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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  Good car - 2007 Audi A4
  By A4inATL - April 20 - 1:00 pm

  Bought this from Carmax with about 29k on it. Had it mostly a year here in Atlanta. Got the 2wd 6 spd manny with S- line interior. Great car but I agree with everyone on the turbo lag issue. If Im driving in rush hour in a 20 mph lane and want to merge into a 40 mph lane -- I sweat a bit. This car doesnt seem to have that low-end acceleration one requires to dart in and out of traffic which is unfortunate because the A4 handles so well. Ive gotten more than a few "birds" as I merge into traffic in 3rd and watch the RPM go soaring and the speedo move nary a tick as the drivers behind me hit their brakes. I may try to wind it up more in 2nd, but it doesnt seem one should drive on the highway.

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  Marriage of Design and Speed - 2010 Audi A5
  By b111ab0n9 - April 19 - 3:24 pm

  They car is amazing. Even though its a 2.0 L engine, the turbo gives it more than enough power to let you have fun while not guzzling the premium gas. The cockpit is well designed too. The designer designed the dashboard not only for the driver, but for the passenger as well. Because I just purchased this vehicle, I cannot say anything about the mechanical issue. As of now, it has been treating me very well. Also, one note is that I bought the "Prestige" and "S-Line" packages for my A5.

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  perfect... - 2010 Audi S5
  By willybomba - April 17 - 7:47 pm

  Traded an 08 s4 for it. Was shopping for a 911 or m3. This s5 is the perfect marriage of a luxury car and a sports car. I get continuous thumbs up at stoplights. Its funny. The m3 is faster. But it looks like every 2 door BMW on the road. The 911 is great. But just didnt fit me. The s5 is a dual personality. Gorgeous machine. I can say that the I found my perfect car. Get it before they change the engine to a v6. This will be the last v8. Unless you go to the rs4. Which will be a 25k premium. Get em while they last, they will be hard to get and will keep their value for years to come.

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  Just ugraded from my 2000 A4 to an A5 - 2010 Audi A5
  By glenn - April 17 - 10:04 am

  I am loving my new car. I decided it was finally time to replace my old car (2000 Audi A4 Quattro Sports package) which had hit 10 years and 210,000 miles. I was looking to go with a new A4 and took the A5 for a spin and fell in love. Much nicer feel interior. I purchased the Premier plus with Nav/MMI system, upgraded leather seats and a bunch of other options i didnt need but the only way I could find the deep Blue color A5 I wanted within 100 miles was to get them I cant wait until my 1st 1000 miles are up and I can open it up fully, but thus far I am very happy with my purchase. Turns out I am the very first purchaser at a new Audi dealer in Chantilly VA that is associated with the Tysons corner, VA HBL Audi i bought my original A4 from.

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  Squeaky brakes - 2010 Audi TT
  By audi tt 2009 - April 16 - 7:33 pm

  Loved the car, want another, yet skeptical because when pulling up at a red light, loud squeaky brakes when coming to a stop.

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  One Sweet Ride - 2010 Audi A4
  By orange2004 - April 15 - 5:35 pm

  So this is my first "luxury" car... 30 hours ago, I replaced my 2003 V6 Passat, that I dearly loved back in the day, with this new machine. I have to say, I didnt fully realize what I was missing. First, the quality of the interior is outstanding. Second, the handling is truly awesome. This car wants to hug the inside of a sharp corner and is a joy to accelerate all the way through! No body roll, no rear end jumping out, sheer bliss. Last, I love the technology, voice commands work well - lots of control over just about everything. B&O audio is outstanding. Didnt even consider a BMW - no Beemer Nation for me! OPTIONS: premium plus, 18" sports package, navigation, b&o audio

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  Great SUV - 2010 Audi Q5
  By Sb - April 15 - 9:36 am

  I had a Q5 Premium plus with S-line package, had this vehicle for almost 2 weeks now & I will say that this is the best car I ever had. Day time running LED lights makes a cool stylish appearance. Ride is great & quite, car keeps on lane with very little steering effort. Interior fit & finish is excellent. MMI nav is not really user friendly, but once used will be ok, would love if have touch screen.. The display on meter shows the songs list & tel numbers without interfering nav screen is great. I would definitely recommend any one looking to buy a compact SUV to drive this car.

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  Sold on Audi - 2007 Audi A4
  By Ron - April 15 - 2:35 am

  This has been a great car for me. I bought it used as a CPO 2 years ago. I have to add 1/2 quart of oil just before my oil change, not a big deal for how great this car is. This car has great visibility (minimal blind spots). No repairs needed so far on this A4. I definitely recommend this car!

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  Heads wont stop turning to look at S5! - 2010 Audi S5
  By eddieversace - April 13 - 4:38 am

  If you want to keep a low profile and go un-noticed then, this is NOT the car to drive.I inherited enough money in Jan. 2010 to be able to buy me this car with cash in March 2010. I knew I wanted a Luxury/Sport Coupe, and narrowed it down to this or the Infiniti G37.Deciding factor for me was the way the Audi S5 Coupe felt while driving it. This car demands the attention of everyone within view with its sensory charged design and gadget options. Love the rims that came on the car but have already scraped them on two curbs. My auto insurance also increased from $145.00 per month premium to $414.00 per month. But, Its Worth It! Hoped the Convertible was AWD though!

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  Maybe the only 3.7 model left in USA? - 1997 Audi A8
  By Geoff - April 10 - 1:08 pm

  I bought mine used in 2002, have driven it 80,000 miles since. Build quality, handling, performance are great. Many small things have failed though, and at 170K miles its on its third transmission (!). No other mechanical issues though. The engine is fantastic, still tight and strong and using no oil. Ive driven the 4.2 AWD models as well, and I have to say I prefer the handling of my FWD 3.7 model. Weight is only 3600 lbs, about the same as a Subaru WRX. The 3.7 seems to have virtually disappeared from the roads now, though. At current rock-bottom prices these are a stupendous bargain.