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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  Best car Ive ever owned... so far. - 2011 Audi Q5
  By zekespaw - January 10 - 5:06 pm

  Ive owned many cars (in no particular order) VWs, Fords, Subarus, Infinity, Lexus, etc. I have never had a car that was more enjoyable to drive, be in, or look at. It handles so very well on wet, dry, bumpy, smooth, pavement, uphill or flat. Its quick and tight. But its also very comfortable and plush. The seats are amazingly comfortable and supportive. Visibility is wonderful. Its got the Nav., which I was hesitant to get, but now LOVE! The Audio system is great, especially the iPod dock and controls. Got the Teak with the Cardamon (beige) leather. Gorgeous! Ive never had a brown car, and this is a real beauty. So far... so good. Ive had it less than one week.

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  Gave back to dealer 2 mos before lease end. - 2007 Audi A4
  By boyracer3 - January 9 - 8:39 am

  Tonight Im reviewing 6 of my latest car purchases. Audi is getting the lowest marks. My car burned a Quart of oil every 3000 mi. Oil light would come on before it was time to get oil change. Evry time. Loved car before this happened. Recommended A4 cabby to a friend. His did the same thing. When in parking lots examine the carbon buildup on A4 tailpipes.having blown the engine on my previous 911 I was very sensitive to oil lights. I complained repeatedly to Audi who insisted that kind of oil loss was within specs. Seems like poor engineering. I always felt like a chump after speaking with service. I was so annoyed that I gave it back early to clear a space for a new BMW. Cont.

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  Look Out BMW and Mercedes - 2011 Audi Q5
  By altoberst - January 4 - 4:20 pm

  I ordered a Premium Plus 2011 exactly to my specs with B&O stereo (worth every penny), 19" wheels, hitch, and navigation. Quartz Gray w/ Cinnamon interior. The Q-5 blew away my expectations. With 12,000+ miles it is consistently delivering 28 mpg on the highway. Amazing! Also ordered special Audi package 20" wheels with Pirelli Scorpion Zero Asymetrico all-season aftermarket tires on it. WOW! The car tracks like an arrow and looks fantastic. The interior functions are laid out better than any vehicle I have ever driven. Dont need to take your eyes off the road for any reason.

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  Audi S4 Rocks - 2011 Audi S4
  By derrick10 - January 3 - 8:55 pm

  My first Audi was a red 2008 TT with a 3.2L MT6 and totally ruled the road. This is my second Audi and is black and looks classy with a capital "C". The exterior rules with its accented body panels and is topped off with the "Supercharged" badging. The interior is sporty and the MMI is pretty cool with its Sirius, Navigation and back up camera. If you test drive this baby, be prepared to bring her home!

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  Great SUV - 2011 Audi Q5
  By bruddahkimo - January 2 - 10:21 pm

  This is our 4th Audi and its our favorite one. We had a Q7 and it was awesome, but a bit too big for us. We went down to an A3 and it was too small. However, the Q5 fits in the middle and it suits our needs perfectly. I cant get over how fun it is to drive the Q5 and it drives very much like a car. Its a very practical car and we think its awesome!

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  excellent design, reliability much worse than in the past - 2009 Audi A4
  By vjd2211 - December 31 - 11:18 am

  Went from the 2003 A4 model to 2009 - old model was a real german design - tight handling, powerful, good brakes. The new one gained in dimensions - you feel inside like in a mid-size car, but the steering is too soft, I guess to appeal more to american drivers. Just one note - the car is not anymore a 100% german car - parts are made in other parts of the world and the overall quality has suffered. Have that in mind - repairs over the 4/50k warranty are very expensive both parts and labor - currently at 35k miles and thinking to trade-in.

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  A4 avant prestige sport 19 inch - 2011 Audi A4
  By ysde - December 29 - 9:30 pm

  need a family car. thought about s4 but thought the avant was more practical. did not want a suv - simply more weight and a higher center of gravity leads to a dull driving exp. Any audi you but you must get the sports package and quattro otherwise you might as well buy something else. The car i got is loaded - prestige - b & o radio makes a big difference, side assist, etc. The steering is a little light but the handling is very good overall. the engine is more than adequate. i was concerned about this - previous car i had delivered 330 hp. i notice the difference but the overall package of the audi is excellent. This is what you get when you buy an audi - great overall package

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  1st Month with A5 Cabrio - 2011 Audi A5
  By mssaulnj1 - December 28 - 5:57 pm

  This car is great. It drives as good as it looks. I got the car in the winter in the North East. It handles very well in snow. Cant wait until spring when can put the top down...will feel like new car.

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  This is the best car I have ever owned and its 19 years old. - 1992 Audi 100
  By jasonheartaudi - December 26 - 9:14 pm

  really cant say enough about this car, it looks like it could be a 2000 or later model car, still. totally unstoppable in the snow, 5 spd trans smooth as silk. Everything still works after almost 20 years and 140k, the oil pressure gauge is testy but its no real mechanical concern as far as I know. Im keeping this car till its dead. were having a blizzard here in ny im going back out to drive around :)

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  As Safe As They Say - 2005 Audi A6
  By rslikesaudi - December 20 - 9:50 pm

  I bought a 2005 A6 in 2007, had it 2.5 years, then was rear-ended on a stopped off-ramp by another driver who was going over 60 miles per hour. A 4000 lb car was spun 180 degrees, slid across 2 lanes, down a hill, and over a concrete drain. The car was totaled but I walked away. All 4 doors on the car still worked although the rears were no longer aligned. The car only had minor problems up until it was killed. One LED that went out intermittently. Service, brakes, tires, were about as usual on a euro sedan. Definitely a high speed cruiser but can handle turns very well. Interior quality so much better than BMW. Its a great car. Im buying another, probably an 07 or 08.