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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  Best in Class - 2005 Audi A4
  By GYGY - January 30 - 10:00 am

  The Avant 3.0L with quattro and Tiptronic is the best A4 and the best car in its class. Nice looking, top quality materials powerful enough, excellent handling and enough trunk for a family of three put this car in front of the competition. With 3000 miles already on board the short term reliability is outstanding, not a single problem. Also, I have high expectations for the long term, will see. Fuel consumption is going down, probably I have to wait 2000 miles more for the final data, but now is 20city/30highway.

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  Not living up to expectations - 2005 Audi A4
  By Steve - January 26 - 12:56 am

  I have to admit, when I purchased the A4 it was my first car over $30,000. Over $35,000 really. But I needed 4 doors, needed 4WD and was tired of the SUV ride. After six months, the build quality of this car is absolutely terrible. I am totally surprised that sources like Edmunds keep recommending this car (and VWs). Its my fault, if I had read half of the discussion groups etc. before I bought, I never would have touched it. The last time I took it in for the 3rd injector replacement, all 12 bays had newer Audis in them. This is also a Porshe and Subaru dealer. When I mentioned it to the service manager, he just shook his head and said exhausted, "You have no idea!"

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  Better than expected - 2007 Audi A4
  By retfalvi - January 12 - 8:33 pm

  Performance is better than expected, quality and finish are outstanding. Multimedia/NAV is the best, only I would add touch-controls. I tried BMW 325xi. A4 is smaller, firmer, more fun to drive (and feels faster). Recommend A4 over the A3 (especially when you buy it with quattro) or A6 (boring...), since I had both for a while before.

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  This car is worth its price tag - 2006 Audi A4
  By Elkton Hall - January 6 - 5:06 am

  When I went out to buy a car I had a acura TL in mind and not an audi. Both cars were equipped with same features but after driving both cars the audi just felt better. Although the acura had more horses, the 2.0T felt like it had more power at 200 probably because of awd. Overall the audi was easier and more fun to drive and worth its price tag.

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  Audi A4 Cabriolet experience - 2004 Audi A4
  By kpfriel - January 4 - 2:00 am

  I was one of the early A4 Cabriloet owners. I now have 20,000 miles on the car. It has been terrific. It is quiet, sporty, a good road car for long trips, comfortable in winter and I receive many comments on how attractive it is. No problems since I got it.

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  small gripes with reliability - 2002 Audi A4
  By Werner - January 2 - 10:00 am

  If this car had the reliability of Lexus (which by the way most German cars dont), then it would be that much better. At about 5k miles, I have had to bring the car in for minor electrical glitches, not uncommon for European cars. Other than that, this car is a dream, puts a smile on my face. The sport package gives a slightly harsh ride but handles potholes and bumps rather firmly if not well.

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  So far so good - 2002 Audi A4
  By Mattias_Jonnson - January 2 - 10:00 am

  My expectation was average for this car as I had the past generation one. After 3000 miles, notice this car is a great improvement over last. This car is very well built. Transmission is a little notchy but will loosen up over time. Very sure footed on snow and on asphalt.

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  As close as perfection gets... - 2002 Audi A4
  By PetesA4 - January 2 - 10:00 am

  Before I bought this car, the hype was everywhere in magazines and other published car editorials. I took my 2000 Audi A4 for a service one day, and decided to walk around the showroom to see what the new A4, a Car and Driver 10Best car, is all about. Needless to say, I had the service department stop any work they were doing on my 2000 A4 as I decided to just purchase the 02 A4. I know there are other cars that are faster linearly, but the A4s V6 CVT was smooth. You have to get used to the gearless transmission, but this thing taps 60 mph in 6.8 seconds. You couldnt do better in a manual. On top of that, interior is top notch.