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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  Fun to drive and practical - 2001 Audi A4
  By Christian - February 6 - 9:50 pm

  This is one of the rare fun to drive and practical cars out there. The extra cargo capacity comes in handy when its time to go to the mountain with the kids...

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  I love it - When not in the shop! - 1999 Audi A4
  By Mike - February 5 - 2:54 pm

  This is great car if you have another car. It is great fun to drive, on the few ocassions that it is not broken. Seriously - this car has had one problem after another and spent a couple of months total (really) in the shop in the 22 months I had it. Repairs and parts cost a fortune and only a handful of mechanics know how to work on it. I have traded it in on a new car.

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  Huge mistake - 2003 Audi A4
  By cneff - February 3 - 10:37 pm

  My first mistake was to start the car. Now I know German cars need care, but this car was at the dealer for 150 days (45 in a row) for all sorts of issues. Audi USA sent me to 4 dealers before they sent someone for Germany to take a look, they kept saying I am having a unique experience - guess I am blessed. The team from Germany spent 2 weeks rebuilding it, however, that did not stop the electrical issues. Audi USA now says I can go anywhere I like. Audi does not stand behind the product. If they just took the time to offer a customer service experience Id might take another chance.

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  Fun car to drive - 2003 Audi A4
  By adnan - February 1 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the best cars that I have driven. I had to choose between Acura 3.2 TL type s or Audi A4 and I picked the A4.

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  Audi A4=less cash in your pocket - 1999 Audi A4
  By jkinct - January 30 - 9:18 am

  Not to beat a dead horse, this is the *absolute worse car ever*... radiator-replaced at 20k miles (warranty) ABS (twice out of pocket) brakes (out of pocket) power window (still doesnt work) suspension (major work at 40k) vacuum hoses (bad at 40k) recall after recall etc., etc., etc., This car is a nightmare for maintenance. The car stumped several mechanics several times. They just didnt know how to fix it (and these guys were very smart). They just kept throwing parts at it until the engine light or whatever went off...the nightmare is over. I just sold this stupid thing and bought lexus. Ill never ever go back to audi. ever. What a racket, make a car that fails every month and then rip off the consumer with high price parts (who ever heard of $1100 for a catalytic convertor? - x2=$2200 for exhaust components alone!!).

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  Happy in Hampstead - 2003 Audi A4
  By robrr44 - January 29 - 1:49 am

  This is one solid car! The handling and responsiveness are unmatched. The stock 1.8T is a little lacking in the power category but that was solved with $300 and a chip upgrade performed by my local performance shop. I obviously bought used but have since put on 18,000 miles with no problems. My only gripe is with the electrical system as I have replaced at least 5 bulbs in the past 9 months. But they are DIY and dont cost much so worth the performance, handling, and style of this pure performance machine. BMWho? This wont be my last Audi.

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  Excellent car! - 2004 Audi A4
  By kchao2000 - January 25 - 2:00 am

  The Quattro performance in wet and snow conditions are excellent. The conner handling is pretty good as well.

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  Solid - Tremendous - Worthy - 2004 Audi A4
  By CMAC - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Extremely pleased. Took delivery of the A404 in Oct 03. My first new car, from NYC where my car was the 8th Ave A train - big improvement. Superbly appointed interior. Audi overlooks nothing - slow release overhead door handles, gradual dome light dimmer, back seat HVAC vents, subtly lit door handles and ashtrays, ambient light over the center console. Sound system a bell from Mozart to Metallica. Truck and glove have huge appetite. Engine pep is there when you need it regardless of the lag aforementioned in previous reviews - great deep roar when you key the ignition makes you feel good every morning. Treat yourself and your passengers.

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  Fun but Unreliable - 1998 Audi A4
  By Noel - January 20 - 8:51 pm

  I bought my A4 with 58,000 miles on it in Jan 2001 and as of Jan 2006 have 137,000 miles on it. The car handles very well and the low end power is very good. My car is completely stock (No mods) and has still been the least reliable car I have ever owned. Here is a partial list, waterpump(2), power steering rack, spark plug coils, numerous front suspension arms and tie rods, wheel bearings, various leaks (Diff fluid, power steering fluid, coolant, oil), various electrical problems/switches. It was been a fun and expensive 5 years of ownership, but when it comes time to buy again, I will probably not buy another Audi.

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  Love it! - 2003 Audi A4
  By jae - January 18 - 10:00 am

  Superb handling, and incredibly sure- footed thanks to quattro AWD. Suspension offers a great balance compromise between comfort and handling. 3.0 engine is smooth and powerful. Interior is stunning. All in all, a joy to drive.