2008 Audi A4 [ 2009 , 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 44 A4 reviews and test drives.
Audi A4 - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Audi A4 ranks 8 out of 16 Upscale Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 44 published reviews and test drives of the Audi A4, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The A4 is an impressive performance vehicle, particularly when equipped with the available quattro all-wheel-drive system, and it offers a luxurious interior with superior build quality and materials.
Auto reviews say the 2008 Audi A4's refined performance, austere exterior design, top-notch build quality and high-class cabin make it a solid consideration among upscale midsize sedans. In fact, several say the A4's biggest pitfall is it belongs to the same class as the gold standard BMW 3-Series -- although the A4 gets good to very good scores in all our ranked categories, it's attributes aren't distinctive enough to break into the top-five upscale midsize cars for performance, exterior, interior or safety.
The A4 carries over to 2008 virtually unchanged since its last major redesign in 2005. Many reviews praised the sedan during test drives, but since then several of the A4's competitors have experienced redesigns, including the Cadillac CTS and Mercedes Benz C-Class. The 2008 Audi A4 Special Edition will be introduced later this year with various exterior and interior enhancements. The redesigned 2009 Audi A4 is expected in late 2008.
The Audi A4 Cabriolet, a two-door convertible trim, is also available and reviewed separately here; The A4 Avant, a wagon model, is also ranked and reviewed separately on our site. The A4 sedan is offered in numerous trims.
If you're interested in an upscale midsize sedan but not sold on the Audi A4, also consider the number-one ranked BMW 3-Series sedan or coupe.
- "Audi's small sedan continues to be a favorite for its solid feel and elegant styling. It gets top marks in ergonomics and driver-friendly packaging, though it's a bit tight in the back seat. It's not as intense as a BMW 3-Series, but it's far from boring and is plenty good looking." -- Car and Driver
- "With a new A4 on the horizon, we're betting you'll soon be able to find some killer deals on the current model. And for most of us, this soon-to-be "old" A4 has about everything we're looking for in a sporty sedan." -- AutoWeek
- "The 2008 A4 demonstrates Audi's ability to run with the competition when it comes to performance, but the car's imminent cabin-tech upgrade can't come soon enough." -- CNET
- "You'll have to look long and hard to find a car that blends driving satisfaction, safety, convenience, practicality, great finish and reasonable ownership cost as well as the A4." -- New Car Test Drive
- The Detroit News released its review of the then-redesigned A4 in 2005. "For the money, the Acura TL is a better car, and some folks will find the new BMW 3 Series more entertaining. Still, the revamped A4 is a major player in this segment, on a number of fronts." -- Detroit News
A4 Performance - 8.1 (Very Good)
Reviewers acknowledge the A4 as a sweet ride, regardless of which engine or transmission you prefer. But its performance score falls toward the middle of a group of fifteen. Following an A4 test drive with a 3.2-liter engine and six-speed manual transmission, AutoWeek wrote, "In addition to the great engine and sweet manual gearbox combo, you have a solid handler that drives lighter than it is." Continue with our full Performance Review to learn more about the A4's numerous performance configurations, or to read experts' opinion of Audi's trademark quattro all-wheel drive. continue
A4 Exterior - 8.2 (Very Good)
Three years following a redesign, the 2008 Audi A4's exterior is still well liked. To AllAutoReviews.com and others, the A4 "is for the drivers who understand the difference between fleeting fashion and enduring style." Check out our Audi A4 Photo Gallery to see the car's pronounced front grille, or continue with our full Exterior Review to learn how the A4's dimensions compares to its peers. continue
A4 Interior - 8.2 (Very Good)
The Audi A4 receives high praise for its comfortable and well-constructed interior. Reviewers consistently note an artfully outfitted cabin with high materials, but a few complain the A4's seat comfort is not on par with its class. About.com says, "The Audi A4 interior puts me in mind of an impeccably-tailored businessman on his way to a meeting at a Swiss bank. He wears a pinstripe Armani suit with a Turnbull & Asser custom-made shirt, regimental tie knotted the old-fashioned (Windsor) way, carries a small leather briefcase by Louis Vuitton." Check out our Audi A4 Photo Gallery to see the car's navigation system folds into the dashboard, or continue with our full Interior Review to read experts' comments on the Multi Media Interface system that controls all the A4's entertainment features. continue
A4 Safety - 9.6 (Excellent)
The 2008 A4 receives excellent scores in crash tests, and was selected as one of the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety's "Top Safety Picks." Continue with our full Safety Review to learn more about the A4's active and passive safety equipment. continue
A4 Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Audi A4 reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Audi A4 is covered by a four-year/50,000-mile bumper-to-bumper warranty. Continue with our full Reliability Review to read how reviewers judge the A4's build quality and Audi's reputation as a whole. continue