2010 Audi RS4

2010 Audi RS4

Audi is truly on a roll in the United States with models like the A5, TT, A4, S4, R8, Q5, Q7 and upcoming A7 all making their mark on the luxury car market. But which models are the best that this revered Ingolstadt, Germany manufacturer has ever released upon the world automotive stage? Here is a list of ten of the finest Audis ever made. Some you may have heard of, others maybe not.

Audi A2 (1999-2005)—(Europe Only)

This all aluminum eco-car was truly ahead of its time with real world 60 mile per gallon fuel economy and an incredible amount of utility. This is the kind of car America needs right now.

Audi Quattro (1980-1991)

This iconic sport coupe was the first vehicle with full time all-wheel drive and as a result won a number of rally car championships. Powered by a turbocharged five cylinder engine, the Audi Quattro was considered to be blisteringly fast and agile in its day. Surviving models are highly collectible now.

Audi Q5 (2008-Present)

This five seat premium crossover is currently the class leader in its segment thanks to the fact that it is a blast to drive, has peerless build quality and looks like a million bucks. If you want a luxury crossover look no further.

Audi R8 (2006-Present)

In the dictionary under "awesome" there is a picture of the Audi R8. This two seat supercar has some of the sexiest styling this side of your average red Italian sports coupe with a prancing horse on the hood. What really marks this sport coupe out as truly unique, however, is the fact that it is so easy to drive on a daily basis. You can even fit gold clubs in the (rather limited) storage space.

Audi A3 (1996-Present)

Although the first generations of the Audi A3 premium luxury hatchback were not sold in the United States, they did start an entirely new sales niche. Now, along with the Mini Cooper, the Audi A3 makes up the bulk of premium hatchback sales in the United States. A great car that is fun to drive, has a great amount of utility and one of the best interiors in its class.

Audi TT (1998-Present)

The first generation Audi TT ushered in the era of the Bauhaus design aesthetic among German carmakers and the second generation improved on the platform with better driving dynamics. The addition of Audi's trend setting DSG double clutch automatic solidified this sport coupe/convertible as one of the most fun to drive (and stylish) sports cars on the market today.

Audi A4 (2001-Present)

This bread and butter sedan and wagon model has proven to be one of the most reliable, stylish and fun to drive luxury cars on the market every year it has been for sale. It continues to be one of the best even in its present form.

Audi S8 (2006-2010)

Powered by the same V10 engine that has seen use in the R8 sport coupe as well as the Lamborghini Gallardo, this sport sedan is the ultimate in high speed Autobahn storming. The S8 is not only gorgeous to look at and staggeringly quick but it also has one of the best luxury car interiors anywhere.

Audi RS6 Avant (2002-2004)—(Europe Only)

This Europe only super wagon had a twin-turbocharged V8 engine that pumped out 444 horsepower through all four wheels via Audi's legendary Quattro system. Although Audi has never imported one of its super S4, S6, RS4 or RS6 Avant wagons to the United States, tales of their legendary performance and handling are easily found on countless websites on the internet. Come on Audi, the United States is ready for its first muscle wagon.

Audi 5000 (1982-1988)

The svelte curves of this iconic four door sedan were enough to make this large Audi sedan it a hit with U.S. buyers and one 60Minutes report (which was later retracted as a fabrication) highlighting a possible problem with unintended acceleration killed Audi sales for years afterwards (sound familiar?). At the time the NHTSA was also investigating 50 models from 20 other car makers for unintended engine surging. All were later deemed to be because of driver error. Again, sound familiar?

Sources:
Edmunds.com
Audiusa.com