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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  autobahn here I come - 2000 Audi A4
  By khouryp23 - December 1 - 12:41 am

  This has been a very solid car for my wife. It could use a few more horsepower, and I wouldnt recommend it if you have kids or need to have people in the backseat much. Get the quattro, its worth the extra cash. Car handles great and build quality is second to none. Ive had no major mechanical issues so far (50k). We do experience the occasional electronic gremlin. nothing major, and they always work after re-starting the car. My biggest gripe is.... No useful cup-holders. Oh yeah, the tiptronic shifter is pretty slick, much better than some others Ive driven.

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  AutoA428 / Hi Maintenance - 1998 Audi A4
  By Jonathan Kocay - November 30 - 2:00 am

  would not recommend due to very high maintanenace costs - 1st gear of Manual transmission is going / replaced catalytic converter /was leaking oil fixed and a year later is leaking again.

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  Excellent - 2003 Audi A4
  By Willy - November 30 - 2:00 am

  Excellent on everything. Sleek design, excellent interior and exterior. Fuel economy is the only minus.

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  Awesome Audi!!! - 2010 Audi A4
  By David Holmes - November 26 - 11:01 am

  This is a very nice, reliable car. I am truly enjoying the ride.........

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  In praise of the Audi A4 - 2005 Audi A4
  By Darrell - November 22 - 3:01 pm

  I love nearly everything about by 2005 Audi A4 Avant. Although Ive only driven it 5000 miles so far, I havent had a single problem with it and the fun-to-drive factor is nearly off the scale. One quibble: I find the red numerals in the dash display hard to read. Id vote for green instead. Im averaging about 21 mpg around town -- not bad for a 255hp V-6. One caution: even in the Avant (wagon) version, cargo space is limited. On a scale of 1-10 (10 being the highest) I give the Audi A4 Avant quattro 3.0 a 9.5.

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  This is German engineering???? - 1997 Audi A4
  By Bob - November 19 - 3:12 pm

  Fun to drive. Not fun to service. Belt tensioner went south at 60K, ($700 repair) ECM at 70K ($600 repair) plus electrical and AC problems. Recommended service always on time at a independent Audi shop. Parts should not be failing at this rate. Audi service manager said that these vehicles exhibit problems, and listed about 10. Suggested I buy a 2005 A4. My company cars (Ford, Chevys) are more reliable though not as fun to drive. OK, were selling this A4 and buying a new 06 Civic. Fun to drive, tight body, go kart handling etc. Not worth the $$$ to replace poorly designed components. You can get the same performance looks etc., in other cars.

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  Lemon - 2003 Audi A4
  By Lemon - November 17 - 2:16 am

  This was my 1st (and last) Audi after many VWs. Ive had nothing but troubles. Numerous electrical problems (too many to list) the dealership either cant or wont fix. Interior is cramped. Im 6 tall and 200lbs and have to wedge myself in and out of the car. Drivers side leg room is very bad. Center console digs into my right knee. Cup holder and glove box are totally useless. Interior knobs and parts have broken, melted, and fallen off. Exterior parts fall off. Tires wear unevenly and one is bald after only 30k mi. The dealership laughs at all the problems I report every time I bring the car in for service. Luckily its a lease and I will be happy to pay the aquisition fee to give it back.

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  Great Car! - 1998 Audi A4
  By John S. - November 14 - 2:25 pm

  When I bought this car, I lived in the Minneapolis area and had the strong need for All Wheel drive without the need for a pick-up truck, AWD van or SUV. The A4 has been fun and basically reliable. I had one front headlight lamp and both front upper control arms replaced under warranty. Out of warranty Ive had to have the ambient temperature and coolant sensors and brake master cylinder replaced.

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  Audi A4 2.8 Quattro - 1998 Audi A4
  By Derek - November 10 - 2:46 am

  This is the car I have been waitng for this car for 3 years and it is definitely worth the wait. I got rid of my 1997 850 Volvo and picked up a certified pre-owned 1998 with 25k miles on it. I could not be happier right now. I love my car!! Hopefully I will be saying this in 3 years from now.

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  A4 CVT - 2006 Audi A4
  By Brent - November 4 - 8:16 am

  Build quality is very good. I bought mine first and wife then bought a red one. The most fun part is the CVT, but after you own it, the CVT is also the hard part to enjoy. It is not a regular transmission, feels odd on initial start up. Gets excellent economy and is very fast with the Turbo.