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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  Exceeds expectations - 2007 Audi A4
  By wph3 - November 30 - 9:36 pm

  The turbo 4 is plenty with the manual transmission, and I average 31 mpg in mostly highway travel. Handles great. No problems. Feels solid. Over 6000 miles so far.

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  Get the S-Line - 2008 Audi A4
  By jeff howard - November 29 - 6:49 pm

  This is my third Audi, and by far my favorite. I enjoy the throatiness of the turbo and think that the new 2.0 is one of the ten best engines in the world. I confess to dropping quattro this time both to improve fuel economy and to free up enough $ to spring for the S-Line. Sure all new 2008 sedans have S-line styling on the body, but not the 18" wheels, sport suspension, and superb interior trim. My advice is to spring for it, as you hardly ever see the 18" wheels on A4 and it enhances the look tremendously. I am delighted, too, with the granite gray color which shifts with the changing light and weather... always a pleasure to come across it anew.

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  My First Audi - 2006 Audi A4
  By JFW - November 28 - 12:50 pm

  I have owned an Acura, 2 Hondas, a Volvo, Chevy Blazer, and 2 Land Rover Discoverys and now an Audi. Based on my experience so far, I will hopefully own nothing but Audis going forward. This is a wonderful car. Build quality and fit and finish are superb. I have never felt safer in any car. Even with the 2.0 litre engine, acceleration is very spirited (even though there is some hesitation at take-off) and I find myself cruising well above the legal limit without even realizing it. Living in the mid-Atlantic area, I was hesitant to give up 4WD from my Land Rover, so quattro was a major factor in choosing the Audi. Looked at the 3-Series BMW, but the Audi is a much more impressive vehicle.

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  Great Ride - 2008 Audi A4
  By John - November 28 - 10:41 am

  We have only had the car for a month, but we are loving it so far. The ride is very comfortable and quiet, yet the vehicle holds the road extremely well. The styling of the car is beautiful inside and out.

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  Unsafe Transmission - 2006 Audi A4
  By ed sokolofski - November 14 - 7:35 pm

  Owned an Audi 5000CS during the unintended acceleration scare years. Fun to drive but a nightmare with repairs. Waited all these years to buy an Audi A4 wagon. Great design and overall build. However, had to have it towed after it died in the middle of an intersection. Supposed bad fuel pump sensor. Under warranty. Much bigger problem is the transmission (new design) that hesitates between 1st, 2nd and 3rd. Hesitates so long that it is unsafe when pulling out into traffic, etc. Dealer said its the nature of the beast and to change the way I drive. Cant wait to return car. Luckily, I only have 9 months left on lease. Feels unsafe to drive. Take a long test drive before you buy.

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  Damn good car - 2008 Audi A4
  By cant say - November 13 - 11:13 pm

  Ive looked at everything - BMW, Acura, MB, Lexus, etc - finally settled on the Audi and havent regretted it since. The car is a pleasure to drive and its obvious that someone put some thought into building this monster. Fun to drive, beautiful inside and out - cant get enough. I didnt go with any of the "extra" options - theyre a bit pricey and dont really add much to the experience. I think you can figure out when to turn on the lights and wipers.

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  2001 1.8T A4 Quattro Wagon w/Sport Pack - 2001 Audi A4
  By Lisa Macaluso - November 13 - 2:38 pm

  First few years car ran smoothly and was a lot of fun to drive except rear wheel bearings needed to be replaced twice by dealership - luckily still under warranty. Rims allowed snow/slush to build up which made car shake when driven in winter. When 2-3 years old, rattling sound was heard. Brought car in several times and was not given diagnosis. After 75,000 miles (no longer under warranty), dealership was magically able to diagnose the problem: needs a new cam adjuster (dealership claims no prior awareness of problem) Car has 100,000 miles and has had all four wheel bearings (and ball joint) replaced again by local mechanic. It is no better than tupperware - disposable after 3-year-use!

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  2002 A4 1.8t quattro manual - 2002 Audi A4
  By evlfred - November 12 - 2:00 am

  best car Ive owned

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  Avant - 2002 Audi A4
  By gtka4 - November 12 - 2:00 am

  This is my second A4 (1.8T prior) performance is excellent with the 3.0. Instead of 30 mpg, I now only get around 25mpg. Car looks good, drives good. Exceeds my expectations.

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  Dissatisfied audi owner - 2006 Audi A4
  By unhappy owner - November 11 - 3:35 pm

  Ive own this car for about a year and a half now. So far this car has been in the shop for more than 7 times due to multiple recalls that I was never notified and malfunctions. One recall I was in total shock was the airbag, it was not functioning and I never got a recall letter until I had to get a letter of recalls for importing my car to Canada. The engine ignition had problems, the valve got disconnected after a few thousand miles, and my car would do this horrid shaking (I thought I was in an earthquake). What else, now the suspension is squeaking. This should not be happening to a car of this price. I will never buy audi again.