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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  Dont be fooled by the pretty car - 1998 Audi A4
  By michael jackson - April 24 - 2:00 am

  Control arm bushings failed, the windshield wipers failed, the ignition wiring failed. I go through a $100 headlight a year. Ive had to replace two fuel injectors. After having a recall service performed on the front tie-rods, the car never drove straight again. It requires $91 octane gasoline or better (US). This car was maintained by Audi, by the book, for the first 50,000 miles, and meticulously by myself and a certified Audi technician thereafter, yet it continues to fall apart. I truly wish I never bought this car and I wouldnt own another Audi if someone paid me to do so. Its the definition of an unreliable lemon.

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  Disappointed - 2000 Audi A4
  By Autumn - April 23 - 2:00 am

  I love my Audi A4 1.8T, but sadly it is a lemon. Of course, I find out it is a lemon after the warranty...I will never buy another A4 because the dealership where I purchased it will not take any responsiblity. I have taken it in several times, and all I hear is the fact that they have never seen an Audi with so many problems! Apparently, the Audi corporation does not stand behind their product either. It is a shame, because it is such a fun little car.

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  Not a grocery getter! - 1998 Audi A4
  By Not a grocery getter - April 18 - 2:00 am

  This is an amazing car with handling, power, and all wheel drive packed in an inconscpicuous wagon. My friend just purchased a 2003 Mercedes C240 and it has been back to the shop 4 times in the first 10,000 miles. My A4 2.8 has had minor expected repairs but it has over 90,000. I recommend replacing the timing belt before 50,000 miles, Ive only heard nightmares. I also think the water pumps came from Detroit not Germany. Although I will always own an Audi.

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  Great Car - 2017 Audi A4
  By Rob Glass - April 17 - 10:53 pm

  so far, so good. I got the S-Line, Premium Plus package and am very happy with it. Quality it top notch inside and out. No issues at all, though Ive only had it for a month and about 1500 miles.

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  All Around Package - 2005 Audi A4
  By stepheng - April 15 - 10:00 am

  My objective was to balance these factors with my car purchase: taxi the kids to/from school, soccer, etc., good fuel economy, ability to transport bike inside, carry dogs, reasonable price, and last but not least, FUN. This car so far meets all these criteria. Like most reviews, I too want a bit more hp, but I plan to upgrade the ECU...should do the trick. This is one of the most intelligently engineered cars Ive seen, and coming from 3 years of my Volvo s60, thats saying alot. Electronically, Audi has put so much thought into providing features that make the car more useful in every day driving. Ride is ridiculous...very tight and controlled yet comfy. 6 speed manual is great

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  Please help me sell my lemon - 1998 Audi A4
  By Please buy my lemon - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Here I sit car-less again. My Audi A4 is in the shop. Last month it was the clutch. My car has only 60,000 miles! And yes, this is the FIRST time I have ever had to replace a clutch and its my fourth manual trans car. My computer has to be reset continuously. I have replaced my CD changer twice. And why is it they make you trade in the old one but STILL charge over $200 for the new one??? Also, why was Brake Check able to locate the oil leak in one visit when the dealer wasnt able to locate it in MULTIPLE visits? I wanted to wait a year before buying a new car, but I have recently determined that I cant afford to spend another dime on this lemon!

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  Fabulous Car! - 2002 Audi A4
  By FunGuy90814 - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Ive had a BMW and a Miata before buying my A4 Quattro w/Manual transmission. Ive had it a year now and have not had ONE problem! The build quality is superb, the car handles like a dream and theres more than enough power w/the 1.8 Turbo. This is a superb, well-engineered super-safe (got the addl airbags in backseat) car. Audi service is terrific. Were pleased as punch! :)

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  Second time around - 1999 Audi A4
  By Mrs. White - April 11 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car after a successful first run with a 1996 Quattro. This car has been great in Boston weather, and outperforms anything else I have driven in poor conditions. Its also been reliable, and a value for such luxury. Id buy another.

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  Possibly expected too much? - 2002 Audi A4
  By CanadianAznBoi - April 11 - 2:00 am

  The ride is sweet and the engine sound is like impeccable. I luv it except for a few things: 1. i would rather the tiptronic controls on the steering wheel be for audio instead. I think we all would change the track, volume, or station more often than when we use the tip. 2. Pwrseats should be standard on an entry-lux car like this. 3. The garage-door openers should still work even withOUT the key in the ignition. 4. The windshield washer tank had a crack in it and the car is barely 8 months old. These are just small quips, cuz this car still turns heads everytime im driving it and i can still keep up with most of the ppl in the street.

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  Excellent car - 1999 Audi A4
  By audivwnut - April 9 - 2:00 am

  So far this car is making my heart pound. It is quick, comfortable, well built, and very attractive to the eye. Every attention to detail has been made by Audi!