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2004 Audi A4 Full Review
Date Published: 3/04/08
Also in the 2004 Audi A4 Review:
5. 
Audi A4 Photos

6. 
Audi A4 Full Review

7. 
All Audi A4s

8. 
All Audis


2004 Audi A4 Review
The return of high-performance models and expanded availability of all-wheel drive keynote 2004 for Audi's best-selling line. A4 comes in sedan, Avant wagon, and Cabriolet convertible body styles. The 1.8T versions use a turbo 4-cyl engine, the 3.0 versions a V6. Sedans and Cabriolets come with front-wheel drive. Standard on Avants, optional for sedans, and newly available for 3.0 Cabriolets is Audi's quattro all-wheel-drive system. Quattro models come with a 6-speed manual transmission or a conventional 5-speed automatic. A continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) is standard on convertibles and front-wheel-drive 3.0 sedans. It's available on the front-drive 1.8T sedan, which comes standard with a 5-speed manual. The CVT provides variable drive ratios, plus six preset "gears" selected from a floor shift or steering-wheel buttons. Cabriolets have a power-folding top with heated glass rear window. Every A4 includes ABS, antiskid system, and front side airbags. Sedans and Avants come with head-protecting curtain side airbags and offer optional rear torso side airbags. Cabriolets have front side airbags that provide head and torso protection, plus rear support bars that pop up automatically to protect occupants in a rollover.

Revived for '04 are the high-performance S4 sedan, wagon, and convertible. They have quattro AWD, a 340-hp V8, 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, sport suspension with 18-inch wheels, and unique trim.

A navigation system is optional for V6 and S4 models. Available on all A4s is OnStar assistance. An optional Sport Package bundles firmer suspension with performance tires on 17-inch wheels. A tire-pressure monitor is newly standard for '04; satellite radio is a new dealer-installed option.
News
Audi was said to be mulling a first-ever A4 coupe, but its status is now unclear. If this model does materialize, it would share basic architecture, dashboard and other components with A4 cabriolets, crowned by a fixed roof with fairly large side and rear windows. Offerings would likely involve V6 and 4-cyl 1.8T engines, and a V8 S4 version is possible. We wouldn't expect to see any of them until model-year 2006 or '07. That aside, the A4 line should see mostly detail yearly changes until the next redesign, which probably occurs for 2008 or '09.

Audi recently redesigned its A3, a smaller-than-A4 hatchback long familiar in Europe as basically an upscale Volkswagen Golf. VW is Audi's corporate parent. This new A3 comes to the U.S. next May as an early '06 model with four doors, front-wheel drive, a 200-hp 2.0-liter 4-cyl engine, and standard 6-speed manual transmission. Audi's DSG computer-controlled 6-speed manual with automatic shift mode will be optional, as it already is in the little TT sports car. Quattro AWD and a 250-hp 3.2-liter V6 should be added within the first sales year. Audi says A3 will have standard antiskid/traction control, front side airbags and 16-inch wheels. Rear side airbags will be optional, along with 17- and 18-inch rims. Other options will include DVD navigation system, xenon headlamps, power front seats, a supersize "open sky" sunroof, automatic climate control, and aluminum interior trim. A3s should be marketed as premium compacts, but will cost less than A4s, though we can't say how much less now. Audi should be releasing full details soon, however, so keep checking back with us.
2004 Audi A4 Road Test
Pros Cons
Acceleration (V6, S4) Rear-seat room (Cabriolet)
Automatic-transmission performance (CVT)
Steering/handling
Ride (base suspension)
Interior materials
Available AWD
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

1.8T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man. 1.8T sdn, CVT 3.0 sdn w/quattro, man. 3.0 Cabriolet Class Average
6 5 7 6 6.1

The vast majority of A4s are sold with quattro. Quattro A4s with 4 cyl and automatic transmission feel slightly underpowered. Manual-transmission quattro 1.8Ts are lively enough, while manual-transmission V6 quattros are satisfyingly quick. Lighter front-drive models feel spry with any transmission, though CVT versions are lazy from a stop. Test 1.8T CVT sedan did 8.6 sec 0-60 mph; test V6 CVT Cabriolet did 7.8. Seamless CVT acts much like conventional automatic, but requires use of manual mode for best performance. Manual transmissions controlled by precise shifters. S4's V8 strong at all speeds; test sedan did 5.6 sec 0-60.
Fuel Economy

1.8T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man. 1.8T sdn, CVT 3.0 sdn w/quattro, man. 3.0 Cabriolet Class Average
6 5 5 5 5.2

Averages for manual-transmission test models: 1.8T sedan, 24.8 mpg; 1.8T Avant, 21.5; V6 quattro sedans,18.3-21; S4 sedan, 15.6; S4 Avant, 15.9; S4 Cabriolet, 14.1. Audi says CVT is 10 percent more fuel efficient than conventional automatic transmission. With CVT, test 1.8T sedans averaged 20.9-23.9 mpg, test Cabriolets 19.8-20.7. Test V6 CVT sedan averaged 25.6 mpg. No opportunity to test with conventional automatic transmission. Audi recommends premium-grade fuel for all A4s.
Ride Quality

1.8T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man. 1.8T sdn, CVT 3.0 sdn w/quattro, man. 3.0 Cabriolet Class Average
6 7 7 7 6.4

Standard suspension furnishes firm control, good bump absorption on most any surface. Stiffer Sport Package setup with low-profile 17-inch tires somewhat less forgiving on broken pavement. S4 quite stiff, but not harsh; impressive high-speed stability.
Steering/Handling/Braking

1.8T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man. 1.8T sdn, CVT 3.0 sdn w/quattro, man. 3.0 Cabriolet Class Average
7 7 7 7 7.1

All models a joy to drive quickly, and S4, Sport Package versions shine on challenging roads. Quattro gives all-weather advantage over A4's 2WD rivals. Steering nicely weighted, direct. Brakes very capable, with outstanding pedal modulation. Convertible suffer impressively little body quivering on bumps.
Quietness

1.8T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man. 1.8T sdn, CVT 3.0 sdn w/quattro, man. 3.0 Cabriolet Class Average
6 6 7 7 6.2

All powerplants purr at cruise; V6 and V8 snarl nicely under full throttle. Low-profile 17-inch tires are noisy--S4's 18s even more so--but road rumble otherwise muted, so what wind rush there is gets noticed. Top up, Cabriolet wind noise exceptionally low; top down, little buffeting, helped by optional wind-deflector screen.
Controls

1.8T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man. 1.8T sdn, CVT 3.0 sdn w/quattro, man. 3.0 Cabriolet Class Average
8 8 8 8 6.6

Clear, well-lit gauges. Dual-zone automatic climate system overly complex with awkwardly low-mounted controls, and one test A4 had difficulty maintaining the set temperature. Front center armrest blocks use of handbrake. Sophisticated cabin materials and design are class benchmarks. Convertible top completely automatic and powers up or down in 24 sec.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

1.8T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man. 1.8T sdn, CVT 3.0 sdn w/quattro, man. 3.0 Cabriolet Class Average
7 7 7 7 6.3

Firm, comfortable seats; S4s have special sport buckets with pronounced side bolsters that hold passengers in place during fast cornering. Ample head and leg room, though wide central console cuts into knee space enough to annoy taller drivers. Visibility good to all corners; rear-obstacle-warning system a rare nicety in near-luxury class.
Room/Comfort (rear)

1.8T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man. 1.8T sdn, CVT 3.0 sdn w/quattro, man. 3.0 Cabriolet Class Average
4 4 4 3 3.9

Supportive, nicely contoured seat. Head and leg room limited for large folk, but comparable to competitors. Cabriolet cramped for most adults.
Cargo Room

1.8T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man. 1.8T sdn, CVT 3.0 sdn w/quattro, man. 3.0 Cabriolet Class Average
7 3 3 2 3.9

Sedan's roomy trunk has rather small opening that precludes loading large objects, but split folding rear seatbacks compensate some and strut-type lid hinges don't eat into luggage space. Avant is versatile with its extra volume, augmented by several handy cargo bins and nets. When it's down, convertible's top eats into already small trunk space; convertible's seatbacks don't fold, but there is a ski pass-through.
Value within Class

1.8T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man. 1.8T sdn, CVT 3.0 sdn w/quattro, man. 3.0 Cabriolet Class Average
6 7 7 5 5.1

The A4 matches or beats most any class rival for refinement, performance, features, and variety of body styles. BMW, Infiniti, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, and Volvo feature AWD models, but no competitor offers AWD in a convertible, and none counters Audi's impressive CVT.
Total Score

1.8T Avant w/Sport Pkg., man. 1.8T sdn, CVT 3.0 sdn w/quattro, man. 3.0 Cabriolet Class Average
63 59 62 57 56.8
Scores for all Premium Compact Cars

Low Score
47
Average Score
56
High Score
63
2004 Audi A4 Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/30/2004
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
A4 1.8T 4-door sedan, manual $25,550 $23,085 $720
A4 1.8T 4-door sedan, CVT $26,700 $24,207 $720
A4 1.8T Cabriolet 2-door convertible, CVT $35,250 $31,816 $720
A4 1.8T quattro 4-door sedan, manual $27,750 $25,257 $720
A4 1.8T quattro 4-door sedan, automatic $28,800 $26,279 $720
A4 1.8T Avant quattro 4-door wagon, manual $28,750 $26,147 $720
A4 1.8T Avant quattro 4-door wagon, automatic $29,800 $27,169 $720
A4 3.0 4-door sedan, CVT $31,450 $28,423 $720
A4 3.0 quattro 4-door sedan, manual $33,240 $30,143 $720
A4 3.0 quattro 4-door sedan, automatic $34,290 $31,165 $720
A4 3.0 Avant quattro 4-door wagon, manual $34,240 $31,033 $720
A4 3.0 Avant quattro 4-door wagon, automatic $35,290 $32,055 $720
A4 3.0 Cabriolet 2-door convertible, CVT $41,800 $37,635 $720
A4 3.0 Cabriolet quattro 2-door conv., automatic $43,550 $39,385 $720
S4 quattro 4-door sedan, manual $45,650 $41,166 $720
S4 quattro 4-door sedan, automatic $46,800 $42,288 $720
S4 Avant quattro 4-door wagon, manual $46,650 $42,056 $720
S4 Avant quattro 4-door wagon, automatic $47,800 $43,178 $720
S4 Cabriolet quattro 2-door conv., manual $53,850 $48,464 $720
S4 Cabriolet quattro 2-door conv., automatic $55,000 $49,586 $720
Price note: S4 manual adds $1700 Gas-Guzzler Tax.
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
A4 1.8T
Powertrain
1.8-liter dohc turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, 5-speed manual or continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) w/manual-shift capability, traction control, front limited-slip differential.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, curtain side airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/dual-zone automatic climate controls, interior air filter, power steering, tilt/telescope leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats w/height adjustment, center console, cupholders, split folding rear seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, rear defogger, illuminated visor mirrors, map lights, variable-intermittent wipers w/heated washer nozzles, remote fuel-door and decklid release, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, headlight washers, front and rear fog lights, full-size spare tire, 215/55HR16 tires, alloy wheels.
A4 1.8T Cabriolet adds to A4 1.8T:
Safety
Automatic roll bars.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front-seat power lumbar adjustment, trunk pass-through w/ski sack, AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, power convertible top.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: curtain side airbags, split folding rear seat.
A4 1.8T quattro adds to A4 1.8T:
Powertrain
All-wheel drive, 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, front and rear limited-slip differentials.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front-seat power lumbar adjustment, AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, cargo cover (wagon), rear wiper/washer (wagon).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rails (wagon).
A4 3.0 adds to A4 1.8T:
Powertrain
3.0-liter dohc V6 engine, continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) w/manual-shift capability.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Vinyl/leather upholstery, 12-way power front seats w/power lumbar adjustment, wood interior trim.
A4 3.0 quattro adds to A4 3.0:
Powertrain
All-wheel drive, 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, front and rear limited-slip differentials.
Comfort and Convenience Features
AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, cargo cover (wagon), rear wiper/washer (wagon).
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Roof rails (wagon).
A4 3.0 Cabriolet adds to A4 3.0:
Safety
Automatic roll bars.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Power convertible top, AM/FM/cassette w/in-dash 6-disc CD changer, trip computer, outside-temperature indicator, trunk pass-through w/ski sack.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: curtain side airbags, split folding rear seat.
A4 3.0 quattro Cabriolet adds to A4 3.0 Cabriolet:
Powertrain
All-wheel drive, 5-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability, front and rear limited-slip differentials.
S4 adds to A4 3.0 quattro:
Powertrain
4.2-liter dohc V8 engine, 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission w/manual-shift capability.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Xenon headlights, sport suspension, 235/40ZR18 tires.
S4 Cabriolet adds to S4:
Safety
Automatic roll bars.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Trunk pass-through w/ski sack, power convertible top.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: curtain side airbags, split folding rear seat.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Sport Pkg.
1.8T, 1.8T quattro
$900
$801
3.0, 3.0 quattro, A4 Cabriolet
$750
$668
Aluminum trim (1.8T sedan/wagon, 1.8T quattro sedan/wagon), sport suspension, 235/45HR17 tires or 235/45YR17 tires.
Ultra Sport Pkg.
sedan, wagon
$2,950
$2,626
Perforated leather-wrapped steering wheel, aerodynamics pkg. aluminum trim, sport suspension, 235/40ZR18 tires. NA S4.
Premium Pkg.
S4 Cabriolet
$875
$779
Automatic day/night rearview and outside mirrors, compass, driver-seat and mirror memory, universal garage-door opener, light sensor pkg.
Enhanced Interior Pkg.
S4 sedan/wagon
$0
$0
Nappa leather/alcantara upholstery, exterior aluminum trim.
Infotainment Pkg.
1.8T quattro, 3.0 quattro, A4 Cabriolet
$1,000
$890
Satellite radio, Bose sound system.
Premium Audio Pkg.
S4
$1,000
$890
Satellite radio, Bose sound system.
Lighting Pkg.
1.8T, 1.8T quattro
$750
$668
Light sensor pkg., automatic day/night rearview mirror, xenon headlights.
Cold Weather Pkg.
A4 1.8T, A4 1.8T quattro, A4 3.0, A4 3.0 quattro
$625
$557
Heated front seat, ski sack. NA Cabriolet, S4.
Powertrain
California/Northeast emissions
A4 1.8T, A4 1.8T Cabriolet, A4 1.8T quattro, A4 3.0, A4 3.0 Cabriolet, A4 3.0 quattro, A4 3.0 quattro Cabriolet, S4, S4 Cabriolet
$150
$150
Safety
Rear side airbags
A4 1.8T, A4 1.8T quattro, A4 3.0, A4 3.0 quattro, S4
$350
$312
NA Cabriolet.
Comfort and Convenience Features
OnStar telematics system
A4 1.8T, A4 1.8T quattro, A4 3.0, A4 3.0 quattro
$850
$757
Includes one-year service. 1.8T sedan, 3.0 sedan require Bose sound system. NA Cabriolet, S4.
Navigation system
3.0, 3.0 quattro, 3.0 Cabriolet, 3.0 quattro cabriolet, S4
$1,350
$1,219
Leather upholstery
3.0, 3.0 quattro, 3.0 Cabriolet, 3.0 quattro Cabriolet
$1,000
$890
Leather upholstery w/sport seats
3.0 Cabriolet, 3.0 quattro Cabriolet
$1,500
$1,335
Heated front seats
Cabriolet, S4
$450
$401
Bose sound system
1.8T sedan, 3.0 sedan
$900
$801
Includes 6-disc CD changer.
Satellite radio
A4 1.8T, A4 1.8T Cabriolet, A4 1.8T quattro, A4 3.0, A4 3.0 Cabriolet, A4 3.0 quattro, A4 3.0 quattro Cabriolet, S4, S4 Cabriolet
$350
$312
Requires monthly fee. 1.8T sedan requires Bose sound system.
Steering-wheel radio and climate controls
S4
$150
$134
Telephone provisions
A4 1.8T, A4 1.8T quattro, A4 3.0, A4 3.0 quattro, S4
$306
$254
Phone cradle and bracket. S4 requires Infotainment Pkg. NA Cabriolet.
Power rear and manual side sunshades
3.0/3.0/S4 quattro sedan
$375
$334
Manual side sunshades
3.0 quattro/S4 wagon
$150
$134
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Special paint
A4 1.8T, A4 1.8T Cabriolet, A4 1.8T quattro, A4 3.0, A4 3.0 Cabriolet, A4 3.0 quattro, A4 3.0 quattro Cabriolet, S4, S4 Cabriolet
$450
$401
235/45HR17 tires
A4
$500
$445
2004 Audi A4 Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Audi A4 4-door sedan Audi A4 4-door wagon Audi A4 2-door convertible
Wheelbase, in. 104.3 104.3 104.5
Overall Length, in. 179.0 179.0 180.0
Overall Width, in. 69.5 69.5 70.0
Overall Height, in. 56.2 56.2 54.8
Curb Weight, lbs. 3252 3516 3638
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 13.4 60.6 10.2
Standard Payload, lbs. -- -- --
Fuel Capacity, gals. 18.5 18.5 18.5
Seating Capacity 5 5 4
Front Head Room, in. 38.4 38.4 37.9
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.3 41.3 41.3
Rear Head Room, in. 37.2 37.2 36.3
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 34.2 34.2 32.4
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  Turbocharged dohc I4 dohc V6 dohc V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 1.8 /109 3.0 /182 4.2 /255
Horsepower @ rpm. 170 @ 5900 220 @ 6300 340 @ 7000
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 166 @ 1950 221 @ 3200 302 @ 3500
Availability Standard Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
     
5-speed manual 22/31 --/-- --/--
6-speed manual 21/30 17/26 15/21
5-speed automatic 20/28 18/25 --/--
6-speed automatic --/-- --/-- 18/24
CVT automatic 23/29 20/28 --/--
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Audi A4 4-door sedan Audi A4 4-door wagon Audi A4 2-door convertible
Front Impact, Driver 4 4 NA
Front Impact, Passenger 4 4 NA
Rollover Resistance 4 NA NA
Side Impact, Driver 5 NA NA
Side Impact, Rear Passenger 4 NA NA
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%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain None/-- --
Bumper-to-bumper 4/50,000 --
Corrosion 12/unlimited --
Free roadside assistance 4/50,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance 4/50,000 --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: Germany
Drivewheels: front-wheel drive, all-wheel drive
Also in the 2004 Audi A4 Review:
5. 
Audi A4 Photos

6. 
Audi A4 Full Review

7. 
All Audi A4s

8. 
All Audis


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