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! - 2004 Audi A4
  By caspersim - July 11 - 4:07 pm

  Owned my A4 1.8T for a year now, bought it used. I love it, the cost of service is a bit higher but the car seems to not need service as often, but time will tell. The interior is beautiful and comfy, but there is a serious lack of cup holders...Performance is amazing, for a 4 cylinder car it has some serious power with the turbo, and the car corners like a dream. Handles very good in winter conditions with the Quattro

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  After a thorough search, this is what I found - 2014 Audi A4
  By darryl144 - June 22 - 6:29 am

  Just purchased a 2014 A4. The driving dynamics are amazing and better than the new BMWs. I have driven performance cars all my life and the handling of this car is sublime. The styling is subtle and elegant. The engine lacks the sonorous qualities of more performance oriented vehicles but given the plebeian power figures the car moves with an alacrity and agility that genuinely impresses credit the 8 speed Tiptronic transmission. Amenities abound and present themselves when you least expect them. Its like an Armani suit, the closer you look at the details the more beautiful touches you find. The A4 IMHO blends Power Elegance and Beauty like few automobiles ever have. Love this car!!!

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  Two for the road - 2014 Audi A4
  By norwayboy - June 17 - 3:03 pm

  Within 2 weeks of buying our A4 we took it on a 5000 mile tour to see friends and family. The car handles like a sports car but offers as comfortable and quiet ride as a limo. Despite driving in several Western States with speed limits of either 70 or 75 mph, we managed a 31+ mpg figure and that includes driving over both the Sierra and Rocky Mountains.

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  HORRIBLE CAR MECHANICALLY - 2009 Audi A4
  By tc124 - May 20 - 3:12 pm

  I just bought this car 4 months ago and it has 60,000 miles on it. It is burning oil like you wouldnt believe. I took it in to the Audi service department and they said the first step is to replace the crankcase pressure regulatory valve and put the Audi software update on it, which cost $109 for that. Overall, the cost is $600. If this doesnt fix the problem, the engine pistons need to be replaced, so basically a new engine for $5,000. Audi needs to recall the 2.0 liter engines. Why would you charge 40,000 for a car and the engine goes out at 60,000 miles. Obviously, this is a faulty engine!

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  Buyer Beware - 2006 Audi A4
  By ashly_la - May 7 - 11:54 am

  For all of you that said that if you dont take care of your car then of course you can expect problems, seriously, you should just be sooooo lucky that you go one of the few NON-LEMONS. I have kept my car in mint condition and I have had the ignition coils replaced 5 times! The altenator, crankshaft, Electronic Control Module, Purge Valve, and the transmission is failing. It is now at audi with an estimated repair of 4,500. I bought the car in 2009 and almost instantly had mechanical problems and I bought it as a certified pre-owned. The thing that makes me the most mad is that they are known recalls but will only cover them the first go around. Be ready to fix them over and over.

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  Maintain it and it will run excellent - 2001 Audi A4
  By nvaudi - May 5 - 1:11 pm

  I purchased a 2001 1.8 avant from the original owner who maintained it very well. I have all the prior service records and I keep mine. As long as you maintain this vehicle it will run very well or you. If you want to abuse it then buy a toyota or some other tin can like vehicle. Yes a sube wrx is faster but the doors clink when you shut them as they are no where need as solid as an audi. I have owed several subes and 2 audis an A6 and this A4 (116,00 and counting). I have had maintenance that I have had to take to the shop and some I do myself. Sube copied the awd system. Those who provide poor reviews did not maintain their vehicle properly.

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  Oil Oil Oil and it beeps too much - 2011 Audi A4
  By paul_p_2011_a4 - April 1 - 9:47 am

  If you want a car that needs lots of oil, like a Qt once a month and that beeps a lot, (why) this is it/ Looks awesome, drives great and good in the snow (with snow tires) but it drinks oil and Audi of America will not fix the cars. Any Audi/VW with the 2.0T will consume oil. Up to 1 Qt every 1000 mi. Do the math, then but a Japanese or American car. I have had Audis for 20 years and this is it, Done.... Oh, If you open the door there is a loud beep/ warning that door open lights on, seatbelt, Gets old quick. Also controls for heat/radio/phone are too complicated with several clicks to get where you want. no "one touch" options.

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  Excellent car - 2012 Audi A4
  By astropup - March 13 - 9:48 am

  Ive had my 2012 Avant for 2 years and 27,000 miles and Ive experienced no problems so far (knock on wood). Its comfortable on long hauls and I dont get the back aches that I used to. This is odd, because I dont feel like the seats are as comfortable when you first sit in them, but yet, somehow they work well even after 4+ hour drives. Its fairly sporty and has punch when you need it. Very well planted in the rain, lending confidence in adverse conditions. Buttery smooth transmission 97% of the time, but it doesnt like slow stop and go traffic. Putting it in sport for those times stops the lurching.

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  2011 Audi A4 have faulty rings and burn oil - 2011 Audi A4
  By zmanr - March 3 - 2:57 pm

  This is a known issue - just goggle Audi A4 oil consumption problems and you will see. Audi has refused a recall and the fix - new rings and pistons - costs between $6000 - $7000. Its really disappointing that Audi has not stepped up to address this on a broader scale.

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  Fantastic Car - 2006 Audi A4
  By antonioa4 - February 22 - 12:59 pm

  Ive had my 2006 A4 for about a year now and it runs like a champ. Had 85k on the odometer and since Ive put another 15k this year. The car is great in every way. It looks great, classy, good performance for a sedan, and very comfy. Also the car its self is very reliable BUT I feel that many previous owners will not take good care of the car. These cars are very picky and need premium fuel, synthetic oil changes, etc. Before you buy make sure the previous owner took care of the car because maintenance and repair costs do add up. This year alone Ive spent about $1500 in maintenance including, transmission fluid, tune up, brakes, fuel cleaning, new turbo etc. But all in all great car!