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:

• 

  Awesome car - 2011 Audi S5
  By vivek - August 6 - 4:18 pm

  Beautiful car inside and out and what a joy to drive. Handles so confidently and smoothly. I also looked at BMW 335iX coupe (no camera and too harsh style), Mercedes E coupe (no 4-wheel option). The extra power over the A5 changes the car considerably. You dont go wrong if you pick this car.

• 

  Hated Crossovers until this! - 2010 Audi Q5
  By Aaron - August 6 - 12:09 am

  Im a sedan guy for a family ride, and when it came time for my wife to look for a new car I tried like heck to stay away from the SUV-Crossover segment. After driving the Q5 I have become a convert. The Q5 is a wonderful driving machine, precise in its handling (once you get used to the size) and surprisingly good in the twisties. Just got back from a road trip down to San Fran and I was very impressed. The overall feel of quality and competence in the way the Audi goes about its business is flat out impressive.

• 

  Looks and Performance - 2011 Audi Q5
  By Trip - August 4 - 4:56 pm

  Audi has a winner For people who want a zippy crossover with great mileage and luxury. Excellent handling, smooth ride, Navigation and Bluetooth are easy and very driver friendly.

• 

  Ive got a 3.0TDI diesel! - 2010 Audi Q5
  By Malon - August 4 - 3:38 am

  Hey you guys in the US, I had to wait 6 months to get my 3.0TDI to Australia, and I can tell you at last that it was well worth the wait. The diesel power is very different to the 3.2 version. It comes as more of of a surge, rather than the instant zippy power of a petrol motor, but when it surges, it just seems to keep producing more and more power! I chose this over the 3.2 because it is more economical and has even faster acceleration. (0-60 mph in 6.5 seconds. I wont add to the comments others have already made about the build quality and driving pleasure as Im sure this has already been covered, just wanted you all to know that the diesel is a monster!

• 

  Its a great driver and fun to drive - 2002 Audi A6
  By Ruebezahl - August 1 - 1:42 pm

  Bought new right after Christmas when the dealer gave us a wonderful price to make room for new vehicles. Paid $31,000 in 2003 with the CVT transmission. We really couldnt afford the turbo 2.8 liter Quattro and lowered ourselves to a plain Jane A6. It was the best decision that was made. The wheels take the cheaper 16" tires. (bought quality for high speed though) The CVT yields me around town abound 24 mpg and thats nothing to sneeze at. I drive enthusiastic yet not foolish stops and starts. So far the dealer took care of the warranty and recall campaigns. Well find out soon enough for I found a great independent German mechanic that wont rake me over the coals.

• 

  Nice to Drive - 2011 Audi Q5
  By Carlos - July 30 - 7:01 pm

  I sold my MB C230 to buy an SUV, I was undecided about the Q5, but searching through similar vehicles ( Toureg, X3, and GLK350) Im sure I didnt make a mistake.

• 

  Excellent Crossover - 2010 Audi Q7
  By Picky - July 30 - 11:54 am

  I dont usually feel compelled to review a vehicle but with the 2010 Audi Q7 I could not help myself. I traded in an 07 MBSL550 and a 08 Lexus RX400h and the new Q7 is like both of those cars in one. The diesel is quiet and the power is amazing. Mileage so far is 23 combined, 21 city, 29 on highway cruising from Vegas to LA at 82mph.The biggest seller for me on the Q7 is the ride quality it is smooth like a Lexus but corners flat like a sedan. NO body roll and motion sickness. I drove the new MDX, MBML and X5 35 the Audi beat them all on total all around comfort and blended performance. The X5 was to hard to steer in parking, MB was pricey with no real advantage over the Audi.

• 

  Great Vehicle - Improved for 11 - 2011 Audi A5
  By PZ-NOLA - July 29 - 9:34 am

  Ordered 5/2010 -- one of the first 11s off the truck. Traded an 07 A4 Cab for this one. Im very impressed with the quality and the additions made to the 11 vs the 10 (i.e. the Premium Plus package now includes an auto dimming mirror not available in 10, the radio presets now display the name and artist without having to go back to the main menu). Its larger, roomier and quieter than the A4. I chose the Teak Brown with Cardamon interior -- new combination for 11 -- stunning! Overall a great car although pricey @ $51k -- but still less than a BMW Cabriolet comparably equipped. MPG equal to sticker estimates with under 100 miles!

• 

  Look at everyone stare as you go by - 2002 Audi TT
  By Will - July 27 - 1:54 am

  Car is one of a kind without a doubt, great engine (had water pump replaced with metal impellar version for reliability, ecu raflashed, new dv, and p-flo intake. It is now where it needs to be for being a sports car with more turbo kick and less restriction on the engine. Great to drive anywhere anytime, handles unbelievably well on all roads. Only minor problems have occurred but nothing that cant be fixed by joining a forum online and a little bit of mechanical common sense. I highly recommend purchasing used, with the 225 engine with a 6 speed, its all fun when you want it and feels great driving through town watching everyones jaw drop at the styling and sound.

• 

  What a surprise! - 2006 Audi A3
  By Florida Car - July 26 - 9:01 pm

  Just got this A3 with 55,000 on it. The interior did surprise me. Well made and very good design. Drove it and just after 5 minutes I knew this one was a keeper. Been in the car rental business for over 25 years, you get to know vehicles, and this one really won me over that fast. I hope that it will be as good on reliability. The Europeans have it right, just the right size and no wasted of space.