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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  Had it for 6 months an still enjoy it! - 2011 Audi A4
  By renems - February 3 - 1:48 pm

  Car I purchased: A4 Quattro (8-speed) Premium Plus w/ sports package and all the additional "esthetic upgrades". I bought this car in August of 10. I wasnt entirely sure how comfortable I was with getting a first rev. of the 8 speed. So far, so good however there are a few things Ive noticed which Ive listed under "improvements". I tried the 2011 BMW 335d, 2010 A4 Quattro, 2010 G35, 2011 ES350, 2010 C300. To be honest the acceleration of the BMW diesel and fuel economy far surpass the A4. However the A4 surpasses the BMW in a couple categories, one being safety. The other being CUP holders!

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  Tons of fun! - 1998 Audi A4
  By inmyblood - January 22 - 1:27 am

  I bought my A4 2.8Q brand new. Over 13 years later I couldnt be much happier. It drives like new with over 120k miles on it. It is great fun to drive and I love carving through the mountain snow here in Utah with only all-season tires. I had some front suspension issues until my local mechanic solved what my dealer could not. I have had my brakes done once with that same mechanic for about $600 for all four. I have replaced all four lower door trim pieces and both heated side view mirrors but no sensor or engine issues. It runs smooth and hard and I love it! My kids dont like the back seat but that is what the Odyssey is for. I wish I could afford a new one. An all around great car!

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  Feeling a bit worried ... - 2007 Audi A4
  By ermias01 - January 20 - 9:57 pm

  Ok, here is the scoop - I love my 2007 Audi A4 Quatrrrrro ... fun to drive, great fuel economy and a definite head turner ... I bought is used with 50K miles August of 2010 - and I just got my check engine light January 2011. Initial symptoms were engine misfire (temp outside was -11 F ccooooold) ... so I took it to the dealer I bought it from and they had to replace some valve because of fault $257 later, it was deemed OK ... this happened after putting 10K miles ... and I was hoping to expect such events after 40K or so ... This is why I am a bit worried - what is going to go wrong again?

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  Awesome after 24000 miles - 2009 Audi A4
  By zoolander1 - January 15 - 4:59 am

  This is an update from my original review. Ive had my A4 for a 16 months and 24k miles now and I think its only fair to review it past the new car feeling. Still handles like a champion. Have had ZERO issues with the car. Havent had any unscheduled dealer visits. I would definitely recommend the car to someone looking for a 3 series alternative. The A4 is way more affordable and offers the same level of confort at a higher value. The car needs to be serviced at 5k, 15k and 25k. I added 1 qt of oil at 21500 miles which I consider normal given the interval within services.

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  Great Car - 2008 Audi A4
  By minn55441 - January 11 - 4:57 pm

  Purchased new in May of 2008. Audicare was included so I was covered for all scheduled maintence and unscheduled repairs. Im now at 40,000 miles and other that my oil changes, my only service was for a rattle in the door. They found a plastic piece that came loose. That is it!! 40,000 miles of pure enjoyment. I routinely get over 30 mpg, it handles great in the snow and it is fun to drive when the roads are dry. The back seat is a little cramped and not very comfortable to sit in. Then again, with grown children, I dont often have someone in the back. I do wish that I had opted for the premium sound system. I will probably trade it in for the new A4.

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  Gave back to dealer 2 mos before lease end. - 2007 Audi A4
  By boyracer3 - January 9 - 8:39 am

  Tonight Im reviewing 6 of my latest car purchases. Audi is getting the lowest marks. My car burned a Quart of oil every 3000 mi. Oil light would come on before it was time to get oil change. Evry time. Loved car before this happened. Recommended A4 cabby to a friend. His did the same thing. When in parking lots examine the carbon buildup on A4 tailpipes.having blown the engine on my previous 911 I was very sensitive to oil lights. I complained repeatedly to Audi who insisted that kind of oil loss was within specs. Seems like poor engineering. I always felt like a chump after speaking with service. I was so annoyed that I gave it back early to clear a space for a new BMW. Cont.

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  excellent design, reliability much worse than in the past - 2009 Audi A4
  By vjd2211 - December 31 - 11:18 am

  Went from the 2003 A4 model to 2009 - old model was a real german design - tight handling, powerful, good brakes. The new one gained in dimensions - you feel inside like in a mid-size car, but the steering is too soft, I guess to appeal more to american drivers. Just one note - the car is not anymore a 100% german car - parts are made in other parts of the world and the overall quality has suffered. Have that in mind - repairs over the 4/50k warranty are very expensive both parts and labor - currently at 35k miles and thinking to trade-in.

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  A4 avant prestige sport 19 inch - 2011 Audi A4
  By ysde - December 29 - 9:30 pm

  need a family car. thought about s4 but thought the avant was more practical. did not want a suv - simply more weight and a higher center of gravity leads to a dull driving exp. Any audi you but you must get the sports package and quattro otherwise you might as well buy something else. The car i got is loaded - prestige - b & o radio makes a big difference, side assist, etc. The steering is a little light but the handling is very good overall. the engine is more than adequate. i was concerned about this - previous car i had delivered 330 hp. i notice the difference but the overall package of the audi is excellent. This is what you get when you buy an audi - great overall package

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  Poor Choice,Beware Audi has lots of work to do still - 2009 Audi A4
  By rd7 - December 19 - 10:04 pm

  I bought a brand new Audi A4 Premium Plus 2.0T quattro 2009 sedan. No problems up until about 5K+ miles, thereafter increasing engine sound / noise, gears not changing and getting stuck at 2nd/3rd gear. Reverse gear failed to engage during winter of 2009. Transmission filter & fluid was replaced, which resolved the problem for several months, until onset of winter 2010, the same problems are back now. Additionally card DRINKS oil, had to be in twice already to top up oil (car has 20K miles on it presently). Rattling and crackling noises are fairly frequent, which should NOT be seen in a luxury brand. God bless & long live Acura, Lexus, Infiniti, BMW & Mercedes. Please Stay CLEAR of AUDI !

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  Like the other reviews - 2002 Audi A4
  By elewsader - December 17 - 7:33 pm

  Much like the other reviews, this car was fabulous from an interior fit and finish perspective, but something was always breaking and it was always costly I had wiper linkage seize up which was over $300, H.I.D light (dipped headlight) which was $300, and many more. It seemed like everything that had an issue it was $300 or more. There were also odd electrical gremlins with the radio and sunroof (sunroof was blamed on a potentiometer, and the radio was blamed on lithium grease in the door connectors). I got great gas mileage on this car but overall its a great car if you can afford the pricey repairs. - 1.8t six speed automatic, fwd model