2008 Audi A4 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Expert review
In its final year before a complete redesign, the 2008 Audi A4 continues to offer more variety than the competition.
Positioned one rung up the entry-luxury ladder from the Audi A3 hatchback, Audi offers the 2008 A4 in 2-door convertible, 4-door sedan, and 5-door station wagon body styles. The wagon, called the A4 Avant, is covered separately. You can also learn about the V8-powered and performance-tuned Audi S4 variants in a separate article. The high-performance Audi RS4 is discontinued for 2008.
Why cancel one of the great driver’s cars of the modern age? Well, 2008 is the final year for the current A4 sedan in advance of a complete redesign. The A4 convertible’s redesign is delayed until 2010.
Changes for both body styles are limited to standard S-line exterior trim and an available iPod interface, while the convertible includes heated front seats at no extra cost. An A4 Special Edition sedan arrived mid-way through the year, equipping the car with upgraded wheels, paint, and in combination with all-wheel drive, leather seats that were heated up front.
out of 10 expert review
Look & feel
Because of its front-wheel-drive platform, the 2008 Audi A4 carries plenty of visual weight over its front axle, giving the car ungainly proportions compared to rear-drive rivals like the BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G37, Lexus IS, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. Otherwise, the A4’s simple and technical design themes have aged gracefully since the car’s last complete redesign for the 2002 model year.
Both the A4 convertible and A4 sedan feature premium interior materials and tastefully restrained detailing. Subtle interior differences exist between the two body styles, most notably the round rather than rectangular air vents that give the drop-top a sportier flair. Cloth seats are standard in the sedan, while the convertible includes leather upholstery.
Performance
Choose an A4 with a “2.0T” badge on the back, and it has a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine good for 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. Versions with a “3.2” badge employ a 255-hp 3.2-liter V6 engine.
With the sedan body style, both engines are offered with front-wheel drive. Choose the convertible, and the V6 is paired with only Audi’s Quattro all-wheel-drive system. Quattro is an option with both engines in the sedan, and with the turbocharged 4-cylinder in the convertible.
Turbocharged A4 models with front-wheel drive use a continuously variable transmission (CVT). Add Quattro, and you can select between the 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission.
No matter which drivetrain you get, the 2008 A4 lacks power when lined up against its primary competitors. However, traditional German driving dynamics and the torque-distributing Quattro AWD help to make up for it, especially when the snow flies. For maximum handling and responsiveness, get the S-line Sport Package for its sport-tuned suspension.
Form & function
Thanks to a standard 8-way power-adjustable driver’s seat and a tilt/telescopic steering wheel, it’s easy to find a comfortable position in the Audi A4. Front passengers enjoy a manual seat-height adjuster, and heated front seats are available for the sedan and standard for the convertible.
Both body styles have small back seats. In the A4 sedan, this is more problematic, given the car’s role. In the A4 convertible, the two rear seats make it more practical than most open-air automobiles.
Interior storage is fairly limited. Aside from the cupholders, a small bin under the center armrest, and narrow door panel bins, the glove compartment is your primary spot in which to stash stuff.
Trunk room is typical of the compact luxury sedan class, at 13.4 cubic feet. The A4 convertible carries 10.2 cu.-ft. of luggage, even with the fabric top lowered.
Technology
Safety
The Audi A4’s airbag count is dependent on body style and optional equipment. Both the sedan and convertible include dual front and front side-impact airbags. Sedans include side-curtain airbags, and in both body styles, rear side-impact airbags are an option.
Every 2008 Audi A4 also has stability control, which can help the driver to correct a skid and avoid a collision. If the technology is unsuccessful, rest assured the A4 will do its best to protect you. The sedan earns a Top Safety Pick rating from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and gets a mix of 4-star and 5-star crash-test ratings from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Cost-effectiveness
The Audi A4 is now a 7-year-old design, but it’s also less expensive than its main rivals, with a base price of $28,900 for a front-drive sedan and $31,000 for one with Quattro.
Still, with far fresher engineering and technology, the more expensive BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G37, Lexus IS, and Mercedes-Benz C-Class might just be worth the extra cost.
What owners say
"The 2008 Audi A4 has garnered largely positive feedback from its owners, who appreciate its impressive performance, stylish design, and luxurious interior. Most drivers highlighted the car's handling, power, and comfort, particularly noting its strong acceleration and smooth ride. However, some mentioned that while it is fun to drive, it may not be the fastest in its class and could be a bit pricey to maintain. Overall, owners enjoy the Audi A4 as a reliable and enjoyable car."
Manual transmission is super sporty and fun compared to the automatic. No maintenence issues at all. Excellent in the snow. No issues getting up steep driveway all winter. MPGs in mid 20's around town and upper 20's to low 30's on highway.
May 19, 2011There are not enough superlatives to accurately describe this car. Fit and finish are fantastic. It offers superior comfort (Im 65), handles like a champ, provides surprising power from its strong 2.0 turbo and provides over 30+ highway MPG! This is a very special automobile.
April 28, 2023I liked the overall looks and the layout of the instrumentation. I liked the fact that the vehicle is all wheel drive. The vehicle had great power and felt very secure on the highway. Good greenhouse; no blind spots. Great!
April 1, 2015What owners say
Manual transmission is super sporty and fun compared to the automatic. No maintenence issues at all. Excellent in the snow. No issues getting up steep driveway all winter. MPGs in mid 20's around town and upper 20's to low 30's on highway.
May 19, 2011There are not enough superlatives to accurately describe this car. Fit and finish are fantastic. It offers superior comfort (Im 65), handles like a champ, provides surprising power from its strong 2.0 turbo and provides over 30+ highway MPG! This is a very special automobile.
April 28, 2023I liked the overall looks and the layout of the instrumentation. I liked the fact that the vehicle is all wheel drive. The vehicle had great power and felt very secure on the highway. Good greenhouse; no blind spots. Great!
April 1, 2015Compact good car to drive in city! Very nimble and responsive handling, acceleration is impressive, especially in sport mode! Solid machine with great road feel. Quattro is the best AWD available in snow, rain and where-ever with low road noise, highest interior quality, with good fuel enonomy for a 3.2L. Absolutely a blast to drive and yields respect for having good taste in owning a well made, attractive sport car. Lastly, Audi service is one of the best and consumer friendliest I've expirienced!
June 8, 2011In the summer of 2008, gas prices shot up to over $4.00/gallon for regular. When the transmission on the family's 1995 Audi A6 started to fail, my dad took this as an opportunity to decrease our family's gas bills by getting him out of our 2005 Jeep Grand Cherokee Hemi, and into something that gets better mileage. The man drives 20,000+ miles a year, so the car had to be comfortable. Our steep driveway as well our yearly and numerous trips to VT dictated that the car be 4WD. My dad was also looking to get back into a stick shift, no doubt steered by his enthusiast son. My dad had one brand in mind - BMW. BMW is a brand that signifies that you've arrived. Luxury, superb driving experience, and a good resale value make any BMW a good investment over time. My dad had also seen what a fantastic job my friend Gareth had done with his 2000 E39 BMW 528i that he started to consider a 3-series with xDrive AWD. Early searches led him to mostly 328xi models with automatics. The dealer then found an off-lease 2006 330xi with 8k miles and a 6-speed manual. I told my dad to wait on that deal. The BMW was bit too pricey at $34k, and Gareth and I had just been out cruising in Danbury when we stopped by the Audi dealer. I liked the improved B7 A4 styling (c. 2005) but was unaware that Audi had released the B7 Special Edition. It had a subtle-but-stylish body kit, sexy 17-inch wheels, just enough options to keep it from being a complete stripper, and best of all, the 2.0 liter turbocharged and direct-injected 4-cylinder. I told him he had to go check it out. The car pictured here is black on black and had no additional options other than the Special Edition Pkg, which came with 1-year free Sirius satellite radio, heated leather seats, 6-speed manual, 17-in Pirelli P6 all-seasons, and a sunroof. What made the deal sweeter was that the dealer wanted just over $30,000 for the whole thing. And my mom, who balked at the purchase of a "badge car," loved her old Audi and preferred the new Audi to the BMW. That just about sealed the deal. So (finally), what is it like to drive. Well, I never got to test drive the 330xi, as I was out of town that weekend, but my friends 528i is a slightly more engaging drive, despite being automatic. But the Audi is no slouch. It is very light on its feet, coupled with light clutch and shifter actions, and sharp steering. It also has a better ride, fuel economy (30+ mpg on the highway!) and the bad-weather traction of quattro AWD. The black interior accented with aluminum has a very austere German feel, much different than the warm beige w/ wood in the 1998 A4, but works very well I think. And with 9800 miles logged from June '08 - December '08, it has yet to put a foot wrong and my father has nary a complaint - only that my mom has abandoned her Mini Cooper S for the A4 as her winter vehicle of choice! Overall, it is a very competent car with enough space for 4 adults to travel in comfort. Audi's confident style, excellent build quality, and smooth dynamics make this car a perfect fit in the family.
January 20, 20092008 Audi Model: A4 Trim: S-Line 2.0T Quattro Color: Quartz Metallic Drivetrain: 6-speed manual 2.0L 200 HP Optional Upgrades: Dual power seats Dual Heated Seats Bose Premium Sound System Bluetooth Average Cost (Gas Tank): $49.65 (Premium) Maintenance: Paid through 100k Pros: I simply love the car. Whether it's hugging a turn in the city, or letting loose on the highway, the car remains quiet, tight, and easy to handle. Unlike comparable models, Audi's real-time AWD hugs turns. The 60/40 front bias gives it a more drivable feel, while still enabling it to weave in and out of traffic. Little to no body roll (which was a huge selling point). The attention to detail both internally and externally leave no doubt that this car was designed with the driver as well as passengers in mind. (This is noticeable both in the front and rear passenger seats -- as each has plenty of room to relax). Cons: 0-60: 6.5 seconds (though in all fairness it feels faster than test numbers indicate) I'd recommend Audi to anyone in the luxury car-buyer bracket - It's a great value for the money, and is definitely one of (if not THE) most drivable vehicle on the road. A joy to own. Period.
October 17, 2008Fantastic car with great pickup while remaining very fuel efficient. Traditionally brilliant Audi interior enhanced by the S-line and Titanium packages. The S-line suspension is further bolstered by the ever amazing Audi Quattro all-wheel-drive system. All in all a excellent introduction to the Luxury Class while remaining youthful and sporty.
August 5, 2008This car is quick stock, and even quicker with a tune. I love absolutely everything about this car. Its an absolute tank in the snow, and thats when its true potential is shown. Nothing like taking a turn sideways and feeling like you're in absolute control in 3 feet of snow.
June 28, 2012The car is quite performant, it is not that fast on acceleration but it is very fast on braking and very easy to handle. It is extremely gorgeous and has a dope style. The fact that the car is 4X4 makes it very fun to drive in all kind of weather.
August 21, 2008Performance - Its acceleration is perfect and brakes work perfectly. The overall handling of this magnificent car is staggering. Its price on fuel is a bit pricey but otherwise it's worth it. The car is definitely fun to drive with. The experience was quite amazing.
November 9, 2011Trims & specs
Base MSRP $36,300 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.2L 255 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 13.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $31,000 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 200 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 13.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $28,900 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 200 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 13.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $32,025 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 200 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 13.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP $29,750 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 200 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 13.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $41,850 | Seating 4 |
Engine 2.0L 200 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 10.2 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $47,900 | Seating 4 |
Engine 3.2L 255 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 10.2 cu ft |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $39,750 | Seating 4 |
Engine 2.0L 200 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 10.2 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $37,250 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.2L 255 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 13.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Base MSRP N/A | Seating N/A |
Engine N/A | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG N/A | Drivetrain N/A |
Pricing trends
MSRP range
$28,900 - $47,900
Current avg. market price
$6,506
Trending down by 1.8% this month
May 2026 - October 2026
