2008 Audi A4 Wagon

Not Yet Ranked

MSRP: $32,000 - $39,400
Invoice: $29,760 - $36,643
MPG: 20 City / 28 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores
Overall:NA
Performance:NA
Exterior:NA
Interior:NA
Safety:NA
Reliability:NA
Pros
  • Elegant cabin quality
  • Pleasing road dynamics
  • An Insurance Institute "Top Safety Pick" for 2008
  • Stylish exterior
Cons
  • V6 engine doesn't offer as much horsepower as some luxury wagons
  • Tight rear seating
  • Minimal cargo room for a wagon

Audi A4 Wagon - What the Auto Press Says

The A4 Avant has a top-notch interior, an appealing exterior design and available all-wheel drive, but not too many people or too much cargo will fit in the wagon's rear.

If you're shopping for a luxury wagon, it's hard to find many that offer the understated style and overall refinement of Audi's A4 Avant. In this era of high gas prices, many are looking at wagons as an appealing alternative to SUVs. Our analysis finds the automotive press is pleased with the A4 Avant's solid performance and sound ride. During their test drive, The Auto Channel team was specifically surprised "by the sense of security and comfort " and reveled in "the sense of luxury."

Reviewers do warn that rear seat comfort is not at a premium for the A4 Avant, nor is cargo space abundant. When noting the wagon's low points, Forbes says the 2008 A4 Avant isn't appropriate if "you need comfortable seating for five large adults; you prefer a car that skews either toward luxury or performance rather than blending the two; you prefer flashy styling." Still, USA Today says, "If you can live with the modest dimensions that come with small cars, there is little else to criticize." If you're shopping for a luxury wagon, consider the hard-to-beat BMW 3-Series Wagon.

  • "Stylish, sure-footed, and smooth." -- Car and Driver
  • "Buy the Audi A4 if you want a comfortable, stylish and solid-performing sporty station wagon that isn't as harsh-riding as some of the competition; you want AWD; you need a high-quality compact car that can comfortably carry kids in the back on a long trip or can squeeze in several adults on short trips." -- Forbes
  • "A delight to drive, tight inside." -- USA Today

A4-Wagon Performance - NA

The 2008 Audi A4 Avant has enough engine power and crisp handling to please most wagon buyers. USA Today says, "Even if it had been a tough day and you just wanted to survive the drive home, after a few minutes the lively A4 had you quite involved in the process and happy about it." Continue with our full Performance Review for a better understanding of the A4's available quattro all-wheel drive. continue

A4-Wagon Exterior - NA

The 2008 A4 Avant resembles other Audis more than it resembles other station wagons, a design decision that's generally appreciated. The Auto Channel writes, "You immediately notice the subtle combination of classic yet sporty exterior style." Check out the A4 Avant Photo Gallery to wagon, or continue with our full Exterior Review to find out about similarities between the A4 and the larger A6. continue

A4-Wagon Interior - NA

While some luxury models promote a plush interior, Audi takes a minimalist approach. USA Today says the A4 Avant's inside is "typically Audi-esque, which means tasteful, tight and businesslike." U.S. News' reviewer Rick Newman writes "the elegant cabin, Audi's signature expertise, makes a sporting ride feel relaxing at the same time." Check out the A4 Avant Photo Gallery to view the wagon's austere design elements, or continue with our Interior Review to read experts' warnings concerning the confining rear seats. continue

A4-Wagon Safety - NA

The 2008 Audi A4 Avant does well in federal government crash tests, and is one of the insurance industry's Top Safety Picks for 2008. Continue with our full Safety Review for details on crash test results, or to learn what safety equipment helped the A4's rating. continue

A4-Wagon Reliability - NA

Audi offers a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty for its vehicles. Our full A4 Avant Reliability Review lists the wagon's additional coverage. continue

Review Last Updated: 7/14/08