1996-2001 Audi A4: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Pros
- Optional all-wheel drive
- Handling
- Automatic-transmission performance
- Ride
- Build quality
Cons
- Rear-seat room
- Steering feel
Vehicle Highlights
Compared to the 90 sedan it replaced, the new A4 featured a wedge-shaped profile, lower hood, slimmer headlamps, and an integrated rear spoiler. Wheelbase was slightly longer than the 90's, while overall length, at 178 inches, was a bit shorter. The A4 measured about two inches wider. Combined with a shorter engine bay, that meant more space in the passenger compartment. Beneath the hood once again was Audi's 2.8-liter V6, rated at 172 horsepower. A 5-speed manual gearbox was standard, and a new 5-speed automatic transmission optional. The A4 came with either front-wheel drive or Audi's permanently engaged 4-wheel drive Quattro system. Automatic transmissions were not available on initial models, but arrived during the 1996 season.Standard equipment included dual front airbags, antilock brakes, automatic climate control, and a tilt/telescopic steering wheel. Leather upholstery and a CD changer were optional.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Audi A4 2.8 sedan Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 45 |
Year to Year Changes
Our road test for the 1996-2001 Audi A4 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1996-2001 Audi A4 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1996-2001 Audi A4 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Audi's A4 has sufficient merits to withstand comparison with the BMW 3-Series, Lexus ES 300, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class, putting it in good company at the low end of the premium sedan market. As for build quality, there's no more solid small sedan on the market than an A4.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Audi A4 2.8 sedan Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 4 | |
| Ride Quality | 5 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 5 | |
| Controls/Materials | 6 | |
| Interior Room | 5 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 2 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 45 |
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $1,065 |
| Alternator | $615 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,540 |
| Brakes | $280 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $910 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $710 |
| Exhaust System | $730 |
| Radiator | $640 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $880 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $280 |
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
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| 2001 | |||
| A4 1.8T Avant wgn | $7,100-8,000 | $6,300-7,100 | $3,400-3,800 |
| A4 1.8T sedan | $5,400-6,900 | $4,600-5,900 | $2,200-2,800 |
| A4 2.8 Avant wgn | $8,000-9,000 | $7,200-8,100 | $4,100-4,600 |
| A4 2.8 sedan | $6,200-7,500 | $5,400-6,500 | $2,700-3,200 |
| S4 sedan | $10,000-11,200 | $9,000-10,100 | $5,200-5,800 |
| S4 wagon | $10,400-11,400 | $9,400-10,300 | $5,500-6,000 |
| 2000 | |||
| A4 1.8T Avant wagon | $5,900-6,800 | $5,100-5,900 | $2,500-2,900 |
| A4 1.8T sedan | $4,400-5,600 | $3,700-4,600 | $1,500-2,000 |
| A4 2.8 Avant wgn | $6,500-7,400 | $5,700-6,500 | $2,900-3,300 |
| A4 2.8 sedan | $5,100-6,300 | $4,300-5,400 | $2,000-2,500 |
| S4 sedan | $8,500-9,500 | $7,700-8,600 | $4,400-4,900 |
| 1999 | |||
| A4 1.8T Avant wgn | $4,700-5,400 | $3,900-4,500 | $1,800-2,100 |
| A4 1.8T sedan | $3,600-4,600 | $2,900-3,700 | $1,000-1,300 |
| A4 2.8 Avant wgn | $5,200-6,000 | $4,400-5,100 | $2,100-2,400 |
| A4 2.8 sedan | $4,200-5,200 | $3,400-4,300 | $1,400-1,800 |
| 1998 | |||
| A4 1.8T sedan | $2,900-3,900 | $2,200-3,000 | $700-900 |
| A4 2.8 Avant wgn | $3,700-4,500 | $3,000-3,600 | $1,100-1,300 |
| A4 2.8 sedan | $3,400-4,300 | $2,700-3,400 | $900-1,100 |
| 1997 | |||
| A4 1.8T sedan | $2,300-3,200 | $1,700-2,300 | $400-600 |
| A4 2.8 sedan | $2,700-3,600 | $2,000-2,700 | $600-800 |
| 1996 | |||
| A4 2.8 sedan | $2,200-3,000 | $1,600-2,100 | $400-600 |
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Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 103.0 | 103.0 |
| Overall Length, in. | 178.0 | 176.7 |
| Overall Width, in. | 68.2 | 68.2 |
| Overall Height, in. | 55.8 | 56.7 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3087 | 3289 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 13.7 | 31.0-63.7 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 16.4 | 16.4 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 38.1 | 38.1 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.3 | 41.2 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.8 | 37.8 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 33.4 | 33.3 |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc V6 | 2.8 / 169 | 190 | 207 | 5-speed manual: 20/27 5-speed automatic: 18/28 |
5-speed manual: -- 5-speed automatic: 21.5 |
| Turbocharged dohc V6 | 2.7 / 163 | 250 | 258 | 6-speed manual: 17/24 5-speed automatic: 17/24 |
6-speed manual: 20 5-speed automatic: -- |
| Turbocharged dohc I4 | 1.8 / 107 | 150-170 | 155-166 | 5-speed manual: 23/25 5-speed automatic: 21/30 |
5-speed manual: 26.3 5-speed automatic: 23.6 |
| ohc V6 | 2.8 / 169 | 172 | 184 | 5-speed manual: 19/27 5-speed automatic: 18/28 |
5-speed manual: 21.5 5-speed automatic: -- |
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Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | 1999 A4 Quattro |
|---|---|
| Front Impact, Driver | 4 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.








