1997 Audi A4 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
In 1997, the Audi A4 gets a new engine choice, a 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder, turbo that hits 150-hp. This is meant to be a more affordable car...
In 1997, the Audi A4 gets a new engine choice, a 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder, turbo that hits 150-hp. This is meant to be a more affordable car than the 2.8 V6, which later in 1997 gets an upgrade from 172 to 190-horsepower. Both engine types are available as four-wheel drive or the AWD quattro, coupled with a standard 5-speed manual transmission. Other changes in the 1997 A4 include a restyled rear on the 2.8, plus new interior fabrics. In the midyear engine upgrade in the 2.8, traction control and side airbags come standard.
The 1.8, though billed as the budget model, still does not skimp on creature comforts and comes standard with most of the same features as the 2.8, including ABS brakes, cruise control, and power windows and locks. A Sports Package, offered with both the 1.8 and 2.8 adds a lower suspension, bigger performance tires, sports-tuned shocks, and more supportive seats. An All-Weather Package gives you heated seats (a highlight for owners) and heated locks and mirrors. Leather seats and sunroof are optional.
The 1997 Audi A4 is Audi's compact car, but its rounded roofline and loads of glass make it feel bigger than it really is. With lots of legroom up front (sorry, backseat riders suffer from minimal legroom) and cargo room in the trunk that can be expanded with the 60/40 split-fold rear seat, the 1997 A4 is a family sedan that is both practial and luxurious. As always, the Audi A4 hugs the road, safe and solid, yet agile to drive, with little shudder or body roll. One driver admitted they purposely drive in the snow because of the quattro's great handling. Other high points include the heated seats and Audi's sleek styling inside and out. Low points include a weak acceleration, shoddy cupholders that spill more than they hold, a cramped backseat, and, as always, costly costly costly repairs.
What owners say
"Overall, owners really appreciate the 1997 Audi A4 for its great handling, solid build quality, and comfortable interior. Many drivers enjoy its performance, especially when it comes to cornering and acceleration. However, some common concerns include the need for more power, expensive maintenance, and cramped backseat space. While it’s an enjoyable car to drive, potential buyers should be aware of the reliability issues that can arise with older models."
Love the performance, quick off the mark, and excellent midrange power. Sport seats are very comfy. The build quality is excellent, everything feels solid and firm. It handles like a dream, you can throw it into a corner and it hold amazingly. The turbo has a bit of lag, but thats to be expected. Its such a fun car to drive.
September 22, 2008love everything about this car, except its age - we need a newer one!! so much better than our 'normal everyday car' so powerfull and great fun to drive (when he lets me!) this car has always passed its mot and needed very little spent on repairs. would recommend to friends!
August 14, 2008LIKES Love these cars to pieces !!!......Reliable, well built, great drive/handling and don't rust. DISLIKES Hmmmmmm..........now thats a hard one......need to think about that. Maybe could do with a bit more legroom in back but if its a problem then just get an A6 !!!....sorted !!!
July 12, 2008What owners say
Love the performance, quick off the mark, and excellent midrange power. Sport seats are very comfy. The build quality is excellent, everything feels solid and firm. It handles like a dream, you can throw it into a corner and it hold amazingly. The turbo has a bit of lag, but thats to be expected. Its such a fun car to drive.
September 22, 2008love everything about this car, except its age - we need a newer one!! so much better than our 'normal everyday car' so powerfull and great fun to drive (when he lets me!) this car has always passed its mot and needed very little spent on repairs. would recommend to friends!
August 14, 2008LIKES Love these cars to pieces !!!......Reliable, well built, great drive/handling and don't rust. DISLIKES Hmmmmmm..........now thats a hard one......need to think about that. Maybe could do with a bit more legroom in back but if its a problem then just get an A6 !!!....sorted !!!
July 12, 2008This car is really powerful! But its still classy and comfortable. If you have a heavy right foot this car is going to be a bit pricey on the petrol side but otherwise is very reliable! But wow what a joy it is to drive!
August 17, 2011Love this car, its light, fast, and is built to last. It's got a beautiful white leather interior and it get's up and goes. Classy and the Germans definitely know what they are doing. Overall this is a great entry level Audi.
December 31, 2010Car handles excellent, acceleration is soild and braking is amazing (depends if u get the right brakes tho). If u get the 4wd quattro, the handling is top notch compared to any other 4wd and Fwd car, but if you do choose to get the Fwd u are missing out on the Audi experince. The build quality is amazing, i still have the orginal paint job and there is no fading what so every cept for the minor scratches and such. Car is soild and as long as you take it in for mantience the car will stay that way. Its a fantastic looking car for being 11 years old, people can't believe its a 97 when i tell them. the interior leather is amazing! no joke yall, it still looks new, its the only interior leather i've seen to last so long and look so good. Gas mileage isn't the greatest, 17-18 city, 25-27 highway not bad for a V6. Car is fun to take on the back roads and go for a drive, hugs the road on the turns and accelerates beautifuly out of them, ive done nothing upgrade wise to this car and suits me fine. Now for the bad... I've had some problems tho, the powersterring is kinda lecky, idk if it was my fault of my own for bottoming the car out on the road, but ive had problems with it before my little run in, parts are expensive as hell tho...also the back is really cramped and the middle seat is hard as a rock, great trunk space tho, if u floor it sometimes it lags for a half a second before it goes into full gear (auto transmission) other than that i can't think of any problems, nothing major with the powertrain, the car is a work of ark, Audi is a fine company and i plan on buying on for now on, thats if i have the money of course!
July 10, 2008Performance and handling are excellent and makes it a fun car to drive. Quattro is great in snow and rain. Reliability is questionable and maintenance is very expensive. It needs better drink holders. Back seat leg room is limited, but the trunk space makes up for it.
June 15, 2008fast, stick shift, good handling car, all wheel drive. pretty good gas mileage, looks ok.
February 24, 2008I love this car very much. It doesn't feel like an old car. In fact, it's much nicer looking and more luxurious than a lot of cars made today. It's not really fast but then again, how fast do you want your 4 door, 5 seater to be? Smooth ride and every imaginable function. Even the seat warmers have 6 levels!!!
March 15, 2008The Audi A4 Quattro is a great little car; it looks good and handles great. It is one of my favourites. Besides the suspension wearing out in shorter than average time span (compared to other cars), it has a low maintenance cost. After your first snow fall driving one you'll appreciate just how good a car it is!
September 16, 2008
