1996-2001 Audi A4 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Audi A4. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Audi A4.

1996-2001 Audi A4 Review

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.

Year to Year Changes

1997 Audi A4: Audi renamed its V6 sedan the A4 2.8, adding a new model called the A4 1.8T. As that nomenclature suggests, the lower-priced model used a new turbocharged 1.8-liter 4-cylinder engine. Rated at 150 horsepower, the turbo four had dual overhead camshafts and five valves per cylinder. After the start of the model year, Audi also launched an improved dual-cam V6 engine with five valves per cylinder (previously two) and a 190-horsepower rating. Both models had standard front-wheel drive, with Quattro all-wheel drive an option.

1998 Audi A4: A V6 station wagon joined the lineup for 1998, dubbed the A4 2.8 Avant. Instead of the conventional 5-speed automatic transmission, the wagon got an adaptation of the Porsche-designed 5-speed Tiptronic unit. Tiptronic allows sequential manual gear selection via a special shift gate.

1999 Audi A4: Audi added a 1.8T wagon to the A4 lineup for '99. It had the same turbocharged 4-cylinder engine as the 1.8T sedan. The V6 2.8 sedan and wagon continued as the top A4 models. All A4s received a larger right-door mirror, modified center-console cupholders, and first-aid kit for '99, and 1.8Ts got additional sound insulation.

2000 Audi A4: A high-performance S4 model joined the A4 lineup, with a 250-horsepower twin-turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 and Quattro all-wheel drive. Either a 5-speed automatic or a 6-speed manual transmission might be installed. S4 sedans had a sport suspension, 17-inch performance tires, plus a unique grille, bumpers, and leather-upholstered interior. Sideguard airbags, designed to deploy from above the side windows as a head-protecting "curtain" against side impact, became optional in all models. Other new options included high-intensity headlamps and a satellite-based navigation system, with audio and visual direction prompts but no video-type display screen. Mild restyling this year was accompanied by a reworked center console and standard trip computer. A4 2.8 models added a standard power front passenger's seat.

2001 Audi A4: Changes for 2001 include standard curtain side airbags and a newly available antiskid system. All automatic transmission A4s now had a three-spoke steering wheel with buttons for manual shifting. The navigation system was not available for 2001 1.8Ts and S4s. And basic warranty coverage was extended from 3 years/50,000 miles to 4/50,000.

1996-2001 Audi A4 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Ride	Rear-seat room

Handling	Steering feel

Build quality

Optional all-wheel drive

Automatic-transmission performance

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Despite changing little for 1996, Audi's V6 felt like a new engine when installed in the A4--smoother, quieter, and a lot more responsive. Although it's not the most potent V6 in the "near-luxury" league, it feels energetic most of the time and gets the job done nicely. Performance with the more potent dual-cam V6, installed in 1997, isn't dramatically better. Gear changes with the new 5-speed automatic transmission are so smooth that they virtually set new standards for the entire industry. Downshifts occur promptly for passing, too. Tiptronic on the 1998 and beyond models makes an already-smooth transmission even better. Best bet for the turbocharged model is manual shift, though acceleration is adequate with automatic. With either engine, the manual gearbox is easy to operate. As for economy, an A4 1.8T Quattro yielded nearly 24 mpg on a long highway trip. On the downside, the turbo engine growls at higher speeds. Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system works without any driver input to provide excellent traction in slippery conditions. Still, front-drive models offer better gas mileage and have sufficient traction for most drivers. Road noise is generally pleasing in the A4, in contrast to the old 90. However, the car's aggressive high-performance tires generate considerable sound on rough pavement. Riding smoothly on rough roads, the A4's suspension easily soaks up dips and bumps. Body lean is well-controlled in hard cornering, with good tire grip and stable handling. An optional Sport Package, with a firmer suspension and higher-performance tires, sacrifices ride comfort for a small extra measure of cornering grip and handling agility. As for negative aspects, there are mainly two: over-assisted, somewhat numb power steering, and brakes that seem touchy at first. Passenger space is generally good, with plenty of room for large occupants up front. But tall people still don't have an abundance of leg room in back. Furthermore, head room all around is only adequate with the optional sunroof installed. Gauges and most controls are easy to see and intuitive to use, with the exception of the climate-control panel, which is too small and low for easy reading. Cargo space is good, but not great. Detail finish is superior inside and out. Interior materials are also mostly excellent.

Value for the Money
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.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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:	45

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1996-2001 Audi A4 Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Brakes: Jump starting a dead battery, or charging the battery with more than 16 volts, may blow the fuse to the ABS system. (1996)

Brakes: The ABS (anti-lock brakes) may activate unnecessarily under normal to light application due to cracks in tone wheels. (1996-05)

Cruise control: The cruise control may not hold the set speed requiring replacement of the vacuum servo. (1996)

Dashboard lights: The check-engine light may come on with less than three gallons in the fuel tank. This can lead to a lean misfire. (1996)

Dashboard lights: Using cheap gas can cause carbon buildup on the valves, pistons, and combustion chamber, which will cause poor idling and illuminate the check-engine light. (1996)

Engine misfire: If the battery is disconnected, the engine may idle rough or lack power requiring recalibration of the throttle valve control module. (1997)

Fuel gauge: The fuel gauge may not register full, due to a bad electrical ground connection. (1996)

Hard starting: The engine speed (crankshaft position) sensor can come loose causing the engine to crank, but not start. (1997-98)

Rough idle: Dirty throttle body bore and throttle control module commonly cause rough or low idle. (1997-01)

Sunroof/moonroof: Broken sunroof slides may cause binding noise. Each can be replaced individually. (1999-2000)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


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

NHTSA Recall History

1996: Horn may work only intermittently, due to insufficient electrical ground contact.

1996-97: A faulty ignition switch could render the car's electrical accessories, like windshield wipers and headlights, inoperable. Dealers will install a new ignition switch with an optimized anchor point free of charge.

1996-97: Discharge of static electricity in low-humidity conditions can activate driver's airbag when driver enters or exits car.

1996-97: The plastic ignition switch housing can fracture causing the ignition key to stick and making certain electrical accessories (windshield wipers, headlights) inoperative.

1997: Rear-seatbelt retractors may not lock properly, or may not remain locked.

1997-99 w/automatic transmission: Control valve in vacuum hose may not open or close fully at temperatures below four degrees (F) under certain conditions; could cause insufficient vacuum to be provided to brake booster.

1998: If engine backfires during cold-start, an air screen loosely seated in airflow meter can become damaged; screen pieces could enter intake system and prevent the throttle plate from returning to its full idle position.

1998-99: Some tie-rod seals may not seal properly; if moisture and/or dust enters swivel mechanism, bearing could wear over time.

1996-2001 Audi A4 Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1996
A4 2.8 sedan	$2,700-3,500	$2,000-2,600	$600-800

1997
A4 1.8T sedan	$2,800-3,700	$2,100-2,800	$600-800
A4 2.8 sedan	$3,300-4,200	$2,600-3,300	$800-1,100

1998
A4 1.8T sedan	$3,500-4,600	$2,800-3,700	$900-1,200
A4 2.8 Avant wgn	$4,300-5,200	$3,600-4,300	$1,500-1,800
A4 2.8 sedan	$4,100-5,000	$3,400-4,100	$1,400-1,700

1999
A4 1.8T Avant wgn	$5,600-6,300	$4,800-5,400	$2,300-2,600
A4 1.8T sedan	$4,400-5,500	$3,700-4,600	$1,500-1,900
A4 2.8 Avant wgn	$6,300-7,200	$5,500-6,300	$2,800-3,200
A4 2.8 sedan	$5,200-6,400	$4,400-5,400	$2,100-2,600

2000
A4 1.8T Avant wagon	$7,200-8,200	$6,400-7,300	$3,500-4,000
A4 1.8T sedan	$5,500-6,900	$4,700-5,900	$2,300-2,800
A4 2.8 Avant wgn	$8,000-9,000	$7,200-8,100	$4,100-4,600
A4 2.8 sedan	$6,400-7,800	$5,600-6,900	$2,800-3,400
S4 sedan	$11,500-12,500	$10,400-11,300	$6,300-6,900

2001
A4 1.8T Avant wgn	$9,000-10,000	$8,100-9,000	$4,700-5,200
A4 1.8T sedan	$6,900-8,500	$6,100-7,600	$3,200-4,000
A4 2.8 Avant wgn	$10,000-11,000	$9,000-9,900	$5,200-5,700
A4 2.8 sedan	$7,900-9,600	$7,100-8,600	$4,000-4,900
S4 sedan	$13,200-14,500	$12,000-13,200	$7,700-8,400
S4 wagon	$13,700-14,700	$12,500-13,400	$8,200-8,800

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1996-2001 Audi A4 Specs & Safety

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

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

For its first season on the market, the A4 came only with a 2.8-liter overhead-cam V6 engine, developing 172 horsepower. A 5-speed manual transmission was standard; 5-speed automatic optional (starting several months into the 1996 model year). An A4 might be front-wheel drive or have Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system. In 1997, an A4 1.8T joined the lineup, powered by a turbocharged dual-overhead-cam 4-cylinder engine (five valves per cylinder). Later that year, the V6 was revised, adopting five valves per cylinder and making 190 horsepower--an increase of 18. A high-performance S4 sedan arrived for 2000, with a 250-horsepower, twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 engine. For 2001, the 1.8-liter I4 gained 20 horsepower.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

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: --

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: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

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%. Side-impact 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%.

Built In: Germany

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive

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Also in the 1996-2001 Audi A4 Review:

Audi A4

Audi A4 Road Test

Audi A4 Reliability

Audi A4 Prices

Audi A4 Specs & Safety

Audi A4 Photos

Audi A4 Full Review