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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  Wont be buying another one. - 2001 Audi S4
  By Scott - January 15 - 1:07 pm

  I bought this car used in 2004 for an independent dealer. This car is a lot of fun to drive and handles great. Gas mileage sucks, but its a twin tubo V6 with AWD so what do you expect. Past the fun to drive part I am really disappointed with the car. After 100K miles it has completely fallen apart. If Audi wants to claim to be a great reliable car they need to go back to the drawing board. Since October 09 to January 10 I have put over 3,500 in to the car. Now the O2 sensors (at least two of the four) have gone bad and that will cost me over $400 to get fixed. Its for sale and I will not be buying another one! Friends of mine are about to sell there A4 for the same reasons.

• 

  Premium plus, really nice - 2010 Audi Q5
  By moose123 - January 12 - 9:35 pm

  Nice car. Interior design and quality are substantial. Handles exceptionally well. Power is faultless. Gives a feeling of total control over driving experience. Stock stereo with satellite radio is outstanding. Love that everything is lit at night, no fumbling for any controls. Easy integration with cell phone and i pod, voice commands work, nav. controls are confusing at first, but get better over time. There is still lots to learn about how to get the most out of the electronics. Roof rack is exceptionally easy to put on. A long list of suggested improvements, but still a killer car.

• 

  Dont underestimate this turbo-4 - 2010 Audi A5
  By VictoR6 - January 12 - 1:02 pm

  Wasnt expecting much out of a 4- cylinder engine but this actually puts out more torque (258 ft-lb) than most 6- cylinder engines in its class. It feels faster than my old V6 and the 0- 60 numbers prove it. All I can say is if you have doubts, test drive the car yourself and you wont be disappointed unless you drive a V8 or something.

• 

  Better than Expected - 2008 Audi A6
  By Corey - January 12 - 4:33 am

  For a large car, the A6 handles very well. I come from a smaller sports car so driving the A6 took some getting used to. The steering is soft, but responsive. Starts are slow, but once shes up to speed, the power is awesome! Passing slower vehicles is not a problem. The interior is plush and comfortable and theres nothing better when driving at night with all the lights on. Having the controls on the console was awkward at first since it is difficult to change settings while driving. I dont suggest it! However, once set up, voice activation is the key to easy and safe operation. Although difficult to comprehend at first, once learned, the MMI and navigation system is a cinch to use.

• 

  Lots of Fun - 2010 Audi A5
  By Ozgurk - January 11 - 4:45 pm

  I traded in an A4 Convertible for the A5 Conv. Quatro. This is a great car. I had 6 cyl. before, this is just as powerful. B&O Sound is excellent, very quiet car and just plain fun to drive and no issues so far.

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  So Far so great - 2010 Audi A6
  By Rich C - January 11 - 2:16 pm

  It was between this & BMW 535. This one came in a little cheaper and was more comfortable in the drivers seat (Im 6"2). Also more room for kids in back. Drives beautifully - its a fun car.

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  Audi TDI - 2010 Audi A3
  By kmke - January 10 - 3:08 pm

  Bought our car Dec 23rd - drove 500 miles home - we are averaging 35 mpg in the break in period. Enjoying the comfort and fun of driving but find the navigation system very deficient compared to our Lexis RX400h system. Wish AUDI offered homelink in this car - the convenience group would be even more convenient with the ability to open at least a garage and neighborhood gate. Irritating rattles in the sunroof are waiting adjustment. Wish AUDI included at least one quart of oil for the break in period. Overall very pleased with this car - would highly recommend.

• 

  Great Looking but Unreliable - 2009 Audi A6
  By Deb - January 8 - 10:30 pm

  Have my 2009 A6 for less than a year and it has been in for a service call at least 5 times up to date. Headlights, engine problems with only 6500 miles. What a shame! Great looking automobile that is extremely unreliable.

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  Exceptional vehicle! - 2010 Audi A4
  By Phil - January 8 - 6:16 am

  Due to inclimate weather in my area this year, it was perfect timing for owning this vehicle. The initial quality of this car is impressive. Clean, well thought out, and overall pleasing on the eyes. Everything you touch within the car feels great. I went with the manual option and since the car is so fun to drive, I donÂ’t believe IÂ’m getting the ratings suggested. IÂ’m sure if I wasnÂ’t to drive so aggressively, my MPG ratings would improve. The new A4 is larger, stronger, better looking, better MPG - than the BMW 3-series or C-class. I havenÂ’t owned it long enough to speak in regards to its reliability. Regardless, I think I made the right choice...

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  A5 Cab - 2010 Audi A5
  By drhippo - January 7 - 10:25 pm

  Just picked up an A5 cab about a month ago--great car! Traded in 08 TT with 6 cy and quattro, so miss that a bit, but this is very elegant. Still very hard to find right color/option packages, and quattro very hard to come by. But, got the pearl blue and cinnamon interior...rare and gorgeous! Wanted the comfort package as well, but alas, couldnt find the right combo that had that as well as Bang & Olufsen stereo....got a terrific deal from our very professional dealer!