2002-2008 Audi A4: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 2002-2008 Audi A4/S4 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Automatic-transmission performance
- Steering/handling
- Acceleration
- Ride
Cons
- All-wheel drive
- Interior materials
Vehicle Highlights
Audi's least-expensive and top-selling model, the near-luxury A4, earned a full redesign for 2002. Slightly larger inside and out, the new A4 sedan and Avant wagon introduced an optional continuously-variable transmission (CVT). The redesigned 1.8T sedan had a turbocharged 1.8-liter, 170-horsepower four-cylinder engine. The 3.0 model used a 3.0-liter V6 rated at 220 horsepower--a gain of 30 hp. Audi's quattro all-wheel drive was standard on S4 models and available on other models in place of front-wheel drive. Quattro A4s used a manual transmission or a conventional five-speed automatic. Audi's new CVT furnished variable (not fixed) drive ratios without using conventional gears, and also had six preset "manual-shift" ratios that could be accessed via a separate shift gate or by steering-wheel buttons. CVT was available only on front-drive sedans with the 3.0-liter V6. Antilock braking, an antiskid system and curtain and front side airbags were standard. Sedans and wagons also had head-protecting curtain side airbags, and rear torso airbags were optional. Options included a navigation system and rear obstacle warning. An available Sport package included a firmer suspension with performance tires on 17-inch wheels. Rivals included the BMW 3-Series, Lexus IS 300, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Audi A4 1.8T sedan w/automatic Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 7 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 8 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 56 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 2002-2008 Audi A4/S4. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 2002-2008 Audi A4/S4.
Year to Year Changes
2003 Audi A4:
Audi added a Cabriolet (convertible) body style to its A4 lineup for 2003. Cabriolets got their own exterior styling and interior trim, with a power folding top that contained a heated glass rear window. Convertibles included front side airbags that provided head and torso protection. Small support bars behind the convertible's rear seats pop up automatically to protect occupants in an impending rollover. Sedans and convertibles came with standard front-wheel drive. Wagons had quattro all-wheel drive as standard equipment. Audi's CVT was standard on convertibles and the 3.0 front-drive sedan, and available for the 1.8T front-drive sedan. All models could have GM's OnStar assistance system with extra-cost e-mail service. New options included 17-inch all-season tires to replace the usual 16s, a power driver's seat for 1.8T models, and steering-wheel audio/climate controls for the 3.0 series. Leather seats were now standard in 3.0 models, and optional for 1.8T versions. Full leather upholstery was available for V6 models.
2004 Audi A4:
High-performance S4 models returned for 2004, using the new A4 design. Initially offered in sedan and Avant wagon body styles, the S4 used a 340-horsepower, 4.2-liter V8 engine and a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The sport suspension included 18-inch wheels. An S4 Cabriolet joined the group in midseason. Availability of all-wheel drive expanded this year. Quattro was standard on Avants, optional for sedans, and newly available for the 3.0 Cabriolet. For quattro models, a new six-speed manual transmission replaced the previous five-speed unit. CVT was standard on convertibles and front-drive 3.0 sedans, and available for the front-drive 1.8T sedan.
2005 Audi A4:
Early '05 models carried over unchanged. A4 was redesigned in midyear as a 2005.5 model.
2006 Audi A4:
No significant changes were made to the A4/S4 in 2006.
2007 Audi A4:
S4s got revised front and rear styling for 2007.
2008 Audi A4:
The 2008 Audi A4 was largely unchanged, pending a redesign due in calendar 2008 as a 2009 model. New for 2008 was an RS 4 Cabriolet.
Our road test for the 2002-2008 Audi A4/S4 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 2002-2008 Audi A4/S4 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 2002-2008 Audi A4/S4 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
About 80 percent of A4's are sold with quattro all-wheel drive. With the four-cylinder engine and automatic transmission, these models can feel slightly underpowered. Manual-transmission quattro 1.8Ts are lively enough, and manual-gearbox V6 quattros are satisfyingly quick. The lighter front-drive models feel spry with any transmission, though CVT versions are lazy away from a stop. A test 1.8T CVT sedan did 0-60 mph in 8.6 seconds. With the V6 and CVT, Audi pegged the sedan at 6.9 seconds. A V6 CVT Cabriolet reached 60 mph in 7.8 seconds. The seamless CVT acts much like a conventional automatic, but requires the use of manual mode for best overall performance. Manual transmissions have precise shifters, and the S4 editions perform strongly at all speeds. Fuel economy varies with the powertrain: A test manual-transmission 1.8T sedan averaged 24.8 mpg, versus 21.5 for the Avant wagon. Audi claimed the CVT is 10 percent more fuel-efficient than conventional automatic transmission. A test CVT 1.8T sedan averaged 20.9 mpg, including gas-eating performance tests. Manual-transmission V6 quattro sedans averaged 18.3 to 21 mpg, depending on driving conditions. Cabriolets have managed 19.8 to 20.7 mpg, but an S4 Avant with manual shift could only squeeze out 15.9 mpg. Audi recommends premium fuel for all models. Audi's standard suspension furnishes firm control, with good bump absorption on most any surface. The stiffer Sport Package setup with low-profile 17-inch tires is somewhat less forgiving on broken pavement. An S4 isn't harsh, but yields a relatively stiff ride with some float over high-speed dips. Try before you buy. All models are a joy to drive quickly, and those with a Sport Package shine on challenging roads. All the more so with an S4. Audi's quattro gives an all-weather advantage over the A4's two-wheel-drive rivals. Steering is nicely weighted and direct. Brakes are very capable, with outstanding pedal modulation. Convertibles show impressively little body quivering on bumps. Engine sounds tend to be pleasant. Each purrs at cruise, while the V6 and V8 snarl nicely under full throttle. Low-profile 17-inch tires are noisy, as are the S4's 18-inchers, but road rumble is otherwise muted. So, what wind rush there is gets noticed. Top-up, the Cabrio's wind noise is exceptionally low; top-down, you get little buffeting, helped by the optional wind-deflector screen. A4 models boast clearly marked controls and well-lit gauges. However, the dual-zone automatic climate system is overly complex with awkwardly low controls. The front center armrest blocks use of the hand-brake lever and console cupholder. Sophisticated cabin materials and design are class benchmarks. Convertible tops are fully automatic, and power up or down in 24 seconds. Firm, comfortable front seats deliver ample head and leg room, though the wide central console cuts into knee space enough to annoy taller drivers. Special Recaro sport buckets in S4 models have pronounced side bolsters. Two adults are the comfortable limit in back, on a supportive, nicely contoured seat. Rear head and leg room are not vast, but comparable to similarly-sized competitors. Convertibles are more cramped. Visibility is good all around. If installed, the rear-obstacle-warning system is a rare nicety in the near-luxury class. Sedans have a roomy trunk, but a rather small opening that precludes loading large objects. Split-folding rear seatbacks compensate somewhat, and strut-type lid hinges don't eat into luggage space. When it's down, the convertible's top cuts into already small trunk space. Convertible seatbacks do not fold, though there is a ski pass-through.
Value for the Money
An A4 matches or beats most any class rival for refinement, performance, features and variety of body styles. BMW, Infiniti, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo offer all-wheel-drive models, but no competitor matches Audi's impressive CVT.
An A4 matches or beats most any class rival for refinement, performance, features and variety of body styles. BMW, Infiniti, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz and Volvo offer all-wheel-drive models, but no competitor matches Audi's impressive CVT.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Audi A4 1.8T sedan w/automatic Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 5 | |
| Fuel Economy | 5 | |
| Ride Quality | 7 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 7 | |
| Quietness | 6 | |
| Controls/Materials | 8 | |
| Interior Room | 7 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 3 | |
| Value within Class | 5 | |
| Total Score: | 56 |
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.
Our reliability study for this generation Audi A4 includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Audi A4 .
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:
The ABS (anti-lock brakes) may activate unnecessarily under normal to light application due to cracks in tone wheels. (1996-05)
Coolant leak:
The oil cooler is prone to turning during oil filter removal, which causes damage to the coolant lines resulting in a coolant leak. (2002)
Electrical problem:
Water leaks into wiring harness near the A-pillar causing assorted problems such as the remote will not lock/unlock the door, the windows won't work, the interior lights may stay on occasionally, and the door ajar warning may glow even though the doors are shut. (2002)
Hard starting:
Engine may crank, but not start. The cause may be carbon buildup in combustion chambers and/or valves requiring extensive cleaning. (1998-99)
None:
The throttle body control valve tends to sludge up on the 1.8L turbo engine causing a very low or uneven idle. (2002)
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 | $890 |
| Alternator | $475 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $2,195 |
| Brakes | $945 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $760 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $5,325 |
| Exhaust System | $925 |
| Radiator | $965 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $3,600 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $665 |
Our price chart for this generation Audi A4 details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
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| 2008 | |||
| A4 2.0T sedan | $25,300-28,500 | $23,500-26,500 | $16,700-18,800 |
| A4 2.0T wagon | $28,500-31,000 | $26,500-28,800 | $19,400-21,100 |
| A4 3.2 sedan | $28,000-32,000 | $26,000-29,800 | $19,000-21,800 |
| A4 3.2 wagon | $31,500-34,000 | $29,300-31,600 | $22,100-23,800 |
| A4 Cabriolet 2.0T | $32,500-35,500 | $30,200-33,000 | $22,800-24,900 |
| A4 Cabriolet 3.2 | $37,000-40,000 | $34,400-37,200 | $26,300-28,400 |
| RS4 Cabriolet | $68,000-72,000 | $64,600-68,400 | $51,700-54,700 |
| RS4 sedan | $58,000-61,000 | $55,100-58,000 | $43,500-45,800 |
| S4 Cabriolet | $47,500-51,000 | $44,700-47,900 | $35,200-37,700 |
| S4 sedan/wagon | $42,500-45,000 | $40,000-42,300 | $31,000-32,900 |
| 2007 | |||
| A4 2.0T sedan | $21,800-25,500 | $20,100-23,500 | $14,200-16,600 |
| A4 2.0T wagon | $25,200-28,000 | $23,400-26,000 | $16,600-18,500 |
| A4 3.2 sedan | $24,500-28,500 | $22,800-26,500 | $15,900-18,500 |
| A4 3.2 wagon | $28,000-30,000 | $26,000-27,900 | $19,000-20,400 |
| A4 Cabriolet 2.0T | $29,500-33,000 | $27,400-30,700 | $20,400-22,800 |
| A4 Cabriolet 3.2 | $33,500-35,500 | $31,200-33,000 | $23,800-25,200 |
| RS4 sedan | $54,000-56,000 | $50,800-52,600 | $40,500-42,000 |
| S4 Cabriolet | $42,000-44,500 | $39,500-41,800 | $30,700-32,500 |
| S4 sedan/wagon | $38,000-40,000 | $35,300-37,200 | $27,000-28,400 |
| 2006 | |||
| A4 2.0T sedan | $18,500-23,000 | $17,000-21,200 | $11,800-14,700 |
| A4 2.0T wagon | $22,000-24,500 | $20,200-22,500 | $14,300-15,900 |
| A4 3.2 sedan | $21,200-25,500 | $19,500-23,500 | $13,800-16,600 |
| A4 3.2 wagon | $24,500-26,500 | $22,800-24,600 | $15,900-17,200 |
| A4 Cabriolet 1.8T | $23,700-25,500 | $22,000-23,700 | $15,400-16,600 |
| A4 Cabriolet 3.0 | $26,000-28,000 | $24,200-26,000 | $17,200-18,500 |
| S4 Cabriolet | $34,500-37,000 | $32,100-34,400 | $24,500-26,300 |
| S4 sedan/wagon | $32,000-34,000 | $29,800-31,600 | $22,400-23,800 |
| 2005 | |||
| A4 1.8T/2.0T sedan | $15,000-19,000 | $13,700-17,300 | $9,500-12,000 |
| A4 1.8T/2.0T wagon | $17,500-19,500 | $16,100-17,900 | $11,200-12,500 |
| A4 3.0/3.2 sedan | $16,500-20,500 | $15,000-18,700 | $10,600-13,100 |
| A4 3.0/3.2 wagon | $19,200-21,700 | $17,700-20,000 | $12,500-14,100 |
| A4 Cabriolet 1.8T | $19,700-21,000 | $18,100-19,300 | $12,800-13,700 |
| A4 Cabriolet 3.0 | $21,700-24,300 | $20,000-22,400 | $14,100-15,800 |
| S4 Cabriolet | $27,500-29,500 | $25,600-27,400 | $18,400-19,800 |
| S4 sedan/wagon | $25,000-28,000 | $23,300-26,000 | $16,500-18,500 |
| 2004 | |||
| A4 1.8T Avant wagon | $14,500-15,600 | $13,200-14,200 | $9,000-9,700 |
| A4 1.8T sedan | $12,000-14,000 | $10,800-12,600 | $6,700-7,800 |
| A4 3.0 Avant wagon | $16,000-17,200 | $14,600-15,700 | $10,200-11,000 |
| A4 3.0 sedan | $13,500-15,500 | $12,300-14,100 | $8,000-9,100 |
| A4 Cabriolet 1.8T | $16,500-17,800 | $15,000-16,200 | $10,600-11,400 |
| A4 Cabriolet 3.0 | $18,000-20,000 | $16,600-18,400 | $11,500-12,800 |
| S4 Cabriolet | $23,000-25,000 | $21,200-23,000 | $15,000-16,300 |
| S4 sedan/wagon | $21,000-22,500 | $19,300-20,700 | $13,700-14,600 |
| 2003 | |||
| A4 1.8T sedan | $9,700-11,500 | $8,700-10,400 | $5,000-6,000 |
| A4 1.8T wagon | $11,800-13,000 | $10,600-11,700 | $6,600-7,300 |
| A4 3.0 sedan | $10,800-12,500 | $9,700-11,300 | $5,800-6,800 |
| A4 3.0 wagon | $13,300-14,300 | $12,100-13,000 | $7,800-8,400 |
| A4 Cabriolet | $13,500-15,000 | $12,300-13,700 | $8,000-8,900 |
| 2002 | |||
| A4 1.8T sedan | $7,800-9,500 | $7,000-8,600 | $4,000-4,800 |
| A4 1.8T wagon | $10,000-11,000 | $9,000-9,900 | $5,200-5,700 |
| A4 3.0 sedan | $8,800-10,500 | $7,900-9,500 | $4,600-5,500 |
| A4 3.0 wagon | $11,000-12,000 | $9,900-10,800 | $5,900-6,500 |
| S4 sedan/wagon | $11,500-12,800 | $10,400-11,500 | $6,300-7,000 |
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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.
Specs for this generation Audi A4 include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 2-door convertible | 4-door sedan | 4-door wagon |
| Wheelbase, in. | 104.5 | 104.3 | 104.3 |
| Overall Length, in. | 180.0 | 179.0 | 179.0 |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.0 | 69.5 | 69.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 54.8 | 56.2 | 56.2 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3814 | 3252 | 3516 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 10.2 | 13.4 | 60.6 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | -- | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 18.5 | 18.5 | 17.4 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 | 5 | 5 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.9 | 38.4 | 38.4 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.3 | 41.3 | 41.3 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 36.3 | 37.2 | 37.2 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 32.4 | 34.2 | 34.2 |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Powertrain Options and Availability
Two engines have been available in the redesigned A4 series. In 1.8T models, a turbocharged 1.8-liter four-cylinder engine produced 170 horsepower. A 3.0-liter V6 that makes 220 horsepower went into 3.0 models. Four-cylinder models could have a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission, or Audi's continuously variable transmission (CVT). Choices for the V6 were similar, but with a six-speed manual gearbox ratherthan the five-speed. For 2002 only, Audi continued to offer previous-generation S4 models with a 250-horsepower turbocharged V6 engine. Quattro all-wheel drive was available on all models except the Cabriolet, which was added for 2003 and initially came only with front-wheel drive. High-performance S4 models returned for 2004 with a 340-hp, 4.2-liter V8 engine and six-speed manual or automatic transmission.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc V6 | 3.0 / 182 | 220 | 221 | 6-speed manual: 18/25 5-speed automatic: 17/25 CVT automatic: 19/27 |
6-speed manual: -- 5-speed automatic: -- CVT automatic: -- |
| Turbocharged dohc V6 | 2.7 / 163 | 250 | 258 | 6-speed manual: 17/23 5-speed automatic: 17/24 |
6-speed manual: -- 5-speed automatic: -- |
| dohc V8 | 4.2 / 255 | 340 | 302 | 6-speed manual: -/1420 6-speed automatic: 16/21 |
6-speed manual: -- 6-speed automatic: -- |
| Turbocharged dohc I4 | 1.8 / 109 | 170 | 166 | 5-speed manual: 22/31 5-speed automatic: 19/28 CVT automatic: 20/29 |
5-speed manual: -- 5-speed automatic: -- CVT automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
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Built In: Germany
Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Audi A4 include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.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%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 2002-2008 Audi A4/S4 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
2003-04 A4/S4 Cabriolet:
Xenon headlamp coating on certain cars could degrade over time, affecting the driver's field of view.
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