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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  Beware of temperature sensitive glass - 2002 Audi A4
  By NDanger - January 23 - 2:00 am

  rear hatch/door window is very fragile in extremely cold temps. Currently waiting 5-6 weeks for replacement.... from Germany!

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  I love this car - 2002 Audi A4
  By car-ooo-so - January 12 - 2:00 am

  I just bought the car certified used for the wife and Im actually considering getting an SUV for her so that I can have the Audi for myself. I love it that much. The Audi engineers put so much thought into what they design that Im still being surprised by neat little features. My car came with the sport package and, like what was mentioned in an earlier review, the 1.8 is a bit underpowered for the extra handling. The car sure handles, though, and even better than many sports cars Ive driven. Nice work Audi.

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  A Beautiful but Unfaithful Lover - 1998 Audi A4
  By sleelio - January 10 - 2:00 am

  This is one of the nicest cars Ive ever driven. The faster you go, the better it gets - all the little rattles go away and it hugs the road beautifully. However, this car has had too many problems - broken ignition (waited 6 months for the part), heater core failed, 2 CV boots busted, water pump failed, broken radiator fan, sunroof problems, remote key works only when it feels like it. Weve taken good care of this care and done all the suggested maintenance, but it hasnt taken care of us.

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  Fun Car, but Nightmare Reliability - 1998 Audi A4
  By CA-Jay - January 10 - 2:00 am

  I bought a 1.8T Q 5spd new in 1/98 and have religiously maintained it for the past 6 years. Car is in the shop so often that its humorous. Turbo had to be replaced at 2k miles all sorts of electrical problems cracked brake reservoir leaking oil from gasket I could go on... I will never buy an Audi again. The quality is horrendous for a car marketed as an upscale, performance sedan. Im in the market for a Honda or Acura. Take it from a reasonable, level-headed person--do not buy an Audi.

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  MUST HAVE $$$ TO BLOW - 1998 Audi A4
  By MIKEO71 - January 10 - 2:00 am

  Cant possibly fit all of my experiences in this small review. Purchased used w/ 50k miles, audi assured, well maintained by Audi by the book. Secretly phoned dealer where car was originally serviced and found it had many issues not disclosed to me prior to purchase. Numerous issues, some major and other minor. Audi servi ce is bad (5 different dealers in 3 different states).

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  Great Car. BAD Quality Experience. - 2004 Audi A4
  By ultrasport - January 8 - 10:00 am

  New A4 1.8T Ultraport loaded. have a quality prob out of the shoot.BAD for a $37K MSRP car. W/in 4 hrs of delivery, the power steering failed due to a leak. The dealer repaired but did not replace the hose as promised. I was out the car overnight to get that hose. I did get rental/loaner. W/in 4 hours of pick up after repair. The prob ocurred AGAIN! The car is back at the dealer. Im in a loaner. Fix = replace the ENTIRE strg rack. Replmt parts arrived, 1/2 way into install...parts deemed faulty.I am still w/out that new car, soon a lemon in this state. Buying a new car should not be this way. No Excuse Audi!!!

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  Good thing theres a 50K warranty - 2002 Audi A4
  By VJD66 - January 5 - 2:00 am

  Love the A4 for its looks, both interior and exterior, and truly is a fun car to drive. Its comfortable yet sporty, with a tight ride. Just try to do doughnuts in the snow - this thing grips like a vice. The Bose system is awesome. Had an oil leak at 25K, the recall for the coils, door lock and horn stopped working and both needed to be replaced, and now theres a noticeably rough idle and strong gas/exhaust smell that appeared out of nowhere, but dealer says nothing found. Not a long term keeper in my opinion, but an excellent 3 year or 4 year car for the ride, handling and status.

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  I like it even more after owning it. - 2001 Audi A4
  By PossumCowboy - January 2 - 2:00 am

  Ive extensively upgraded with performance parts since buying new in May of 2001. The car is incredibly fun to drive with plenty of power, while still remaining very fuel- efficient over long distances. Had the coil- pack replaced when recalled, had the cupholder replaced when the trim broke. Replaced one headlight bulb. Everything else is perfect!

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  Overengineered, but fun - 1998 Audi A4
  By GreenMTNDoc - January 1 - 2:00 am

  Ive put all 102,000 mi on my Audi since 7/1997. The first 4-5 years were great. The car is wonderful to drive, and I still love to drive it. However, its cost me about $2k-3k/yr over the last 2.5yrs to keep it running. Ive maintained it as meticulously as possible. My ind mech (got tired of the dealership) stocks the fr susp components because so many fail (about one set a week he says). In addtn, Ive had to replace brakes, radiator, starter motor, rear wheel bearings (twice!), and the timing belt (I guess this last one is expected).

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  Great Buy - 2007 Audi A4
  By Paul - December 30 - 2:20 pm

  I found my stylish, sporty and comfortable A4 is a lot of car for the money.