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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  Perfect Ride - 2011 Audi A4
  By Capitol Fred - October 17 - 2:00 am

  I went with the Prestige package, and this one came with the S Line option, and its a great car! For those who worry about the V4 and performance - dont! The engine is phenomenal and with all the torque it puts out, this car has more than enough power to make the A4 a joy to drive. Besides, when do you get to go 0-60 on city streets during rush hour? To tell you how much I love this car, I keep getting up around 4 a.m. to take it out for an early morning drive before I have to get ready for work!

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  Just bought the S5 - 2010 Audi S5
  By cleveland - October 15 - 2:00 am

  I bought the Audi S5 last month. I was torn between waiting for the supercharged V6, or getting the V8. After all of my research, I discovered, that the V6 will be on average 2-3 miles per gallon more efficient. Which if you drive 15,000 miles a year, and extrapolate over a 5 year car ownership averages to about $2000 saved for the V6. I chose the V8 because I test drove both engines, and the V8 just sounds better, feels better, and I personally like feeling the gears change and shift, because it makes me feel that I am driving a rocket. The car is beautiful, handles superbly, the interior is well- appointed, and looks great. The MMI did require some learning, but Im good with it now.

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  This One Does it All - 2004 Audi S4
  By 1st Audi Man - October 11 - 2:00 am

  This is the perfect car if you dont want to be seen in a "sports car". Not to mention, you can haul a few kids along the way as well. Although it is not as athletic as a Cayman, it will easily blow away your expectation as to what a grocery hauler can do. It has the class inside and out as youd expect from an Audi. The 4.2L V8 is a battle-tested dynamo in the lineup. Sure, you can complain about the mileage, but dont buy this car if thats on the top of your list - high performance is what it is. Although we havent used it to tow anything, it is our do it all car anytime of the year. If you can find one (sedan or wagon), jump on it, you will be happy

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  Im the envy of all my friends - 2002 Audi A6
  By Shirley K - October 10 - 2:00 am

  My son who actually works for a Mercedes Benz dealer suggested that I look at the Audi Quattros. As a woman in her early 70s has driven American cars all her life, I was impressed with the comfort and feeling of control the moment I got behind the steering wheel and went on the test drive. Years later I am happy to say this has been the best car I have ever owned. No extra trips to the shop between services and now with the new synthetic oil I take it in only once a year. I feel bad that I didnt buy a car from my son but he agrees that I purchased the best car for my needs and the harsh winter weather in the Pacific Northwest.

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  My First Audi - 2011 Audi Q7
  By Force99 - October 9 - 2:00 am

  The Q7 replaced my Mazda CX-9, which comes off lease next month. So far Im loving it. I test drove 10 different SUVs, and kept coming back to the Q7. Very pleased its in my garage. Orca black with gray interior.

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  The best amongst the Germans - 2009 Audi A4
  By Sulabh Dhanuka - October 9 - 2:00 am

  Like probably most people, I looked at the BMW 3, Benz C, Acura TL, and Infiniti G37 before finally settling on the A4. I wanted first and foremost a car that was fun to drive both on the daily commute and weekend trip. I also wanted a car that stood out. Unfortunately, it seems that everyone in this segment naturally gravitates towards the 3, usually because that is all they have heard of. What I found in the A4 is a car that gives me all the performance with real handsome looks both inside and out (yes, I am a sucker for those LED head lights). The car is incredible to drive, especially in Sports mode. While I miss the torque of the 2.0T, the 3.2 is the one to have.

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  Pimp ride - 2010 Audi A5
  By Kangster - October 6 - 2:00 am

  I cannot imagine a better car for my needs. Surprisingly large trunk. Style is killer lots of comments by folks in my office building. There was a sunroof rattle and pass. side window air leak that needed to be repaired. Oil consumption is about 1 quart every 4500 miles, so you need to fill it between the 10k oil change intervals after 5k miles. Car is comfortable, navigation and voice control work nicely. When you fill out satisfaction/quality surveys you feel Audi has designed to satisfy all respects of it. For example the steering wheel material feel is tremendously satisfying, and I never thought of this until I bought this car. 36 mpg 90% highway and 28 mpg local roads.

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  Hot car - 2003 Audi TT
  By snowdogg - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Purchased as 2nd owner from dealer. 35K on the clock in 7 years. Since it is almost new, I expect NO problems and havent been disappointed [yet]. Powerful, fun to drive, great handling, eye-catching and real economy - 30 mpg, suburb stereo. This car has all the bells and whistles Ill ever need. Plan on keeping this car a long time only driven in summers. Will do maintenance as recommended by factory - my best attempt at forestalling potential problems.

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  S5 first 2k miles - 2009 Audi S5
  By OBX351 - October 4 - 2:00 am

  Ive always wanted a 993/996/997 BUT need a back seat that can accommodate a baby seat. The S5 has plenty of room for 3 adults and a large baby seat. Its very comfortable, has all wheel drive (go to YouTube and check out the S5 racing a down hill skier, the car goes up and down the slope!) and has similar stats to a 997 4. 0-60 4.9 S5 vs 4.8 997 4 and 1/4 13.2 S5 vs. 13/12.9 997 4. The 6 speed gear box is not quite as nice as the 997 but is still easy to shift. Anyway this is a great sport GT/luxury sports car. It sticks to the pavement, drives GREAT in the rain and is very comfortable. Well see how it does over the next 90k miles, but I am very happy with the first 2k miles.

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  Audi q5 in a rain storm - 2010 Audi Q5
  By lila - October 1 - 2:00 am

  Just got back from driving on route 91 in a terrible rain and wind storm. Today was another example of why I purchased an Audi SUV. It holds the road so well and just feels very safe to drive especially under bad driving conditions.