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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  A4 sport package 1.8T - 2003 Audi A4
  By Pamos99 - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I purchased a 2003 A4 1.8t quattro with the manual transmission and sport package. I was looking for a car with all wheel drive that was still fun to drive. The Audi definitely delivers. The sport package makes it handle like a sports car -- although you will need to buy different tires for the winter. My sister owns a 2002 A4 with the 6 cylinder and an automatic (no sports package) and it definitely is not worth the extra $8000 in my opinion. I took mine home for $29K and its a great value for money -- fun to drive and extremely high quality.

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  best car ive owned - 2003 Audi A4
  By shawno - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I spend 5 months of the year in Colorado snowboarding and can honestly say that this car is a "mountain goat". Anyone familiar with the Loveland Pass (Continental Divide) knows how hairy it can be, this car just stuck to the road like it was on rails. Also, if you mess up, the ESP kicks in and lets you know that you did something "wrong". It has to be the best handling all weather car ever..I go around cornerns in the rain without fear. SOmetimes that can be bad though. It has a great ext/int- quality workmanship and great attention to detail. Not to mention the technology...ESP,Quattro, Brake assist. This car is just great.

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  Fun to drive - 2003 Audi A4
  By tpg - June 5 - 10:00 am

  Well detailed interior; comfortable seating; Dolphin Grey Metallic is sweet; more comfortable than a 325i; excellent handling; dont see one at every intersection. Dont think I would consider without the 5-speed.

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  Excellent sedan - 2006 Audi A4
  By Nunya Bidness - June 4 - 10:40 pm

  Car has plenty of speed and pickup for a small engine due to the turbo. Handles well and provides a very comfortable ride. Smooth shifting and excellent braking. Interior is clean but dont choose the brushed aluminum; it sometimes reflects sunlight right into the eyes of the driver. A little narrow inside and wouldnt do well for very large drivers. Trunk space is adequate. Plenty of extras to go around. The new navigation system is fantastic with an incredibly good interface. Location of Nav DVD is behind the LCD instead of trunk. Changer is in glovebox, very easy to access. There are two smart card slots (wish it played more than just mp3s, maybe audiobooks as well). Fantastic value.

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  A4 Avant - 2005 Audi A4
  By Steve Mac - May 20 - 10:26 pm

  Bought to replace 1998 A4 1.8TQMS. New car has premium, sport, cold, Bose pkgs. New avant is slightly quicker, has better highway mileage, but the same city mileage as my previous car. It is very comfortable on long drives. The XM radio is fabulous! It feels somewhat larger than the old car and as a result it doesnt handle quite as well. That may be due to the all season tires rather than a proper summer sport tire. The ride is firm without being harsh. Its throttle action is slightly jerky when released suddenly under hard acceleration. There is no real turbo lag, but the turbo builds power early and holds it through the rev range. There is more leg room in the back seat than my previous car had, but it still has less than my wifes Passat.

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  Tried German Once - Once - 1997 Audi A4
  By Audibust - May 20 - 2:00 am

  Puchased a Certified Used Audi A4 - 1.8 turbo to experience some German Engineering. Unfortunately, Engineering was the problem, as the vehicle lost both a timing belt prematurely causing $4K in damage, and then the transmission gave out as well for another $5K. The car had less than 80K miles at the time of both, and the car was well maintained with one owner. After contacting Audi, none of the items were covered under the warranty, because they were considered "wear items", so the charges were all out of pocket expenses. Never again.

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  2004 A4 Avant 1.8t 6spd - 2004 Audi A4
  By F1isbest - May 14 - 10:00 am

  An excellent car for a great price. Handles well, with many comforts inside.

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  A4 3.0 Quattro - 2003 Audi A4
  By lcardozo - April 30 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. Responsive controls. Quiet on the road. Terrific brakes. A car meant to be driven.

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  No... its not a Glorified Jetta!!! - 2003 Audi A4
  By Allizard - April 30 - 2:00 am

  I was comparing with IS300, Mazda6 and Jetta GLI and even the Passat GLX before making the final decision. Im glad they added the power seat feature on the premium package. How funny for a 30k car doesnt have a power seat before 03. I love the look inside and out. At first 1.8T seems a bit weak at start up but runs much better once on the open freeway. Nothing cant fix with a new chip.

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  First "luxury" car - 2003 Audi A4
  By FoxHoundLover - April 30 - 2:00 am

  This is my first "luxury" sedan, at least in this price range. I had a 1989 Maxima that I loved, and this car is similar in "fun to drive" ways, only much better. It handles very smoothly and straightens curves like no car Ive ever driven. The quattro makes it very sure-footed even in heavy rain. 75 mph seems like you are going nowhere at all. Tried the BMW 330xi and Mercedes C320. The Mercedes was mushier, the 330xi stiffer, but also nice. Went for the Audi because overall I think it is a smoother riding/performing car, and the quattro is the best 4-wheel drive made.