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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  A4 with sports package - 2004 Audi A4
  By Scottt - April 20 - 11:21 am

  I have owned several cars including my most recent, a 2002 BMW 325i. Overall, I would rate this A4 as the best car I have owned. The exterior and especially the interior styling cannot be beat in this price range. I have the sports package with the interior aluminum trim and love it - very sporty and classy at the same time. Also, I love the lower profile, sleek look with the sports package. The ride suffers a bit with it as to be expected and there is not much noticeable improvement in handling IMHO, but still worth it for the look.

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  Awesome Car - 1999 Audi A4
  By PSAZtec - April 19 - 9:28 pm

  This is a great car. It is so beautiful inside! Rich, contrasting colors are great. Ride is amazing. Bose stereo sounds impressive and full. I will sell my car and I will cry when I sell it. This is from a guy. Get a tiptronic, it is the way to go.

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  new car - 2003 Audi A4
  By captainhook - April 19 - 2:00 am

  very good car--rides solid, great in bad weather-snow, rain. very well built and looks great.

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  Always something wrong with it - 2004 Audi A4
  By Kerstin - April 19 - 1:39 am

  I bought my A4 in May 03. It was one problem after another. The trunk compartment for holding the top broke and needed to be replaced. The final straw was when the transmission needed to be replaced with only 9k on the car! It had been making some strange creaking noises but the dealer kept insisting it was just loose bolts they needed to tighten. After several visits to the shop, they finally determined that the transmission was defective. In 9 months of owning the car, it was probably in the shop for a total of 8 weeks. I would never buy another Audi. Very poor quality.

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  I Love This Car! - 1999 Audi A4
  By mcdebra - April 19 - 12:47 am

  I bought my Audi used with 31,000 miles (now shes at 53,000) and I have had no problems, just had to get a new battery and tires! Very reliable and I will definitely check out Audis when I am looking for my next car.

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  Best luxury sport sedan under 35K - 2003 Audi A4
  By Proud Audiowner - April 8 - 10:00 am

  I bought my Audi A4 3.0 after test- driving BMW 3 series, Audi 1.8T, Mercedes 240, Acura 3.2TL Type S, Infinity G35, and Saab 9-3 Arc. They all drove very well, but the Audi was the best value for money. I got the car for $600/- over invoice. I must say that I am very happy with the buy. The accleration is good, the CVT gives a very smooth acceleration. The car is quite even at 90 mph. Gas milage is excellent, a full tank of 17 gallons goes 475-550 miles. Bose stereo rocks. Display looks rich. Interior is very high quality. The controls on the steering wheels are very convenient.

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  Audi makes great cars - 2001 Audi A4
  By getdamemo - April 7 - 5:10 am

  My 2001 Audi A4 1.8T quattro Sedan handles well and is easy to maintain. I only wish there was a little more power with the AWD system. I have no regrets buying this car!

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  good but not great - 1998 Audi A4
  By BillytheWIZ - April 4 - 3:52 pm

  the 1998 Audi A4 is a great drivers car and has nice styling, but its not really a performance car compared to my BMW. The AWD system is awesome, the car handles well, rides smoothly, and has tons of cool features for the money. My mileage was a little less than I expected, 23 MPG highway / 19 MPG, city but not horrible. I have had issues that the (GM) dealer took care of when I purchased the car (oil leaks, control arms, and tie rods). Do not take your car to the dealer for repairs. Get a good mechanic that knows these cars.

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  High Cost of Ownership - 1999 Audi A4
  By smalltownsith - April 3 - 8:05 pm

  From day one my 1999 Audi A4 has had problems. I bought it used with low miles and the certificed / extended warranty. It has had tons of electrical problems. Im not sure what they did with when declared it a certified vehicle. the sensors and leaks continually need to be fixed. I think it says it all when the dealer has a special service price to check the airbag light - $200 before repairs and then another $800 for the acutal airbag that is only five years old. Even normal maintenance is just a rip-off, such as $1,000 for a new timing belt and water pump. The water pump started leaking after the twelve month parts warranty. Be strongly cautioned against "Audi workmanship."

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  Dont waste your money - 2001 Audi A4
  By Scott - April 3 - 4:29 am

  I leased my 2001 Audi A4 1.8T quattro Sedan new. It was great for the first year. Since then it has been in the shop with multiple problems at least every other month. Ive been to four Audi service centers and each one does a worse job than the other. Audi customer service didnt seem to care either. Im finally fed up with the car and contacted Audi of North America for details on turning it in early...they finally want to talk, but its too late. We also have had two Volkswagen Jettas with similar problems. I wouldnt recommend an VW/Audi product.