2008 Audi A4 Review

What the reviewers like:
Reviewers commend the 2008 Audi A4's top-tier materials, well-balanced suspension and impeccable fit and finish. The interior is refined and tasteful; seats are firm and supportive. Crash-test results are excellent for most styles (except the convertible A4), and resale value is typically high.

What the reviewers don't like:
As with some other entry-level sports sedans, sources say the A4's rear seat is a tight squeeze, and even the front seating position may be a bit restrictive for taller drivers. Critics question some ergonomics, including awkward placement of the center armrest with respect to the parking brake. Road tests indicate the Audi A4's available engines don't provide as much power as some competitors. A few evaluators felt that the steering, while satisfyingly precise, didn't communicate quite as well as the A4's rivals.

2008 Audi A4 review highlights

At just under $30,000 to start, reviewers agree the Audi A4 edges very close to the line dividing affordable family cars from sports sedans. Its compact interior may be a bit too confining for some family car shoppers. The Audi A4 is available as a sedan, wagon or convertible. High points in reviews include an elegant interior, comfortable and supportive seats and good crash-test scores. However, rear-seat comfort isn't the best, and some critics say the available engines could be more powerful. The Audi A4 sedan is a sound contender among entry-level luxury sedans and widely considered a good value, with a projected resale value superior to several close competitors, such as the BMW 3-Series (*est. $32,400 to $49,100), the Volvo S40 (*est. $24,365 to $30,365) and the Saab 9-3 (*est. $28,080 to $45,640). A newly redesigned A4 is due to reach dealerships in the fall of 2008.

The most useful reviews we found for the 2008 Audi A4 originate with Consumer Reports and Consumer Guide, both of which engage in competitive product testing. Editors at Edmunds.com and Kelley Blue Book offer easy-to-read, detailed articles covering the A4 alone; though not competitive in nature, Edmunds' review does provide some informal comparison to other vehicles in its class. Results of head-to-head testing can be found at Car and Driver and Motor Trend, but neither magazine has tested the Audi A4 since the 2005 model year. Cars.com doesn't engage the A4 in a formal road test, but reviewer Joe Wiesenfelder does select the 2008 model as one of Cars.com's annual "Best Bets" in the luxury car category.

Also see full report: Family Sedans

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Consumer Reports
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2008 Audi A4 Review
Editors of Consumer Reports

Consumer Reports tests virtually every family sedan on the market, including the Audi A4. One of the best aspects of this review is Consumer Reports' documentation on predicted reliability, based on past-model-year reader-survey data. The analysis here focuses mainly on reliability, ride quality, handling and safety.

2. Edmunds.com
2008 Audi A4 Review
Editors at Edmunds.com

Edmunds.com editors evaluate the 2008 Audi A4 for safety, interior design and driving experience. They note that the A4 has been surpassed in a number of ways by some other entry-level sports sedans, but that there's still much to appreciate about the A4. In fact, they include this model on their list of recommended sedans.

3. The Car Family
The Compleat Guide to Family Sedans
The Haskvitz Family
Mar. 21, 2008

Reviews written by "The Car Family" are especially relevant for family sedans since each car is evaluated by each of four family members (none of which are children anymore, however). In this article, the family offers commentary on dozens of 2008 cars, including the Audi A4. While the Audi isn't deemed best in any particular aspect, it's noted for very good fuel economy and "handsome" interior. It's said to offer similar performance to the BMW 3-Series and Lexus IS Series, but is "more family oriented." Repairs, options and insurance are expensive, however.

4. Consumer Guide.com
2008 Audi A4 Review
Editors at Consumer Guide
Mar. 13, 2008

Consumer Guide performs road-testing on most cars and trucks, ranking them against a class average. Test results are reported numerically, with little narrative description, so test results can be hard to read. The 2008 Audi A4's rating is well above the average for its class, leading editors to award the A4 one of their "Best Buy" distinctions.

5. Car and Driver
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$35,000 Sports Sedans – Comparison Test
Aaron Robinson
Oct. 2005

Eight 2005 and 2006 model year sports sedans, all priced around $35,000 as tested, go head-to-head in this older evaluation. Judges rate the participants on performance and design. The 2005 Audi A4 3.2 Quattro places fifth here; reviewer consensus is that the A4's most recent major redesign results in a car that looks and drives too much like its predecessor. While older, this review is still somewhat helpful since the 2008 Audi A4 has not changed significantly from the 2005 design.

6. Motor Trend
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Road Test: 2005 Audi A4 3.2 Quattro vs. 2006 BMW 330i vs. 2005 Infiniti G35
Kim Reynolds

Motor Trend designed this head-to-head test to challenge the supremacy of the BMW 3-Series; this feature also followed the restyle of the A4 in 2005. The 2005 Audi A4 competes against the 2006 BMW 330i and 2005 Infiniti G35, and places last on the list. Reviewer Kim Reynolds includes an easy-to-read chart detailing testing statistics and specifications of each sedan. This older review is still somewhat helpful since the Audi A4 is compared to one of its main competitors -- the BMW 3-Series.

7. KBB.com
2008 Audi A4 2.0T
Editors at KBB.com

Respected automotive resource Kelley Blue Book provides consumer-friendly reviews of most cars and trucks. Editors pronounce the 2008 Audi A4 "the nearly-ideal car" for driving enthusiasts, though they note that the cramped rear seat may limit its practicality for other buyers.

8. Cars.com
2008 Audi A4 Review
Editors of Cars.com

Ratings at Cars.com are based on hands-on road tests, factoring in safety, practicality, comfort and performance. The 2008 Audi A4 is noted as a "Best Bet" for 2008. High points include handling, a quiet ride and comfy seats. However, the cramped interior may make it an iffy choice for families.

Also see full report: Family Sedans