Audi A4 (2010 and older) Luxury
Audi A4 (2010 and older) Luxury
[Sep 21, 2000]
Karel
Model Reviewed:
Audi A4 Quattro
Strength:
Great Value. Nice ride. All-weather traction.
Weakness:
Soft suspension. Lack of driver leg room for six-footers. We owned this car at the same time as owning with a 3-series BMW. Similar Products Used: BMW 3-series. The Audi is a better value with much better all-weather traction. However, it is not as much a driver's car as the BMW. |
[Sep 15, 2000]
Louis
Model Reviewed:
A4 1.8T
Strength:
Styling, ergonomics and looks
Weakness:
Bad quality, Wind noise at front doors, non working door mirrors and vibration noises in the dash and service centers. The plan was to buy a German sports car for the family, because BMW is too expensive ($7000 for same features) I though Audi will be next best. I like Audi styling and ergonomics, great job. Similar Products Used: BMW 325i, Nissan 200SX 1.8T (European) |
[Sep 15, 2000]
Ramesh Sen
Model Reviewed:
A4 2.8
Strength:
I've got a brilliant black w/onyx leather FrontTrak Tiptronic. Even without the Quattro, I find the handling to be wonderful. The Tiptronic is pretty cool -- definitely beats a stick when sitting in traffic, and almost as much fun when actually driving. The styling is gorgeous (both inside and out), and it's different from the BMWs and Benzes that everyone seems to have around here, yet doesn't sacrifice any quality. It's got good passing power, a nice stereo, and German engineering/refinement.
Weakness:
It could stand a little more low-end power, I wish the power seats had a memory function, and I should have gotten it with a sunroof (although they did have this one on the lot, and I really needed the car ASAP). The black paint really shows dirt, although it's a showstopper when clean. I've only had it for about a month-and-a-half, but I absolutely love it. I sometimes wish I had something a bit sportier (TT, SLK), but that goes away whenever I think about having to take 4 people somewhere. I'd recommend this car to anyone who can afford the $32k but needs something practical. Anyone considering BMW 3's, Mercedes C-classes, or anything of that ilk should definitely have a look. As I said before I had a slightly restricted timeframe in buying this car (there was about a week between when I knew how much money I'd have to spend and when I needed to have the car), so I couldn't pick and choose my options as much as I would have liked. That said, even this "basic" A4 (the only option on it is leather, since the Tiptronic is standard on FWD 2.8s) is one great car. Similar Products Used: This is my first car :). I also check out a BMW 328i and a Mercedes-Benz SLK 230. I loved the SLK, but it was just too expensive and too impractical (and it's not exactly a "similar product"). The BMW was OK, but the interior was nowhere near as nice, there are a ton more on the roads, and it was more expensive. Even at the same price I would have taken the A4. |
[Sep 09, 2000]
Richard
Model Reviewed:
A4 2.8 Quattro
Strength:
It looks great, inside and out, and has a much nicer interior than anything in this class (the BMWs feel really cheap) with nice wood and quality leather (but it doesn't smell, which is sad). I love the instrument lighting in white and red, it looks sharp. I'm looking forward to winter to notice the benefits of AWD. The car is very stable, even over 120MPH and is relatively quiet. Even the sports suspension is comfy and the ride is taut, not harsh. This is a good, solid touring car with a sophisticated feel.
Weakness:
Power is barely adequate with the tiptronic automatic, even with the 30 valve 6 cyl. Fuel consumption seems extreme for such a small car, it doesn't get better than 17 MPG, ever! The ergonomics are poor and the controls aren't intuitive in their operation, Saab has Audi beat there! The seats aren't very comfy on short trips (too firm) and they lack a memory function which is unacceptable at this price. The optionnal BOSE sound system has very poor sound distribution, the sound comes from low down on the doors and the bass is often too weak or muddled. I didn't try the base setup, but the BOSE needs help. The steering isn't as communicative as I would like and it is too quick, making the car difficult to drive quickly (which means smoothly) (it turns too quickly and feels darty). Handling is very competent but not all that much fun or involving. The accelerator is way too sensitive, making the car lurch from every stop, a real PITA! Audi service at the dealership so far is poor and reliability isn't the best, but I'm only up to about 9000 miles. Do I recommend it? Sure, but be aware that it's a luxury tourer and not a ultra-serious performance sedan, even if grip is quite impressive. It doesn't communicate enough with the driver, in my opinion. It likes being driven quickly on long stretches of highway, where it's a great partner. Quiet competence, refinement and beauty are the best words to describe it, I thnik. But it's not the magical combination of intoxicating performance, practicallity, value and economy that Saab offers. Ah well, I still have one Saab left, a '96 9000 Aero. Now that's a real sports sedan! Similar Products Used: I tested the BMW 323ci before getting the Audi. All I can say is that the BMW felt really cheap, ugly interior and poor quality plastic everywhere, and it didn't feel that much sportier on the 2 test drives I put it through. I wasn't impressed. I had a '97 Saab 900 SE-Turbo which I sold to get the Audi. I really miss the Saab, it was much more fun, a true sports sedan, had better seats by far and was very roomy and practical. It was VERY fast and involving, and very communicative, although extremely refinned it was not. It did turn out to be very reliable though. The Audi feels more like a luxury sedan, even with the sports package. I think my next car will be another Saab. The Audi, although I like it, hasn't yet captured my heart! |
[Sep 11, 2000]
Dirk Diggler
Model Reviewed:
Audi A4 2.8
Strength:
Excellent styling, simple, yet attractive. Excellent wheels with an agressive offset, beautiful interior, informative instrumentation. Build quality is better than anything I've seen in this class, and some higher classes.
Weakness:
Throttle response is weak, you need to get on the gas pretty hard before it gets up and goes anywhere. Transmission upshifts too soon for fuel economy reasons causing the motor to lug. Car feels very sluggish in hot weather. The car should have better pick up for having a 5 speed auto and 172hp in a small car. Stock stereo is garbage. Receives only strong FM signals, has muffled bass and too much treble, no mids whatsoever. Overall, this is an excellent car that I love to drive. It's quiet, smooth, refined, and you like to be seen in it. This is an excellent car for someone who wants to get into upper scale german quality for a reasonable price. If you have the extra coin, go for an S4 and enjoy a serious german driving experience with power to spare. Similar Products Used: '96 Lexus ES300. Lexus built quality, styling, and driving enjoyment doesn't compare to the A4. However Lexus is much quicker with it's 3.0 24v quad cam V6. |
[Aug 29, 2000]
Troy Shadbolt
Model Reviewed:
A4 1.8TQ
Strength:
Styling, Easily customized and tuned, interior space, handling, price-for-performance ratio.
Weakness:
150HP as stock, now at 170HP. Now why is that? Because 150 wasn't enough! I think anyone considering a BMW should look long and hard at the comperable Audi product. Audi's are better designed and have the Similar Products Used: I've never owned a 4-door sedan before; but the A4 sure beats the pants off my old Mustang! |
[Sep 05, 2000]
john cali
Model Reviewed:
.5/a4 2.8
Strength:
AWD flexibility, safe, very adjustable drivers seat, telescoping steering wheel, good brakes, audi service
Weakness:
Manual transmission sloppy, Clutch hard to modulate, alot of electrical problems, very bad gas mileage, I LOVE this car. Although I recommend that you get a new bmw 3 series if you don't live in a temperate climate. I do. When I go to Vermont to ski there's no car I'd rather have. With the right tires this car could lead the plow. If it werent for the AWD I never would've gotten this car. I've had alot of electrical problems, all covered under warranty and repaired of course. I needed a new sunroof switch,new windshield fluid dispenser(it was leaking all over), a new fuel gauge and sensor(I never knew how much fuel I had in the tank for 2 months--the time it took to get a service appt), I also needed a new steering wheel because the leather started to peel, and a new window for the drivers door because it was getting scratched internally, my cigarette lighter also needed to be fixed(don't plug your cell phone in that thing), and all my cupholders broke and occasionally the cruise control won't work(they haven't fixed that one yet). Needless to say I had a little talk with the mangr at my dealership. That's alot of things wrong considering that our 2000 328ci had NO problems. That's nice. This car also only has enough leg-room in the back for a fetus. I pray you're not a family man/woman. Another down side is that I only get 14-15 MPG. I know because the trip computer tells you. The sticker said at least 17. Granted I do race the engine alot but that's bad mileage. Though it gets better on the highway. On the positive side this car brakes great, has a 10 way power drivers seat, is real comfortable( as long as you're in the front),handles real nice, and is overall very smooth. I'd say that this is a great car for single people or couples living in a snowy area. If I lived in calif. I'd get a RWD BMW. FINAL NOTE---> The 1.8t is for teenagers. If you're going to do it, do it right. On that car the seat isn't nearly as adjustable, the brakes are smaller, and the car is WAY slower. I got my a4 2.8 for 31,650(every option), which was 5,000 off msrp(year-end special). If you were willing to spend 40k or so you get into the new BMW 330xi AWD sedan coming this fall. I wish I waited. Similar Products Used: 2000 BMW 328ci The bmw has also been in the family a year and has had no problems. The steering has a better feel and the handling is better. Their is also much more room front and back. The 328 is so bad in snow though that it doesn't even leave the garage in the winter. |
[Aug 30, 2000]
David
Model Reviewed:
Audi A4 quattro 1.8 turbo
Strength:
Audi's fit and finish is probably the best in the industry (price no object). Ride is smooth and tight, no rattles, no annoying noises what so ever. The unequaled quattro drive system is something that has to be experienced to believed, amazing. Optional Bose sound system is the best factory sound system I have heard. I purchased Audi's optional Pearl white paint job for 1200 dollars above the normal cost of the standard colors. Flawless finish and depth. It was worth every penny. Auto/Tiptronic transmission borrowed from Porsche is smooth. Tiptronic is an actual 5 speed clutchless manual for hi-preformance driving. Some other manufactures use a concept like this but, Audi's actually works, it really drives like a manual. In automatic mode shiftpoints are almost undetectable. Optional sport package includes bigger rims,tires,and beefed-up lowered sport suspension. This combined with the quattro makes this one of the finest sport sedans in the world. There are too many more options to list, alot of them are options only found on Audi's
Weakness:
I havent found too many other than price. It is High but not for a car of this caliber. Rear seats are not big, but they are comfortable for two adults in the back. Audi is a joy to drive. Everthing in and on the car was well thought out. Absolute top of the line paint and materials are used to manufacture this car, and it is obvious. Slam the door and you hear a solid thud. Most of the amazing things about this car are features you cant even see but you can feel them when you drive the A4 hard. The 2001 A4 1.8 turbo has 20 more horses under the hood and I could tell. The car is equiped with 8 different airbags for front and rear passengers. Options and features go on and on... This car will pamper you and it will thrill you. I guess quality workmanship never goes out of style Similar Products Used: BMW ,M.Benz, Lexus. I have driven similarly equipped cars and I found fit and finish in these cars are great but Audi's is better. None can really compete with Audi's quattro drive system. Audi has made it clear it dose'nt want to just compete in the hi-end sport sedan market, it wants to win. |
[Aug 25, 2000]
Julian
Model Reviewed:
A4
Strength:
I love this car!! The car is quick.. Many mods can be done to make it quicker such as re-programming the ECU. I always get complemented on the car's looks.. In Miami, BMWs are a dime a dozen.. Audi A4 is a fresh and hip alternative. This is my first German car and I am not regretting it at all. I actually smile when I write the check every month!!
Weakness:
Would of liked real leather instead of leatherette.. I bought it through the web from Shelton Imports in Ft Myers, Fl.. Best way to shop is by Autobytel or Carpoint.. Similar Products Used: BMW 323ci. |
[Sep 02, 2000]
Michael O'Brien
Strength:
Trouble free, feature rich, handles well, exciting to drive.
Weakness:
Speakers suck. Not much leg room. I purchased my Audi to replace my GMC Jimmy that was breaking down weekly and have never once regreted it. Audi's warrantee pays for everything (including belts, oil, headlights, etc.) for the first three years which gives me giant peace of mind (I have never really had to use it though). I paid about $23,000 for the A4 1.8T with the sports package (sun roof, xenon lights, etc.). Similar Products Used: Wife's car is a Saturn -- the differece is like riding a moped and a BMW motorcycle. |