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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  What a car - 2005 Audi A4
  By jsamans - June 20 - 12:21 am

  The Audi A4 3.2 quattro is simply a great car. Mucho power, amazing handling -- this car feels like a "baby" S4....with double the fuel economy. The 2.0T engine has gotten a lot of praise but the naturally aspirated 255HP 3.2 V6 is smoother, more refined, in all ways a better feeling engine than the 200HP 4 cylinder 2.0T. Test drive both and you will see what I am talking about. I drove the 2.0T first and liked it, then I drove the 3.2 and had to have it. The engine note is gorgeous when you get on it in gears 2-4, very exotic sounding. The new 6-speed tiptronic is head and shoulders above Audis previous 5-speed tips. In "S" mode this car really feels and acts quick.

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  Awesome car! - 1999 Audi A4
  By Audioduke - June 19 - 10:00 am

  Audis are very popular in Seattle area but get no respect in LA area. So bought 99 1/2 with 40k miles and "2 yr Audi Assured" from dealer after hearing reliability probs. This is awesome car... More I drive more I like. I didnt care for BMW 3 series styling and came across too many rude people with attitude drying beamers. C class is not sporty enough for me so Audi with its good looks was the car for me.

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  Even better than I expected - 2004 Audi A4
  By Dan - June 18 - 4:19 pm

  We liked many things about the A4, but the seat comfort that sealed the deal. Had to order an unloaded model to keep cost under $30K. I worried about reliability issues, but with 18K miles the only issue has been an improperly installed headrest. We go 5 hours non stop & our 55 year old bodies have nary a complaint. Power is adequate at under 2,500 rpms, more than adequate over 2,500 - passes with ease. Biggest surprise is gas mileage (relatively conservative driving habits). 33-36 mpg on highway & 26-28 in urban driving. Great balance between ride & cornering, feels heavy & a bit mushy in a fast, tight turns, but great & no complaints for daily driving. CVT very smooth & slick.

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  great balance - 2014 Audi A4
  By terry gongaware - June 18 - 10:33 am

  Just a great balance of features, performance, economy, comfort in a good looking package. Black with sports pkg and black optic package. 24 mpg around area, 31-32 mpg on long trips. 4cyl turbo does really well on the move. 6 spd manual involving and smooth/precise. room for 4 adults without stuffing them in. bang and Olufsen system if very good

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  Alright... - 2005 Audi A4
  By O. Toledo - June 13 - 4:39 pm

  My experience so far has been a negative one. One month with the car and an engine belt breaks off meaning 2 weeks of labor. An extra two months into the car and the left tail light went off. Lately, the Airbag sign came on. Not to mention that the ignition key battery is already dead.

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  Well done, Audi - 2002 Audi A4
  By A4 lover - June 13 - 10:00 am

  Its been fun to drive an A4.

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  Like it more each day. - 2006 Audi A4
  By Louis - June 11 - 7:16 am

  Quattro with premium and cold weather packages. Silver with black interior. First time Audi driver. Love the agile performance of the 2.0T. Its almost too easy to get to 80 mph... the ride is so smooth. Rock solid cornering and responsive handling. Im 64" and have been most surprised by how comfortable I feel.

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  Automobile Work of Heart - 1996 Audi A4
  By ryancp85 - June 10 - 3:03 pm

  This Audi is a gem to look at from every angle. Looks better than the 96 3 series and the 02 A4. Quattro gives snow days a blast and you can do all sorts of tricks in the snow. Before purchasing this, I would find a friendly mechanic who can work on Audis. Dont bother taking it to a dealer and only bring it there for only changes and minor work.

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  fun, fun, fun - 2005 Audi A4
  By terryjbg - June 10 - 10:24 am

  A perfect car for someone with a family living in the northern climate: a convertible with room in the back for kids, AND a quiet roof and Quattro AWD for winter driving. It is really two cars in one.

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  Greater Than Following - 2005 Audi A4
  By Bogart05 - June 8 - 10:50 pm

  I bought my A4 after test driving the BMW 3 series and Lexus IS. Of the three of them, I settled on the Audi because it had better handling than the Lexus and better styling than the BMW. I have never regretted it. Although its a gas hog (its thirsty), it is a total blast to drive. The acceleration is smooth and quick for a 4 cyl. and it hugs every single curve on the road. Im not thrilled with the red lit interior, but it feels more luxurious than the BMW by far. I havent had anything go wrong with it in the 4 months I have owned it (and driven it HEAVILY). Bottom line is that its a great car all around - not just for the price.