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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  I think my live was worth $37K - 2009 Audi A4
  By 100 miles a day - March 25 - 10:46 pm

  I think this car saved my life. Cruising at ~30 mph, then I was rear ended at ~60 mph by a Nissan, then hit head-on by a Cadillac at ~35 mph! Audi was totaled but performed great, did not walk away, but "only" have a badly broken foot. Purchased new in spring of 09 versus a cpo a4 or BMW 3 series. The new 09 a4 was such a huge change and looked so good it was worth the extra $100/month to me. Wanted a standard 6 speed trans. But was strong armed into the auto/tiptronic. The quattro system is awesome, the 2.0 turbo had plenty of power and I averaged 30 mpg in mostly highway driving over 12k miles before it was totaled. Would reconsider with a manual trans. And clear-bra.

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  Should have sold it. - 1997 Audi A4
  By M - March 24 - 5:59 pm

  This review is cathartic because who cares about this car anymore. Up until 45-50K it was okay as far as maintenance and repairs are concerned. After that look out. Its like a bad marriage you hope and deceive yourself into believing it will get better..and it doesnt. I could have bought another car with the amount of money spent on repairs. Its not just the cost but the repeated occurrences. The dealerships are horrible and AUDI USA is even worse. I will never again own an Audi unless its given to me, because then the cost of repairs will be like I purchased it. It shouldnt cost me the price of 2 cars to own one.

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  Buyer Beware - 1999 Audi A4
  By John M in T.O. - March 21 - 11:41 am

  I purchased this car in July 09 and loved the way it drove. However, after owning it for 8 months it needed $1250.00 for a valve seal problem and at the same time my mechanic recommended to change the timing belt as well, which is another $1300. Then I had a heavy vibration through my steering wheel which I decided was the last straw. Instead of fixing everything, I traded it in on a 97 Lexus ES 300 which I should have bought to begin with. This Lexus is amazing and so smooth as well. Be understanding that if you do purchase this Audi car that you have to be prepared for heavy labor costs on fixing it. Everything is $500+ and some servicing will ding you $1000 plus.

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  CVT- Rare Code - 2004 Audi A4
  By jjmiller - March 17 - 9:22 pm

  3rd week of ownership transmission shot. CVT with Rare Code GZE looked all over country finally found used. New $6000 Used $2500. Not how I wanted to start with Audi. Will sell once fixed. Dealer not helpful at all. Left me to find trans. so they wouldnt have to stand behind it. THANKS. Wont by Audi again.

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  So expensive to maintain - 2001 Audi A4
  By Claire O. - March 12 - 4:04 pm

  I inherited this car from my parents, otherwise I would never have chosen a luxury sort of car. In the two years Ive had the car, I have put over $3000 in repairs. Every time a light comes on, my heart sinks because it will be $1000 to make it turn off. Today I learned that to replace the climate control panel will cost $850 plus labor. what! As soon as it is out of the shop this time I will sell it before another light turns on.

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  Beautiful - 2009 Audi A4
  By Ray - March 12 - 10:45 am

  Very happy with this car so far. Was hesitant about purchasing an Audi as I have been partial to the reliability of Japanese brands for many years. The car had everything I was looking for. Good gas mileage, beautifully designed exterior and interior, safety features, good handling and responsiveness. This is my first Audi and I am hoping it will be as reliable as my previous Japanese made car.

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  Navigation packet and blue tooth - 2009 Audi A4
  By Andrea - March 10 - 10:26 am

  I got the navigation packet with the car and I am very disappointed with it. The navigation system is completely useless, difficult to use and find places, and lacks information about almost everything. It serves only for ornamental purposes as it doesnt take anybody anywhere. Even worse the situation, only two months after I got the car, I got the offer of the navigation update and ridiculously, I had to order and pay for it myself. This issue was not addressed by Fred Baker, the dealer, neither by audi after several calls and emails I made to them. The bluetooth does not connect to my phone either.

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  Sudden acceleration!!! - 2006 Audi A4
  By BG - March 6 - 10:23 am

  I was stopped by a light ready to make a left turn, foot on the brake-car in drive as always. Suddenly the engine started to re to what seemed like the redline. Brakes barely held so I immediately put the car into neutral and stepped on the accelerator to quiet the engine. It worked but I just missed hitting the car in front by about 2 feet. Had it flatbedded to Audi who (even after a technician came) couldnt find anything wrong. If it happened once it will happen again. No carpet issue. I love this car and wish they would have found something. Reported to nhtsa who will investigate. Happen to anyone else? This is a major accident waiting to happen. Be very careful my friends.

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  This car will cost you your sanity!! - 2007 Audi A4
  By Dee - March 6 - 9:26 am

  I loved the speed and the handling of this car. I say loved because I traded it in at a loss.The reliability of this car? Close to zero.Started with brake lights,replaced 3 times.The oil consumption is beyond ridiculous,to the point I had to carry extra oil in the trunk for every 1300- 1500 miles!4 ignition coils replaced. Then the fuel pump sensor stranded me on an exit ramp, car would rev but not move an inch!Prepare for $100+ oil changes in ADDITION to fixing the things they say are normal.This car will cost you your sanity,your money and possibly safety.I am so disappointed in Audi,if they cared they would address the issues,not say its normal! NEVER again would I buy AUDI! N-E-V-E-R!

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  Disappointed - 2010 Audi A4
  By jim373 - March 2 - 9:27 am

  Just bought a new 2010 A4 with A/T. Found the steering too light and steering doe not return to neutral after a turn at normal speed. This requires more attention and correction from driver making the car unpleasant if not unsafe to drive. Acceleration is acceptable, but fuel economy is bad. For 70% highway and 30% light local driving, I averaged only 21MPG. Thats what I get for my 05 V6 Accord. Also find the controls unfriendly and complicated to use.