1996 Audi A4 Consumer Reviews

OVER 160K AND THE CAR JUST WONT DIE

Written by: Tom Cannone on 04/16/2006

Vehicle

1996 Audi A4 4 Dr Quattro 2.8 4WD Sedan

Review

I loved the style of the A4, smaller then the A6, its a little more nimble then the bigger Audi cars in the line up. I have a limited GOLD package that was offered in 3 different colors only, black, green, and white. This car has just about every option available, heated leather seats, sunroof, BOSE audio, QUATTRO, ski bag, heated washer nozzles, alloy rims, everything! Plus a nice slick shifting 5spd to add to the fun. The car has 166k and the damn thing just wont give up, the engine hums and the famed AWD is near flawless in any weather condition, luxury, style, and class appeal are very noticable in this car, not to mention its made for all year 'round weather. I'd buy another 10 audi/vws

Favorite Features

The AWD, slickest 5spd manual money can buy, exterior style has held its design from 96 to 01, very well thought of. Power of the engine is amazing, reliability has been fantastic even at higher miles, I dont think I'd buy anything else, it.s really made me a believer.

Suggested Improvements

Interior shows its age being a '96 model, no lights on the dash board indicate if a door is open, or anything. But this is something I can live with, and certainly they improved in the later years, also in 96, the engine was a 12 valve SINGLE over head cam, the 30 valve didn't come in until 98+

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Audis are the best !

Written by: Mehdi on 10/27/2005

Vehicle

1996 Audi A4 4 Dr Quattro 2.8 4WD Sedan

Review

I had my A4 for 5 years, got 100k miles on it. And still runs smooth. You will never have engine problems if you maintain the car well. After switching to an Audi, I couldn't drive Japanese anymore. This car is just a mixture of sport and luxury if you will. Especially the 5 speed manual Quattro. You feel that the car sticks to the ground in sharp turns and the engine is ready to run for another 100k miles (as long as you take care of it). I love the interior design, especially the wood trim. There is little space in the back seats, but the driving comfort is perfect. I also love the smoothness of the manual transmission. I like the shape of this car better than the new 05 model.

Favorite Features

Manual transmission. Exterior and overall interior design.

Suggested Improvements

Better cup holders.

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Great Car!

Written by: Julio on 09/08/2005

Vehicle

1996 Audi A4 4 Dr Quattro 2.8 4WD Sedan

Review

I'm telling you the Audi A4 Quattro has won me over all the cars i have ever driven in my life. I had a Mustang V6 and its no comparation to the Audi A4 Quattro. I bought my Audi with 124,000 miles and it's unbelivable how good it feels with all those miles, when i first test drove the car i though it had much less. Let me tell you I believe that if you purchase an Audi A4 with alot of miles but with alot of repairs done you better off. The car looks great and runs great. The Quattro system is really nice in the rain and in any road condition. I really believe that its price is worth for this car!!! GREAT CAR!!!!

Favorite Features

5sp standard, Quattro System, interior,

Suggested Improvements

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Automobile Work of Heart

Written by: ryancp85 on 06/10/2005

Vehicle

1996 Audi A4 4 Dr Quattro 2.8 4WD Sedan

Review

This Audi is a gem to look at from every angle. Looks better than the 96' 3 series and the 02' A4. Quattro gives snow days a blast and you can do all sorts of tricks in the snow. Before purchasing this, I would find a friendly mechanic who can work on Audi's. Don't bother taking it to a dealer and only bring it there for only changes and minor work.

Favorite Features

All-wheel-drive! Exterior and Interior designs. The wood trim is marvelous.

Suggested Improvements

Cupholders only good for cans. Stereo and climate control have minds of their owns. Stick is not as slick as bimmers.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Fun & Style

Written by: Ryan on 02/13/2005

Vehicle

1996 Audi A4 4 Dr STD 2.8 Sedan

Review

Lead: Never Follow. Thats truly what Audi is all about. My lil' yellow rocket has so much in such a compact car. The 172HP V6 has plenty of get-up and go and has excellent handling and still a very smooth ride. Of course there is the fear of german cars, but I myself have not had many problems with mine. Other than basic maintenance, I've never had a problem. With 124,000 miles, this engine has plenty left too. And with the 1996 worth a measly $5-$6k, you can get style, comfort, and performance at a great price. And with Quattro, you can't co wrong. It adds versatility to the list as well. Overall, I would highly recommend this car to anyone, young or old.

Favorite Features

Style, alloy wheels, V6, perforated leather, heated seats, silky smooth 5- speed, handling.

Suggested Improvements

More power, better fuel economy, bigger back seat, cheaper parts

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Fun to Drive but maintainance high

Written by: lawoody on 10/27/2004

Vehicle

1996 Audi A4 4 Dr STD 2.8 Sedan

Review

My car is the FWD 2.8 with 5 spd. auto. The car is very smooth to drive and steers nicely. Strong brakes but the engine isn't the strongest. Great for long drives. Maintanance is costly compared to a honda/toyota/nissan but not out of line. Engine consumes zero oil at 65K. MPG is 23 mix or 27 highway. Some electrical glitches but nothing major.

Favorite Features

ride, handling, smoothness.

Suggested Improvements

Better cupholders, more power and reliability.

4 out 5 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

The Sweet & Sour Audi

Written by: Jack Gross on 06/21/2004

Vehicle

1996 Audi A4 4 Dr Quattro 2.8 4WD Sedan

Review

Alas, my experience with the '96 A4 has also been of the approach-avoidance type. Agree, beautiful to look at and to drive; ergonomics are great. Also agree that the 2.8/175HP engine was not big enough for a compact this hefty. Having steered at least a half dozen other buyers to Audis, I was taken aback to be told that a recent whining noise was emanating from the 5-speed manual transmission and that it needed replacing. This is with only 55,000 miles. And this is after replacing the front suspension twice. My heart says get another one, but my brain just won't let me.

Favorite Features

Suggested Improvements

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Great ride, poor reliability

Written by: Call_me_Eric on 06/16/2004

Vehicle

1996 Audi A4 4 Dr Quattro 2.8 4WD Sedan

Review

I love this car. It drives well, gets decent mileage and still looks great. The AWD is awesome. Interior design is very well laid out. If it had Honda/Toyota reliability, I'd keep it until the wheels fall off. I have replaced the dash (dealer recall), replaced both catalytic converters ($900 each), replaced the left rear wheel bearing twice, replaced the A/C evaporator, replaced the water pump and the radio twice. The local dealer (I bought elsewhere) is poor. They seem to lack knowledge and caring.

Favorite Features

All wheel drive (quattro), interior, exterior. One-touch down on all windows is very handy.

Suggested Improvements

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Only Oil and Gas - Great car

Written by: RichGilb on 05/03/2004

Vehicle

1996 Audi A4 4 Dr Quattro 2.8 4WD Sedan

Review

This has been a great car. It is fun to drive, it's been VERY reliable (only oil and gas), and it has a great stereo. Definately get the 2.8 quattro. It hugs the road and does well in snow. I was worried about Audi because of the 5000 issues in the '80s. But this car has won me over!

Favorite Features

Fun performance, nice interior, great reliability.

Suggested Improvements

The armrests are a little unconforable. This is a minor thing.

Report inappropriate post

A4 rules

Written by: Gene on 03/19/2004

Vehicle

1996 Audi A4 4 Dr Quattro 2.8 4WD Sedan

Review

My A4 has been very good to me. I bought it used, in 2002. It had one problem, a coolant leak in a place that's tough to get to. I had it fixed and haven'thad any other problems since. Knock on wood.

Favorite Features

All-wheel drive. Fun to drive. Beautiful looks. All the bells and whistles for a luxury and comfort feel.

Suggested Improvements

Could use a more powerful engine - as the more recent incarnations of this model do. AWD adds quite a bit of weight, so a manual transmission is a must.

Report inappropriate post