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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  Audi S4 Rocks - 2011 Audi S4
  By derrick10 - January 3 - 8:55 pm

  My first Audi was a red 2008 TT with a 3.2L MT6 and totally ruled the road. This is my second Audi and is black and looks classy with a capital "C". The exterior rules with its accented body panels and is topped off with the "Supercharged" badging. The interior is sporty and the MMI is pretty cool with its Sirius, Navigation and back up camera. If you test drive this baby, be prepared to bring her home!

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  Great SUV - 2011 Audi Q5
  By bruddahkimo - January 2 - 10:21 pm

  This is our 4th Audi and its our favorite one. We had a Q7 and it was awesome, but a bit too big for us. We went down to an A3 and it was too small. However, the Q5 fits in the middle and it suits our needs perfectly. I cant get over how fun it is to drive the Q5 and it drives very much like a car. Its a very practical car and we think its awesome!

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  1st Month with A5 Cabrio - 2011 Audi A5
  By mssaulnj1 - December 28 - 5:57 pm

  This car is great. It drives as good as it looks. I got the car in the winter in the North East. It handles very well in snow. Cant wait until spring when can put the top down...will feel like new car.

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  This is the best car I have ever owned and its 19 years old. - 1992 Audi 100
  By jasonheartaudi - December 26 - 9:14 pm

  really cant say enough about this car, it looks like it could be a 2000 or later model car, still. totally unstoppable in the snow, 5 spd trans smooth as silk. Everything still works after almost 20 years and 140k, the oil pressure gauge is testy but its no real mechanical concern as far as I know. Im keeping this car till its dead. were having a blizzard here in ny im going back out to drive around :)

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  As Safe As They Say - 2005 Audi A6
  By rslikesaudi - December 20 - 9:50 pm

  I bought a 2005 A6 in 2007, had it 2.5 years, then was rear-ended on a stopped off-ramp by another driver who was going over 60 miles per hour. A 4000 lb car was spun 180 degrees, slid across 2 lanes, down a hill, and over a concrete drain. The car was totaled but I walked away. All 4 doors on the car still worked although the rears were no longer aligned. The car only had minor problems up until it was killed. One LED that went out intermittently. Service, brakes, tires, were about as usual on a euro sedan. Definitely a high speed cruiser but can handle turns very well. Interior quality so much better than BMW. Its a great car. Im buying another, probably an 07 or 08.

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  First rate ride - 2011 Audi Q5
  By dharper - December 19 - 10:30 am

  I just traded in my wifes 2008 Platnium Toyota Sequoia for this small more manageable Audi. Having been a fan of Audis for the last few years, I drive an A8L, thought she would enjoy being able to step into, instead of climbing up into, a luxury vehicle. She is extremely satisfied with how the car handles, the excellent visibility, and the smooth power train, not to mention the upgrade to the bang and olfsen sound system. Audi is the vehicle to challenge all others.

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  2011 AUDI A8L - Awesome Car - 2011 Audi A8
  By 2011aviii - December 15 - 6:47 am

  I took delivery of my 2011 A8L earlier this week. I live in the midwest where we received several inches of snow, which turned to ice covering most roads. I had my A8L only one day when I was able to test it in these conditions. I love this car. It handles great in the snow. Prior to my purchase I tested a Benz S550 and a BMW 750LiX drive turbo. Hands down the Audi is the best value for the money. The instruments are a bit complicated, but once you get used to them you appreciate all the car can do. The Audi A8L is very understated, which is one of the reasons why I chose it. I have the Bang and Olufsen sound system and it is amazing.

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  My New Addiction - 2011 Audi S4
  By terrel - December 12 - 7:49 pm

  Where to start?... This is my first Audi and new car. After about a year of research trying to find a car that had everthing I needed and wanted I finally found the S4. I live in Iowa right now so I wanted something that would handle these un-Godly winters and the AWD does that with ease. But this car is so much more that just sure footed. The interior is beautiful, it has power to spare and its exterior reminds me of a sexy nerd she kind of just blends in until you take the time to notice her. I was considering Lexus, Mercedes, BMW, Jaguar and Range/Land Rover but my Audi was the best fit for me and I have absolutely no regrets. Im looking forward to buying my next Audi.

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  - 2009 Audi A3
  By nek_md - December 11 - 10:41 pm

  Before I purchased my A3, I had been longing for an Audi for quite some time. Dealer made the new A3 more financially attractive than a low-mileage A4 from the prior model year. I have not regretted my decision and now have ~17,000 mi. on the car. No major mechanical problems. No quality issues except for poorly tracking sun-roof shade. The engine is peppy. There IS turbo lag, contrary to what some critics have said, but the torque band is band is broad and smooth once it is engaged. DSG works nicely and allows driver to drive all speeds in manual fashion. Lovely steering wheel. Intuitive gauge placement. Supportive seats, although more side bolstering would be nice. Love the QUATTRO.

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  Sweet Machine - 2011 Audi Q5
  By geezer113 - December 10 - 12:26 pm

  This is a sweet handling, tight, good looking personal utility vehicle (PUV). The size is right and the 2.0t engine/8 speed transmission combination is like driving a Swiss watch. The power/torque curves in the 1500-3500 RPM range we live in are actually stronger than the 3.2 V-6. It handles and rides like an A4 but hauls anything you want to haul. The panoramic sunroof is stunning, and the feature content of the base model is all you need.