Overview & Reviews

A cheaper Audi A4 1.8T debuts, featuring a 150-horsepower, 20-valve, turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine and a base price in the low 20s. The 2.8 gains a revised deck lid and expanded central locking features. All models have new cloth upholstery, and the console and armrests are trimmed with the same fabric as the seats. Three new colors debut for 1997.

• Artful bodywork, outstanding handling, luxurious interior, optional Quattro all-wheel drive system, bargain price

• Rear leg room, fussy stereo controls, suspension float

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 60.00

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  Sure isnt a Honda or Toyota!! - 1997 Audi A4
  By cpr8 - August 15 - 6:44 am

  I bought my A4 used about a year ago, and I have fallen in love! There is no other used car out there that can match the fun to drive, reliability, build quality, or fuel economy for that matter. I can manage around 20-24 around town, and at most 28 on the highway, thats pretty good, considering its a 15 year old car with 215,000 miles on it, with a V6, and Quattro. Like I said, it has 215,000, and it still runs like a dream. The only problem I have had with it is an EGR code always popping up, I went thru the whole EGR system, and couldnt find anything. Turns out it was the filler hose on the gas tank, sense it also leaked when I filled it up.

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  Very Reliable - 1997 Audi A4
  By cshaner - May 9 - 12:00 am

  I bought this car when it had 125k miles on it and have put 30k on it in two years. The only thing that has needed replacement is the tires. I live in Idaho so I see more snow than most cars do and it handles amazing in any weather.

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  Summary - 1997 Audi A4
  By Turk - March 11 - 4:10 pm

  Here is my two cents after putting 50K on my A4 which I purchased at 120K. Very reliable engine, manual transmission (same OEM clutch at 170K), no major electrical problems. What has failed, cruise control, driver side heated seat, thermostat. I believe overall it is a very reliable car, sensors that I have replaced along the way are just the same on all cars these days, all made by BOSCH and it doesnt make a difference which brand you drive. In terms of interior/exterior design, ergonomics and build quality Audi is never any less than other Germans and maybe much better in some of these areas if not all. The up side is because of its reputation here in USA, you can get them much cheaper!!

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  I love my 1997 Audi A4 - 1997 Audi A4
  By Joy - January 19 - 6:41 pm

  I purchased my Audi in 1996 and drove it every day until I retired in 2002. Its great. Its been 100% reliable. Its a 5 speed stick shift red sedan. I use to put lots of miles on it commuting to work and visiting family 4 hours away. Now my life style has changed and my car is still thrilling to drive. It sits for days when I dont drive it and it still drives like a charm when I use it. Id buy this car again and again and again.

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  11 years old still great - 1997 Audi A4
  By oldaudi - February 16 - 12:43 pm

  This car is now 11 years old and it still drives great. It has 128,000 miles on it and still feels like new. The interior holds up well as does the exterior body and paint. It handles great in snow and ice. Repairs are very costly on these cars. I think reliablity is better than a lot of american cars but comes nowhere close to a Honda or Toyota. Ive have to replace 2 controls arms, which was a common problem with these early models. I replaced the clutch after 60 miles which seems pretty weak to me. As far as routine maintenance the most expensive is 90k miles about $1000.

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  The Dream Car - 1997 Audi A4
  By Chris Hernandez - August 26 - 5:53 am

  From the first day that I test drove the Audi I fell in love with it. Performance, luxury and comfort were all as promised. Its very fun to drive and exterior is a work of art. Thanks Audi for making great cars year after year.

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  So far, so good - 1997 Audi A4
  By jonah5 - May 4 - 10:50 am

  I bought this car new in 1997 and has thankfully been very reliable. Around 1997 I lowered the car with new springs and shocks but otherwise left it stock. Just changed the timing belt a year ago, but other than that no major mechanical issues. I changed the brake pads myself around 60,000 miles (the easiest and fastest brakes Ive ever done). The exhaust finally rusted out by the flextube so Ive installed a new Borla exhaust. Great drive, still feels full of quality, no rust, paint looks new after a wash. No regrets buying this car.

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  10 year old car feels like New - 1997 Audi A4
  By stick - May 22 - 11:03 am

  I have 150k and it really does feel like a new A4. The Quattro is a must for MN winters. The interior layout is perfect in the front. The rear is very tight. The repairs are expensive, but you can buy parts online and you really can do it your self. Its easier than my Jeep to work on. Ive done brakes, wheel bearings, and plugs. When you find one you like, call the local Audi dealers with the VIN to see if they have serviced it. They will tell you everything that has been done. The back of the owners manual has space for service stations to stamp. If you want to upgrade the motor in any way, dont get the 12valve V6! Their is NOTHING available. Go for the turbo. The V6 is more dependable

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  Amazing - 1997 Audi A4
  By what a car! - December 21 - 1:46 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. Driving it is a dream. The 5 speed manual is like butter. The acceleration in good, but wont snap any necks. Handling is amazing. The quattro is a masterpiece. Living in Colorado, all wheel drive is important, and I have never slipped on ice once. These cars dont hold their value well because of reliability concerns, but they are an absolute bargain. The only problem Ive had is the air sensor ($350), which is basically routine maintenance. If something does go wrong, it can be costly though because some parts are only available through audi. This car gives the performance and comfort a of a car 3 times its price and is still way ahead of its time

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  Great car overall - 1997 Audi A4
  By Audi lover - September 6 - 1:59 am

  This is my 1st Audi and definately not the last. Its awesome on the interstate as well as on short in-town trips. In the snow, I think it handles better than the AMTRAK. Seriously, on snow/ice/wet pavement, the car grips like nothing else, even on regular summer tires. Kind of costly when repairs are needed but its expected on all higher end brands, MB is not cheaper. Just remember this is not a Pontiac or Ford where anyone can work on it. V6 engine could use a little more horses but its just enough and very quiet. I travel a lot and I am always on a rental car. I cannot wait til I get back to my Audi, everytime. It never fails.