The Audi A4 provided a much-needed jolt to both the German automaker’s reputation and its lineup when it first hit the scene in the United States for the 1996 model year. The German brand had (arguably unfairly) been targeted by news organizations following reports of unintended acceleration in its premium Audi 5000 sedan, and even if that could be overlooked, the company’s lineup was looking outdated next to competitors such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz. Japanese luxury brands such as Acura, Infiniti, and especially Lexus were making major inroads in the premium segment, too.
Enter the all-new A4, a completely new machine that reinvigorated Audi’s lineup and gave it a fully modern model to go against the best of what its competition had to offer, cementing the brand’s reputation for engineering and helping make quattro, Audi’s sophisticated all-wheel-drive system, a household name. The A4, along with the beautiful TT sports coupe and convertible, ushered in a new sense of style—both inside and out— that would go on to define the brand for the next decade. After 30 years and five generations, Audi discontinued the A4 in the United States for the 2026 model year, replacing the long-running luxury car with a fully redesigned A5.
The Audi A4 sedan and A4 Avant wagon may no longer be gracing showroom floors in America, but the popular nameplate’s legacy in the automotive world is assured.
Audi A4 Buying Guide: Cost, Reliability, and the Best Years to Buy
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Audi A4 Pros and Cons
- Audi A4 Generations
- Audi A4 Fifth Generation (2017-2025)
- Audi A4 Fourth Generation (2009-2016)
- Audi A4 Third Generation (2005-2008)
- Audi A4 Second Generation (2002-2004)
- Audi A4 First Generation (1996-2001)
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Audi A4 years are the best?
Audi A4 models from 2017 through the end of production for the 2025 model year have all proven quite reliable. This final-generation Audi A4 model was offered with two different engines, both displacing 2.0 liters and both boosted by a turbocharger. The base version made 190 horsepower from 2017-2019, 188 hp in 2020 and 201 with the addition of a mild hybrid system in its final few years. While those primarily interested in fuel economy may be drawn to this version, which was badged Ultra or A4 40 TFSI and was EPA-rated to deliver 27 miles per gallon in the city, 37 mpg on the highway and 31 mpg combined, those who prefer more punch in their sporty sedans will want the more powerful version. From 2017-2019 the optional engine delivered 252 hp, dropping slightly to 248 in 2019 and then up to 261 until it ceased production in 2025, badged A4 45 TFSI.
Audi’s well-regarded quattro all-wheel-drive system was optional with most A4 variants in its final generation, and it’s desirable for those who wish to maximize performance and gain some extra traction in inclement weather. Fans of cool technology will also appreciate Audi’s Virtual Cockpit that replaces the standard instrument cluster gauges with a fully digital display. Virtual Cockpit debuted for the 2017 model year and came bundled with the Technology Package that was optional with Premium Plus models and standard with A4 Prestige models.
An engine update for the 2014 model year increased performance and improved reliability, though the benefits weren’t fully realized until the following year. The 2015 and 2016 Audi A4 models from the fourth-generation have few issues according to CarComplaints.com, which makes them reasonable options for buyers looking for a pre-owned bargain.
What are the worst Audi A4 years?
The 2009 Audi A4 has more complaints lodged against it than any other, and CarComplaints.com highlights that year and the 2011 edition as the two most troublesome. In reality, any A4 with a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine built prior to 2014 should be checked thoroughly by a qualified mechanic. Common problems for the 2.0T engine include excessive oil consumption, timing chain and chain tensioner failures, oil leakage and problems related to excessive carbon buildup. Any of these problems could turn an A4 into an expensive maintenance headache.
Buyers looking at an A4 from the first through third generations (which covers any version from 1996 through 2008) may find attractive cars for attractive prices but should be prepared to spend money on regular maintenance and upkeep. An Audi A4 is likely going to be more expensive to repair than a similarly sized Chevy, Ford, Honda, or Toyota, so buyers who want to avoid the potential of big repair bills at all costs should probably look elsewhere.
Is a used Audi A4 a good deal?
The right Audi A4 represents a good deal compared to its modern competition. Like the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class the A4 competes with, and really German luxury and sport sedans in general, the Audi A4 loses quite a large chunk of value within its first few years on the road. While that’s not great for the initial buyer, it means a newer, low-mileage A4 represents a bargain for the second.
A 2021 or newer pre-owned Audi A4 with reasonable mileage is a lot of car if you find one near you in the $30,000-$35,000 range. That’s more than $10,000 less than the average cost of a brand-new car in the United States in 2025, and around the average cost across all used-car segments. Considering how well-rounded the A4 became as it gracefully aged ahead of its removal from the market, buyers looking for a bargain-priced pre-owned model from a premium German automaker have good reason to consider Audi’s compact sedan.
Audi A4 Pros and Cons
Pros
- Multiple body styles
- Fun to drive
- Impressive technology
Cons
- Underwhelming base engines
- Cramped back seat
- Outdated technology on older models
Audi A4 Generations
Audi A4 Fifth Generation (2017-2025)
The fifth and final generation of the Audi A4 sedan hit the U.S. market for the 2017 model year. In addition to the Premium, Premium Plus, and Prestige trim levels, Audi introduced an A4 designed to deliver improved fuel economy called the A4 Ultra. The 2017 Audi A4 Ultra’s 190-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged engine delivered 27 miles per gallon in the city, 37 mpg on the highway and 31 mpg combined. Other A4 models got a more powerful version of the turbocharged engine that delivered 252 horsepower and 273 pound-feet of torque. So equipped, the A4 in front-wheel-drive guise with its seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission was rated by the EPA at 25 mpg city, 33 mpg highway, and 28 combined. Opting for quattro all-wheel drive dropped the combined figure to 27 mpg with either a six-speed manual transmission or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
The 2017 Audi A4 in its base Premium trim level offered standard 17-inch wheels, forward collision mitigation, leather seats, a sunroof, a rearview camera and Audi’s Drive Select adjustable settings. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were also standard, along with the automaker’s MMI infotainment system on a seven-inch screen. The Premium Plus added smart options such as 18-inch wheels, LED headlights, a 19-speaker Bang & Olufsen audio system and S Line exterior additions. A Technology Package for the Premium Plus added rear collision mitigation, blind-spot monitoring, a 12.3-inch Virtual Cockpit, and a larger 8.3-inch MMI screen. In top-spec Prestige trim, the 2017 A4 benefited from a head-up display and a surround-view camera system. Adaptive suspension was optional with the Prestige trim level, and Sport, Sport Plus, Driver Assistance (a bundle that added adaptive cruise control with traffic jam assist, active lane assist, and high beam assist), Cold Weather and Hot Weather packages were available.
The A4 Ultra was discontinued for the 2019 model year, but its lower-powered engine was still offered and badged A4 40 TFSI. The more powerful 2.0-liter turbocharged engine was badged A4 45 TFSI. All A4 models came standard with a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission and quattro all-wheel drive remained optional. An interior facelift for the 2020 model year brought an upgraded MMI system with a 10.1-inch touch screen, while the 2021 Audi A4 got a power bump along with a mild-hybrid drivetrain to deliver 261 hp and 273 lb-ft. That powertrain would remain with the A4 through the end of its production run that ended with the 2025 model year.
The German automaker’s current mainstream sedan is called the Audi A5, and it joins the smaller A3 and larger A6 sedan for the 2026 model year. Audi also offers a range of fastback models that it calls Sportbacks, including the popular Q5 crossover and the beautiful A7.
Audi A4 Fourth Generation (2009-2016)
Audi enlarged its A4 sedan and Avant wagon variants in 2009, which marked the first model year of the compact luxury car’s fourth generation. Interior space, particularly for rear-seat passengers, and cargo capacity both improved with the redesign, making the A4 an attractive option for buyers comparing it with the BMW 3 Series and the Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The new chassis allowed Audi to reposition the engine a bit further back from the front of the car, improving weight distribution and handling. Audi’s long-serving quattro all-wheel-drive system remained optional. The A4 Cabriolet carried forward in its previous form and, while the A4 sedan and the A4 Avant wagon were updated, 2009 would be the final year that Audi offered an A4 convertible in America. A new car called the A5 replaced the A4 Cabriolet.
Audi’s 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder and 3.2-liter V6 engines were both upgraded for the 2009 model year. The turbo four spun out 2011 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Models with FWD and the four-cylinder engine featured a continuously variable transmission while models with quattro AWD got a six-speed manual transmission or a conventional automatic. The optional V6 engine produced 265 hp and 243 lb-ft of torque and was hooked to a six-speed automatic regardless of whether the A4 was FWD or had quattro AWD.
Audi upgraded the A4’s interior with new controls for its Multi Media Interface, or MMI technology. Radar-based adaptive cruise control was available, and a Drive Select system allowed the driver to tailor the A4’s dynamics to their liking.
Three trim levels were offered for 2009, starting with the Premium. Standard were 17-inch wheels, a sunroof, leather seating surfaces and power front seats, the MMI infotainment system, and a 10-speaker audio system. The Premium Plus upgraded the headlights with bi-xenon bulbs, added Bluetooth connectivity, heated front seats, three-zone climate control and an iPod jack for music. At the top of the range, the Audi A4 Prestige received 18-inch wheels, keyless ignition and entry and an early version of Audi’s lane-change warning system. The A4 Prestige also got a Bang & Olufsen audio system with 14 speakers.
Audi discontinued the V6 engine for the 2010 model year, leaving the 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder as the only powerplant. BMW and Mercedes-Benz still offered smooth six-cylinder engines in their competitors, though Audi wasn’t actually down on power. A CVT transmission was still offered in FWD A4 models while cars equipped with quattro AWD used either a six-speed manual transmission or a conventional six-speed automatic transmission. For 2011, the six-speed automatic was upgraded to a new eight-speed unit.
The Audi A4’s styling was refreshed for the 2013 model year. The MMI infotainment system was upgraded, and the A4 Avant wagon was replaced by the A4 Allroad, which was marketed as a crossover in a wagon’s clothing with increased ground clearance and body cladding for a more rugged look.
The A4 sedan’s 2.0-liter turbocharged engine was upgraded for the 2014 model year and now made 220 horsepower. Reliability was also improved over the previous version of the engine, which went on to be confirmed in the real world with fewer complaints of leaks and heavy maintenance requirements. There weren’t any major changes to the fourth-generation Audi A4 sedan for its final two model years, though the Prestige was dropped in 2016, leaving the A4 Premium and Premium Plus as the two available trim levels.
Audi A4 Third Generation (2005-2008)
The third-generation Audi A4 debuted for the 2005 model year and was more of a heavy upgrade than a complete redesign. The A4 Cabriolet took a bit longer to refresh, and received the sedan and Avant wagon’s updates in 2007. Under the skin, suspension refinements improved the A4’s ride and handling, but the most noticeable change to the A4 was a new grille, larger in every dimension than before. The rest of the bodywork was also redesigned and looked bolder.
Audi enlarged both the turbocharged four-cylinder engine and the optional V6 engine. The 1.8T grew to an even 2.0 liters and a direct-injection system that Audi called Fuel Stratified Injection, or FSI for short, was added. Power stood at 200 horses. The V6 engine was enlarged from 3.0 to 3.2 liters, also gained FSI direct injection, and was rated at 255 horsepower. An S-Line package included 18-inch alloy wheels, a sportier suspension setup, and unique interior and exterior trim.
There weren’t many significant changes to the third-generation Audi A4 throughout its four-year run.
Audi A4 Second Generation (2002-2004)
The second generation of Audi’s premium compact A4 sedan and Avant wagon debuted for the 2002 model year. As is so often the case with automobile redesigns, the new A4 was a bit larger than before, with a roomier interior. A stiffer chassis and a multi-link suspension setup improved handling. As before, two engines were available—a turbocharged four-cylinder called the 1.8T was standard and offered 170 horsepower. A five-speed manual transmission was standard with the turbocharged four, and a continuously variable Multitronic automatic transmission was optional with front-wheel drive, while models with Audi’s quattro all-wheel-drive system got a traditional Tiptronic automatic.
New for 2002 was an optional 3.0-liter V6 engine with 220 hp. The V6 engine came with either a six-speed manual while the same automatic transmissions as the turbocharged four-cylinder engine carried over to the V6 model. Audi introduced the A4 Cabriolet (otherwise known as a convertible) for the 2003 model year. The five-speed manual for four-cylinder A4 models was replaced with a more modern six-speed unit for the 2004 model year.
A new version of the popular A4 was released partway through the 2005 model year.
Audi A4 First Generation (1996-2001)
The Audi A4 showed up in American showrooms for the 1996 model year as a replacement for the slow-selling Audi 90 sedan. The standard powerplant was a 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that spun out 150 horsepower hooked to a five-speed manual transmission. Optional upgrades included a 2.8-liter V6 engine with 172 hp, a Tiptronic automatic transmission that could be shifted manually and quattro all-wheel drive. The V6 was upgraded for the 1998 model year with an even 190 hp, and the A4 Avant station wagon also debuted.
Audi upgraded its base 1.8T engine in 2001. Now making 170 hp, the four-cylinder engine was available in both sedan and wagon bodystyles and with standard front-wheel drive or with optional quattro all-wheel drive.
