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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  not again - 1996 Audi A4
  By not again - March 10 - 2:00 am

  I purchased the car with 50,000 miles and drove it for another 125,000 miles. I can not say enough about the handling and performance, but that is my heart talking. This car has been back to the dealer for this, that, and the other thing 5 times each. The only thing left original at 175,000 miles is the clutch and body. Even both catalytic converters were replaced twice. Service is a headache. I bet if I added up the service repair costs, they will be more that the car cost new. If you have the cash to throw at the car, by all means you will love the ride.

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  Buy an Acura instead - 2001 Audi A4
  By Namiko - March 9 - 2:00 am

  Do yourself a favor and buy an Acura or a Lexus instead. This isnt a truly awful car. My Ford Contour was a truly awful car. But this isnt a good car. I have had annoying problems since I drove it off the lot. Everything from the vanity light going out to the wiper blades hopping to the car not starting! The brake squeal is insufferable and is part of the design of the Audi brakes and they wont do anything about it. These problems are not acceptable and downright embarrassing from a $30k car.

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  New Audi Owner - 2007 Audi A4
  By jake - March 6 - 12:30 pm

  After a bad experience with my 2006 BMW and the run flat tires (my third BMW), I researched many cars to see what would be the BMWs replacement. When I drove the Audi A4 3.2 quattro, I knew I would never go back to BMW. The car handles better, better ride, quiet, large trunk, great storage and many useful features. Its an all around awesome car and Im looking forward to many years of driving enjoyment.

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  A4 1.8t quattro (97) - 1997 Audi A4
  By CorradoTurbo - March 3 - 2:00 am

  Driven 3,500 miles so far not bad on gas on long trips averaged 28 mpg, but around city down around 20-21. Nice ride and awesome in the snow. Car was built very nice and a good price!

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  Avant 2.8 - thumbs up! - 1998 Audi A4
  By Wagonsrule - March 3 - 2:00 am

  great car, versatile and reliable. had to replace all 10 suspension arms in front end which is a very well known problem on A4s. other than that it has been a great car.Quattro goes through any weather without blinking.

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  My life with an A4 - 1998 Audi A4
  By MikeSanto - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I have owned this car for over four years now and have loved every minute of it. It is tons of fun to drive, gets great gas mileage and is quite comfortable. The egineering details are fantastic. Four and a half years later I dont think there are many cars with a nicer interior design, and I still get compliments on how good the car looks. Reliability has been very good (though likely not on par with Japanese makes). Service and parts can be expensive, but I dont think the prices are out of line for a car in this category. Overall, I would recommend an A4 to anyone who loves to drive, and appreciates well thought-out automotive engineering.

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  Ill Miss Her - 2001 Audi A4
  By mulli1277 - February 28 - 10:00 am

  I love the car overall. The transmission went out at 4000 miles. Slow off the line.

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  Audi A4 has a serious enginer problem - 2003 Audi A4
  By M G - February 23 - 10:00 am

  Engine coils failed one by one on my brand new A4. I heard the same thing happening on other cars. Audi must issue a recall.

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  freaking garbage - 2010 Audi A4
  By rj - February 21 - 1:08 pm

  excessive oil consumption, great ride ,excellent handling. my camry se can do that and cheaper too.

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  The Best Wagon I have ever owned - 2002 Audi A4
  By I love my Avant - February 20 - 2:00 am

  After driving a Subaru for 6 years, the Audi Avant 3.0 is a dream. and the price differential of the two is not so big anymore and the folks at Audi Of Nashua are outstanding. Everyone is friendly and helpful. But lets get to the car. Styling is superb - in and out. Performance of the 3.0 is superb. I love the way the car drives, passes, and handles the curvy roads. Room isnt bad for storing your bike or 4 Ski Bags. If I needed more room, I would have gone with the A-6. Whats not to like