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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  S4! - 2012 Audi S4
  By ryan1845 - January 17 - 7:32 pm

  Phantom Black 2012 S4 Prestige edition, 7 speed dual clutch S tronic, quattro, dynamic steering, Audi drive select w/ sports differential, carbon fiber inlays, power sun shades. Beautiful, powerful, dynamic, efficient, all wheel drive, 333 hp, 325 lbs torque, huge trunk, 4 door = perfect car. Sometimes BMW M owners get sad when I drive by :(

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  Made me a believer!! - 2012 Audi S4
  By audibmwguy1 - January 17 - 6:01 pm

  I purchased my first Audi in late 2011, I purchased a 2012 Q5 2.0T, I have driven BMWs exclusively for the last 10 years and I drove the Q5 on advice from a friend that has owned several Audis. Much to my surprise, I was very pleasantly surprised with the drivability and overall build quality of my Audi. After driving the Q5 for about 3 months, I decided I wanted something a little sportier and faster and I drove the S5 convertible as well as the S4 Sedan and fell in love with the S4. I have to say that comparing the S4 to an M3 ( I have owned 3 new ones) the double clutch of the S4 is far superior, it is silky smooth and takes off like a rocket. I could not be more pleased with the car

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  Audi S5 turns heads and excites the senses - 2012 Audi S5
  By mobility1 - January 12 - 2:24 pm

  Own a 2012 S5 after testing the 2.0 A5 in pretty much every configuration available at the dealership. Im not sure why Edmunds thinks the steering is "contrived" or "artficial" because my experience is of an extremely tactile and responsive control system. My own gas mileage IS actually improving as I learn how to properly drive the car. Now at 1000 miles I am getting closer to 26 to 28 hwy and 15 to 19 city mpg now thanks to my judicious use of the responsive cruise control, and active mileage monitoring system, and I can adjust my driving style to suit. Well-mannered in traffic when it needs to be, and becomes an elegant beast when pushed with very little effort.

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  Way beyond my expectations - 2012 Audi A6
  By audia620t - January 4 - 1:02 am

  I thought the 5 series was a nice car, until I went to the Audi dealer. We found the Audi to be so much nicer than the BMW that there was no comparison. One drive in the A6 and I was sold. After the fact, I am continually more and more impressed with this car. I am very, very pleased.

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  Still loving my Q5 after 15k miles! - 2011 Audi Q5
  By bjterp00 - December 31 - 11:59 pm

  I have put 15k miles on my Q5 since taking delivery just over 8 months ago, and I am loving it! The design is great inside and out -- an extremely handsome car. The interior fit and finish is impressive, especially the special order ash wood inlays. The Bose audio, built-in nav and Bluetooth systems are all great. The Q5 handles very well for an SUV -- very car-like, and the 3.2 L V-6 is very smooth. The transmission responds well whether driving leisurely or aggressively. The S setting on the PRNDL really kicks it up a notch by holding gears to redline during acceleration.

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  Audi A6 v. BMW 535xi - 2012 Audi A6
  By keiths7 - December 30 - 5:52 am

  I decided that my next car would be a BMW 535xi or the Audi A6. My wife drives a 2008 BMW 535xi T and we really love the car...it does drive like a dream. However, the new 2012 BMW 535xi is a big disappointment. Driving characteristics are null/void...nothing there...boring. Is the BMW nice- yes, absolutely. Is it refined, of course. But ultimately the BMW does not compare to the new Audi A6. I was shocked, floored and surprised. It is that noticable of a difference. We are thrilled with the purchase, ride, technology, and price ($2,000 off for current BMW owners). Most gorgeous car weve ever owned...and my 6 & 8 year olds love the heated seats.

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  One happy driver - 2012 Audi Q5
  By q52011 - December 28 - 9:41 pm

  Love my Q5 premium plus 2.0 turbo! I have owned it for 10 months and would not trade it for another SUV. Mileage is great and the drive is pure comfort. Bluetooth is wonderful if you NEED to talk. I would never get another vehicle without Bluetooth. A colleague is getting Q5 through a dealer swap in approximately 10 days.

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  Premium with NAV - 2012 Audi A4
  By mstrongin - December 19 - 9:16 pm

  Have wanted a sport wagon for quite some time. Finally got around to it and found out that BMW 5 series Wagon, Audi A6 Avant and Passat Wagon are no longer being made. The Subaru is too SUV like, the BMW 3 series too small and the Passat Wagon not up to snuff. That left the Audi A4 Avant and the Acura TSX wagon. Was not an easy choice given the $8K to $10K price difference, but I like the look, drive, power and rear seat accessibility much better on the Avant. Only have 1,000 mile on it, but love driving it. Also, its pretty limited and will not be made after this year, so is not something you see every day. Am very happy with the Avant and really glad I bought it.

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  3 year update - 2009 Audi A5
  By appetites - December 18 - 5:47 am

  my 2009 Audi A5 3.2 manual has been just about flawless. smooth, sexy, quiet and enough performance to make me smile. Have the premium, technology, bang and olufson, side assist and ride select, so it is loaded. Averaging 23-25 mph wnter and summer imn all around driving, 28+ on a trip. Still getting gawked at as it is one of the most beautiful cars on the road. Only one warranty repair in 33,000 miles, a door sensor for keyless entry was replaced. By far the best overall car Ive owned in my 67 years

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  Good Go Kart.... - 2004 Audi A4
  By gabenerica1019 - December 17 - 4:18 pm

  Love the layout and the raw power of the Quat!!! Very fun to drive and take for the long hauls...so comfy...