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:

• 

  Great Car - 2004 Audi A4
  By Audiowner - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Overall having had the car for about a month now, purchasing car was very pleasurable as the salesmen were very professional and helpful. as for the car it is a great mix between family car yet sporty. its drive is matched by none and its exterior design is best in class. Anywhere i go poeple stop to tell me the car is beautiful. I have a red a4.

• 

  Audi A4 - 1998 Audi A4
  By Audi Fan - September 22 - 10:00 am

  Great value. Exceptional exterior and interior styling. Superb handling with adequate performance. Reliability not in keeping with design and technology.

• 

  My 1.8T Quattro Review - 2002 Audi A4
  By MikeW - September 22 - 10:00 am

  The car has awesome handling, looks great, and superb build quality. You get a lot more for your money with the A4 compared to the BMW 3 series. Before test driving I was actually leaning toward a 3 series, but all it took was a test drive and seeing the A4 next to the Bimmer to sway me toward the Audi. Actually after the test drive, I didnt even consider the BMW again.

• 

  Reliability and Maintenance are Problems - 1996 Audi A4
  By JuliusG - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Its true -- after the initial warranty comes off, things start going wrong! I have sunk over $7k in this car since 1998. I was going to give it to my daughter. No way Ill do that no. Car is good looking and drives great but I have lost confidence in Audi reliability. Wasnt that their problem in the 80s? CV boot, air bag, rack and oinion steering, engine seals, body parts, and now the air conditioning! Even "normal maintenance" is expensive - over $700 for brake pads, etc. Dealer labor is expensive. Forgetaboutit! Buy Japanese. German is prestigeous and snobby but expensive and finicky all around. Kind of like paying to be snobbish.

• 

  Shhhh...Great Car - 1999 Audi A4
  By architect - September 20 - 2:00 am

  This is a great handling car! Ya really do look at curvy roads and smile just like a commercial. Passing acceleration is a delight. Sometimes ya just pass because it’s fun! Fit and finish are typical German solid. Bose radio is fantastic. Sounds great at any volume, weather it’s heavy metal or smooth jazz. I love the little things that car salesmen never talk about like windshield wipers that slow down when the car does. You’re going to love this car a little more every time you drive it.

• 

  Think Twice Before You Buy - 1997 Audi A4
  By Bridget1777 - September 18 - 2:00 am

  My car has 80k miles. It is important for the buyer to know what they are getting into. It will require repairs, but prepare to go to an Audi dealer only and pay $125 p/ hour, or more. Ex: Power locks went out shortly after I purchased the car, ($650!) Now needs a new water pump, (a $30 part,) but to have the dealer put it on would cost $550! Its ridiculous. Only an Audi dealer can change the oil light every 3k miles, so prepare to pay for that. (The servicing light is the same way!) Its a very nice car to drive, but think twice before you buy. Make sure you have the money to burn. I dont.

• 

  Love/Hate Relationship - 1996 Audi A4
  By Oh...AUDI - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Bought with 65K miles 18 months ago. I spend alot of time behind the wheel, felt A4 would be nice ride that I could put tons of miles on.First 2 months were torture.Check engine light went on every other week.Oxygen sensors replaced twice b4 problem resolved. Since then I have put over 50K miles on this car with no major problems.Only issues are minor electrical glitches (ie stereo, climate cont. display, moonroof).Overall: would buy another from a good dealer with a good warranty.

• 

  best car for the money - 1996 Audi A4
  By Audifantothedeath - September 10 - 2:00 am

  This is a good all around car. It handles like a dream but lack a little power but is suffiecient. Interior and extierior design is wonderful yet simple. This car will last forever IF you take care of it. If you neglect it just a little the problems show up. Great car I love it!

• 

  Audi A Good Value - 2010 Audi A4
  By Julie Arch - September 1 - 4:45 pm

  A good choice in this price class.

• 

  My 3rd Audi is fantastic - 2003 Audi A4
  By Happy CVT - August 30 - 10:00 am

  This is the best car I have ever purchased. The build quality is beyond belief! The CVT is so smooth and the performance is amazing. The interior is best Ive seen. The car has been problem free and I cannot not find one single item that needs attention. This is my 3rd A4 and they just keep getting better and better. CVT is truly amazing. With CVT your speed just builds and builds with very low engine RPM. It reminds you of an electric motor. Engine RPM stay low under most throttle positions. When pressed hard RPMs peak and your speed builds very rapidly.