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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  Pleasure on my trips - 2009 Audi Q7
  By JAN FLINN - May 22 - 12:48 pm

  I have been traveling about 450 miles 3 or 4 times each month for the last 5 years on business and pleasure. I love the fact the I am never as fatigued now as I was when I started these junkets 5 years ago in my first SUV. I have to hand it the German manufacturer. The vehicle is definitely designed for fun driving and long hauling. I also find that it handles much better in the parking lot than my previous 2 SUVs - they seem like real tanks compared to this. I purchased the Audi Care package so all of my services visits are covered by Audi. I have 21k miles now and have not spent anything on the Q7 yet.

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  Outstanding - 2009 Audi A4
  By Midwest - May 21 - 10:30 pm

  This is my first entry level luxury sedan purchase. Im very thorough in my research and compared BMW, Lexus and Audi. Performance, quality and style made Audi the best choice for me.

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  A5- Neck Breaker !!!! - 2009 Audi A5
  By Tommy - May 20 - 10:49 pm

  After 3 months I still look back at it and smile, the lines are great, the LED lights are AWESOME!! Being 1 of 3 in my area an S5 nothing to say about that, but the other A5 has the basic, if u can spend the money get the upgrades 19", B&O system and as Im reading the reviews the standard leather isnt good, I have the Milano and cant complain. I will say seat positioning is hard to find, but i havent found a car that makes it easy! I also have the Dynamic Control. If u like to be aggressive sometimes its worth it, the car totally changes under you (Trans, Suspen, Handle) and I have to say, for the small HRS power I have knocked out some pretty beefed up cars when I hit that button.

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  AUDIOS to BMW and Mercedes! - 2004 Audi A6
  By audios66 - May 20 - 10:18 pm

  Having owned 3 Audis this is by far the best one... quality, comfort, speed, all weather capable... what more is there! This Audi beats BMW and Mercedes... hands down... the only downfall is the HIGH maintenance costs. But every car is high to maintain these days.

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  Wonderful!!! - 2009 Audi Q5
  By Shell - May 20 - 9:18 pm

  I LOVE my new Audi Q5. Traded in a LandRover which was a major expensive headache. I have made a great choice... what a head turner. I strongly recommend the Q5 it is wonderful all the way around! I am so pleased with my vehicle!!!!

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  Great Compact SUV - 2009 Audi Q5
  By PL - May 20 - 4:26 pm

  Just bought a Q5 Premium Plus with Navigation. Had to pay MSRP because the car is so popular right now - actually had to wait for almost 1 month to get the color I want. But Audi is now offering 2.9%, 36 months financing and will make my 1st 2 payments, so net net it is like 0% financing + $500 discount. The car is perfect for my wife. The handling is great and the interior is far superior than the X3 or the GLK. Love the LED lights and the huge side mirrors. My only complaint is the relatively small interior space, especially when compared to RX350. Otherwise, it was perfect.

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  Its a sport wagon not a station wagon! - 2009 Audi A4
  By BabyA - May 19 - 5:18 pm

  I test drove the BMW 328i wagon, Saab 9-3 Combi, Prius, Audi A3, Subaru Impreza, VW GTI, Volvo V50 and the Mazda 3. The A4 Avant had the luxury, speed, room, look, and quality of materials I was looking for. I took my first maiden road trip and could not be happier. No body aches, great gas mileage, great handling in rain and when the sun came out I opened up the panoramic sun roof.

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  The Best of Both Worlds! - 2009 Audi A4
  By gottahavethebest - May 19 - 5:01 pm

  Ive driven everything in this segment from Lexus IS, MBenz, to BMW and this car is the best combination of Luxury, Performance, and comfort. I chose the Prem Plus Sport Pkg with 18s and 6spd Manual! Audi has completely raised the bar with this one. The sport pkg takes the handling threshold into triple digits with ease. Plus Ive been getting 31.3 MPG cruising between 72- 80mph hwy which is unheard of. I had a 2007 Infiniti G35x and never got north of 19MPG. Just drive the A4 once and youll understand completely.

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  Your choice is clear. - 2009 Audi Q5
  By lostemple - May 19 - 9:58 am

  My brother needed a new vehicle for work. He asked me for help. We researched and test drove all the competition. The Q5 was the clear winner. My local dealership had a hail storm and he was able to get his Q5 repaired and looking new for $8000 off the selling price (not MSRP). At such a deal I bought one also. His is black with tan interior and mine is white with tan interior. We both got the premium plus, but he also got the MMI package. No need for bigger rims or S- line for us. In two weeks he put 1500 miles on his Q5 and could not be happier.

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  Power Window Controls and Other Stuff - 2007 Audi A4
  By lilicece - May 19 - 9:35 am

  Im constantly having to fool with power window controls. So sensitive it either goes all the way down or all the way up hard to get it right where you want it. Arm rest design is poor and blocks access to cup holders and hand break. Eats oil like there is no tomorrow. Performance is great. Nearest dealer 1 hour away which is a drag.