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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  Transmission problem on new car - 2012 Audi A4
  By rybalko - August 25 - 2:35 pm

  Car just has 400 miles on it, and first time I found the problem with the trasmission when stuck in traffic. I feel a strong bump when remove a foot from brake and push a gaz pedal. I took it to a local Audi dealer in Norwell. They said that this is a characteristic of a new 2012 A4 transmission and that this is how this new transmission was design, which sounds like BS. Supposed to take it back to Bernardi Audi, where I got it from to see what they can found. Otherwize it runs OK.

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  Cute car with LOTS of problems - 2005 Audi A4
  By zoiezoe - August 21 - 8:58 pm

  I loved this car when I first bought it, but in a short time I had SO many problems with it, including problems with coils, compressor, air flow sensor, motor mounts, vacuum leak, and more. My engine burned up and they refused to replace under warranty because I was slightly over my oil change and therefore violated my warranty contract conditions according to Audi, even though the delay was so minor it could not cause such a problem (sludge, not lack of oil). I later did a Google search for "Audi engine sludge" and found similar complaints from others. Its very difficult and expensive to fix. This car is adorable and fun to drive, but wow did it do damage to my wallet.

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  Sure isnt a Honda or Toyota!! - 1997 Audi A4
  By cpr8 - August 15 - 6:44 am

  I bought my A4 used about a year ago, and I have fallen in love! There is no other used car out there that can match the fun to drive, reliability, build quality, or fuel economy for that matter. I can manage around 20-24 around town, and at most 28 on the highway, thats pretty good, considering its a 15 year old car with 215,000 miles on it, with a V6, and Quattro. Like I said, it has 215,000, and it still runs like a dream. The only problem I have had with it is an EGR code always popping up, I went thru the whole EGR system, and couldnt find anything. Turns out it was the filler hose on the gas tank, sense it also leaked when I filled it up.

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  Great car for enthusiasts only - 2007 Audi A4
  By b_dirty - August 3 - 7:49 pm

  I bought this car knowing that maintenance might be an issue, and that it would need a lot of care. Luckily, I didnt buy it because it was known for reliability or even performance. I bought it because I love Audi, and Ive never regretted it. This car has the potential to become an amazing vehicle with some tweaks and some serious attention. If you want a car that you can drive and never have to think about then DONT buy this car. This car needs to be loved. If it is worry free driving youre after, then buy a Hyundai, Nissan, or Honda. This is for people who love tuning, and love cars.

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  Great car with one fatal flaw for long distance commuters - 2011 Audi A4
  By regularbloke - July 30 - 3:36 pm

  I was looking for entry level luxury sedan. I drove Infiniti G35 and Audi A4. Planned to test BMW and Mercedes as well but liked A4 so much that I just bought it. After driving for four months and more than 6000 miles, I am not sure if it was the right decision. I am 5 11 175lbs male. I drive 38 miles one way to work. The front seats are comfortable but once I adjust my seat I cannot rest either the left elbow or the right elbow to be able to hold the steering comfortably. The placement of the elbow support on the left hand side is especially bad. It is too far away from the elbow and is not useable. Even the right elbow support is not great but not as bad as left one.

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  Loved it but it had to go - 2004 Audi A4
  By hadalotofcars - July 26 - 3:59 pm

  This was by far my favorite Audi. An 04 Ultrasport. Fantastic handling. Good thing I had an extended warranty - the car broke a lot - always something - the only way I would consider driving another Audi product at this time would be if I could have this car back - after repairing it month after month I sold it to buy a new Audi. I traded that within a month of buying it.

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  Loved it while I had it - 2008 Audi A4
  By hadalotofcars - July 26 - 3:56 pm

  Not as nice looking as the new A4s. Not as nice looking as my old 2004 A4. At 50K-something miles the seat belt wouldnt retract. The car had miles but the car was only 2 years old. Audi refused to warranty the seat belt mechanism and wanted me to pay 800 to fix it. I escalated it to Audi of America and they said the dealer would agree to 5% off! Lots of little things with the car were wrong at what should be very low mileage. I refused and traded the car in. I really loved Audi but ultimately they spent their own customer. Would not buy another Audi unless they can prove building a deeper relationship with their quality and my satisfaction.

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  Owned for less than 1000 miles - 2010 Audi A4
  By hadalotofcars - July 26 - 3:50 pm

  The CVT was not a responsive transmission like we thought it should be. The car was tastefully designed but the radio horrible to try to use. Loved the exterior design but way overpriced with a CVT

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  A4 ......my few words........eulogy - 1997 Audi A4
  By a4fan1 - July 23 - 8:02 pm

  I would say I gave my everything to this car, The car absolutely is a blast to drive , excellent winter vehicle and is a head turner. As a loyal audi fanatic , I have poured a great deal of money into the car, but, at 120,000 miles everything just started to go one week after another, I dont think I went 1000 miles between repairs. When no maintinence is needed, its a top notch, safe car, but overall I would say if reliability was a centerpoint for you, not a good bet for a used vehicle.I finally gave in and sold mine after years of ownership. That said I still would buy another one .....want my reason?.........Test drive one :)

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  My First Audi - 2007 Audi A4
  By vpj420 - July 18 - 11:43 pm

  I was searching for something fun to drive since I spend so much time behind the wheel for my work. Looked at RX-8, BMW 3-series, Mustang, and Audi. My brother-in-law and his wife told me test drive one. Test drove an 07 A4 CVT 2.0T and fell in love. Gets good-great gas mileage given performance, good trunk space, great cabin layout, and long list of accessories. Have only had for awhile but I love to drive it. Small turbo lag in Drive, but put in Sport or Manual and it becomes virtually non-existent. Used to drive a Honda Civic and it doesnt even compare. I know Hondas are more reliable and require less maintenance, but just keep up with it and this car will take care of you.