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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  A Gentlemans Muscle Car - 2010 Audi S5
  By Arshad - September 14 - 2:00 am

  Ive previously driven an A4,S4,BMW 3 series. Although the new S4 is marginally faster on the track, the combination of elegance, beauty, performance, solid build quality and a refined, ergonomic interior that matches (if not exceeds) competitors makes the S5 the ideal coupe for the affluent consumer desiring a...well frankly speaking a flashy daily driver. Short of the R8, this is the best overall handling production Audi. 0-60 times as follows: 4.9 (standstill), 4.7 with S-mode, 4.5 with a 1 foot roll out in S-mode. 24-26 mpg highway.

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  Great AWD Wagon - 2004 Audi A4
  By Steve - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Older couples car with all documentation. Rides, looks and feels excellent. Great Bose stereo. Ultra sport package is awesome! Easy to forget this is a wagon. I traded in a 2008 Suzuki SX4 4 cyl AWD hatchback for this car. I wanted more power and luxury. Did some research and, an Avant 3.0 was the best bet. I really like the B6 (2002-05) generation of this car, Audi styling at its epitome. Current generations (B7 & B8 late 2005-08, 2009-) A4s styling is way out there, not my taste at all.

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  Cross country tourer, urban worker - 2011 Audi Q5
  By Travis - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Superb driving dynamics, I last owned an Audi in 1998, and everything has moved well ahead. Also owned FX35, RDX. This is better than both on sheer driving satisfaction - fast, quiet, comfortable, roomy, competent and handles great. 28mpg on a 2,700 mile cross country trip to LA, over the Rockies. Panorama roof and screen were fine, and quite enjoyable under varied conditions. Opted against Navi, not a 3d fan and in 5yrs, resale on Navi I am betting will not be worthwhile given many great options emerging on handhelds. Love the 2.0t and also the 8 sp and the S drive choice is quite a good aggressive option for urban cut and thrust. Roomy, efficient, and beautiful. Big ups for the Q5.

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  Nightmare to own - 2001 Audi TT
  By DirtRider - September 12 - 2:00 am

  Bought car used, 1st week turbo fell off and the stability control computer failed. Dealer replaced and repaired no charge. After that over 4000 miles had to repair, brakes, tires replaced, timing belt and water pump, oil leaks, fuel lines, all hoses for turbo over $2000 in parts! WOULD NOT RECOMMEND to my worst enemy. Terrible car dont waste your money!

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  My Best Car Purchase Yet - 2011 Audi Q5
  By TNPharm - September 12 - 2:00 am

  After researching dozens of cars for months, I decided to visit my local Audi dealer to check out the Q5. I was immediately in love with this car. The design is beautiful,fit and finish is amazing. The engine is smooth and powerful. Audi has a real winner with the Q5.

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  Love this car - 2011 Audi A4
  By luvaudi - September 12 - 2:00 am

  I Never thought I would go for a wagon, but coming out of an SUV I am amazed at how fun this car is to drive. The fuel economy is excellent and the 4C turbo has plenty of power. Audi manages to make a true sport wagon that looks cool and performs like a world-class sport sedan. I looked at the BMW 328 wagon, Audi is larger and better equipped for the $ and much faster with the turbo.

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  Drop Dead Gorgeous Ride - 2011 Audi A5
  By hla26v - September 11 - 2:00 am

  Third Audi that we have owned in the family (99 A8, 97" S8) This vehicle is quite different. I purchased it for my wifes birthday. I am trying something completely new. I am giving her no opinion on the car, I am letting her do the grading and such. I give it all 10s because I researched out for 6 months. And I know Audis. It sits on the fence between MB & BMW. It has the best of both of their worlds. Excellent vehicle.

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  Dont be fooled by Das Vagen - 2005 Audi A4
  By JJW - September 11 - 2:00 am

  The vast majority of SUV owners avoid mud and rocks but everyone thinks they need one. Wagons are underpriced because they are not fashionable and that works for me. More versatile than a sedan and as much interior space as most small SUVs. Split rear seats have plenty of legroom. The Audi Vagen is best of both worlds legendary AWD performance and handling.The 2.0 engine is peppy and when you select S "overdrive" outrageous acceleration. Leather power everything dual AC premium sound the list goes on. We bought the wagon 23,00 now at 45K could not be happier. Drives well carries dogs, bikes ,supplies. "Gets up and Audis" on the highway. Only complaint they have stopped making wagons

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  AUDI Q5 fun to drive - 2011 Audi Q5
  By FRED - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I have only driven this car for two weeks and am thrilled with it. Two most outstanding attributes is its performance and comfort. The torque generated from this engine is incredible. You feel as though you are driving a car with a lot more horsepower. The size and pep make it so much fun to drive.

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  4 door sports car - 2011 Audi S4
  By Howard - September 8 - 11:27 am

  I purchased my S4 three weeks ago. This car is a prestige model that has most of the factory options including the sports rear differential, and adaptive cruise. The basics such as Nav, bluetooth, etc.. are all part of the prestige package. I was concerned about losing the V8 with its great sound, but the supercharged V6 gives up nothing performance wise. The car is fast, nimble, and still gives you a quality high end feel. In addition, the adaptive cruise control is awesome. Its an expensive option, but at the end of the day when youre done racing around, you can kick back and let the car almost drive itself. This car is a sports car that wont beat you up when driven on a daily basis