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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  Go buy a BMW 3 Series - 2008 Audi A4
  By jbt020 - April 23 - 8:44 pm

  I trade cars about every 2 years and have owned BMW, Acura, Honda, Cadillac, Mazda, Jeep, Volkswagon, Lincoln and Im sure Im forgetting some others. This is the worst vehicle I have ever owned. I opted for the sport suspension and it literally feels like you are driving a covered wagon. There is a spot on my way home from work where I literally brace myself for the impact...and its not a big bump. This is the only car I have owned in my life that I have to buy a quart of oil to add to it in between oil changes. At any given time I would have anywhere from 1 to 3 warning lights on at the same time. I just traded it in last night for an Acura TL and was thrilled to say goodbye!

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  First 1,000 miles - 2010 Audi A6
  By DaveW - April 23 - 4:20 pm

  Purchased after driving BMW 535 and 2011 Infiniti M37. The Audi is the best of both worlds. I just would give the BMW the edge for handling and the engine, but its interior does not come close to the quality of the Audi. The Infiniti has upped the ante with their 2011 M37 interior, and I have to say it is better than even Audis, however the engine and handling where no where near as sorted out as the Germans. Audi combines the best of each. I have the 19" Sport Package, which makes the ride a little stiff, but not uncomfortable. At freeway speeds the car is in its element. The 3G MMI is great - although I am still learning its quirks. Loving it through 1,000 miles!

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  Buyer beware of water pump issues - 2009 Audi Q5
  By Mark - April 23 - 2:32 pm

  I have been very happy with my Audi Q5 until today. Had car towed into dealership after the coolant burst in the engine compartment. I pretty much lost all coolant - luckily i was about to park it in the garage. Found out today that the water pump failed at 7,800 miles. It is covered under warranty but warranty or not this is a major issue. I have so far seen a mass of posts with the same issue. Fortunately for me the engine never had the opportunity to overheat. Audi needs to address the issue with their current owners immediately.

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  nice driving poor reliability - 2010 Audi Q5
  By cemi - April 23 - 1:56 pm

  When I bought mi Q5 prestige, I was very happy but all the problems started.A/C broke down twice, dealership had to replace to parts on both headlights,leak on the transmission etc etc.Nice looking car, fun to drive POOR RELIABILITY. TRADED IN FOR A LEXUS.

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  Problems - 2003 Audi TT
  By eman - April 23 - 10:25 am

  Had it for 6 years and had nothing but problems- had to replace the battery 3 times. Had problems with both windows (replaced motors), Glove box broken (kept it shut not able to use $700 to replace) , had to replace the dashboard controls as the gas guage was giving false readings. Also, had to replace fron front rotors at 40K miles.Keyless entry had to be replaced as I think it ate up the battery.Replace various hoses etc at 60K miles.

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  Love it! - 2010 Audi S4
  By Shawn H. - April 22 - 11:57 pm

  I have had my S4 for a few weeks now and absolutely love it. The price is reasonable, especially when you compare it to the A4 with S-Line package. The supercharged engine is amazing. Instant torque whenever you need it. Great handling, grip and performance. It effortlessly accelerates you to 80 mph before you can get off the on-ramp! It makes driving fun...even the boring commute to and from work. The 7-speed DSG can be a little aggressive on the shifting at times when you are driving it easy. Dynamic mode / Sport mode is great...the throttle/engine performance is brilliant. You will be hooked upon test driving this car so be careful if you make your way to the dealership just to "explore".

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  Love that Sport Setting on tranny - 2010 Audi S4
  By BobP - April 22 - 1:29 pm

  This will be the 3rd S4 Ive owned over 10yrs and feels the fastest. Still not sure about the big snout but the Audis tail is nice. 0-35mph around town was disappointing till I tried the Sport setting, now it is much more linear and fun. I love the Sport setting in the city!!! Try it and it becomes addictive. Beautiful interior, great seats, big trunk and 4 doors in a car that can easily keep up with the other German Cars around town in real world driving.

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  Good so far - 2010 Audi A5
  By zark - April 21 - 7:23 am

  Well, my 99 olds Alero blew a head gasket, so I decided to treat myself to this car as a birthday/midlife crises gift. Enjoying it immensely. With the Alero, driving was simply a matter of getting from point a to point b. With this car I take pleasure in driving. I am 62" and appreciate the headroom, about the best in any coupe. Very quiet/low nvh cruising on the highway. Wonderful bang&olufsen stereo. It is not a rocket, but plenty of power. With all wheel drive, it tracks well though I dont toss it around. Still learning to use all the bells and whistles, and there are many.

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  Audi A4 Premium Plus - 2010 Audi A4
  By Carreview - April 20 - 5:11 pm

  I drove the Mercedes c-300, BMW 328i, and the Lexus is250 prior to making my choice. The ride was the most comfortable in the Audi A-4. It also has great handling that matches in comparison to the other models. This turbo is makes it more zippy than the v6s in the comparison models. Drive this car before you choose one of the others.

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  Good car - 2007 Audi A4
  By A4inATL - April 20 - 1:00 pm

  Bought this from Carmax with about 29k on it. Had it mostly a year here in Atlanta. Got the 2wd 6 spd manny with S- line interior. Great car but I agree with everyone on the turbo lag issue. If Im driving in rush hour in a 20 mph lane and want to merge into a 40 mph lane -- I sweat a bit. This car doesnt seem to have that low-end acceleration one requires to dart in and out of traffic which is unfortunate because the A4 handles so well. Ive gotten more than a few "birds" as I merge into traffic in 3rd and watch the RPM go soaring and the speedo move nary a tick as the drivers behind me hit their brakes. I may try to wind it up more in 2nd, but it doesnt seem one should drive on the highway.