Overview & Reviews

A cheaper Audi A4 1.8T debuts, featuring a 150-horsepower, 20-valve, turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine and a base price in the low 20s. The 2.8 gains a revised deck lid and expanded central locking features. All models have new cloth upholstery, and the console and armrests are trimmed with the same fabric as the seats. Three new colors debut for 1997.

• Artful bodywork, outstanding handling, luxurious interior, optional Quattro all-wheel drive system, bargain price

• Rear leg room, fussy stereo controls, suspension float

User Reviews:

Showing 11 through 20 of 60.00

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  11 years old still great - 1997 Audi A4
  By oldaudi - February 16 - 12:43 pm

  This car is now 11 years old and it still drives great. It has 128,000 miles on it and still feels like new. The interior holds up well as does the exterior body and paint. It handles great in snow and ice. Repairs are very costly on these cars. I think reliablity is better than a lot of american cars but comes nowhere close to a Honda or Toyota. Ive have to replace 2 controls arms, which was a common problem with these early models. I replaced the clutch after 60 miles which seems pretty weak to me. As far as routine maintenance the most expensive is 90k miles about $1000.

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  The Dream Car - 1997 Audi A4
  By Chris Hernandez - August 26 - 5:53 am

  From the first day that I test drove the Audi I fell in love with it. Performance, luxury and comfort were all as promised. Its very fun to drive and exterior is a work of art. Thanks Audi for making great cars year after year.

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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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  So far, so good - 1997 Audi A4
  By jonah5 - May 4 - 10:50 am

  I bought this car new in 1997 and has thankfully been very reliable. Around 1997 I lowered the car with new springs and shocks but otherwise left it stock. Just changed the timing belt a year ago, but other than that no major mechanical issues. I changed the brake pads myself around 60,000 miles (the easiest and fastest brakes Ive ever done). The exhaust finally rusted out by the flextube so Ive installed a new Borla exhaust. Great drive, still feels full of quality, no rust, paint looks new after a wash. No regrets buying this car.

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  Great Car - 1997 Audi A4
  By Josh - January 21 - 10:54 pm

  Great car, suspension is fantastic, although the exterior is ok. It can be easily spiced up a bit by adding an RS4 body kit. They will then look fantastic. Outstanding car for the miles that are on mine, 101000.

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  Poor quality car - 1997 Audi A4
  By Edwin - July 19 - 12:48 am

  Like our Audi A6, the A4 is very unreliable after 50K miles. In the last 11 months we have paid over $4K in repairs (engine 3x, ignition key). They are fun to drive, but with such an unreliable nature and high-maintenance cost, they are not very attractive cars any longer.

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  Great Car...Just take care of it!! - 1997 Audi A4
  By AudiLover - June 12 - 6:15 pm

  This has been an excellent car for the past 9 years. It is just crossing over the 95000 mile mark and it still drives like a new car. As long as you take care of the car it should live nicely. The car is a bit delicate in that it doesnt respond nicely to adverse situations. The check engine light is bound to come on for any little reason. Maintenance is expensive. The only major problem I have had was with the transmission. At the 7 year mark the transmission had to be totally replaced. My mechanic (a German car specialist) indicated this was a common problem with this style transmission.

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  10 year old car feels like New - 1997 Audi A4
  By stick - May 22 - 11:03 am

  I have 150k and it really does feel like a new A4. The Quattro is a must for MN winters. The interior layout is perfect in the front. The rear is very tight. The repairs are expensive, but you can buy parts online and you really can do it your self. Its easier than my Jeep to work on. Ive done brakes, wheel bearings, and plugs. When you find one you like, call the local Audi dealers with the VIN to see if they have serviced it. They will tell you everything that has been done. The back of the owners manual has space for service stations to stamp. If you want to upgrade the motor in any way, dont get the 12valve V6! Their is NOTHING available. Go for the turbo. The V6 is more dependable

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  Amazing - 1997 Audi A4
  By what a car! - December 21 - 1:46 am

  This is the best car I have ever owned. Driving it is a dream. The 5 speed manual is like butter. The acceleration in good, but wont snap any necks. Handling is amazing. The quattro is a masterpiece. Living in Colorado, all wheel drive is important, and I have never slipped on ice once. These cars dont hold their value well because of reliability concerns, but they are an absolute bargain. The only problem Ive had is the air sensor ($350), which is basically routine maintenance. If something does go wrong, it can be costly though because some parts are only available through audi. This car gives the performance and comfort a of a car 3 times its price and is still way ahead of its time

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  This is German engineering???? - 1997 Audi A4
  By Bob - November 19 - 3:12 pm

  Fun to drive. Not fun to service. Belt tensioner went south at 60K, ($700 repair) ECM at 70K ($600 repair) plus electrical and AC problems. Recommended service always on time at a independent Audi shop. Parts should not be failing at this rate. Audi service manager said that these vehicles exhibit problems, and listed about 10. Suggested I buy a 2005 A4. My company cars (Ford, Chevys) are more reliable though not as fun to drive. OK, were selling this A4 and buying a new 06 Civic. Fun to drive, tight body, go kart handling etc. Not worth the $$$ to replace poorly designed components. You can get the same performance looks etc., in other cars.