Overview & Reviews

The Audi A4 holds the distinction of having single-handedly revived the Audi brand. Launched in the mid-'90s, the compact A4 quickly became a favorite among luxury car buyers thanks to its beautifully finished cabin, sharp handling and available Quattro all-wheel drive. Although the A4 has offered these core characteristics from day one, it has become increasingly polished and high-tech with each successive generation. No matter which year you're looking at, the A4 promises both engaging performance and suave style inside and out.

The sedan body style has been a constant for the Audi A4, but depending on the vintage, you may also find wagon and convertible variants. Turbocharged four-cylinder power is typically found under the hood, yielding both reasonably spirited acceleration and satisfactory fuel economy. In road tests, we've consistently praised the A4's refined character, with more recent plaudits going to its spacious backseat, which has adequate room for full-size adults.

User Reviews:

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  One of the Most Competent Cars Out There - 2004 Audi A4
  By Muckraker - September 2 - 2:00 am

  As I buy cars for 5-10 years of ownership, I did not want to have a turbo to maintain... and I appreciated the extra power and smoothness of the 3.0 six. Car is incredibly well-suited to long highway stints as well as carving up twisty roads. And it handles city living (and horrible city roads here in Washington, DC) with aplomb. AND when it snows and the city doesnt plow our street we just get in our all- wheel-drive Audi and drive out!!! The warranty and free maintanence --as well as great dealer-- make this a great ownership experience. Very pleased.

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  Never buy an Audi - 2003 Audi A4
  By Toppro - August 31 - 1:59 pm

  After owning a 1998 A4 1.8T quatro, and an older Porsche Boxster I traded them both in due to age not condition for this A4 Cabriolet. What a mistake! After 8 months of ownership the car has been in the shop for a variety of problems ranging from electrical problems with the fuel injection system, to stupid items like the front windshield fogging up in the summer with the A/C on and top up. The car constantly has an issue with it to the point that you cannot enjoy it. Youre always waiting for the next issue to occur. Audi has gotten over confident of their product since 98 and the quality is now very poor. I would recommend you look elsewhere for a vehicle in this price range.

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  Nice Little Car - 1998 Audi A4
  By Nacho - August 31 - 10:00 am

  I purchased this car used from a guy in my neighborhood who took great care of the car (a 1.8T Quattro.) He only had 20K miles on it when I bought it from him. So far so good with the car. It has the chip and is fast, but doesnt have the best pickup from the line. I love the car. It is comfortable, looks great and the build quality is fantastic! I am still looking for an Audi club in the Phoenix area, so I can get some tips from other owners...

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  01 have trans problems-still fun 2 drv - 2001 Audi A4
  By joplinstadium - August 31 - 10:00 am

  I have had the 99 and now the 01 - the 01 has a lot more problems than the 99, expecially a very rough and uncomfortable transmission - also fuel economy is very very bad for this car, average only 17 - maybe because it is so fun to drive and zip around everywhere. Despite these problems, i still do love to drive it, but it will probably be my last Audi.

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  A4 1.8T Quattro Auto - 2002 Audi A4
  By jim s - August 31 - 10:00 am

  I had a 99 passat, great car for the money. The 02 version is muched improved. But i wanted to upgrade to a serious sports sedan. Even though the A4 and the passat share the same engines, they are two totally different cars. I tested several sports sedans in this class, the is300, bmw 300 series, TL, and the c-class benz. The only car that came close to the A4 in terms handling/performance was the the bmw 320xi. A4 won over the 320xi due to Audis superior tiptronic...so much more responsive and smooth vs. the steptronic. The interior is rich looking while the chrome trim and red ambiance lighing separates the A4 from any other car.

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  Great Car All Conditions - 2000 Audi A4
  By ChrisA4 - August 30 - 8:38 am

  I purchased my first premium European car with a 2000 Audi A4 Quattro. I got the 1.8T with a 5 speed manual. An automatic may be sluggish so the 5 speed makes the car more fun to drive. If you are getting into an Audi you must get a Quattro. I am passing SUVs with this thing when the weather turns "ill"!

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  Good Car, but.... - 2006 Audi A4
  By Jeff Matthews - August 25 - 6:11 pm

  Overall, a very nice car. Powerful, solid frame, handles well. We have the technology package with bluetooth and memory seats, etc. We have enjoyed the car except for one feature: the adaptive headlights. These are Xenon headlights that move as the front wheels move. A neat idea, but weve had continuing problems with one headlight cutting off when it gets sufficiently dark for the "auto on" feature to work. Unfortunately, and despite a good effort, they have been unable to correct the problem and we are getting our money back through the states Lemon Law. I would recommend the Audi A4, but not this adaptive light feature.

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  Better than my Lexus!!! - 2006 Audi A4
  By sandy - August 25 - 2:43 pm

  I just love this car!! The quality is outstanding. I use the audi and my husband now has the Lexus R300. I got the better car if you ask me. The bose sound system is pure quality. The only complaint I would have, make the seats a little wider. Other than that this car is awesome and fun to drive... very fast.

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  A4 - 2004 Audi A4
  By colo4474 - August 22 - 7:07 am

  Fun car to drive and handles well. Audi and VW can capture drivers on the appearance and handling alone.

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  Topless Audi is the Tops - 2005 Audi A4
  By ALLISON - August 20 - 4:20 pm

  I just purchased my Audi A4 Cabriolet after comparison shopping all of its competitorss convertibles. This car is much roomier than the BMW 3-Series and has more interior charm as well. In comparison to the SAAB, there is none. The handling is superb and the solidity of the car is astounding! It is extremely quiet, with no wind noise even at higher speeds. The options are easy to choose, but most models do have premium accomodations. I highly recommend taking one out for a test drive...You wont be sorry, youll be sold!