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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  Its a keeper - 1998 Audi A4
  By gerardrj - December 5 - 10:00 am

  During the warrany period, my A4 had quite a few little things go wrong: wind shield wiper pump, seatbelt case broke, trip odometer panel went dim (2x), all were repaired/ replaced under warranty. The only things that have gone wrong since the warranty expired where a direct result of abuse (usually by the car wash attendants), or normal wear (the break pads needing to be replaced). After 4 years the car still sounds and runs like the day I drove it off the lot.

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  Great Car - 2002 Audi A4
  By RBA4luv - December 5 - 10:00 am

  We just returned from an 800 mile roundtrip on 29.2 gallons of gas. Thats over 28 MPG! The car rides like a bigger car, but handles like a sports car. The 1.8T has plenty of guts, and you know this engine is designed for the Autobahn, as she really purrs at 65, and would love to be unrestrained by the low speed limits on our (US) roads. Seats are very comfortable, and adjustable and our "black beauty" looks really rich.

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  2000 A4 1.8TQ - Problems after 50K mi - 2000 Audi A4
  By JGM - December 5 - 2:00 am

  In months 0-36, Audi replaced the front brakes, a CV boot, numerous headlights & the dash instrument cluster. In months 37-44 (SINCE THE WARRANTY HAS EXPIRED), I have had numerous problems, including: vacuum hoses, AC Clutch, radio, hazard flasher, drivers inner door assembly - about $1,300 out-of-pocket. The dealer suggested an extended warranty. Should a $30K+ car be breaking down less than six months out of warranty? Consumer Reports rates this car as a "Car to Avoid" for reliability. As an entry level car, its not good PR. I may try Acura RL/TL, BMW 3-Series, Lexus IS300 or Mercedes C-Class for the same money.

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  A4 is a Perfect Balance - 2002 Audi A4
  By jfaxio - December 4 - 2:00 am

  Although not as quick as the BMW 3 series, but just as refined as the Mercedes Benz C Class, my 2002 A4 3.0 Quattro is a perfect vehicle for my 40 mile reverse highway commute. Depending on your mood, leave it to the plush interior and sound system, or the "Quattro-supreme" road manners to keep you grinning from ear to ear. My only complaint is a lack of low end torque from the V6 engine. Ive had this car for 6 months, and still get a kick out of driving to and from work. JF

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  My car is junk - 1998 Audi A4
  By financeman1440 - December 3 - 2:00 am

  I bought the car with 39k last October, since then I have replaced all front control arms, brakes all around, now it is the shop apparently needs a new rear differential and possible wheel bearings. The front of the car keeps falling off, when I park too close to a curb. Cup holders dont work, my 850 volvo gets better gas mileage. Love the looks, hate the car. Local dealer sucks.

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  Fun car... but not with all the probs!!! - 1999 Audi A4
  By EncinoMan2 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  These are great cars, but mine was in the shop more than my garage! From 50k to 60k miles it needed over $8000 in repairs, thank god for the extended warranty

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  Be careful what ya dream about - 2002 Audi A4
  By sarge1 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Car has all options .Never again!!!For a car in this price range to have so many problems.Coil pack failure (stranded),brake failure(stranded)horn failure(needed for inspection,took 7 months to get)and many other problems.Dealer acts like Im bothering him with my problems(they left fog light trim off and wouldnt return my calls)so Audi USA says to drive 60 miles to the next nearest dealer for future service.Like many others, Im leary about taking this car on an extended trip.Glad I kept my old 1999 Olds Intrigue.Its my daily driver and has never let me down.

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  My Audi - 2003 Audi A4
  By JWKISER2 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Nice car and has all the extras, but needs more power. The inside is spectacular and looks so nice at night when it is all lit up. Bose stereo is good, but no like a Harmon Kardon or a Mark Levinson in a rivial sedan. Fun to drive, but just not as fun as my old BMW. My openion is, this car is nice, has plenty of options and extras, but if you can afford it buy a BMW 3 series because it is a better vehicle and funner to drive. I promise!

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  Audi Convertible - 2004 Audi A4
  By mls0902 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Great ride, however I am having an ongoing problem with the Turbo Intake Hose, I have been back to the dealer 4 times in 4 months!

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  a great car - 2004 Audi A4
  By drew22204 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  an outstanding car that feels much more expensive than it is.