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 A4 2004 V6 3.0 6M Ultra Sport - 2004 Audi A4
  By Audi3.0B6UltraSport - July 2 - 3:53 pm

  I bought this car with approximately 40k miles on it after it had come off a lease. Its fully loaded with every available feature for that model year and has a full leather interior. Black paint, black leather. Its a sweet looking car and it drives really well. Overall Im quite happy with the car and if I had to make the decision again I would buy the same car. I average about 28 MPG - mostly highway driving. The Ultra Sport package offers most of the S4 styling with much better fuel economy. Over the years, Ive had the coil packs and the cat converters replaced under warranty, Ive had to replace the win regulators on both front windows. I still love this car though.

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  Traded up from the A4 - 2010 Audi A6
  By asix - July 2 - 5:59 am

  Traded in an 09 A4 for a 10 A6 3.0T Prestige with 18" sport package. The A4 was a great, fun car, but the A6 is better in so many ways larger, smoother and much more powerful engine. Love the understated, classiness of the A6 with its power, handling, and all the techno goodies. Car is quiet, solid and stable cruising serenely @ 70-80mph, and can also be driven fast/hard. Gas mileage so far is pretty good for a car of this size/power - averaging 21-22 with 70-80% highway. Very happy that I traded up! Car and Driver just did a comparison test and rated the 2010 A6 ahead of the NEW 2011 BMW 535 (3rd) and 2011 Infiniti M37 (2nd).

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  Pure awesome-ness - 2009 Audi A4
  By Lohnek - July 2 - 2:56 am

  I own a 2009 A4 2.0T FSI Quattro Prestige S-Line. What an amazing and fun car to drive! Pros: Performance: responsive, good handling, grips the road and can make tight corners, 0-60 in 6.7 sec as advertised, smooth ride even with sport suspensions. Styling: beautifully done interior, exterior styling is amazing with nice flowing lines, still loving the LED lights after 26K. Reliability: reliable, no maintenance issues at all, all in all, a great car! Other: B&F audio is a must! 31 mpg highway Cons: Stock tires are noisy at high speeds above 60 mph -Torque steer issues that Audi has no fix for still. MMI interface does not support other languages -18 mpg city -Slow start off the line

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  Hard to Beat - 2010 Audi A4
  By jmcycle - July 1 - 7:36 pm

  Ive had this car for about a month and 600 miles. So far, it is awesome- handling, comfort, and power are amazing. I am excited and proud every time I get in it. It has made me re- think the numbers (i.e. horsepower) on paper. I dont understand how something with "only" 211hp can be so fast. I also test drove the BMW 328IX and it didnt feel anywhere near as fast as this car. I also love that I get such good gas mileage out of something with so much power. Safety is unmatched as well-5 stars in every category.

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  Out of the world - 2010 Audi A5
  By mgur1 - June 27 - 8:02 pm

  After driving first 1500 miles decided to Post a comment. The car is fantastic, love every minute of driving, style, performance. Had VW passat 6v, worried if a5 is agile enough with 4 cylinders. No more worries, delivers enough power not to feel a difference. Car just glued to the road, no body roll at all.

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  Audi Rocks - 2010 Audi Q5
  By smartboy23 - June 26 - 11:22 pm

  Replaced my 2008 Honda Pilot. I had leased A4 in 2005 and was very happy with Audi as a brand. Great car/SUV. Love it, of course smaller than Honda Pilot but works for me.

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  Positive German Experience - 2010 Audi Q5
  By Foxmoor - June 26 - 7:22 pm

  This is my first German car and its a great one - beautifully finished, good mix of power and economy, and reasonably fun handling. I sold a Mini Cooper to upsize to the Q5 and dont regret it a bit. The quality is first-rate and my wife feels safer in a larger vehicle with outstanding crash test results.

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  Audi R8 First 3 Months Review - 2010 Audi R8
  By MPS - June 25 - 12:46 pm

  This car is simply amazing in every regard except fuel economy, but I guess that is to be expected with this caliber of vehicle. Styling and Performance are incredible. Gets looks and attention everywhere it goes. This takes some getting use to.

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  Ultimate bad weather beater - 1995 Audi A6
  By alex - June 24 - 7:55 pm

  Hi, I own an 1995 audi a6 sedan which i purchased 2 years ago with 250,000k on it. i paid $1000 for it and has spend another $500 replaced timing belt, moonroof seal ext. so far the best $1000 Ive ever spent. despite high mileage the car still runs good, very comfortable, confident in all weather conditions, great attention to details, high quality interior, would like to get better millage but for the size of the car i think it not so bad, engine is underpowered, slow like a teenager to clean his room. definitely love the quattro.

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  The Best Compact SUV in the Market - 2010 Audi Q5
  By acalady - June 24 - 7:42 pm

  It was love at first sight! From the moment I saw the Q5 I knew thats what I wanted and had been waiting for. I had already made a deal on a BMW X3, but I was not 100% convinced that I liked the car, particular the stiff ride. I drive a lot. Every week-end Im on the road and driving my Q5 is a dream come true! It is just pure pleasure! I love how the cockpit looks when it gets dark.