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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  2008 Audi A4 2.0T Avant - 2008 Audi A4
  By T Farrand - November 5 - 11:28 am

  I drove this A4 Avant for 18 months and could not wait for the day to finally unload this car. The car was in the repair shop 6 times in 18 months - all for engine issues - fuel sensor, oxygen sensor in turbo, and finally an oil leak. The dealership was courteous and professional each time I had the car in, but the problems kept popping up. When the car was functioning properly, I enjoyed driving it. My main complaint was the automatic transmission - the Drive transmission setting shifted painfully slowly and enhanced the awful turbo lag. The Sport transmission setting was better, but it had to be shifted manually with the paddles into 6th gear when traveling < 80 mph. In 20 years of driving Honda and Toyota products, I made 3 trips in total for non-routine maintenance. 6 trips in 18 months for the Audi A4 is unacceptable and I will not buy another Audi.

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  2003 A4... My "December to Remember" - 2003 Audi A4
  By TAP - November 2 - 2:00 am

  I drove everything in this category and always came back to the A4 as the best of the bunch. I wanted the 3.0 V6 but couldnt justify the expense. I purchased the 1.8T and am glad I did. In real world driving the 1.8T really is great. It may not have the peak HP of the V6 or IS300 but the torque curve is so flat it just flies up hills with ease.... and more HP is just a chip away. Compared to the IS300 it has a MUCH nicer interior, beautifully executed, with superb gauges, lighting and ergonomics, plus more rear seat room, fold-down seats and 35% larger trunk. Sorry Lexus, the A4 is my "December to Remember."

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  Another Lemon Review - 2003 Audi A4
  By red - November 1 - 6:58 am

  This car is a total lemon. Had to replace the motor and turbo (Audi eventually paid for it after a threatened law suit), electrical system, CVT, multiple headlights and break lights while being told this can be due to "normal" wear and tear. Check engine light is now on for the third time (motor is only one year old) and I have spent $1500 thus far and the problem still isnt resolved. They also replaced my front tires twice before they figured out I had unusual wear because of a front end alignment problem.

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  I got lucky - 2004 Audi A4
  By JAG - October 31 - 4:45 pm

  As the original owner, now with 75,000 miles, I have only a few minor complaints about this, my favorite car of all time. Better handling, more comfortable and a lot more fun to drive than my wifes Lexus IS 250. The styling and performance are terrific. More power and better reliability than year models. One or the other of the tail lights have to be replaced every 6-12 months: Ive now bought the tools and now do it myself. The cup holder is a bit flimsy, and the arm rest storage cover has an easily breakable hinge. Back seat leg room is very cramped for adults (a non issue for us 2 empty nesters). I just recently discovered the 12 volt socket in the trunk.

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  Greatest ski car - 2000 Audi A4
  By Seattle skier - October 30 - 8:09 am

  7 winters of driving up the mountain to ski and this car has seen it all. Truly unbelievable in the snow and ice. Very fun to drive, likes to corner fast and enjoys staying up above 3000 rpm. Perfect Seattle vehicle.

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  So far so good - 1998 Audi A4
  By MR KQ - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I just got back from paying a $700 bill for a new throttle body at 67,000 miles. Other than brakes (at no cost because of Audis free 3 year maintenance), tires and front shocks, this car has been trouble-free. Ive read a few reliability horror stories which concern me, but I havent experieiced it yet. The car is 5 years old and it still feels like a new car. Performance of the 1.8T engine is so terrific (I have a 5sp manual) that I wouldnt take a bigger engine if you gave it to me.

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  Just Dont Call it a "Wagon" - 2003 Audi A4
  By MyDawg007 - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This is a fabulous car. Audi really raised the bar with their latest version of the A4 . First of all, it is one if the best looking mass-produced vehicles going. (Why would anyone buy the A6? Theres not THAT much more room.)Its design elements are in perfect balance - inside & out. The sport suspension works great (its hunkered-down stance looks fabulous too). Very, very nice car. Get one.

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  WOW! - 2003 Audi A4
  By The Mommy - October 28 - 2:00 am

  This car is amazing! It provides everything it claims. It is fun to drive, sexy, and much more car for your money than the competition. Audi will be the brand of all my future vehicles.

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  Love my Avant - 2003 Audi A4
  By parkcityxj - October 26 - 11:04 pm

  Been an awesome car, bought with 77K on it and now has 113K. Still running strong, I like to wrench on the car as a hobby and have saved lots of money. Ive done the timing belt as a precaution. The only repairs Ive had to do is disassemble the wiper motor which had frozen, a pain to do. Ive also had to fix the rear main coolant flange, a cheap part. I have had a few coil packs go on me and I carry a spare. Its two min fix if one goes. I only use Audi Synthetic Oil and Audi fluids as well. I suggest if you buy an Audi, check out one of many Audi Forums. There are DIY write ups for nearly every repair. Original clutch is still holding strong too.

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  It is what it is... - 2000 Audi A4
  By Chris - October 25 - 8:40 am

  When you buy an Audi you have to accept it for what it is. My 2000 A4 1.8 Front Track has 150,000 as of yesterday. Ive put 65,000 on it in my 5 years of ownership. Right now the dash is lit up like a Christmas tree, but rather than be obsessed with those lights, I just keep on driving. I think people should stop trying to keep the check engine light out and just accept the fact that Audis have issues. However, that doesnt prevent them from being an outstanding car. My Audi at 150,000 has many issues, but it also starts, stops, and gets me where I need to go. Its fun and has always been dependable.