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 Hate Relationship - 2001 Audi A4
  By mwg - June 24 - 11:04 am

  I bought this car new in 2001 - has the sport package, put in chip, it drives fantastic when it is not being towed to the mechanic. I have 4"thick file of repairs and tire changes. It chews up tires every 20k miles regardless of brand and consistent tire rotation. At 90k miles the engine blew. Fortunately Audi replaced it after I provided documentation of oil changes every 5k miles. I have replaced wheel bearings, tie rods, timing belt, hoses, sensors, the turbo at 160k, battery, alternator etc. If it wasnt paid for and if I did not love to drive it so much it would be gone. I cant find another car with the same combo of performance, mileage, utility,AWD, and class.

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  Fun with or without sun!!!!! - 2004 Audi A4
  By Tracey - June 22 - 10:00 am

  The Audi A4 1.8T Convertible is worth every penny paid for! While it may not have the power of the BMW, it sure does possess the style, handling and comfort of its German counterpart. The car is nicely equipped when the Premium & Sport package is added. It is a blast to drive and performs well....catching the eyes of many on lookers as it passes em by!!!!!

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  Frequent repairs - 2004 Audi A4
  By iscalise - June 22 - 9:32 am

  I bought this Audi new, within the first year had to go back to the dealer 3 times for faulty airbags. Almost problem free since then, except a few minor issues: non-working headlight cleaners, burnt lights, filter problems. It just came out of warranty (>4 years) and the A/C compressor died, dealer wants to charge $2000 to replace it. Im thinking of trading it since repair costs for this car are exorbitant. Drives very well in snow though!

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  2008 Audi A4 S-Line tip-tonic - 2008 Audi A4
  By Robert - June 19 - 2:10 pm

  I am an america living in Germany and have really been able to push this car to its limits. For a four cylinder this car moves, There is a significant lag in the turbo when not in the "S" setting (S-lines) At 140 miles an hour for 40 miles I averaged about 19 MPG and same road at 70MPH 33.6 MPG.

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  Great car but can do so much better - 2008 Audi A4
  By Ahsan - June 18 - 10:53 am

  I bought this car in brilliant black with black leather interior, after researching and test driving cars from the famous five (BMW (1 and 3 series), Infinity G37, Lexus IS, Acura TL). In terms of exterior looks and interior quality and design, Audi beats all the others hand down. I have always had a soft corner for Audi when compared to BMW (a personality trait of always siding with the underdogs). This car has however met and exceeded my expectations in nearly every department. It drives and handles like a charm in all driving conditions. There are however, a few issues that I had hoped would be resolved in the 2009 model but they remain largely unaddressed. They are discussed below

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  May I have Another! - 2002 Audi A4
  By Shaughn357 - June 17 - 10:22 pm

  I was hesitant to purchase another VW built car after the dismal experience I had with my 1999 VW Passat but I went ahead and purchsed a 2002 Audi Quattro A4. I am very happy with the car. I drive my cars hard and put at least 20k miles/year commuting to work and I have yet to experience any major problems. The car handles great on the highway and in third gear at 3000rpm, there isnt many cars she cannot pass. The secret to keeping these cars in great shape is to find a reputable mechanic who knows and works on Audi cars daily. Knowing that I drive my cars hard i take it in the shop about every two months for a checkup. I was also prudent and purchased the 100k extended warranty.

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  Moms dream - 2004 Audi A4
  By marshanorman - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Having driven a Mercedes ML430 for four years, I am released at last into a fun, stable, safe machine that my kids and I love. It has plenty of luggage room, handles beautifully in the snow on my treacherous driveway, and makes me feel like a human being again. The ML nearly broke my back.

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  Its the one! - 2004 Audi A4
  By nwstu - June 16 - 2:00 am

  Wonderful automobile, good power to weight ratio, excellent handling characteristics, strong braking, quick off the line and easy to merge into freeway traffic at speed. Roomy and comfortable, even the back seats accomodate adults comfortably. The fit and finish rate excellent and the 17" wheels and tires give the car that solid, all business appearance. Its our 6th Audi and its the best one yet.

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  look elsewhere - 2005 Audi A4
  By David Wycliff - June 8 - 5:26 pm

  I loved this car for its exterior design although the interior design feels cheap(its same just a Volkswagen). I had so many problems with this car I dont even know where to start. It wont accelarate when entering freeway.. dealder replace turbo related crcuit borad and the problem came back three times now. I sent a letter to Audi under New Jerseys Lemon law. I hope I can get my money back. Numourous rattles coming from all over the place. and I cant believe I bougth a 30K 1.8 liter car..total lack of power. interior design is so busy.. distracting red light all over the place. this near luxury car is cheaper than competition cause its cheaply made

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  Wont change it for the world - 1999 Audi A4
  By Andre - June 5 - 9:30 pm

  I bought her at 95000 miles and so far in almost 3 years Ive put about 30000 miles on it. Just changed the timing belt a few months ago. This is a good thing to do when you go over 100000 miles. Of course Ive had some problems with the abs module, and control arms that seem to be the common issues with this car. Most of the repairs to the suspension, brakes or rotors can be done by the home mechanic since the car is so well thought and with a set of wrenches you can do a lot. Also look for aftermarket parts since the ones from the dealer have some outrageous prices. Like somebody said "You have to pay to play."