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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  my A4 is falling apart - 1998 Audi A4
  By Joe Azzi - June 9 - 2:03 pm

  Have dreamed about the A4 for years.Once I got it I was so glade my car was assured. Audi paid for: rear differential, clutch, faulty suspension, brake recall…I was praying that the car holds up when the warranty expired. Since then I replaced the timing belt twice in 30k, tensioner, water pump, the oil cooler, and now a ball bearing problem.A4s are overrated.Dealers have monopoly on servicing Audis, you can’t change your motor oil without going to the dealer! Audi unwilling to assist.

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  An 800-Mile Impression (now thats new) - 2003 Audi A4
  By Linda - June 8 - 10:00 am

  The fit and finish of this vehicle is amazing. If you want to know what I mean, check out the door jams between the Audi A4 Avant and the Volvo V40 the next time you are at a car show. The paint is perfect. We already have one tiny nick and can see the undercoating - no bare metal. So the metal is very well protected.

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  Love my Audi! - 2001 Audi A4
  By jmm - June 7 - 3:38 pm

  I have had my A4 for six years, and I still love it to this day. It is so fun to drive due to both handling and the turbo gives it an extra boost. The Quattro is a dream to drive in the snow, out performing many SUVs. The gas mileage is great! My only problems were back in 2004-05 when I had to replace the rear wheel bearings and the tie rods. Currently, when my car sits in the heat, the car beeps as if the driver side door is open, when in fact it is shut. Also, the speakers are busted. If my family wasnt growing, Id definitely buy another A4.

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  Expensive - 1997 Audi A4
  By hitman0304 - June 5 - 1:18 am

  Bought for 5k, over 3k spent on ball joints (bad design), tie-rod ends, sway bar links, steering rack and hose, lots of money! Suspension design is a joke with the exception of the struts, never need to replace, stupid stuff can break like my $1780 steering rack/hose installation. Good vehicle for a high roller who can afford to be robbed on parts and labor.

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  sporty, fun and classy - 2005 Audi A4
  By clckwd - June 1 - 4:50 am

  After driving a Toyota Supra for years, I bought the Audi 3.0 quattro convertible and havent regretted it at all . While not the sports car the Supra is, the Audi handles great and adds a luxurious interior to boot. From the inside you can hardly tell its a convertible--quiet and no shakes even at high speeds. On the highway, the car practically drives itself. The seats adjust a thousand ways so anyone can be comfortable. I love the way the passenger side mirror tilts down so you can see the curb when backing up. With the top down & the wind deflector up, the joys of convertible ownership are impeccable, and snow is no object either with the quattro. A great all-season vehicle.

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  My A4 is great - 1999 Audi A4
  By prm - May 31 - 5:50 pm

  A very fun car to drive in the city and on the highway. Fun in the mountains as well. Great performance, enjoyed the tiptronic. The suspension performs very well. Enjoyed the 1.8T engine, good power.

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  I Love This Car - 2006 Audi A4
  By evlmpyr - May 31 - 5:00 am

  I have the 2.0 Quattro with a 6 spd and every option offered at the time. This car is a lot of fun to drive and certainly has more than enough power. Rock solid in the curves, even at high speed. The new 2007 navigation update made some changes to the radio that I am not crazy about. My car has 15,000 miles and is still a great ride. Just traded it though on a 2007 2.0 cabriolet. I have had many Audi cars going back to 1974 and they get better all the time.

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  Another 3.2L New Engine Failure - 2007 Audi A4
  By Ow-ee - May 28 - 9:48 pm

  Couldnt help but notice the earlier review about a new engine failure. I brought my 2007 3.2 Cabriolet in for its 5000 mile service, and when a new engine noise appeared immediately thereafter on the passenger side, Audi replaced the engine, seemingly knowing what the problem was right away. One of the cylinders had an obvious machining defect that the service department kindly showed me. Audi should not saddle the consumer with this enormous market devaluation when an obvious quality control issue like this arises. If youre buying an Audi like I did, thinking I was smarter than all the other people who have nightmare stories to tell, perhaps think again.

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  Great Ride - 2004 Audi A4
  By ClrkBent - May 28 - 10:00 am

  The A4 is overall is a great choice. You dont have a choice though, with the A4, of going Quattro, unless you do the 3.0. It just takes too much power away from the front where you need the performance. Perfect ride. I highly recommend the 1.8 CVT. Its a smooth, smooth ride. You really begin to realize how annoying gear changes are in other automatics when you get out of the Audi and into other cars.

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  Brain Washed by Audi! - 2006 Audi A4
  By Luke - May 27 - 9:28 pm

  After months of comparison (IS 250, 3 series, MB C230, and G35), I finally settled on the A4, and have looked back with no regrets. This car is phenomenal to drive - it hugs off ramps and high speeds, the seats are supportive and comfortable on long trips, and the interior design is top notch. I purchased mine with a red exterior and a black / silver interior and its eye catching! I also ordered mine with the sport suspension, which is great for windy road driving. The 4 cyl Turbo produces excellent HP. And for what youre getting in a car (entry level luxury sport), youre getting a lot more bang with your buck compared to the 3-series. I will come back to Audi for my next car.