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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  Its a beaut! - 2009 Audi Q7
  By sjo - August 26 - 3:22 pm

  I bought this car 3 months ago and now have 5000 miles on it. Every one of those miles has been a pleasure to drive. Who knew an SUV could be so much fun? Weve taken it on a couple camping trips already and it handled beautifully on the windy roads headed in to the mountains. Its a feeling of confidence taking tight turns in a big car with very little body lean. Ill be turning it in for its first scheduled maintenance this week and I have not had any problems yet. This car also has plenty of room for our family of four with 2 little kids. We also use the 3rd row frequently while carpooling with our friends kids. Id recommend this car to anyone looking for a luxury SUV.

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  Great Ride & Performance- GPS lacking - 2009 Audi Q5
  By metsknicksfan - August 26 - 12:06 pm

  My 2009 Prestige Q5 rides like a sport sedan. Great acceleration (especially in sport mode), and responsive steering. I was really surprised on my first all highway trip (approx 75 miles), when I averaged 29.1 mpg! The ride is a bit bumpy on side street streets. Great access to rear storage due to low entry. Seats fold easily. Bang and Olefsun sound system is awesome. The GPS leaves a lot to be desired. The "point of interests" do not let you choose ANY retail stores. Good luck trying to find nearest Home Depot, Staples, Target, or supermarket- NOT HAPPENING. The restaurant search is a basic listing- cant choose cuisine- Italian, Japanese, etc. My $200 Garmin GPS is far superior.

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  A+ for the A4 - 2001 Audi A4
  By Relica - August 26 - 2:00 am

  I have been driving this car since November, 2000. I love the reliability of this A4. Its very sleek and impressive looking. Ive gotten constant compliments on the look and the smooth ride.

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  2003 A4 Quattro 3.0L - 2003 Audi A4
  By monsterrider - August 25 - 8:42 am

  Ive owned the car since new and now have 125,000 miles on it. Fuel pump was replaced under recall and everything else has been just routine service. No problems whatsoever. Gas mileage averages about 25 - 26 on the highway. Quattro is great in all weather conditions. Comfortable interior, excellent stereo, Xenon headlamps make night driving easy. This has been an excellent car.

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  Catalyic converter problems - 2001 Audi A6
  By Dennis - August 24 - 2:09 pm

  I bought the car as a certified used car. The converters were replaced by Audi at 52000 miles and 69000 miles later I find I need to replace them again to the tune of 2500. It would appear the converters have a problem since I have maintained the car as directed by Audi and have always used premium fuel. I would be concerned about buying a used high mileage Audi. Other than this hit and front end suspension repairs this has been a good car to drive. Please send money. -)

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  Baby Got Back - 2010 Audi A5
  By a. collier - August 22 - 9:53 pm

  What can I say. Baby got back. Love this car. Have had my eye on this for a year now. Was leasing a 2004 Ls430- great car but compared to this, It was nothing but a mom and pop luxury vehicle. This baby momma-Hugs the ground and whips around corners flawlessly, even in the rain. The price has come down on these due to the change in option for v4 2.0 or v6 3.2. Handles well with v4 option for 2010. Have no regrets. Beautiful lines and performance. Great interactive monitor and sound system. Wont disappoint you. The A5 has got serious back-baby.

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  Awesome 3.0 Quattro 6 Speed Sport Pack - 2004 Audi A4
  By acadianbob - August 22 - 2:00 am

  This A4 is undoubtedly the best all around car that we have ever owned. Zero defects so far. The Quattro system and ESP are unbelievable in slippery conditions. These systems also assert themselves in the dry; impervious to crosswinds; dead steady if you nail the throttle on a freeway cloverleaf. This car inspires confidence. The build quality is great. Complaints; poor fuel mileage and poor outward visibility. The outside mirrors are too small.

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  Audi 2.7T Quattro. - 2002 Audi A6
  By HarryM - August 21 - 7:33 am

  Excellent car. For power perfromance price and package not other model can come close.

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  Tire noise destroys a good relationship - 2008 Audi A3
  By fbclt - August 20 - 9:50 am

  I had read other reviews that indicated tire noise could be a problem, especially with the Pirelli P6 tires. I thought I had escaped that fate as the first year was great lots of fun to drive, average 32.5 mpg overall, reasonably peppy and good brakes and handling. After the 16,000 miles service and tire rotation the tire howl began. I returned to Audi service who tell me that alignment and suspension are in spec and the tires are cupped which is causing the road noise. The noise has only gotten worse. Plenty of tread left but unless the Pirelli tire dealer I see Saturday does something to adjust this, I will have to report to Audi and Pirelli that they have lost a customer for life.

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  The most fun Ive had driving a car! - 2009 Audi A5
  By Joanne - August 18 - 8:50 pm

  Ive had my 2009 A5 for two months now, and I continue to be delighted every time I take it out of my garage, I feel like a child with a new toy. Im pampered by the amenities such as the excellent back-up camera, the i- pod integration system, the crisp 6- speed shifter, and the amazingly comfortable seats. I love the screen over the sunroof, which allows a little light but not enough to make me squint against the sun. The exterior styling is quietly elegant - the daytime running lights are cooler than I can say, and I love the keyless entry which keeps me from digging in my purse for my keys. I routinely get 33 mpg on the highway.