1997 Audi A4 Review
Fuel Economy
19 - 20 mpg
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
I'll never buy an Audi again. Stay away.
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 6 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 3 |
| Comfort: | 4 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 2 |
| Fuel Economy: | 3 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Audi A4 4 Dr Quattro 2.8 AWD Sedan
Review
I bought this car mainly because of the look. I still love the look. It's too bad the rest of the car doesn't hold up. These cars are finicky. If you don't use synthetic oil you are asking for trouble. My car is dead after 150k miles due to oil sludge - which is sad for a car built in the 90s. I gave it regular 3k oil changes, but I used normal oil. That's only part of the problem. This car was in the garage every 6 months for this, that and the other. Expensive suspension failures, Cat converters going out, water pump, cracked fluid reservoirs, valve gasket leak, etc., etc., etc. Come on Audi - have some pride.
Favorite Features
The look and the tight handling. The car would drive straight as an arrow without my hand on the wheel. The interior was also nice.
Suggested Improvements
The car was a gas guzzler, and slow. Audi should pick one of the two: either improve reliability or pick cheaper components.
Very Reliable
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Audi A4 4 Dr Quattro 2.8 AWD Sedan
Review
I bought this car when it had 125k miles on it and have put 30k on it in two years. The only thing that has needed replacement is the tires. I live in Idaho so I see more snow than most cars do and it handles amazing in any weather.
Favorite Features
Engine and Quattro, amazing on Sunday drives and trips up to the ski hill.
Suggested Improvements
Yes the cup holders but this car is made in Germany where nothing is supposed to compromise the driving experience. Unlike in America where if it can't fit a big gulp it's too small.
Summary
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 7 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Audi A4 4 Dr Quattro 2.8 AWD Sedan
Review
Here is my two cents after putting 50K on my A4 which I purchased at 120K. Very reliable engine, manual transmission (same OEM clutch at 170K), no major electrical problems. What has failed, cruise control, driver side heated seat, thermostat. I believe overall it is a very reliable car, sensors that I have replaced along the way are just the same on all cars these days, all made by BOSCH and it doesn't make a difference which brand you drive. In terms of interior/exterior design, ergonomics and build quality Audi is never any less than other Germans and maybe much better in some of these areas if not all. The up side is because of its reputation here in USA, you can get them much cheaper!!
Favorite Features
Design, reliability, affordability (second hand)
Suggested Improvements
Electrical components, nobody can fix those, be sure to properly test all components before you buy. Turbo versions require more frequent repairs/maintenances and turbo itself fails around 70-90K. Go with the non turbo!
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
I love my 1997 Audi A4
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Audi A4 4 Dr STD 2.8 Sedan
Review
I purchased my Audi in 1996 and drove it every day until I retired in 2002. It's great. It's been 100% reliable. It's a 5 speed stick shift red sedan. I use to put lots of miles on it commuting to work and visiting family 4 hours away. Now my life style has changed and my car is still thrilling to drive. It sits for days when I don't drive it and it still drives like a charm when I use it. I'd buy this car again and again and again.
Favorite Features
There are two things I love about this car. It's looks and it's reliability. Oh and did I mention it's fun to drive.
Suggested Improvements
none
Brilliant
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
1997 Audi A4 4 Dr STD 2.8 Sedan
Review
I bought this car after its 11th birthday, It had a very hard life before I bought it. But a bit of TLC took care of that. Even though I spent a lot of money on her, What she ended up costing me in total was still a bargain. I would rather have looked at a newer model if I could afford one, But the fact is it has served me well and will continue to do so.
Favorite Features
Styling, handling, performance, braking all in all a great car.
Suggested Improvements
None to report on as yet
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