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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  Love it so far. - 2008 Audi A4
  By FirstA4 - May 30 - 10:36 am

  Bought it CPO 3 months, 2K miles ago and love it. No issues so far-knock on wood. Very fun to drive w/ 6-sp manual. Interior is luxurious.. Armrest is a bit awkward-it covers the parking brake. Ive cracked my elbow on it several times when its lifted up. Armrest lid latch broke-this is a common problem. Dealer replaced under warranty. Overall, lot of fun to drive. Before buying, I drove two G35s and three 328is, and dont regret for a second going with the Audi. The Infinity and BMW had much more power, but A4 was just more fun to drive. G35 had too much plastic in the cockpit. BMW oddly enough felt too refined - like it was driving and I was along for the ride.

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  Premium Plus w/ Nav / MMI and 18" wheels - 2010 Audi A4
  By JR - May 30 - 6:31 am

  Initial observations is that this vehicle is built with the highest quality standards and materials. I understand some complaints about the steering wheel not returning to center when coming out of a turn. This simply takes some getting use to. MPG on the first tank of gas has been 32 MPG combined (in spite of the suggested 27 MPG Hwy). Lots of buttons and gadgets gives the feeling that you are truly sitting in the cockpit of an airplane. This was another complaint of Edmunds but I see this as a awesome feature. Performance is outstanding. Lots of heads are turning when I drive by. Build quality is a cut above my Infiniti FX35, but enjoy both vehicles. Handling is outstanding!

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  Just keep up with maintenance. easy - 1999 Audi A4
  By NetoLopez - May 29 - 12:48 pm

  I bought this car about a year ago, since then Ive only needed to replace the timing belt. no mayor problems the only things that have been replaced are parts that any other car replacement is needed. i do most of the work myself. the Quattro system is awesome all year round also the turbo is strong (just check you oil on every gas fill up) this German car is built to last. at 160 HP i keep up with cars that have 20 HP or 30 Hp more then me, i do not recommend the A4 to people who dont know about cars. I dont think i want to sell it.

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  Fun factor - 2010 Audi A4
  By geltc1 - May 28 - 1:49 pm

  Nicest car I have ever owned. Most fun to drive. Torque, power, handling and stopping power are awesome. Car is pricey (prestige package makes it so) Dealer is a plus. Minor quality initial issues. Drive 4000+ miles in six weeks. Havent had to add oil per another Audi owner review. Liked my portable Tom Tom better than the pricey Audi nav. B&O sound system is terrific. Did I say how great it handles????

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  Loving this car! - 2009 Audi A4
  By RMW - May 20 - 8:40 pm

  The new A4 is a terrific car. Its beautifully styled inside and out. It is comfortable to drive on long trips yet sporty and fun enough to drive fast on twisty roads. A lot of reviewers complain about the 4-cylinder engine and its buzz, but I love the sound of a turbo 4. I wish they had put the GTIs sound amplifier in the A4, but can understand why they didnt considering the different demographics. The main problem I have with the car is that it gets expensive when you start adding features other luxury car manufacturers include as standard. At an MSRP of $38K, the Premium Plus trim doesnt seem like a bargain against the 328XI, especially since the BMW has standard maintenance.

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  So Far So Fun - 2008 Audi A4
  By KH - May 20 - 1:11 am

  Bought as an Audi certified used car - 4 years of bumper to bumper warranty. The car is a joy to drive, the S-line suspension is tight and grips the road with the all-wheel drive. I use the paddle shifters to kick up the turbo and hit the gas - its a fun little 4 cylinder! Doesnt have the low end torque, but it does get 24 miles to the gallon in the city and 30 on the highway! No issues with oil or anything else other reviews have stated (knock on wood). The interior is very comfortable and stylish - it is pretty cramped, though, in the back seat. Trunk has lots of room. Almost every time I drive it some stranger gives a turn and a compliment!

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  Unreliable luxury - 2004 Audi A4
  By unreliable luxury - May 17 - 9:08 pm

  CVT transmission had to be replaced at 50k miles, but had the symptoms at an earlier 30k miles (theres an existing TSB for this issue). Working with Audi of America to see what our options are. Always had the vehicle serviced at an Audi dealer at the prescribed maintenance intervals. Day after the trans install, the check engine light was on, which was found to be a defect part on the new transmission. Love the car, but cant afford the maintenance. I thought German cars were built to last. A lot of other little things are broken, not working, or just acting up in the car. I think its time to see what BMW has to offer...

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  First Audi - 2010 Audi A4
  By Waits211 - May 17 - 10:50 am

  I thought I was going to get the new maxima but on a whim I stopped by audi. Also looked at the 328xi, TL, G37x and TSX. The BMW was great but over 100/month more. Loved the old TL but the new one felt way too large. Drove the TSX with the 4 cylinder too slow. Like the 6 but it was a $5k option, nearly 40k in total. As soon as I drove the A4 quatro I was hooked. The interior is so far superior to the other vehicles. The new maxima moves but it still feels really cheap. I liked th G but it was over $75/month more. The 6 speed manual is fantastic. Easy to use, short throws. Cant wait to try the quattro in winter.

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  Great Car - 2007 Audi A4
  By Brenham - May 14 - 12:44 pm

  Exterior is sharp! Love everything about the car, except: the somewhat cheap looking center armrest in the front seat that looks slightly out of place, the lack of leg room in the rear and the slight turbo lag on taking off from a dead stop. Besides these, I love this car.

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  Unreliable but good looking - 2010 Audi A4
  By Adi Charlotte NC - May 14 - 10:13 am

  If you want a candy for an eye, this is a car for you. If you want a reliable vehicle, DO NOT buy Audi with 2.0T engine! To most people, adding oil every 1000 miles is a hassle but Audi will tell you its "normal". Google "A4 oil consumption problem" for more details on this issue.