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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  Great Sports Sedan - 2009 Audi A4
  By CAroaddriver - January 2 - 2:06 pm

  Bought the A4 2.0T Quattro with the premium plus package. Great exterior styling, good interior, good fit/finish, almost great handling. This car is quicker and better handing than the 99 A6 3.2 I sold. The low-end torque makes it responsive in commute driving, loads of fun in the hills. Getting an honest 30+ mpg on the highway. The trunk is roomy, and the split fold-down rear seat ads versatility some of the other sports sedans lack. The LED daytime running lights turn heads.

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  Made the right choice!!! - 2002 Audi A4
  By jimbones - December 30 - 10:00 am

  If you are worried about anything regardding this vehicle, dont be for its a gem. About 1000 miles to date, firm solid quiet ride, great suspension. Quiet on the inside too, except when the Bose is cranked. I was a littleconcerned with the 4 cylinder engine, but will report that the 5 speed gear box lets this go from zero to 60 comfortably. GREAT HANDLING CAR!!!!

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  EVERYONE says "Wow - Nice Car!" - 2002 Audi A4
  By Smiley - December 30 - 10:00 am

  The exterior styling alone is reason enough to buy an A4. I stepped up to the 16" 5-spoke wheels. Looks great! The sport suspension is simply too severe for Ohio roads. Once you get past 1st gear life is wonderful. I still havent figured out if starting off slow or spilling my coffee is best. This is the most fun-to-drive vehicle I have owned. BMW was too much $$$ and there are too many of them on the road.

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  Some crazed German Engineers dream car. - 2002 Audi A4
  By Curbstoner - December 30 - 10:00 am

  Want my Passat GLX back. Great looks. fun to drive. Lots of weird accoutrements in the cabin. Power is adequate. Seat motor was broken, took 3 weeks to repair the seat. Crowded Cockpit. Transmission very unique. Radio reception poor. Difficult for me to get comfortable the way the seat is configured. Not that it really matters but the cupholder is without a doubt the worst feature of the vehicle.

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  Fun to drive, when not in the shop... - 2003 Audi A4
  By Joey D - December 29 - 4:12 pm

  I recently purchased a 2003 Audi A4 3.0 because the BMW 330xi was the most comparable car, but was far more expensive and came with less features. Let me say that I LOVE driving my car and even miss it when I take the train into work or if Im on vacation, especially if Im having to drive a poor rental car. However, Ive had it in the shop 3 times now, most recently to change the spark plugs! Apparently, if the car isnt started during a drastic change in temperature, as we often get in Chicago, then the engine could misfire and have to be serviced! This is what the dealer told me and said that most newer luxury cars are like this. Still love the car, but worried over the long haul for reliability.

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  Its a German car, not a Lexus - 2004 Audi A4
  By ejad74 - December 28 - 3:49 pm

  Can out handle any Jap car. If you love to drive this is a great car. Audi is the car of the future. Audi is not about trendy its about the passion of driving. The style blows away BMW. Fit and finish is untouchable. Dont get me wrong Lexus makes a great car for my grandfather or G-Money man.... I just want to drive...

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  Its a head-turner - 2005 Audi A4
  By Peter Fischer - December 27 - 12:23 am

  We like our 2004 Audi A4 3.0 Cabriolet very much. Space is definitly not her strength; but we knew that when we got it. This cars engine performance is excellent. The interior quality is very good. It is a little on the pricy side; but we also knew that.

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  audi = german for lemon - 2001 Audi A4
  By smokymtnA4 - December 24 - 10:00 am

  Although this car is loads of fun, it spends more time at the shop than on the road. The first 25k miles went great, but since then: (1) faulty drive chain tensioner (could have bent valves and destroyed engine if i hadnt noticed it), (2) front main oil seal leak (at 26k miles absurd), (3)turn signal switch failed, and (4) oxygen sensor failed (car shut down on the road. If i had been on the interstate instead of secondary road i could have been rear ended by semi.) All covered by warranty, but you can bet Ill dump this car as soon as warranty ends. This car is like marrying a supermodel that hates sex. Looks great but doesnt perform.

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  Ricks Review - 2002 Audi A4
  By Kerrrichard - December 24 - 10:00 am

  This is my second A4. In two years Ill most likely be on my third...

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  Owned it for seven years and counting - 1998 Audi A4
  By Franz Meuggers - December 22 - 11:28 am

  We bought our 1998 Audi A4 2.8 new and have really enjoyed it. Despite the four doors and rear seats, the car is really made for two adults. Our reliability has been very good, though the car is maintenance intensive with brakes and suspension parts. The multi-link suspension works great on the road, but at about 60,000 the arms start to rattle and require replacement. The car has had its share of electrical glitches, but nearly all of these appeared and were corrected while still under Audis excellent warranty program. The quattro makes the car one of the best choice for Maine. Will trade in the next year or so for another A4 or maybe trade up to an A6.