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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  80K mile car!? Youre crazy..... - 1997 Audi A4
  By Luiz Salles - April 28 - 2:00 am

  .....you need to take better care of your car. I bought my 1.8T with 70K miles almost 2 years ago, it now has 101K miles. I am happy to say that I have not had a single problem with it. Ive changed the battery and done the 100K tune up. Thats it. My next car will be an Audi. A new one.

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  Best Sedan for the money - 2003 Audi A4
  By ToddC - April 24 - 10:00 am

  After years of admiring Audi products, I finally decided it was time to get my own. The car far exceeds my expectations in many areas especially build quality. Traction is simply unparalleled. It is very easy to drive this car all the way up to its very limit without professional training.

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  Awesome A4! - 2009 Audi A4
  By Frank - April 22 - 7:13 pm

  Of course my car is new and Im so happy and exited about my choice; but I did test all AWD cars in that segment, then chose A4 for the style, size (bmw too small), quality of the interior, ultimate sound system. Handling, fun to drive is great! Performance is more than enough for me, but lack brute force of G35x or BMW335xi. This is the only item for which the A4 is not getting perfect score across the board. B&O sound system is a marvel! Way superior than previous Bose option. And with the SD card support, I even dont need to use CD (6 disk changer, MP3 support). It comes with ipod integration, Im expecting the ipod cable delivery soon and will provide feedback on it.

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  Our first new car ever. - 2003 Audi A4
  By Frameguy - April 18 - 10:00 am

  Ive read reviews complaining about soft initial acceleration. Go buy a motorcycle. You can buy a motorcycle for the price difference of a 3.0L. My advice? Buy a 1.8T, and right at the apex of a nice sweeping county road, and stand on it. Breathtaking. Dont get this car for stoplight drag racing. And dont drink coffee while driving the quattro- the car sticks like glue. Spilled coffee sticks like glue too. (I use sugar.) I never thought wed buy a new car. But Ill happily throw down thirty large for this kind of performance. Yes, performance. I also drive a sport bike. No car comes close, so pipe down about the acceleration you!

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  ENTER YOUR OWN RISK!!! - 1996 Audi A4
  By Laz - April 14 - 2:00 am

  Never think of buying a 96 Audi A4.I have spent 10K for repairs of this car until now.Thanks God mostly paid off by extended warranty(feel sorry about them).Transmission/clutch very poor (replaced-still uncomfortable)Tie rod ends replaced and many other mechanical problems occured.Just the biggest pain I ever had in my entire life.

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  A4 IS ONLY GOOD FOR 80,000 MILES - 1997 Audi A4
  By JOJO - April 11 - 2:00 am

  Ill never buy one again!! 0 - 80000 miles the A4 ran perfectly. On its 80000m birthday huge problems. Major oil leak hear, broken gasket there, usual timing belt replacement, cracked heating pipe under there, electric switch on transm failure, etc., etc., etc. In a 3 month period, I averaged close to $3k in car repairs and it has never run the same. Dont plan on keeping the A4 for longer than 5 years, unless you want it in the shop for 4 weeks each year while the dealer complains it cannot get parts from Germany or back East. Goodbye Audi, hello Infinity, Lexis, Honda.

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  Nirvana - 2003 Audi A4
  By apfrompa - April 11 - 2:00 am

  As Im in my 50s now, Ive driven many different types of vehicles but mostly Japanese, including Lexus. The ride of this vehicle supersedes by far anything I have owned or tested in performance, comfort, handling, and confidence. As I explained to a friend, this car could die on me tomorrow, and I wouldnt care because the time spent with it already has provided enough pleasure for a lifetime. Buy it, you wont regret it.

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  My 2004 Arctic White Avant - 2004 Audi A4
  By 2004 a4 Avant - April 11 - 2:00 am

  This car is a dream to drive. With the sport package, which stiffens the springs and lowers the car, it sticks to the road. Audi also offers many options, as I have added an Audi body kit, which really looks great.

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  Quattro is great but be careful - 2004 Audi A4
  By tomw - April 11 - 2:00 am

  If you live somewhere where it rains or snows frequently (i.e. the Northeast) definitely look at this car. Dont waste your time with the 1.8T engine. I know I said be careful but I would buy another one in a second (my wife drives an A6). I have had some problems with climate control and had a major gas leak!! Audis warranty and service has taken care of it no problem though. Highly recommended to people who like to drive but want good German performance. Warranty is excellent too.

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  2004 A4 - 2004 Audi A4
  By GABE - April 11 - 2:00 am

  THIS IS MY SECOND AUDI, BUT THIS ONE IS SO MUCH BETTER THEN MY 2000 A6 WAS