its class, due to the liberal use of aluminum in body panel construction and the engine. The standard engine was a 300-horsepower V-8, and Quattro all-wheel drive was standard. Also standard are front and side airbags; the side airbags are of the curtain variety and protect both the front and back seats. Standard equipment also included antilock brakes, an antitheft system, power sunroof, and keyless entry. Options included heated seats, heated steering wheel, a ski rack, insulated glass, and a solar collector on the roof that powered fans to ventilate the car’s heat when it is parked. In the 1998 model year, the aluminum sunroof was replaced with a glass moonroof, the automatic transmission was replaced with a Tiptronic transmission, the glass is dual-pane glass, and the headlights were replaced with high-intensity headlights. For the 2000 model year, the side-impact airbags were replaced with curtain-style side-impact airbags, the standard engine was given 10 more horsepower, and new options were added: a satellite navigation system, a warning system for obstacles when the car is backing up, and an electronic antiskid system. For the 2001 model year, a sport version was added (the S8) with a 360-horsepower engine, and a long-wheelbase version, the A8L was also added to the line. Standard features now included an antiskid system, oil level sensor, front-seat memory seats, and a steering wheel with controls for manual transmission shifting and for the AM/FM/CD system. Options now included a cell phone, with controls on the steering wheel. For 2002, the AM/FM/CD now included a CD changer, the transmission had a "Sports" setting, the vehicle had a tire-pressure monitoring system, and options included OnStar assistance, with a further option of email service.

Negative points include somewhat poor handling at low speeds, mushy-feeling brakes, a narrow trunk, and a small glove box. The brakes also tend to squeal even when new. Acceleration is excellent, especially with the higher-powered engines, and leg and headroom are almost generous.

Twilight 2000 Notes: This vehicle does not exist.

* Add $10,000 for a navigation system; add $2,000 for OnStar.

Notes: The A8 was heavily redesigned for 2005, becoming a shorter wheelbase car that has some far more powerful engines available. Two engines are available, a 330-horsepower V-8 and a massive 450-horsepower V-12 that is essentially a melding of two V-6 engines into one. Two body styles are also available for the 330-horsepower version, the standard version and a long-wheelbase A8L. The only transmission is an automatic with a manual shift gate and a sport mode. Quattro all-wheel drive is standard. The standard suspension is an Air Suspension with four modes: Comfort, Automatic, Dynamic (sport), and Lift (for deep snow, mud, or unpaved roads). Front-seaters are well protected by airbags, including standard airbags in the console and steering wheel, knee airbags, and side curtain airbags; the rear passengers also have side curtain airbags. Other standard equipment includes a navigation system, high-intensity Xenon headlights, antilock brakes, and an antiskid system. Optional on the 330-horsepower A8 and the standard on the 450-horsepower A8L W12 are keyless entry and a rear seat DVD entertainment system. Other options include satellite radio and adaptive cruise control, which tries to maintain proper distance from the cars ahead using a low-power radar!

Unfortunately, there are some negatives: the power response can be too quick when coming out of a stop, the engines gulp fuel and require premium gasoline for proper operation, the braking can be literally too responsive, and the dashboard controls are a bit too centralized (some would say inscrutable).

Twilight 2000 Notes: This vehicle does not exist.

*Add $175 for satellite radio; add $300 for DVD system (except on A8L W12); add $20,000 for adaptive cruise control.

The 2004 A8L is sort of an intermediate model between the older A8s and newer 2005 model. The sole engine is a 330-horsepower V-8 coupled to an automatic transmission with a manual shift gate and sport mode. The suspension is an Air Suspension with four modes: Comfort, Automatic, Dynamic (sport), and Lift (for deep snow, mud, or unpaved roads). Front seaters have console/steering wheel airbags, as well as knee and side curtain airbags; the rear passengers also have side curtain airbags. Other standard equipment includes high-intensity Xenon headlights, antilock brakes, an antiskid system, and a navigation system. Options include satellite radio, larger wheels, heated front and rear seats, a heated steering wheel, adaptive cruise control that tries to maintain a certain distance from traffic using a low-powered radar, and the unusual feature of a front-seat massager.

Negative points include excessive power response when coming out of a stop, slow downshifts in standard transmission position (Drive), the inability to get into 6^th gear in Sport transmission mode, sometimes too-strong braking, the need for premium gasoline for proper functioning, and what seems to be an attempt to put too many functions into too few dashboard controls.

Twilight 2000 Notes: This vehicle does not exist.

*Add $175 for satellite radio; add $20,000 for adaptive cruise control.

Notes: This Audi was designed to be a sports/GT coupe. It was originally a 2-door hatchback, but for the 2001 model year a convertible Roadster was added. Original models also had front-wheel drive, but the 2001 model year changed this to Quattro all-wheel drive. Though one wouldn’t guess by looking at it (nothing else really looks like a TT), the TT is actually built on a short version of the A4 frame. The original engine was a turbocharged 180-horsepower I-4, but starting in the 2001 model year a 225-horsepower turbocharged I-4 became available, and for the 2004 model year, a 250-horsepower V-6 became available. The TT has few standard features other than those normally found on virtually all cars (heater, AC, cassette/radio, etc), but for the 2001 model year, an anti-skid system was added, in 2002, the cassette player was changed to a CD player, and in 2004, the headlights were changed to high-intensity Xenon. The rear seat folds down to expand trunk space. The 2004 V-6 model uses a Direct Shift Gearbox transmission, a clutchless manual transmission that can be set for automatic if desired.

The 180-horsepower engine can be a bit sluggish. The 225-horsepower engine can suffer from "turbo lag," where the power response suffers a delay at high RPMs (normally a second or less). It is not a car meant for unpaved roads, and even rough paved roads can lead to a jarring ride. The Direct Shift Gearbox version can be a bit wishy-washy on shifting under medium RPMs. The front seat is cozy and not cramped, but the rear seat in the hatchback is best suited for putting parcels into and not people; even young teenagers will find it a tight fit. Premium gas is recommended.

Notes: Appearing in 1989 for the 1990 model year, the V8 is a large luxury car that was the top of Audi’s line at the time. It resembles a larger version of the Audi 100 and 200 models. It had Quattro all-wheel drive, giving it excellent traction on even slippery roads. It was also the first Quattro model with automatic transmission, and this transmission had three modes: E (Economy), S (Sport), and M (Manual). Standard features for the 1990 model year included a driver’s side airbag, antilock brakes, leather upholstery, and a car cell phone. For the 1992 model year, a passenger-side airbag was added, and a 276-horsepower engine was added to the range. In the 1993 model year, the 276-horsepower engine became the only engine available for the V8. The 1994 model year added fog lights. The V8 was replaced in the 1995 model year by the A8.