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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  One of the best wagons available - 2009 Audi A4
  By rollwaveroll - February 18 - 7:12 pm

  I swapped a Tundra pickup for this wagon and love the car. Best combination of size, performance, and practicality on the market. Wonderful handling and when the turbo kicks in, breathtaking acceleration. Lots of features and techno gadgets even in the base model. As can be expected from Audi, top notch interior build although the gray metallic plastic around the instrument panel seems cheesy, why didnt they just use the aluminum trim like in the rest of the car. The radio controls take some getting used to and the steering wheel audio controls frustratingly dont let you scroll among preset stations only. This car is a looker and gets lots of attention, a top choice among wagons!

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  Update - 2009 Audi A4
  By John - February 16 - 7:05 pm

  Original post- 09/28/08 Car remains a blast to drive- stereo remains a favorite, bi-xenon lights are worth extra money. Significant difference in driving in S mode and super fun on twisting roads. Car handles fantastic in winter (installed winter tires & with all wheel drive - go anywhere as along as snow drifts arent too high) Car is low - watch out for curbs & cement stops in parking places! Overall am very pleased with purchase after 4 1/2 months driving - you still want to go out just for the heck of it! What could be better - more horsepower (?), ride over bumps could be a bit smoother (but then youd lose the sports car feel). Just a great car!

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  A4 with Sport Package - 2009 Audi A4
  By Craig - February 13 - 4:07 pm

  I got the A4 with Premium Plus, Nav and the Sport Package in Quartz Grey four months ago. The styling of the A5 caught my attention and when Audi applied it to the A4, it when to the top of my list. Beautiful interior with Aluminum Trim (not cheap plastic like my Chrysler) with plenty of leg room all around and the layout is excellent. The Engine has plenty of power and the brakes are amazing. The ride is a little stiff with the Sport Package and 18" low-profile summer tires, but it tracks around corners fast and flat. Sport seats hold you in place and are comfortable on long trips. Safest car Ive ever owned. Thanks to Edmunds for supplying loads of info towards my purchase.

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  Luxurious appointed interior/exterior - 2009 Audi A4
  By Li7 - February 13 - 11:49 am

  I love this car, and it has been great. At 1200 miles it feels like a dream to drive... no issues. I get plenty of compliments and makes me feel happy to drive it. The engine has good giddy up in the low-speed range. Once youre higher up, engine feels like it struggles to move up, nevertheless its fast enough for me unless youre looking for a speeding ticket.

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  Near- Perfect Car - 2003 Audi A4
  By CWISMAS - February 13 - 2:00 am

  Handling quality is superb! Quattro eliminates slipping on fresh snow, hardpack and ice. Xenon headlights provide unmatched night visability. Cockpit comfort for 62" 225 pound driver needs improvement. Center platform rubs on right knee. Driver left arm rest not very comfortable Premium spoke wheels quickly gather snow and ice which destroys wheel balance all around until the vehicle is stopped and the material physically removed. Aside from these small issues, the car is safe, exiting and well worth the money.

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  Excellent Ride - 2009 Audi A4
  By Wdan - February 8 - 11:51 am

  Went from an 06 A4 2.0 Quattro to this. This is the 06 all grown up. The ride is tremendous and smooth. Very quiet in the cab which is great for blue-tooth calls. Handling is superb. Handles even better over 90 as all German cars should. Excellent off the line. Sport mode is stellar with the v6. Light package makes you feel like a rock star as you turn heads.

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  Great handling...poor reliability - 2003 Audi A4
  By Oliv - February 7 - 9:30 am

  Ive owned this A4 for 2 years now and I am still not sure about Audi. I really like the car handling in all conditions. The Quattro system is excellent in all conditions. However, the engine power together with the auto transmission feels short on acceleration ability. Gas mileage could be better (23 mpg overall) for a car this size. I was disappointed with the reliability of this car but even more with the ability from Audi dealerships to find the issues. They replaced the throttle assembly 3 times (!) before thinking the issue could come from somewhere else (cracked plastic cover that messed the ECM box). I also had to replace the steering rack (leak) and two noisy wheel bearings (rear).

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  awesome - 2003 Audi A4
  By Joel Fernandez - February 7 - 2:00 am

  I took my time to pick up this car. I had a 3 series 97 bmw and was a diehard bimmer owner. Then it came time to buy another car. I tried the new bmw 3 series, the Infiniti G35, the Nissan Altima, and the Audi A4. I kept on going back to the A4, because I loved everything about it. From its sporty looks, to its great performance, as well as its comfort. Theres no beating the price for it also.

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  A GREAT CAR!!! - 2003 Audi A4
  By ChicagoAudi - February 7 - 2:00 am

  What an excellent car!!! Although it doesnt have the 200+ HP, it sure drives like it does. I recommend this car to anyone. Also, excellent service from all the dealerships.

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  Best Car EVER! - 2009 Audi A4
  By Nickkkkkkkkk - February 6 - 6:14 pm

  In January I traded in my 2006 BMW 530i in for the 2009 Audi A4. It seems like it should compete with the 5, because of its roominess and standard features. This car is the perfect size and its more fun to drive than my BMW. Great value. I love my Audi!