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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  Amazing Car - 2013 Audi S5
  By u2nelson - August 29 - 12:12 am

  I have had this car for 4 weeks now, and it is still impressing me. The power is smooth and strong, it comes on early and just keeps puling hard. Very addictive. Handling, is well not as brilliant as my old BMW 330CI, but it is still exceptionaly good. This car is very fun to drive and did I mention it has gobs of smooth power. The quality of the finish, both inside and outside is superb. Initially I was not sure about the alcantara seat inserts, but now that I have the alcantara, I am 100% sold and glad to have it. Its superior, both in looks and function and very easy to clean, just wipe with a damp cloth. Its hard to believe someone would pay extra to not get the alcantara.

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  The best of the best - 2013 Audi A6
  By nstrane - August 22 - 1:46 am

  I had a chance to test drive the 2012 Jag XF and the BMW 535 and 550. I opted out of Mercedes finding the styling of the E-class too uninspiring. the A6 which in my mind was perfect. The car is easy to maneuver at low speeds which the steering tightening up at higher speeds. The build quality is impeccable. The styling is more forward thinking than that of MB and Lexus. The LEDs set the car apart as does that Bang and Olufsen sound system. I found the Audi MMI very intuitive and actually fun to operate. The A6 3.0t is a fast engine with a transmission and chassis that makes it feel like the car is hardly working at high speeds. Plain and simple, it puts a smile on my face every day.

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  The best Audi Ive ever owned! - 2001 Audi S8
  By ioannistx - August 17 - 11:29 pm

  The S8 was an over-engineered vehicle by Audi. This has been, hands down, the most reliable, most value-for-the-buck Audi Ive ever owned. Its virtually impossible to make the decision to trade it in for a $10k-$12k downpayment for a...mid-size sedan of any type! Amazing build quality, power (even 11 years since first rolled out), comfort, and passive/active safety. My 2001 S8 has 75K miles, and I intent to keep it until it reaches into the 100Ks...

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  2012 Q5 @ 20k Miles - Great SUV - 2012 Audi Q5
  By jolietjay - August 16 - 12:55 am

  We just passed 20k miles on a 2012 2.0T Premium Plus and just passed the 1 year anniversary of buying this vehicle. Overall this has been a great crossover SUV. Made it through the Chicago Winter and I found myself driving it more than my 2010 4Runner with 4WD. The AWD is great in the snow and on icy roads. The front seats offer a lot of room, and at 63" AND 250 lbs.....I fit in this car just fine. Plenty of head room. More head room than most full size SUVs. The back section doesnt offer as much storage space as a full size SUV, but the back seats to fold (almost) flat to make a pretty good sized cargo space. If you need to haul a lot on a long trip, the integrated roof rails

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  Wow - 2013 Audi S5
  By davesd - August 13 - 11:38 am

  Just took delivery of 2013 S5 - wow. I have been waiting for the V6 in the S5 coupe and it does not disappoint. The power is smooth and plentiful. Gearbox is amazing, and while the sound may not be a V8, it makes plenty of fun noises. The ride is firm for sure, but well damped - car does not crash over bumps and handles uneven pavement well. The MMI system cleaned up from my 2011 A6, but I am still on the fence with the aerial photos from Google Earth - almost feels a little cluttered. B&O stereo is okay - not that impressed. Overall, an indulgent purchase. No one is going to say this is good value for $, but if you want fun in a gorgeous package - an S5 is it!

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  Q5 2.0 Premium After 12,000 miles - 2012 Audi Q5
  By cheapiam - August 10 - 9:38 pm

  Amazingly fun to drive. Averaging over 25 mpg in mixed driving with a high of 29 and a low of 23. Transmission is quiet and smooth (unless I drive really hard, you dont even notice the shifts). Virtually no oil loss over my last oil change (7000 plus miles). Get the Audi Care Package as Service Costs are high.

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  Beyond My Expectations - 2012 Audi A6
  By mjplx2 - July 30 - 3:16 pm

  Ive had my A6 Prestige 3.0 for about 3 months and clocked about 3,500 miles. This car is amazing. Well beyond my expectations. Exceptionally smooth and quiet ride. Effortless power. Quick and instant acceleration at any speed. The car feels solid and drives like its on rails. The exterior design is sleek and powerful while still having a luxury image. The interior is equally as nice. Very comfortable seats. The wood grain inlays have a beautiful high-end look and feel. I love the lightning-like feel and acceleration from the supercharger. Cruising at 80 mph is effortless at a bit over 1800 rpms. All this with outstanding gas mileage. Two recent 400 mi trips averaged 34 mpg !

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  None Better! - 2003 Audi A6
  By fastboyfromill - July 25 - 10:28 pm

  Ive owned this car for about a year and a half now. Ive owned over 40 VWs and Audis and Im am speechless about this car. Solid, smooth and as fast as the wind. I bought it for myself, but it quickly became my wifes car. Outside of routine oil changes Ive replaced the serpentine belt and tensioner, the drivers lower aft control arm and the passengers side front drive axle. I did the work myself and it was fairly cheap. I do love this car.

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  First week with the 2013 audi a7 premium plus - 2013 Audi A7
  By eastender - July 23 - 6:49 pm

  Picked up our new a7 a few days ago. Car has the following options: bench rear seat for 3 passengers (new for 2013), cold weather package, side assist. Our previous car was a 2010 Audi a6 prestige. Basic bottom line - the changes Audi has made since 2010 are huge. car handles better and has improved engine/transmission performance. Inside of cabin is superbly designed . only negatives are: comes with start/stop technology - thank goodness it can be disabled with a dash switch the steering wheel adjustment handle is made of cheap lightweight plastic not suitable for a car of this price the emergency brake is automatically applied and released - what if it fails in the engaged position?

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  Q5 Audi review - 2012 Audi Q5
  By claimbo - June 30 - 6:09 pm

  The Audi Q5 is a wonderful addition to the Audi line up. This vehicle is traditional Audi with all the bells and whistles that makes an Audi and Audi. Great pick up and tight steering. It drives just as a German car should drive. The 8 speed automatic transmission is very smooth. The keyless entry and push button actions are what one would expect from a luxury vehicle. It is fun to drive. Mine came with the technology package which is a bit disappointing.