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:

• 

  Warning about 2003 A4 - 2003 Audi A4
  By GLC - July 12 - 2:00 am

  Beware, it appears the new 2003 3.0 A4s may have a serious electrical problem with the engine. Unfortunately our new A4 (2 months old) broke down with about 4,000 miles on it due to this engine electrical problem. No parts in the US to fix it and so far the dealership has been unable to get parts to fix it from Europe. Were concerned that we may need to use our states lemon law to return the car and get out money back if it takes forever to find a fix. Extremely disappointed after paying nearly $39 K for a mostly loaded car.

• 

  Huge Disappointment - 1999 Audi A4
  By coldhart - July 11 - 2:00 am

  Wish Id stuck with the BMW. This car has been nothing but trouble from day 1. Transmission replaced before 1K miles, windshield cracked (sitting in a garage), air conditioning controls failed, instrument cluster unit failed, windshield washer pump, transmission again, squeaks & rattles that cant be fixed.......

• 

  Buy Japenese - 1998 Audi A4
  By raay - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this vehicle used two years ago. Have driven approx. 15,000 miles. Here are the problems to date: tie rods again-all seals leaking-airbag sensor- cracked oil line to turbo-squeaky drivers seat-warped rotors-replaced valve cover gaskets-timing belt tensioner-cruise control switch-engine control module.

• 

  This Car is AWESOME - 2003 Audi A4
  By jcrewguy - July 1 - 10:00 am

  Run, run run to your local Audi dealership and buy this car!! I purchased a 2003 A4 1.8 Turbo with CVT. It is flawless! I get so many people staring at my car when I go my. I got the Ming Blue color with Beige Leather interior. The handling is superb as is the quality of the intereior and the smoothness of the ride...go get one!!

• 

  Never Again - 1998 Audi A4
  By badchoice - June 30 - 2:00 am

  I will never by another Audi. This vehicle has had several major mechanical issues, and the manufacturer has refused to cover them since it is out of warranty. A vehicle in this class with relatively low mileage should not have these issues (and our Infiniti doesnt). It is the most unreliable vehicle Ive ever purchased. I know several other owners who had similar experiences.

• 

  2001 Audi A4 2.8 - 2001 Audi A4
  By snookyanne - June 30 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car a week ago and 1 day later the radio buttons went out, a headlight wire was loose and the cupholder needed to be replaced because it stuck. The radio was also replaced. I wonder what is next and am afraid to take it on a long trip for fear something will stop working.

• 

  Great Audi If taken care of. - 1997 Audi A4
  By trevor - June 27 - 2:00 am

  This car was my first Audi. I am very pleased that the car was taken care of by the first owner, which made it a whole lot better looking. I love the quattro. The only problem is that for a v6 there is not a whole lot of power, but then again your powering all 4 wheels. The traction and handling are GREAT. VERY PLEASED. But the Germans forgot that some Americans live in the heat and not in the snow so It has a tough time cooling itself down. The only thing that I did not like were the strips of plastic/metal on each door. They rot away easily and are a $100 to replace. But a great car.

• 

  I am having too much fun - 2004 Audi A4
  By barz - June 25 - 10:00 am

  I drove both 325 and A4 and decided that there wasnt much difference between the handling, and went for more bang for the money. The car handles great, really good pick up, and excellent fuel economy. And most of all, it is a fun car to drive. I needed some getting used to the CVT, but now that I am used to the smoothness, I am really happy with it.

• 

  so far so good - 2001 Audi A4
  By Eric 1 - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I am a guy who keeps his cars for over 10 years if possible, I was concerned that the Audi would not hold up. It is a bit early to say, but it is going well so far. I will have to replace the tires as there is a slow leak and I had to change the CD player (at no cost) but otherwise all is well. The car seems to be somewhat noiser that it use to be. I hope it holds up for a another 8 years !!! Eric

• 

  not worth it - 1998 Audi A4
  By nobullgirl - June 18 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car 2 months before warranty run out. Since then, it has been a year and half and Ive just totaled my repair bills. $6400! Water tank, timing belt, sun roof, gaskit, alarm, brakes, you name it. I wonder is it just this car or this model.