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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  Too many problems - 2001 Audi A4
  By my A4 - March 29 - 3:15 am

  Certified does not mean new or even reliable. I have owned my car for 9 months and its been in the shop at least 5 times, once within 1000 miles to have the engine rebuit and all other problems should have been checked before delivery. Car rides great handles good and is great in the snow purchase price was good, service has been a nightmare. Im going back to Saab.

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  Excellent Automobile - 2003 Audi A4
  By Henry VIII - March 26 - 2:00 am

  This is a magnificent car in just about all respects. The only negative comments I have is that it the 1.8T Quattro is a trifle slow off of the light and that the engine is a little louder (but not loud at all compared to other autos) than what I anticipated in a luxury auto.

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  Great Sports Sedan - 2002 Audi A4
  By zegers330 - March 25 - 10:00 am

  I was basically down to the A4, IS300, or G35. Wouldve chosen a 3 Series, but didnt look like too good of a value in comparison. Been driving an IS300 regularly and its awesome, but didnt want two IS300s. Finally chose the A4 because of quattro, looks, and warranty. So far the car has been great. Handling is good, but not quite as sharp as the 3 Series. Ride is excellent, turbo has surprisingly good torque, engine music readily heard. Tiptronic works great. Road and wind noise is low, and interior shouts quality. Lots of pleasant surprises (lights everywhere, little compartments). Car looks great, especially with 17-inch alloys. Lots fun to drive.

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  Happy Audi Owner - 1998 Audi A4
  By joe - March 23 - 3:12 pm

  I bought my 1998 Audi A4 Avant from a dealer at with 45,000 miles on it coming of a 3 year lease. I have only replaced the front rotors and resurfaced rear with brake new pads. I have 75,000 miles on the car today. Maybe Im lucky. This is my 4th Audi in 12 years and the only real problem I had were the denso A/C compressors on the 90 series.

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  Best A4 yet - 2006 Audi A4
  By Roy M - March 22 - 12:30 am

  This is my fourth Audi A4, and the best yet. 3.2 V6 very smooth and powerful yet still delivers about 28 mpg on the freeway. The car is so solid and well built I am extremelly pleased. I have not found a single flaw in workmanship, just totally amazed at build quality, details and fit. Best interior you will find at just about any price. Quattro, ESP (electronic stability program), EBD (electronic brake distribution) all make one feel very safe and comfortable in this vechicle. Expensive but I feel it is worth every penny. I highly recommend one. I especially like the smaller vechicle size. Audi is really doing their homework to make a great car even better.

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  Outstanding vehicle on all fronts!!! - 2003 Audi A4
  By Qdup1 - March 20 - 10:00 am

  The A4 1.8T with CVT transmission eliminates the off-idle deficiencies of the small (1.8 liter) displacement motor, not to mention the wonders of this remarkable tranmission in and of itself. Smooth, smooth, smooth and very good performance. The rest of the car can be summarized in one word...QUALITY! Check it out and compare...youll see.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Driven - 2004 Audi A4
  By Kylieholt - March 14 - 2:10 pm

  The Audi A4 is the most underestimated car on the market. I have always been drawn to its understated elegance, but in the past 3 years, Audi has really stepped up and started grabbing the attention of people who want luxury cars, but dont want to clone every other "wannabe" in that market. I have the A4 1.8T Quattro, Ultra Sport edition of the car. I have every possible option avaliable. It is the best car I have ever driven to be honest and I know I will be an Audi owner for life!

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  Audi A4 - 1998 - 1998 Audi A4
  By michelleg - March 11 - 7:36 pm

  I have had nothing but problems with my 1998 Audi A4. It has had electrical problems in the dash. The tie rods all had to be replaced (they have since been recalled). At 70,000 miles the turbo unit had to be replaced ($1500.00) The CV joints have leaked several times. The exhaust fell off the bottom of the car. The timing belt broke and damaged the entire engine. The cost to rebuild it was $2000.00. The ABS light is now on, I just took it to the shop to find out that the entire module is bad and the estimate to fix it is $2420.00. I just picked it up from having the motor rebuilt three weeks ago. I would not recommend that anybody buy this model car. It handles great and is fun to drive(when it runs). Beware

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  Fine until warranty expires - 1999 Audi A4
  By Gary Werner - March 6 - 11:44 am

  The 1999 Audi A4 2.8 quattro Sedan is a fun car to drive, most notably due to its incredible power and handling. Its front seats are very compfortable, and its controls are logically positioned and easy to access. The rear seats are a bit cramped, but OK for occasional use. It has lots of trunk space. Audis 50,000 mile warranty (even covers oil changes) is excellent assuming you drive enough miles per year to make use of the full warranty. Despite the fact that the car was carefully driven and exceptionally well maintained, problems began after the warranty expired. Major problems included fuel injectors (55,000 miles, $600), lower control arms (70,000 miles, $800), and both rear wheel bearings (80,000 miles, $650).

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  best car in its class - 1998 Audi A4
  By mark - March 5 - 7:44 pm

  My 1998 Audi A4 2.8 Sedan runs smooth, is fast, and luxiouros. It held up really well for seven years. The AWD option is a beautiful thing to have. Theres nothing like the 2.8 engine. This car looked the same until 2001.