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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  fun little machine - 1997 Audi A4
  By Pickle - March 3 - 3:25 pm

  I bought my A4 at 3 years old, and have run it up to 116,000 miles. It has been incredibly dependable but repairs arent cheap. The car always gives me plenty of (usually audible) signs that something needs attention. I have had to replace the CD player and all the ball joints...other than that, it has been great.

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  1.8T Quattro - 1998 Audi A4
  By Jaxtom - March 2 - 12:56 pm

  Bought this as a "certified" used vehicle 3 years ago - a 5-speed Quattro with already-installed performance chip (recommended!). Performance and handling are great. Had a few issues after purchase but all were taken care of under warranty. Back seat is small for three - you wont haul the family comfortably over a long distance, but as a daily commuter car its great.

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  2001.5 A4 - 2001 Audi A4
  By Barry T - March 1 - 10:29 pm

  I havent had any problems with the car other than rear wheel bearings and front tie rod ends.

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  Shocked - 2003 Audi A4
  By Bishop Canter - February 26 - 9:01 pm

  Looked at C-Series, 5 Series and the Audi A4. Shocked that I had never given Audi a chance before. Hands down, much better car over. Handles like its on rails. Great driving in the winding mountain roads. Sold for life. Without a doubt, one of the best all around cars that gives the most bang for the buck. Test drive one and even the most cynical of you, will have to smile and yes, probably be shocked at how great it is as well.

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  Expensive electrical problems - 2000 Audi A4
  By Joe in Virginia - February 26 - 3:10 pm

  We previously owned 2000 Audi A4 AWD 2 years ago. We have been astonished by the frequency and cost of expensive repairs. Our airbag controller and brake controller have failed, each costing $1000-$1500 to repair. We have developed an oil-leak costing $1000 to repair. The bumper scratches incredibly easily and ends up looking terrible. The interior trim is coming apart. Net-net, though a very pretty and comfortable car that is fun to drive, the cost of ownership is far beyod what one would expect. We will never buy another Audi!

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  Very happy after ten months - 2004 Audi A4
  By jeffjnewport - February 25 - 12:21 am

  I had the benefit of reading a bunch of reviews before buying my 2004 Audi A4 Avant, so I figured that Id add my two cents to the mix. The Audi wasnt initially on my radar screen. I was looking to spend $20,000 on a used wagon that could handle snow (which my BMW 528E could not). I was taken by the Passat Wagon, drove it, then almost sprung for a new one, but I got spooked by the aggressive discounting by local dealers, which usually means bad resale value in a few years. Then I looked closely at the Saab 9-5, BMW 3-Series, and Audi A4 wagons. Considering handling, comfort, volume, price, re-sale, the Audi blew me away. Now ten months later, I can further confirm that this is a great car.

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  Worst Car Ive ever owned! - 2002 Audi A4
  By Bad Audi Experience - February 24 - 1:16 pm

  In my 30+ years of driving, Ive owned Corvairs and AMC products that would be considered "problem cars", but nothing matches the unreliability of an Audi. I purchased both a 2001 and 2002 A4 and have become very familiar with the local wrecker companies. The 2002 is now having its 4th engine installed (after only 50,000 miles). The stereo system has been replaced three times. We traded in the 2001 at a loss after being towed three times for coil issues. Stay away from Audi! This is the worst car Ive ever owned, including the 1964 Corvair I paid $100 for in 1974!

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  very smooth - 2004 Audi A4
  By T A-G - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Awesome car. Looks and feels great.

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  Amazing Machine - 2006 Audi A4
  By levi - February 23 - 11:36 pm

  Excellent control and styling. Manual, Premium, Sports, Cold Weather, Sunroof, Tech packages. My first Audi, but not my last. Very clean interface and a pleasure to drive. If youre looking for a 0-60 straight line car this isnt it, but if you want to take a few turns after you hit 60 and above then this is your car. Took a road trip to WV just to drive some curves and the car was simply amazing. At low speeds (sub 40) it does well, but the car is in its element above 60. Test drove w/ & w/out sports suspension. Be warned its very smooth w/out it, but youll feel more of the road w/ it. Only worth getting the sports suspension if you plan on driving it hard, Im glad I have it.

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  Why Ive Owned Seven - 2003 Audi A4
  By RICHARDHABY - February 23 - 4:44 pm

  Theres is little to criticize about the 2003 Audi A4 1.8T Sedan. The turbo kicks in and is much snappier than my A6 with a V6 engine was. As you look about the cabin you find extra after extra. Instead of thinking "Why didnt the designers do it this way" you exclaim "Im glad they thought to provide that". With over 12,000 miles the only repair that I needed to make on this car was a measley brake lamp. This took the dealer about ten minutes to fix.