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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  My Wifes Audi - 2004 Audi A4
  By Boomtownsam - July 11 - 2:00 am

  This car is SAFE, FUN,it performs GREAT, this is my wifes car and I feel very comfortable with my family being in this car. We live on a highway that has a turn that many loose control, especially when wet. Well good luck if you think you can get the A4 Quattro to turn loose! And the optional shifter in the automatic is great fun if you feel like assaulting the road. If my wife would just let ME drive it !

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  Audi A4 Cabrio for the AGES - 2004 Audi A4
  By Poppop - July 11 - 2:00 am

  This car offers sleek styling and unbelievable handling even in snow. For a CONVERTIBLE the 2004 Cabrio is quiet with the top up or down. Interior has all the features you`d expect to find in a more expensive car including Satellite Radio, & Navagation system in case you get lost driving to Palm Springs or the Yosemite Park or anywhere else on this planet. This car will get you their in style and comfort. This is one convertible that wants to be driven in both sun or snow without the hint of a reservation

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  Luxury interior - 2017 Audi Q5
  By George Rolla - July 10 - 5:14 am

  The interior of the Q5 is much nicer than the BMW X3. Test drove both the 2.0 and the 3.0 six cylinder and unless you need the extra hp, (towing or mountain roads) the 2.0 four cylinder is plenty. Didnt really want the full sunroof but it shouldnt be an issue in cooler climates.

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  Sporty SUV, Lacking Interior Comfort - 2009 Audi Q5
  By Nick - July 9 - 4:54 pm

  I really love this car. I like the handling and the acceleration. There are a ton of features for the price. The only complaints I have are the gas mileage is kind of poor, and the leather seats are kind of hard and dont really hold you in them very well. The Navigation screen would also be better in a touch screen.

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  Little red wagon - 2006 Audi A3
  By lark - July 9 - 4:53 pm

  Fun to drive and gives you confidence that it will always go where you point it .....the over all package is very nice.

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  ALLROAD Built for the road - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By mhebert - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I traded my BMW X5 for my Allroad, and I enjoy driving my Audi more. It has better road feel and the acceleration is comparable. I just finished a 1400 mi. road trip over 5 states, mountain passes, under many different road conditions, and I can report that there are very few autos that can match the performance, comfort, and utility of the Audi Allroad. It is one of the best cars I have ever owned!

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  One Bad (Awesome) Audi - 2001 Audi A6
  By grahamj3 - July 6 - 2:03 am

  I love my car. I have owned 50 cars in the last 10 years (everything from a 5-series Bimmer to an Expedition) and this is by far ny favorite. It has style, speed, and AWD.

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  Love this Car - 2009 Audi Q5
  By GreatCar - July 5 - 8:56 pm

  This is my first Audi and my first cross-over vehicle and I am thoroughly impressed with this car. Looked at a lot of different cars and nothing seemed to have everything I wanted until I drove the Audi. Very good power for a V6, handles well and has a very smooth ride. Great interior, good cargo space and the sunroof is fantastic. Ive owned 2 Acuras, a 325 and 525 BMW and a Mercedes (which Ill never buy again), and this car meets and/or exceeds those. Better value for the $$ than the comparable X3 or X5 or Lexus or Mercedes. Better features than the Acura RDX. Really happy with the purchase and I highly recommend the Q5 for anyone looking in this class of cars.

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  Q5 3.2 v6 - 2009 Audi Q5
  By vp - July 4 - 2:44 pm

  I just bought 2 days ago. Engine is smooth on acceleration. A family of 4 can comfortably seat. I am having a blast. I love it.

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  Cannot go wrong with A4 - 2002 Audi A4
  By art55 - July 4 - 10:00 am

  Practical, comfortable and safe sports sedan. This is my second Audi, and I am definitely "hooked" on the brand. Strongly recommend for consideration if you are looking for entry level luxury sedan.