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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  Almost There - but Audi got a bit cheap on this vehicle - 2011 Audi A3
  By jinoc - February 18 - 1:13 am

  Any car like this one with an MSRP over $33k should definitely have some common features: garage door opener, power passenger seats, memory settings, auto-dimming mirrors, and automatic headlights. Most of these things cost the manufacturer almost nothing to install, but Audi left them off the A3. This tells me they think the target market is not an upscale or move-up buyer who would expect these things. But Id bet many other less-expensive vehicles have some or all of these features. All this aside - I really like this car. I was torn between an A3 and a Jetta TDI SportWagen, but went with the Audi because of a few better features. And it looks much better.

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  Excellent Family Car - 2011 Audi Q7
  By chchoi - February 16 - 5:53 pm

  This Q7 replaces my 2008 A4. Q7 is huge. A lot of room. I love the 3.0 Supercharge engine with 8 speed auto. Pickup is very smooth. Mileage is OK. It does better than my 2005 X5 3.0i. It feels very heavy and during braking, I need to step heavier to stop it. I took it to the snow and it was fun driving at 70mph and passing other cars with chain. It is a excellent family car.

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  Good Service, Junk Car - 2006 Audi A3
  By helmethead1 - February 12 - 2:27 pm

  Owned certified pre-owned 2006 A3 for 2 months. Heres my timeline, you can be the judge. Week 1 - Heater Blower Motor Dies, Replacement is louder then stereo can go Week 2 - Engine Misfires in Cylinders 3, Car in the shop for a week. Week 3 - Coolant not working AUX fan comes on to cool engine, caused by freezing coolant (improper mix) Week 4 - Engine Light Flashes, Misfire in 3 & 4, Car in shop for week Week 5 - Engine light solid coming off and on Week 6 - Full Coolant Leak, caused by cracked housing from freezing. (another improper mix) Week 7 - Misfires between gear changes (2nd and 3rd gear) Week 8 - Engine Light Solid, returned car to dealership for FULL refund

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  New 2011 prestige S4 with sport differential - 2011 Audi S4
  By leeman11 - February 9 - 3:21 pm

  I have had my Audi S4 for 8 days now. Put 520 miles on it city/hwy driving. It replaces my 2001 BMW 330i. The handling and driving experience is uncomparable. It far surpasses my wildest expectations. It handles curving country roads amazingly. I must admit there is a curve on the way to work rated at 35mph that I took at 75mph this morning without even breaking a sweat (there was good visibility with no cars or creatures in sight). I highly recommend this car. Voice recognition system and MMI beats BMWs in my opinion. Driving in "dynamic" sport mode makes car very tight and responsive while "comfort" mode is good for wife and family drives!

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  Best purchase ever! - 2011 Audi S4
  By aklug - February 9 - 12:09 pm

  I LOVE this car. I have never bought anything that I have been so happy with! I was hesitant to spend this much on a car but I can honestly and wholeheartedly say this car is WELL WORTH THE MONEY! The power, acceleration and handling are fantastic. While its not as raw muscle as an M3 its definitely a wolf in sheeps clothing. I love how many people try to race me or take me off the line and cannot touch this thing. It is an absolute blast to drive. Its almost depressing when you hit 80-85 and realize what the consequences would be to get caught going any faster. The interior is superb, its is uber comfortable and everything works very well with very few exceptions.

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  1st time Audi owner - 2011 Audi S5
  By bigdjjd - February 8 - 12:00 pm

  I recently traded a 08 BMW m3 sedan for a 2011 S5 and I am thrilled!! While the m3 is a fantastic car, it is not a fantastic everyday car. I made the switch because of the s5s seductive good looks, v8 power, and 4 wheel grip. The s5 interior is stunning visually and very user friendly (BMW Idrive is a mess!) The seats are extremely comfortable and infinitely adjustable. The B&O sound system is fantastic, and would say on par with the best from BMW. Behind the wheel great steering feel, engine power is substantial but not overwelming. Overall build quality and materials are excellent. My only grips are: the pano roof only vents and the overhead sunglass compartment is tiny!

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  Fun to drive but... - 2006 Audi A4
  By sfced - February 5 - 7:37 am

  Good looking, very fast and handles like a dream. Definitely a fun to drive car. In terms of reliability, this is the worse car Ive ever owned. I have to take it to the dealer while it was under warranty at least twice. The oil filter housing (made out of plastic) broke during an oil change and it took nearly a week to receive a new one, which was over a $100. The last moth I had it, it threw "check engine" lights for three different issues. For the last one the dealer wanted over $1000 to repair it. I had them clear the light, drove it to the nearest Honda dealership, traded it in, and never looked back... for 61,000 miles, Im disappointed.

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  Had it for 6 months an still enjoy it! - 2011 Audi A4
  By renems - February 3 - 1:48 pm

  Car I purchased: A4 Quattro (8-speed) Premium Plus w/ sports package and all the additional "esthetic upgrades". I bought this car in August of 10. I wasnt entirely sure how comfortable I was with getting a first rev. of the 8 speed. So far, so good however there are a few things Ive noticed which Ive listed under "improvements". I tried the 2011 BMW 335d, 2010 A4 Quattro, 2010 G35, 2011 ES350, 2010 C300. To be honest the acceleration of the BMW diesel and fuel economy far surpass the A4. However the A4 surpasses the BMW in a couple categories, one being safety. The other being CUP holders!

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  Wonderful vehicle - 2011 Audi Q5
  By zekespaw - January 27 - 1:54 pm

  I told my wife the other day that I actually look forward to my commute just so that I can drive this amazing vehicle. The ride, quiet, handling, performance, wiz-bang gizmos, styling... these are all first rate. I compared many cars and kept going back to this one. It took me nearly 6 months to make a decision, and I have NO regrets. Complaints from reviewers about the overly complicated Nav system were obviously written by Luddites. It works wonderfully (except for what I wrote below). The feel and drivability of this car is outstanding. The other vehicles in its class just dont compare. Maybe its just a matter of taste, but the Q5 is all good taste.

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  Tons of fun! - 1998 Audi A4
  By inmyblood - January 22 - 1:27 am

  I bought my A4 2.8Q brand new. Over 13 years later I couldnt be much happier. It drives like new with over 120k miles on it. It is great fun to drive and I love carving through the mountain snow here in Utah with only all-season tires. I had some front suspension issues until my local mechanic solved what my dealer could not. I have had my brakes done once with that same mechanic for about $600 for all four. I have replaced all four lower door trim pieces and both heated side view mirrors but no sensor or engine issues. It runs smooth and hard and I love it! My kids dont like the back seat but that is what the Odyssey is for. I wish I could afford a new one. An all around great car!