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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  Traded In My 14 For A New 16 - 2016 Audi A6
  By Bill Fink - December 19 - 2:52 am

  For the first time in my life, did I decide to go Diesel. I had NO IDEA of the stats for cars equipped with Diesel Engines. i.e. I didnt know they have a higher value, higher (MUCH) higher gas mileage. I enjoyed my 14 A6 - THAT MUCH, that I just went and traded that in for a new 16. (Faster MMI/Console MUCH better resolution on the screen - that "techie" list goes on and on, though I have to admit, its the "techie" stuff that sells me.)

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  LOVE IT! - 2010 Audi A5
  By Skyrocker - December 18 - 10:59 am

  I have owned this magnificent piece of machinery for over 1 month now and I love every time I get in it. The amazing look the car and the handling is great, it is by far the best car I have ever driven.

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  Great quality, reliable, fun to drive. - 1998 Audi A4
  By Denis Abramov - December 15 - 1:50 pm

  I have driven my pearl white Audi for about 3 months now. Before this Audi, I was driving a 2002 Volvo S60 (great car also). I have all factory packages that were available for this car. My car has a 30v V6 which sounds lovely before 4k rpms, after that, it builds up this roar, all the way to redline of 6800. The sport package is outstanding (if you prefer comfort, you wouldnt like it). The sport seats are somewhat hard but support you when entering a corner at 40+mph. Suspension is a bit harsh too but the car handles like it is on rails. Cruising at 80mph is a breeze and my friends cant even tell were going 80. Take care of it, it will last forever!

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  A Great Car! - 2010 Audi Q5
  By Marcel - December 13 - 10:47 pm

  I picked up a Black Prestige a few days ago. I own a Volvo XC90, but handling in the Q5 is far superior, as it drives as a sports car. We had a massive snowstorn last week, which has made roads slippery and icy in Wisconsin. I am very impressed with how the Q5 handles the road under these conditions. Regarding the purchase, I was between the Premium Plus with Nav and Prestige Packages. I went for the Prestige and paid the extra 3K, but I think the only accessory really worth the extra cost is the side-assist (only available for Prestige). I think the B&O Stereo is overrated. Overall, I am quite happy so far.

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  This car has it all over the RX - 2010 Audi Q5
  By Peter - December 11 - 9:04 pm

  This car has it all over the RX. It has better electronic gadgetry, handling, design and is a blast to drive. The seamless bluetooth integration with my IPhone was totally painless and automatically took all my contacts without even prompting me. The voice recognition is excellent and I can call people without taking my eyes off the road as well as enter a destination. The quattro drive system is awesome and the LED daytime running lights are very cool. The seats are very comfortable and lumbar support is fabulous. Great job Audi.

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  Incredible at 14 years old! - 1995 Audi S6
  By MNS6 - December 11 - 3:00 pm

  At 14 years old and 86,000 miles young, my newly purchased S6 still feels and looks new. The engineering and fit and finish of materials are all top notch. Parts are still readily available for this car. Additionally, there is a vast amount of online knowledge from owners and fans of these original S4 and S6 cars. This car is truly a divers car. It only comes in a manual transmission and the 5 cylinder inline turbo engine is smile-inducing. Hit the gas, listen to the turbo spool and say hello to 80mph at the top of 3rd gear. The S6 effortlessly pours on speed while feeling planted and composed. Every time I drive my S6 it puts a smile on my face. This car is exceptional!

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  Great Car - 1993 Audi 90
  By Excelent Car - December 10 - 1:23 pm

  After I wrecked my old truck I bought my Audi 90s. It was lowered with specialty tires and sport suspension. I love this car. It does great in the snow and I live in a place were it snows a lot. The only problem I have had with it is a small coolant leak. This car is extremely fun to drive and is reliable.

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  Best Audi Yet - 2008 Audi A6
  By DocWoods - December 9 - 5:09 pm

  This is my fourth Audi, second A6. Best of them all! The power is great, smooth ride, unbeatable interior quality/design. I know that there are cars that are quicker, better handling, flashier, more powerful, etc, but no other car, taken as a package, does it all better than this A6. Cant beat quattro in the snow and rain. After 17K miles: NO PROBLEMS AT ALL, just changing the oil every 5K (not the factory recommended 10K).

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  Fun & Then Some - 2008 Audi A4
  By Mia - December 9 - 11:21 am

  I bought this car used a few months ago and have loved it since I got into it. Overall the performance is good and the turbo is great compared to many I have driven in the past - very smooth. Fuel economy is good if you lay off the accelerator, you can easily get 35-40mpg with good driving and 20-25mpg being more aggressive. Also, the car is for lack of a better word spunky. The styling will get you looks and the car loves a winding road. Hitting the accelerator on a hard curve is pure joy. Overall great car with a solid foundation.

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  A lot of fun - 2010 Audi S4
  By KGS - December 9 - 6:46 am

  Originally had wanted the A5. Drove the S4 after the A5 and absolutely loved it. The power is always available, immediately! The car is extremely well refined and quiet but can be a beast when necessary. Mileage is great. I love driving this car... every day. Test drive it!!