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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  So far, so good - 2002 Audi A4
  By jp834 - September 18 - 10:00 am

  Bought the car in December in Upstate NY, the next day it snowed..The traction control and ESP are awesome. I would have never made it out of the driveway with my old Volkswagen. I only have a couple complaints. The lack of horsepower (for those with new A4s the HP improves after about 3000 miles) We need the 4.2!!. Not enough leg room on the right side for a tall driver, significant brake fade under hard braking conditions, heavy and cumbersome in hard corners, but, Im in love with it anyway!! Cant wait for the new S4.

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  Most enjoyable ride ever... - 2005 Audi A4
  By zerofish - September 17 - 5:02 am

  After much research and test drives, I purchased my A4 Cab. It fits me , its fun, it has great style, is fast enough to get into trouble, and better than my 4-runner in snow. I had heard rumors of poor service and maintnence troubles. No frets and regrets.

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  Beautiful car not worth your time - 2003 Audi A4
  By MikeandMel - September 15 - 2:40 pm

  This is one georgeous car. When it runs, its great. But as the miles add up, flaws start to add up one after another. At 50000 miles, I was told there was an oil leak (no visible drips under the car). The warranty fixed it. Then, my FM radio reception died unless I was within 15 miles of the station (previously the reception was MUCH better). Just prior to the 60000 mile service, the engine quit. Thought it was electrical. It was actually a broken cam shaft! All freeway driving, I baby this thing. Average 36 MPG. How can I break a cam shaft? Dealer says everything looks fine, not abused. Poor manufacturing in my opinion. Looking at a $4000+ bill to get it fixed. Not my idea of reliability.

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  Substance and Style - 2004 Audi A4
  By M B - September 15 - 10:00 am

  I was skeptical that spending more money provided you more substance. The new A4 Cab. I purchased has changed my mind. I purchased the car with the 3L-AWD. The ride and handling are exceptional. The car is quiet and comfortable. I previously owned Subaru Legacy with AWD and an Alfa Romeo convertible. This car blends the best of both these autos. It has the precision, comfort, and style of the Alfa with the common sense of the Subaru AWD.

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  Bad Mechanical - 1999 Audi A4
  By Kim - September 12 - 11:33 pm

  Fun to drive, if its not in the shop! Have had new engine, too. Lots of mechanical problems.

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  Great fun fast and slow - 2001 Audi A4
  By pdholz - September 12 - 4:57 pm

  Fun to drive, fast or slow. Great highway car for two, cramped for four. Superb handling, with minimal understeer at limit (with sport suspension). Excellent fuel mileage if you keep your foot out of the turbo (26-27 consistently, 30 on highway). Great interior design, plenty of room in front for large folks (Im 63"), though small back seats. Make SURE you use synthetic oil, or change oil frequently. Ive had this car since new, so these arent first impressions.

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  So sweeet! - 1999 Audi A4
  By Dukes of Hazard - September 12 - 10:00 am

  Sweet ride. Handles great, a blast to drive. Suggest getting some bolt-ons for that lag between the turbo (before 2800rpm. Hot interior, Great engine. I fell in love the second I drove one.

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  Amazing machine - 2005 Audi A4
  By Audi4life - September 9 - 6:46 pm

  I purchased my Audi A4 2.0T fully loaded back in June of 2005, the car is stunning, the engine, even though it is the base engine, is beautiful to drive in sport mode, the interior materials are the best I have seen compared to friends who have BMWs and Mercedes C classes, gas is a bit costly if you drive fast and long trips like i do but well worth it, the sound system is also the best within the other german sedans, this car is definitely worth its price.

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  Great Car! - 1996 Audi A4
  By Julio - September 8 - 10:43 pm

  Im telling you the Audi A4 Quattro has won me over all the cars i have ever driven in my life. I had a Mustang V6 and its no comparation to the Audi A4 Quattro. I bought my Audi with 124,000 miles and its unbelivable how good it feels with all those miles, when i first test drove the car i though it had much less. Let me tell you I believe that if you purchase an Audi A4 with alot of miles but with alot of repairs done you better off. The car looks great and runs great. The Quattro system is really nice in the rain and in any road condition. I really believe that its price is worth for this car!!! GREAT CAR!!!!

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  A Dramatic Improvement - 2006 Audi A4
  By ktaorm - September 8 - 7:40 pm

  This is my fourth Audi. I had a A4 Avant with the 2.8 V6, a A6 with the 2.8 and the A6 2.7T. The 2006 A4 2.0T is the best so far. I ordered it in Red with Tan interior with the Sport Package, Technology Package (Bluetooth Phone connection), Navigation, Bose Stereo (with XM Sat) and Xenon lights. The new 2.0T makes the V6 an uneccessary option. It has tremendous torque with little if any spool up and the 6 speed Tiptronic is flawless and fun to drive either fully auto or in manual mode. Great engine sound and terrific gas milage. I have been getting 22-24 around town and 30 MPG on the open road. The brakes are excellent with solid stopping power.