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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  207,000 and still runs strong!!! - 1999 Audi A4
  By lockburner2000 - July 8 - 12:21 am

  Great car and a blast to drive. There easy to fix if you know anything about cars. Buy aftermarket parts online and it is cheap to keep on the road. Still org. motor and trans. Just keep her tuned up and it will treat you well. I dont care what make you have it will need work at some point like wheel bearings and ball joints and tie rods. The only thing that gets me is the oil leaking it is with all 2.8 engines. Have the new gaskets put in when the timming service is done and it will save you a pile of money. I have a 98 and my wife drives a 99 with 160,000 miles.

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  Will never own an audi again!! - 2006 Audi A4
  By jpcjulia2011 - July 5 - 8:03 pm

  I purchased this car as a certified pre-owned vehicle at 26000miles thankful I purchased the warranty. In the 1st week check engine light came on. Few weeks later my fuel pump went out. A couple months later, some valves have failed in the engine. A couple months after that-some hose have melted and caused a check engine light.. Then coil pack. Then transmission. Transmisson again. Fuel pump.. again. Oil pump, engine valves. All in a 1.5 yrs. 70,000 miles now. Im selling this car as soon as I get it back from dealer. Never again! I only drive to and from work on the hwy, scheduled maint always was done, but it was a lemon. No help from dealer, or Audi USA-cant admit there is an issue.

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  110,000 miles - 2007 Audi A4
  By mike5555 - July 1 - 9:33 am

  I have had a couple of smaller issues. Oil has been ok but as they car ages it uses more. 1 quart every 4-5K at 110K PCV console latch and poor leather trim with leather cracking twice. Tires last 50K or more 30MPG or more. Brakes - fronts replace at 93k orginal rear Turbo diverter valve went at 93K Cruise control brake switch at 85K Timing belt replaced at 105K All in all it has not been bad as nothing mechanical went until it had >85k coil packs replaced as part of recall. The car has done well for its class. Its a daily driver with economy, comfort, and style.

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  DONT BUY THIS CAR IT IS GARBAGE!!! - 2004 Audi A4
  By jenna1095 - June 25 - 1:45 pm

  Bought this car in 10/08 1st repair 12/31/08 coil packs $363 (I had to have these done 2 more times between then and now) 2nd repair 2/25/10 Clutch $1677 3rd repair 2/4/11 Crank Case $242 4th repair 4/6/11 PCV Valve $254 5th repair 4/7/11 (Yes it broke down on the way home from the shop) Fuel Pump $595 I am missing one recipt for a valve cover gasket if I remember right around 12/10 $200 When Picking up from getting fuel pump installed was informed it needs a CAT Quoted $1500 Fathers day 2011 Had complete Brake failure barely missed a car hopped a curb flew over a ditch and hit a telephone pole (from what I understand this is a common problem) DO NOT BUY THIS CAR IT IS NOT SAFE!!!!

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  Very good value for the money - 2011 Audi A4
  By leodc - June 14 - 2:27 pm

  We purchased a brand new 2011 Audi 4 with the Premium package and so far 12K miles on it. After test driving BMW 3 series (even the Diesel), and Mercedes Benz C class (which is quite boring to drive), we decided to get an Audi 4 and its been a nice ride so far. The only thing I miss (I used to own a GTI), is the fun to drive. But I surely dont miss going to the dealer every month for repairs.

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  Does 2005 Audi A4 need a recall? - 2005 Audi A4
  By sarah_311 - May 20 - 4:57 pm

  At 70,000 miles, I had to replace the transmission. Im now at about 85,000 miles and am being told the turbo is failing and that the cost to repair will be in the $2,000 range. If I make that repair, I will have spent about as much as the car is worth today on just two repairs. In doing some searches, it looks like to me that Audi has a transmission issue in these cars. (Havent seen the same complaints about the turbo, but I havent looked a lot either.) Sent Audi a letter about my issues and didnt even get a reply. I now tell everyone who asks that I wouldnt recommend an Audi unless you ONLY care how the car looks and drives (when it drives).

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  REALLY - 2004 Audi A4
  By tkite721 - May 18 - 2:25 pm

  Ok so i feel like the only people that write reviews are the people that have problems...... Really you are switching from a Nice loaded sports car to a cheapo Economy car with cloths seats?????? I myself have never had any problems and several of my buddies have never had any problems only on EDMUNDS do people have problems.....

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  Love it -- BUT the Oil!!! - 2007 Audi A4
  By rrli - May 16 - 12:25 pm

  Love this car. I bought it as a certified pre-owned - Ive had it about 1 1/2 years now. Love driving it BUT about every 1000-1200 miles the oil light goes on and I have to constantly put oil in. I have never heard of such a thing before. AUDI tells me that is normal for this type of "high performance" vehicle. I think NOT -- - I still love the car but I dont think I would have bought it if I knew this.

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  Audi -Never again - 2004 Audi A4
  By driver98 - May 15 - 10:57 am

  Bought an A4 2004 with extended warranty. Made a maintanence checkup with Keys Audi in Los Angeles. Told me i had to wait 2 weeks. i origanlly had a bad vibration problem to seek the appt anyway. 2 weeks latwer at 103,000 mile son car they would not honor the 100,00 warranty. AND would not honor the extended warranty. I called Audi America and bitc$$! Made them honor the extended warranty. Only got an oil change and tire rotation( SCREWED) OK THEN i asked them what was the vibration,THEY TOLD ME...Motor Mounts. Wanted 2k from the dealer to fix. I went to local mech for $800. Replaced them vibration was still there. 3 days later ENGINE BLEW! Due to timing chain fail.Called them,did nothing

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  Be warned.... - 2006 Audi A4
  By lowaprlover - May 1 - 6:32 pm

  I purchased my 06 A4 BRAND NEW. Within 6 months it had to be towed...not once but twice for ignition coil failure. One time I was crossing over a large bridge and the car was chugging the second time I was stuck and the car wouldnt start. It was down hill from there. Oil leaks breather valve went, and a host of other issues. Cost me a fortune (high mileage). I dont appreciate ppl saying things about not taking care of the car. My car was beyond taken care of and it was still in service all the time. STAY AWAY. They will NOT help you or admit theres an issue even though they are aware of all these issues. I traded it in for a honda, and can guarantee it will be more reliable!!