As one of the most successful luxury car brands, Audi has a lineup of incredibly competent vehicles offering a mix of luxury and sport—that somehow also seem to be good at just about everything. With an average rating of 7.9 from Edmunds and 8.2 from Car & Driver, what’s all the buzz with Audi actually about?

When you think about an affordable, luxury car with power and prestige, Audi typically comes to mind as one of the most successful luxury—yet still incredibly practical—car brands around. Once described as a “sinkhole of service problems" by Consumer Reports, they’ve recently renamed Audi as the top-ranked European brand for reliable cars.

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Are Audis good cars?

Established in 1910 as an independent car manufacturing business, Audi Automobile Works, (now just called Audi) was

purchased by Volkswagen

in 1964. Since then, Audi has climbed the ranks to become one of the most successful luxury car makers in the world with an impressive range of vehicles that effortlessly combine luxury and sport.

Known for its high-tech and well-crafted interiors, nearly every Audi model also offers solid performance. Despite having hard-hitting competitors like

, and

, Audi’s lineup of vehicles remains some of the most popular on the road.

Here are the 14 Audi models on the market as of 2022:

Model	Starting price	Years	Vehicle type	Edmunds.com rating	Car and Driver rating
Audi Q3	$36,400	2015 to present	Subcompact crossover SUV	7.7/10	8.5/10
Audi Q4 e-tron	$49,900	2022 to present	Compact crossover SUV	7.7/10	N/A
Audi Q5	$43,300	2009 to present	Compact crossover SUV	8/10	8/10
Audi Q7	$57,500	2006 to 2021	Mid-size crossover SUV	7.7/10	8/10
Audi Q8	$70,800	2019 to present	Mid-size crossover SUV	8.1/10	7.5/10
Audi e-tron	$65,900	2018 to present	Mid-size crossover SUV	7.9/10	8.5/10
Audi A3	$34,800	1996 to present	Subcompact car	7.9/10	8.5/10
Audi A4	$39,900	1994 to present	Compact car	8.1/10	7.5/10
Audi A5	$46,000	2007 to present	Compact car/sportscar	N/A	8.5/10
Audi A6	$55,900	1994 to present	Executive car	8.2/10	8.5/10
Audi A7	$69,200	2010 to present	Executive car	8.1/10	9/10
Audi A8	$86,500	1994 to present	Full-size car	7.4/10	9/10
Audi TT	$50,500	1998 to present	Sportscar	N/A	8/10
Audi R8	$148,700	2006 to present	Sportscar	8.1/10	7.5/10

Did you know? Audi is named after the Latin form of its founder, August Horch.

Are Audis reliable?

A car’s reliability score is based on the frequency of problems and how easy those repairs are to fix. But a good reliability score also factors in warranty, maintenance costs, safety, and recalls that the vehicle may be subject to.

While newer models have come a long way, Audi still ranks 34th of 40 on the Reliability Index, indicating that Audi still has a ways to go where reliability is concerned. But other luxury car brands like Mercedes-Benz and BMW aren’t much better, coming in at 30th and 31st, respectively. That said, older models of the

, and

appear to be the most reliable.

MORE:How to pick an Audi car seat

Are Audis safe?

When it comes to safety, several of Audi’s vehicles receive the Top Safety Pick+ and Top Safety Pick—the highest rating awarding—designation from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS).

But why are Audi’s so safe? Every Audi is equipped with a host of safety and driver assistance features, such as:

Audi pre sense

Adaptive cruise control

Traffic jam assist

Night vision assistant

Vehicle exit assist

Turn assist & collision avoidance assist

Active lane assists

Audis also come equipped with four wide-angle cameras to provide a 360-degree and overhead view to help you maneuver your vehicle with greater precision in small areas—plus, you never have to worry about what you can’t see. Here’s an overview of

Audi’s safety ratings

and recalls:

Model	NHTSA rating	Recalls	IIHS rating
2021 Audi Q3	5 stars	1	Good
2021 Audi Q4 e-tron	5 stars	0	N/A
2021 Audi Q5	5 stars	4	Good
2021 Audi Q7	N/A	5	Good
2021 Audi Q8	5 stars	3	Good
2021 Audi e-tron	5 stars	4	Good
2021 Audi A3	N/A	N/A	Good
2021 Audi A4	5 stars	3	Good
2021 Audi A5	5 stars	4	Good
2021 Audi A6	5 stars	6	Good
2021 Audi A7	N/A	5	Good
2021 Audi A8	N/A	0	N/A
2021 Audi TT	N/A	0	N/A
2021 Audi R8	N/A	1	N/A

If you’re unsure whether a vehicle has any recalls, Audi offers a feature on their website to

check for recalls

by VIN.

MORE:How to find vehicle safety ratings

Are Audis expensive to maintain?

According to RepairPal, the average annual cost for maintenance of an Audi is around $987, which tends to be on the pricier side compared to other makes. However, if you’re following the recommended

maintenance schedule

and/or purchasing one of

Audi's extended warranty programs

, you can reduce your costs and keep your Audi running in tip-top shape for the duration of its life.

According to CarComplaints.com, a handful of Audi models receive the most complaints. These include:

2006 A4

2011 A4

2013 A4

2014

2015 A3

Of these, the 2014 Audi A4 receives the most complaints, giving it the top spot for the worst Audi models.

MORE: Gifts for Audi owners 2021

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Are Audis good on gas?

The fuel economy of an Audi depends on what model you choose. Something like the Audi R8—which is far from the most economical choice if you’re looking for fuel efficiency—gets an average of 14 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway for RWD models and drops to 13 and 20 for AWD models. Given how much of a gas-guzzler it is, all buyers are subject to a $1700 gas-guzzler tax that’s incorporated into the price.

But with a growing lineup of Audi e-tron electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, there is such a thing as fuel efficiency with Audi. All e-tron models come equipped with an e-quattro AWD system, intelligent technology, and advanced charging capabilities. Plus, their plug-in hybrid models offer greater fuel efficiency compared to their gas-powered counterparts.

Here are the 2021 fuel economy ratings for all 12 of Audi’s gas-powered models from the EPA:

Model	City	Highway	Combined
Audi Q3	22 mpg	30 mpg	25 mpg
Audi Q5	23 mpg	28 mpg	25 mpg
Audi Q7	19 mpg	23 mpg	21 mpg
Audi Q8	18 mpg	23 mpg	20 mpg
Audi A3	29 mpg	38 mpg	32 mpg
Audi A4	25 mpg	34 mpg	28 mpg
Audi A5	25 mpg	34 mpg	28 mpg
Audi A6	22 mpg	29 mpg	24 mpg
Audi A7	22 mpg	29 mpg	24 mpg
Audi A8	17 mpg	26 mpg	21 mpg
Audi TT	23 mpg	31 mpg	26 mpg
Audi R8	13 mpg	20 mpg	16 mpg

However, fuel economy varies between models and trim levels, and it should go without saying that a more powerful engine—like the 602-hp 5.2L premium V10 in the

—is going to chew up a bit more gas than the 2.0L 4-cylinder turbocharged engine of the A3. If you’re looking to save on fuel, a hybrid or electric model may be better suited for you.

MORE: How to choose an eco-friendly car

Are Audis fun to drive?

As a Top Safety Pick+ of the IIHS, there's no arguing that Audi’s are safe—but they’re also a lot of fun to drive. With their classic mix of luxury and sport, getting behind the wheel of an Audi means you’re getting behind a vehicle that’s powerful and responsive, handles well, and can be driven hard.

And if you’re looking for the thrill of a lifetime on a big budget, the R8 is definitely where it’s at. While other supercars like the McLaren, AMG GT, or Porsche GT3 may offer a crisper and slightly more exciting drive, nothing is built for everyday usability quite like the R8. The rumbling sound of the powerful V10 engine will get you every time.

But if you’re in the market for something a little more budget-friendly, the

Audi Q3

or the A3 are a good place to start—and you can get behind the wheel of one for under $40,000. They offer a quirky and fun driving demeanor and come equipped with plenty of tech and safety features.

MORE: Does Audi have a self-driving car?

What’s the best Audi?

There’s no one-size-fits-all model for buying an Audi and what’s the right one for you comes down to personal preference, budget, cargo and passenger capacity, and more. But in a lineup of more than 14 vehicles, there are a few noteworthy ones:

Audi A7

: Offers all the same luxuriousness as the A6 with a heftier price tag. It’s equipped with state-of-the-art technology, a beautiful interior with high-quality finishes, and an engine that offers dynamic performance for everyday driving.

Audi A8

: Audi’s luxury full-size sedan that’s packed full of all the tech and driving features you could want. It even comes equipped with an executive Rear Seat ComfortPackage with a foot massage—totally worth the price.

Audi e-tron: If you’re looking for one of the best electric SUVs on the market, the Audi e-tron is it. It’s substantially cheaper than the

Tesla Model X

but offers fantastic performance and a gorgeous interior. It’s fast and nimble, and feels like you’re driving a sports car with all the functionality of an SUV.

Audi Q8

: With an overly chiseled body, the Q8 features the same platform as the

Porsche Cayenne

. It’s a fantastic vehicle that blends the classic capabilities of an Audi SUV with the characteristics of a sedan.

MORE:

Car loans for Audi 2022

How to find affordable Audi insurance

Audi may not be the cheapest car on the market, but they have luxury and sport under their belt—and an insurance rate to go along with it. On average, insuring an Audi costs drivers $1,876 each year, but it can be significantly higher for higher-end models. Apart from the model, insurance premiums also depend on your age, driving record, demographics, model year, and more.

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Is BMW better than Audi?

They’re both luxury, German-owned car brands—but when it comes to performance, interior, and price, Audi takes the cake. Although BMW may have a solid lineup of vehicles, Audi’s stylish looks and outstanding performance features offer a drive like no other. And with the Top Safety Pick+ label on almost all of their vehicles, BMW doesn’t stand a chance.

Plus, they also feature a lineup of hybrid and electric cars that outrank the i3 in several aspects.

Do Audi cars last long?

With routine maintenance and responsible driving, an Audi can last upwards of 150,000 to 200,000 miles. Depending on your driving habits, this could mean anywhere from 10 to 13 years. To extend the life of your Audi, it’s recommended that you replace parts when they begin to show signs of wear and tear.

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