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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  Love it! - 1999 Audi A6
  By denniss - September 20 - 2:00 am

  Bought it this year and enjoy every minute of driving it consider it like an old friend that you trust your life to does use a lil bit of oil (151k) but the Audi dealer said it was natural. This is my 3rd Audi owned an A4 and 100. Quattro is great especially in the curves (which is only matched by my 944) The car is quick when I need it and I like the quality of the interior of using metal and real wood veneer whereas most cars have cheap fake wood. The only problem I found is that it gets very hot without the A/C on so hot that it fogs up my glasses in the summer

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  Sharp Car - 2010 Audi A4
  By Mark - September 18 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the A4 Premium Plus Quattro with the 6spd manual. So Far its been a great car for the two months Ive owned it. Has a nice wide stance and pretty roomy compared to earlier models. Love the LED daylight running lights. The LED tail lights are pretty slick also. Descent power for a 4 cylinder. Sound system not bad, controls take a while to get used to. Read on forums that the turbo burns oil, but at 1200mi Im still good. Cant wait to see how it does on the snow/ice. Interior is very sharp, except for small useless drink holder up front and flimsy drink holder in back. Shouldnt have to use two hands to set a drink down. Minor flaws I guess for an otherwise great car.

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  Amazing car - 2005 Audi A4
  By Chris - September 17 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car about 4 or 5 months ago, and i love it. For a V6 it seems far more powerful than a V6 on any other car. Not only does the engine feel powerful, but it sounds amazing, I always used to listen to the radio, but now generally leave it on a low volume so i can listen to the engine. The interior is not made for a 6-speed, as the armrest covers the cut hold and hand-break, so i would recommend an auto. Ive had some problems with the headlight bulbs, which are decently costly, but thats natural as Im approaching 100k miles. I baby this car though, i clay and wax it several times a year, definitely feels like a show car thats fun to drive!

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  BWM-and back to Audi - 2011 Audi S5
  By Alanr - September 16 - 2:00 am

  After leaving Audi in 2001 because of the lousy dealership and service in my old hometown I went over to BMW. Well after 5 BMWs and the last being a 335 cab with what I would say the worst tires in the world ( Run Flats) I went back to Audi. Well all I can say is the S5 Cab is worlds ahead of BMW in REAL would driving. Fit is finish is flawless. The MMI system and Navigation is world ahead of BMWs I drive and very easy to use. I have had dozens of high end cars and this one gets more attention than anything I have had. Super quite, plenty of power and the best seats I have ever sat in. I have one problem with the car, I just want to wax it and look at it its that nice.

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  2 months in - 2010 Audi Q5
  By Tx Transplant - September 15 - 2:00 am

  I wrote an earlier review and dont have much to add I thoroughly enjoy the vehicle and am very happy with the choice. I do have some observations: my wife, who is 5 2" drove my car one time and really disliked the oversize side mirrors as they obscured her view I am 61" and havent had that problem so maybe its an issue only for smaller stature folks. If I could change one thing it still would be opting for all-season radials instead of the summer performance tires. Also, a minor beef: the rear view camera takes a few moments to initialize so I find Im having to wait after hopping in and cranking the ignition before I can begin to back up. All in all a great car!

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  A Gentlemans Muscle Car - 2010 Audi S5
  By Arshad - September 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive previously driven an A4,S4,BMW 3 series. Although the new S4 is marginally faster on the track, the combination of elegance, beauty, performance, solid build quality and a refined, ergonomic interior that matches (if not exceeds) competitors makes the S5 the ideal coupe for the affluent consumer desiring a...well frankly speaking a flashy daily driver. Short of the R8, this is the best overall handling production Audi. 0-60 times as follows: 4.9 (standstill), 4.7 with S-mode, 4.5 with a 1 foot roll out in S-mode. 24-26 mpg highway.

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  Cross country tourer, urban worker - 2011 Audi Q5
  By Travis - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Superb driving dynamics, I last owned an Audi in 1998, and everything has moved well ahead. Also owned FX35, RDX. This is better than both on sheer driving satisfaction - fast, quiet, comfortable, roomy, competent and handles great. 28mpg on a 2,700 mile cross country trip to LA, over the Rockies. Panorama roof and screen were fine, and quite enjoyable under varied conditions. Opted against Navi, not a 3d fan and in 5yrs, resale on Navi I am betting will not be worthwhile given many great options emerging on handhelds. Love the 2.0t and also the 8 sp and the S drive choice is quite a good aggressive option for urban cut and thrust. Roomy, efficient, and beautiful. Big ups for the Q5.

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  My Best Car Purchase Yet - 2011 Audi Q5
  By TNPharm - September 12 - 2:00 am

  After researching dozens of cars for months, I decided to visit my local Audi dealer to check out the Q5. I was immediately in love with this car. The design is beautiful,fit and finish is amazing. The engine is smooth and powerful. Audi has a real winner with the Q5.

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  Love this car - 2011 Audi A4
  By luvaudi - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I Never thought I would go for a wagon, but coming out of an SUV I am amazed at how fun this car is to drive. The fuel economy is excellent and the 4C turbo has plenty of power. Audi manages to make a true sport wagon that looks cool and performs like a world-class sport sedan. I looked at the BMW 328 wagon, Audi is larger and better equipped for the $ and much faster with the turbo.

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  Drop Dead Gorgeous Ride - 2011 Audi A5
  By hla26v - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Third Audi that we have owned in the family (99 A8, 97" S8) This vehicle is quite different. I purchased it for my wifes birthday. I am trying something completely new. I am giving her no opinion on the car, I am letting her do the grading and such. I give it all 10s because I researched out for 6 months. And I know Audis. It sits on the fence between MB & BMW. It has the best of both of their worlds. Excellent vehicle.