Audi A4 Review

2009 Audi A4 2.0T quattro Sedan Shown

The Audi A4 holds the distinction of single-handedly reviving the Audi brand after its big sales slump some two decades ago. Launched in the mid-'90s, the A4 quickly proved a favorite among luxury-car buyers thanks to its handsome, well-finished cabin, sharp handling and available Quattro all-wheel drive. Tight panel gaps, high-quality materials and firm, comfortable seating give the interior the proper European ambience, while a supple ride and willing performance make the Audi A4 a great road trip choice.

Although those core characteristics have been part of the A4's personality since day one, this Audi -- which has traditionally been available in sedan, wagon and convertible body styles -- has become increasingly polished with each successive generation. No matter what year you're looking at, though, the A4 will provide athletic performance and a comfortable and inviting cabin. Add in the appeal of all-wheel drive (a serious asset for those who live in inclement parts of the country) and it's easy to see why the A4 has become a prime choice for an entry-level luxury car.

Current Audi A4

Buyers can purchase the current Audi A4 in sedan, convertible (Cabriolet) and wagon (Avant) configurations. The A4 sedan and wagon are in their fourth generation, which began for the 2009 model year. Compared to previous models, current A4 sedans and wagons offer more interior room, improved driving dynamics and more high-tech gadgetry. Convertible A4s have not yet been produced on the fourth-generation current platform, so Audi continues to sell third-generation models for the time being.

The sedan offers a choice of two engines: a turbocharged 2.0-liter inline-4 good for 211 horsepower or a 3.2-liter V6 producing 265 hp. The wagon is only available with the 2.0-liter engine. Most A4s come standard with Audi's Quattro AWD system and a six-speed automatic transmission, although a front-wheel-drive four-cylinder model is also available.

Like the sedan, the A4 Cabriolet is also available with a 2.0-liter turbocharged inline-4 and a 3.2-liter V6, but in the drop top, these engines offer less power -- 200 hp and 255 hp, respectively. A4 convertibles may be purchased with front-wheel drive and a continuously variable transmission (CVT) or with Quattro AWD and a six-speed automatic.

Sedans and wagons powered by the 2.0T come in three trims: Premium, Premium Plus and top-of-the-line Prestige. Sedans powered by the V6 (unavailable on the wagon) are offered in the top two trims only. A navigation system is one of the available options, and it's offered on all three body styles.

In road tests, our editors have been impressed with the Audi A4's opulent cabin, sharp handling and generous cargo space. Additionally, its available all-wheel drive makes it a compelling choice for those who frequently face rain or snow. However, we've also pointed out that it's not as quick as many rivals, and that the aged convertible A4 is outdated relative to others in its class. Nonetheless, with its luxurious interior and European panache, the A4 remains a solid choice in the entry-level luxury car segment.

Used Audi A4 Models

Audi's third-generation A4 debuted in 2006. For sedans and wagons, this generation ended in 2008, but convertible third-generation A4s continue to be sold in lieu of a fourth-generation model. Relative to second-generation A4s, the third generation offered refreshed styling, a revised chassis and more powerful engines, though this was a revitalization rather than a complete redesign. The sedan and wagon got these upgrades in 2006 at the start of the generational cycle, but the Cabriolet wasn't updated until the following year, in model year 2007. To make up for lost time, the Cabriolet was endowed with a new acoustic soft top, which served to give it a quieter ride.

Two trims were available for third-generation A4s: the 2.0T and the 3.2. Base 2.0Ts offered standard features like a power driver seat and dual-zone climate control, while the 3.2 added heated leather seats and 17-inch wheels. Option packages included features like a navigation system and an upgraded sound system.

Under the hood, buyers had the choice of a 200-hp 2.0-liter turbo-4 or a 255-horse 3.2-liter V6. All wagons were available only with Audi's Quattro system; sedans and convertibles came with either Quattro or front-wheel drive. As far as transmissions go, options varied by body type and trim, but the A4 was available with a six-speed manual, a six-speed automatic or a continuously variable transmission (CVT).

This generation of the Audi A4 impressed us with its impeccable cabin design and materials, as well as its nimble handling. Its host of body configurations and optional rough-weather-friendly all-wheel drive only added to its appeal. One blemish was that the A4's engines came up a bit short in the area of low-end torque.

The second-generation A4 was produced from 2002 through 2005. Compared to the first generation, it benefited from a redesigned body structure and new sheet metal, as well as changes that made it sportier. It was motivated by either a 170-hp 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine or a 220-hp 3.0-liter V6. Both could be mated to either a six-speed manual transmission or a CVT. (The CVT first became available with this generation.) The A4 Cabriolet debuted in this era, bowing in model-year 2003. In reviews, we praised this A4's refined interior and sharp handling. As with third-generation models, one notable drawback was its lack of low-end torque.

The first-generation Audi A4 (1996-2001) was a huge success for Audi, helping to put the automaker in the same league as its respected German luxury-car competitors. This was due to the A4's handsome Teutonic looks, impressive performance and stylish, well-constructed interior that set a precedent for future Audi models. A five-speed manual was standard, with Audi's five-speed Tiptronic automatic offered as an option. As is the case today, the base engine was a turbocharged four-cylinder, while the upgraded model came with a naturally aspirated V6. Note that the original A4 was initially available only as a sedan; the Avant didn't join the lineup until 1998.

This generation offered all the usual A4 strengths, like good looks both inside and out and available all-wheel drive. Weaknesses included a lack of rear legroom and a somewhat confusing dash layout, as well as engine performance that lagged behind some rival offerings.

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* Edmunds.com maintains vehicle data as far back as 1990.