2002 Audi A4: Road Test
Archived Review
2002 Audi A4 ▼
Select a Trim ▼
- MSRP: $24,900 -$34,140
- Invoice: $22,506 -$31,010
Features & Specifications
Compare Vehicle
Related to Audi A4
Previous Year's Reviews
View Another Vehicle
Our road test for the 2002 Audi A4 includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Audi A4 from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Audi A4, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Audi A4 help you decide if a 2002 Audi A4 is right for you.
Advertisement
ACCELERATION
| 1.8T Avant w/Sport, man. | 1.8T sdn, CVT | 1.8T sdn w/quattro, auto. | 3.0 sdn w/quattro, Sport, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 7 | 6 |
About 85 percent of A4s are quattro equipped and, with the 4-cyl engine and automatic transmission, can feel slightly underpowered. Manual-transmission 1.8Ts are lively enough, and manual-transmission V6 quattros are satisfyingly quick, especially above 40 mph. The lighter front-drive models feel spry with any transmission. Test 1.8T with CVT did 0-60 mph in 8.6 sec. CVT acts much like a conventional automatic, and more readily delivers passing power. Like A4's 5-speed automatic, the CVT has steering wheel buttons for manual selection of gear ratios.
FUEL ECONOMY
| 1.8T Avant w/Sport, man. | 1.8T sdn, CVT | 1.8T sdn w/quattro, auto. | 3.0 sdn w/quattro, Sport, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 5 | 5 | 5 | 5.1 |
Test manual-transmission V6 quattro sedans averaged 18.3-21 mpg, depending on driving conditions. Test manual-transmission 1.8T Avant averaged 21.5 mpg. CVT 1.8T sedan averaged 20.9, including gas-eating performance tests. Audi says CVT is 10 percent more fuel efficient than a conventional automatic. Audi recommends premium fuel for all.
RIDE QUALITY
| 1.8T Avant w/Sport, man. | 1.8T sdn, CVT | 1.8T sdn w/quattro, auto. | 3.0 sdn w/quattro, Sport, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 5 | 6.2 |
Standard suspension furnishes firm control, great bump absorption on most any surface. Stiffer Sport-Package setup with low-profile 17-inch tires feels less forgiving over broken pavement, but isn't punishing.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| 1.8T Avant w/Sport, man. | 1.8T sdn, CVT | 1.8T sdn w/quattro, auto. | 3.0 sdn w/quattro, Sport, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.9 |
A joy to drive quickly, and Sport-Package models relish challenging roads. Quattro gives all-weather advantage over 2WD competitors. Wonderful steering is nicely weighted and direct. Brakes are strong with outstanding pedal modulation.
QUIETNESS
| 1.8T Avant w/Sport, man. | 1.8T sdn, CVT | 1.8T sdn w/quattro, auto. | 3.0 sdn w/quattro, Sport, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 7 | 7 | 6 | 5.7 |
Pleasant engine sounds: both powerplants purr at cruise, and V6 snarls nicely under full throttle. Noisy low-profile 17-inch tires excepted, road rumble is muted, so what wind rush there is gets noticed.
CONTROLS
| 1.8T Avant w/Sport, man. | 1.8T sdn, CVT | 1.8T sdn w/quattro, auto. | 3.0 sdn w/quattro, Sport, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 | 6.3 |
Clearly marked controls, large, well-lit gauges. However, dual-zone automatic climate controls are overly complex, and one test A4 had difficulty maintaining the set temperature. Front center armrest blocks use of handbrake lever and console cupholder. Sophisticated cabin materials and design are class benchmarks. Fuel gauge on one test A4 would not read more than two-thirds full.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| 1.8T Avant w/Sport, man. | 1.8T sdn, CVT | 1.8T sdn w/quattro, auto. | 3.0 sdn w/quattro, Sport, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7 | 6 |
Firm seats with ample head and leg room, though wide central console cuts into knee space enough to annoy taller drivers. And some may find lower cushions a bit narrow. Outside mirrors could be larger, but visibility good to all directions. Available rear-obstacle-warning system a useful feature and a near-luxury class rarity.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| 1.8T Avant w/Sport, man. | 1.8T sdn, CVT | 1.8T sdn w/quattro, auto. | 3.0 sdn w/quattro, Sport, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4 | 3.8 |
Supportive, nicely contoured seat. Head and leg room not expansive, but compare to similarly sized class competitors. Two adults the comfort limit.
CARGO ROOM
| 1.8T Avant w/Sport, man. | 1.8T sdn, CVT | 1.8T sdn w/quattro, auto. | 3.0 sdn w/quattro, Sport, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6 | 3 | 3 | 3 | 4.2 |
Relatively small opening to sedan's large trunk frustrates loading of large objects, but split folding rear seatbacks compensate some, and strut-type lid hinges don't eat into cargo space. Avant is a versatile little hauler and features several handy cargo bins and nets.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| 1.8T Avant w/Sport, man. | 1.8T sdn, CVT | 1.8T sdn w/quattro, auto. | 3.0 sdn w/quattro, Sport, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 4.3 |
The A4 matches or beats many near-luxury competitors in refinement, performance, and features. BMW and Jaguar offer AWD, but no rival has the impressive new CVT.
Total Score
| 1.8T Avant w/Sport, man. | 1.8T sdn, CVT | 1.8T sdn w/quattro, auto. | 3.0 sdn w/quattro, Sport, man. | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 63 | 61 | 59 | 58 | 54.5 |
Total Score: 60
Scores for all Premium Compact Cars
Car Buying Resources
Search
Local Listings
Vehicle
History Report
FREE CARFAX Record Check
Looking at a used car, check for costly hidden problems before
you buy.
