Why is it you like the car brand you do?

Audis have a soul. Perhaps it's incomprehensible to some, how a machine of metal, plastics, and other materials can have a soul; but it is the company, people, artistry, philsosphy, spirit and heritage behind the Audi name that sets it apart. More importantly, Audi's motto Vorsprung durch Technik (loosely translated to "leap forward through technology") is observed steadfastly by the company throughout its 100+ year history, always pushing the envelope. Yet all that high-tech is never self-serving nor to dazzle.

Audis also have a strong gene that gives all its cars a distinct character. Even if you remove all identifiers and badges one would never confuse an Audi with cars from another make.

Audi's winning legacy in motorsports (from the 1930s Auto Union grand prix cars to rallying, to Trans Am, to IMSA GTO, to DTM, to Super Touring, to today's Le Mans and ALMS tour de force) also amply demonstrate the "unfair advantage" of many of its technologies.

Pioneers of front wheel drive in 1931, and quattro, the first production high performance all-wheel drive GT in 1980, Audi always dares to be different. The first production rotary Wankel engine (NSU), the first gasoline powered production five-cylinder engine, the first to achieve 0.30 Cd aerodynamics in a large four-door sedan, Procon-Ten safety system, 5-valves per cylinder in high volume production engines, TDI (turbocharged direct diesel injection), FSI (direct gasoline injection), all-aluminum ASF (Audi Space Frame), four-link front suspension with "virtual axis" steering, multitronic CVT transmission, the list goes on and on...

Audi is also one of the most environmentally-conscious automobile makers, with very high recycling content (in the cars themselves as well as in manufacturing waste materials), the first to use water-based paints, and even the use of trees that are past their fruit-bearing age for the wood trims in the interiors.

Audi engineers are not afraid to think outside of the box and Audi drivers buy the cars based on their merits, not on pre-conceived notions of image or prestige.

All these qualities are reflected in the cars, and come through in an intangible manner when you drive one. As you learn more about an Audi and its place in Audi's history, you begin to appreciate all that the four ring logo* stands for. And how it all seamlessly come together in a package that is more than the sum of its parts. Audi manages to put real world mobility and performance, safety, quality, comfort, style, character and overall excellence into its cars in a way that never seem excessive.

This, is why I drive Audis. The cars and the culture appeal to my sensibilities and it feels good to own these cars. Audis are teutonic but not strident, stylish but not ostentatious. You know you're hooked when you glance back at your car after walking away, to admire its timeless and unpretentious elegance, and to relish the great drive you just had in it.

— PlanoA4 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/27/2007 7:08:08 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: -3   

German brands in general. But specifically, Mercedes-Benz. Been around for many years, everyone from developed countries to 3rd world countries knows what a Mercedes is, many want one. They remain beautfiul in most cases and design has been solid for generations. Well respected in the racing scene, have pioneered many safety features in production vehicles that we take for granted today, and they have prestige.

— Czelinski (View Profile)

Posted on 8/27/2007 7:43:24 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

That means you are not a car enthusiast. You are simply a consumer. Your comment is not required here.

— pushrod27 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/27/2007 12:37:58 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

Being half German and having lived in Berlin and Munich, I particularly appreciate German cars. While Germans at times take things a bit too seriously, I really appreciate how this translates in to 'car culture' - everything from the act of driving to the designing and building of cars. German cars are not perfect, that would be boring and also ignorant to assume so. Now in my 30's, I've owned 17 different cars. My favorite brand is Porsche. Incredible from a historical and business perspective and as a former and current Porsche owner, the cars EXCITE - from the sound of the flat six, the driving thrill, reliability and functionality. There is no substitute!

— SixxFive (View Profile)

Posted on 8/27/2007 8:38:40 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

I grew up with Japanese brand cars, its in the family. Hondas, Toyotas, and Lexus. And im very fond on new technology, and Japan seem to be the first to develop something mind blowing or something useless but just cool, and seeing that sort of tech put into cars still amazes me.
Also the older generation of Japanese cars. Supras, Skylines, Silvia, RX7 and NSX. Those are purely drivers cars. And what people can do with those cars (modifying) got me into aftermarket scene. These cars were just made to go faster than stock.

I started like German cars because of Mercedes. The style (at the time 1995). My Uncle had one and it insanely comfortable. Then the M5, M3, S4, RS4 and the S8. Luxury and sport never looked so good hand in hand.

— Alec (View Profile)

Posted on 8/27/2007 10:14:53 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Many different nationalities, brands and models of cars have found a home in my senses and heart.

When I was a young man, I owned and was thrilled to the thrust of the American muscle cars of the 1960’s. As I matured, in the 1970’s I bought German Audi and BMW high performers. They really satisfied my desire for hands-on high speed driver control.

Now, at an advanced age, I truly enjoy the ambiance and comfort of Mercedes, Acura and Lexus models. I no longer want or need high performing road hugging thunderbolts to propel me into and out of twists and curves to my destinations.

Today, I own a Lexus. It is sedate, comfortable and equipped with driver friendly features to make my travel safe, joyous and care free.

Thus, in my lifetime, I have had the best driving experiences the automobile world has to offer.

— shepsan (View Profile)

Posted on 8/27/2007 10:25:19 AM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

I like the European & Japanese cars because they seem to take driving a little more serious than the domestics. I am huge fan of Volvo, BMW, Benz, Porsche, Audi, Subaru, Mazda and Toyota.

— r_driver04 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/27/2007 12:10:26 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

I love Cadillacs. I'm a black dude, and i have no choice in the matter.

— pushrod27 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/27/2007 12:41:43 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

Germany makes the best cars, excluding VWAudi. My faimly has always ownd Nercedes an BMW, so that is what I like too. Benz and BMW were the first cars in the whole wrold so to me that means they are the best. Every other automaker is simlpy a copycat of Benz and BMW.

— BenzW124 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/27/2007 12:58:50 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: -4   

Audi because it provides balance between luxury and sportynes.

BenzW124 : Audi is the second oldest luxury carmaker. You are wrong again!
Idiots such as you aren't welcome on this site! Get lost kid!

— AUTO_UNION (View Profile)

Posted on 8/27/2007 1:09:42 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 4   

Toyota/Lexus for their keen business sense. Such a large company and yet never seems to come up short on what people the world over expect out of a quality automobile. They put heavy emphasis on what you want out of an automobile, offer it at a fair price (no ridiculous prestige pricing) and make sure it runs from the day it rolls off the assembly line to the day it ends up in a junk yard.

Toyota/Lexus is also among the most environmentally-friendly. Nearly all of their assembly plants have been recognized as among the least contributors of pollution. Nearly all material used is recycled appropriately as well. Add to that they make the most-recognized environmentally-friendly car on the planet right now, the Prius, as well as offering hybrids on their luxury Lexus products as well, changing the perception of hybrid cars from just small econoboxes.

Lexus embodies all the same business and customer aspects of Toyota, all while offering a well-equipped luxury vehicle. Many fault the brand for strong Toyota ties, I admire and respect it. Dedication to a luxurious AND high-quality AND reliable AND safe vehicle is a very rare combination in the industry today.

— Will_ (View Profile)

Posted on 8/27/2007 1:18:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

Audi for its incredible appeal behind the wheel in Seattle like conditions. and outward appeal.
Bently for its class and styling, Begining from the 60's loosining a bit in the 70'80's but coming back in the mid 90's (for me).
Lamborghini , for having a more aggressive stance towards their cars over Ferrari, Ie. The countach, the most amazing lambo built styling wise. (cant wait to see the concept at frankfurt)!
and Lastly Hummer H1 - for outpreforming most SUV's besides a few Jeep Cj's. These are the automakers that stand out to me, for striving excellence and building a quality machine in each of their Rivaled Classes.

— EnvyofyouRS5 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/27/2007 1:45:36 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

BMW for it's understated engineering excellence, precision, and balance between performance, luxory, affordability and nevery wavering from their mission to always be "The Ultimate Driving Machine".

— indoctrin8ed (View Profile)

Posted on 8/27/2007 2:47:02 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

Audi for their engineering excellence, BMW for their driving characteristics, Mercedes for their commitment to luxury and safety, and Lexus for their commitment to refinement and quality, and all four for the images they project onto passers-by.

— Anthony (View Profile)

Posted on 8/27/2007 3:11:49 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 3   

I love many car marques BMW is definitely my favorite for a few reasons.

1. I love luxury cars like Mercedes, BMW, Lexus, etc. but with BMW it feels like you're getting a "two-fer" since you can throw it about so easily. I love the engine noise.

2. The steering feel.

3. Lastly, (and surely many people will attack me on this) I really like their design. I'm a developer and I have to constantly incorporate design and efficiency together and try to make cold steel into something that individuals conceive as being emotional. I have an E90 330i. I love it's sharp creases and the convex dash. The materials are very nice too. Additonally, I do like modern architecture and consequently many contemporary-designed products seem cold, and oftentimes sterile to my friends and family. That's what I love about the inside of the BMW. It may not be the most easiest in terms of utilization but it's surely the best looking in my opinion.

BTW, although many people hate Chris Bangle's designs- At least he took a risk and did something INNOVATIVE and didn't give a s**t what anyone thought. That's what you call a badass. Congrats to him.

— dwatson (View Profile)

Posted on 8/27/2007 3:50:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

I like Lexus because they fit me. It's kind of hard to explain. I like Audis, BMWs, and Mercedes', but Lexus is better suited to me. It's like a connection I guess.

— lexusis350 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/27/2007 6:01:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

Driven BMW's since I was 16 (never owned anything else) and have never had any problems, not to mention the fact that my driving experience has led me to have to be extra carefull when driving anything else. - BMW's unbelievebly good handling, acceleration, and responsivness blows away the rest.

— BMW740Z4 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/27/2007 7:58:55 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 2   

I've always admired BMW for their chiseled designs like the older 5 series, 635csi, and 8 series. They've never been too over-the-top, yet still commanded a level attention that attacts those who can truely appreciate masterful craftsmenship; that was before Bangle.

The new 6 series is the only Bangle design I can honestly see myself owning.

— Bmw8ter (View Profile)

Posted on 8/27/2007 8:30:11 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I grew up loving japanese cars, then germans and domestics. but I have a thing for japanese cars which is hard to explain but I like japanese and european brands since theyre more globally recognized.

— Htay7500 (View Profile)

Posted on 8/28/2007 2:31:07 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1   

I grew up with Mercedes. We always had an S-Class, even if it wasn't the newest one. And we also had a W123 300D Turbo Diesel that had 300,000 miles and still started every time, even in the middle of winter. I have always liked Mercedes not because of their "prestige" (not saying that they don't have any) but because their cars combine luxury, performance, safety, and durability. A lot of other German brands are also nice (BMW, Audi, Porsche, etc). Lexus is becoming better too. But I particularly like Mercedes because Lexus is too soft and BMW is too firm. However Mercedes is right in the middle, being both luxurious and performing well.

— mercedesbenz911 (View Profile)

Posted on 9/1/2007 9:58:33 PM | reply to this comment | Votes: 1