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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  Tons of fun! - 1998 Audi A4
  By inmyblood - January 22 - 1:27 am

  I bought my A4 2.8Q brand new. Over 13 years later I couldnt be much happier. It drives like new with over 120k miles on it. It is great fun to drive and I love carving through the mountain snow here in Utah with only all-season tires. I had some front suspension issues until my local mechanic solved what my dealer could not. I have had my brakes done once with that same mechanic for about $600 for all four. I have replaced all four lower door trim pieces and both heated side view mirrors but no sensor or engine issues. It runs smooth and hard and I love it! My kids dont like the back seat but that is what the Odyssey is for. I wish I could afford a new one. An all around great car!

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  Feeling a bit worried ... - 2007 Audi A4
  By ermias01 - January 20 - 9:57 pm

  Ok, here is the scoop - I love my 2007 Audi A4 Quatrrrrro ... fun to drive, great fuel economy and a definite head turner ... I bought is used with 50K miles August of 2010 - and I just got my check engine light January 2011. Initial symptoms were engine misfire (temp outside was -11 F ccooooold) ... so I took it to the dealer I bought it from and they had to replace some valve because of fault $257 later, it was deemed OK ... this happened after putting 10K miles ... and I was hoping to expect such events after 40K or so ... This is why I am a bit worried - what is going to go wrong again?

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  LOVE THIS CAR - 2011 Audi Q5
  By ebeleye - January 20 - 9:32 am

  Long-time BMW driver who was looking for a new experience...I found it with this amazing car. Fantastic handling, great power, good build quality, supreme comfort. The technology in this car was also a big seller for me (MMI/nav system is awesome). I had wanted to buy a Volvo Xc60, as I like the sporty looks of that SUV (and the understatement of driving a Volvo). However, compared to the Q5, the Volvos interior and ride quality were totally lacking. This car handles like a sports coupe, and it is just so much fun to drive. Also looked at the new x3, sadly BMW missed the mark with the styling of that new release.

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  Love my Q5 - 2010 Audi Q5
  By caraddict1 - January 18 - 9:03 pm

  I have had my 2010 for a little over a year. I only had one problem with it and that was three weeks ago. The water pump went while I was driving. My husband came and had the suv towed on a flat bed to the dealer we bought it from. They told him they had no idea why the water pump went (not common on 3.2 engines). They told my husband to wait and fixed it right then and there. Now that is service. It is great on the road it hugs it. Great miles on the highway driving. I would buy another one in a heart beat. No regrets.

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  Audi Q5 2.0T Premium Plus - No Need for V-6 - 2011 Audi Q5
  By ricks8 - January 15 - 12:47 pm

  What a great vehicle! We bought a new Q5 2.0T for my wife to replace her 12 year old Lexus RX. We couldnt be happier so far and love everything about the car from styling to performance to value (under $40K). The Q5 was the runaway winner after comparing to the new RX (what is wrong with Lexus??!!), Volvo XC60, Infiniti EX and FX, Cadillac SRX, LR2, and MB GLK among others. (We looked at everything except the BMW X3, which wasnt available yet in December and we knew would be ridiculously priced anyway). The 2.0T will provide the best fuel economy and more than enough power - a shock to me. I would have never through a 4 cylinder could power an SUV like this one.

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  2011 Audi A6 3.0T Prestige - A True Sports Sedan - 2011 Audi A6
  By ricks8 - January 15 - 11:28 am

  After driving Lexus since 94, I got rid of my 08 LS due to quality problems / high price. I ruled out the Lexus GS because I drove one for 10 years and dont like the new ones + Lexus quality issues. I also ruled out the MB E-class (dont like what they did with it, all the plastic in it or its price), BMW 535 (insane price) and the Hyundai Genesis (cant stand local dealers), narrowing things to Audi A6 and Infiniti M37. The A6 is a much better performance car that is more fun to drive with styling I prefer - article on Car and Driver comparing A6, M37 and 535 is on point, particularly high RPM for M37. I am very happy with the A6 even though M37 may be a better value to some.

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  Awesome after 24000 miles - 2009 Audi A4
  By zoolander1 - January 15 - 4:59 am

  This is an update from my original review. Ive had my A4 for a 16 months and 24k miles now and I think its only fair to review it past the new car feeling. Still handles like a champion. Have had ZERO issues with the car. Havent had any unscheduled dealer visits. I would definitely recommend the car to someone looking for a 3 series alternative. The A4 is way more affordable and offers the same level of confort at a higher value. The car needs to be serviced at 5k, 15k and 25k. I added 1 qt of oil at 21500 miles which I consider normal given the interval within services.

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  Great Car - 2008 Audi A4
  By minn55441 - January 11 - 4:57 pm

  Purchased new in May of 2008. Audicare was included so I was covered for all scheduled maintence and unscheduled repairs. Im now at 40,000 miles and other that my oil changes, my only service was for a rattle in the door. They found a plastic piece that came loose. That is it!! 40,000 miles of pure enjoyment. I routinely get over 30 mpg, it handles great in the snow and it is fun to drive when the roads are dry. The back seat is a little cramped and not very comfortable to sit in. Then again, with grown children, I dont often have someone in the back. I do wish that I had opted for the premium sound system. I will probably trade it in for the new A4.

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  Best car Ive ever owned... so far. - 2011 Audi Q5
  By zekespaw - January 10 - 5:06 pm

  Ive owned many cars (in no particular order) VWs, Fords, Subarus, Infinity, Lexus, etc. I have never had a car that was more enjoyable to drive, be in, or look at. It handles so very well on wet, dry, bumpy, smooth, pavement, uphill or flat. Its quick and tight. But its also very comfortable and plush. The seats are amazingly comfortable and supportive. Visibility is wonderful. Its got the Nav., which I was hesitant to get, but now LOVE! The Audio system is great, especially the iPod dock and controls. Got the Teak with the Cardamon (beige) leather. Gorgeous! Ive never had a brown car, and this is a real beauty. So far... so good. Ive had it less than one week.

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  Look Out BMW and Mercedes - 2011 Audi Q5
  By altoberst - January 4 - 4:20 pm

  I ordered a Premium Plus 2011 exactly to my specs with B&O stereo (worth every penny), 19" wheels, hitch, and navigation. Quartz Gray w/ Cinnamon interior. The Q-5 blew away my expectations. With 12,000+ miles it is consistently delivering 28 mpg on the highway. Amazing! Also ordered special Audi package 20" wheels with Pirelli Scorpion Zero Asymetrico all-season aftermarket tires on it. WOW! The car tracks like an arrow and looks fantastic. The interior functions are laid out better than any vehicle I have ever driven. Dont need to take your eyes off the road for any reason.