2003 Audi A4 Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

The A4 is luxurious, sporty, winterproof and a few grand cheaper than BMW's 3 Series. As such, it's one of our favorite entry-luxury cars.

Pros

Available all-wheel drive, classy interiors laden with amenities, stable handling.

Cons

Price goes up quickly with options, engines a little short on low-end torque.

What's New for 2003

The big news is the arrival of the A4 Cabriolet, a fetching drop-top version of the A4 sedan. Initially, the company will offer only one drivetrain choice -- front-wheel drive with the 3.0-liter V6 engine and continuously variable transmission. Expect to see a 1.8T version midway through the model year and a 3.0 quattro Cab by October 2003. No word yet on the possibility of a manual transmission. As if this weren't enough, Audi plans to release a coupe version of the A4 in early 2003. The rest of the A4 lineup benefits from equipment upgrades. Leather is now optional on all 1.8T models, as are 12-way power front seats. All 3.0s will come swathed in leather, with more deluxe leather optional. Previous stand-alone options for the 3.0, including xenons and satellite steering wheel controls, have been swept up into the Premium Package. A new cold weather package includes seat heaters and a ski sack, and 17-inch all-season tires are a stand-alone extra.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

All Season Driving

Written by: Michael on 06/28/2009

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	8	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	9	Exterior Design:	9

Vehicle

2003 Audi A4 1.8T quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

At 76,000 miles, I am very happy with this car. The interior design is very ergonomic and everything is oriented to the driver. Trunk space is huge. The exterior design is simple, yet elegant. Quattro AWD makes the car suitable for any driving conditions and the car is more than capable of performing in the corners - it just stays controlled at all times. The 1.8T engine is a little under performing considering the brute weight of the vehicle, but an ECU upgrade quickly fixes that issue. What you lose in engine performance, you gain in fuel economy where I get an average in the low 30's on the highway - approximately 27 mpg over all. Original and stock clutch is still going strong.

Favorite Features

Quattro AWD invokes confidence during all seasons, German quality throughout, best in class interior design, classy and elegant exterior, large trunk space, relatively good fuel economy (low 30's on highway) considering the weight of the vehicle

Suggested Improvements

Nicely textured interior paint peels easily, highly recommend purchasing an ECU upgrade from a tuner shop for improved performance from the 1.8T, be careful when washing the engine - ignition coils are very sensitive to direct water contact.

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A Very Pretty Lemon

Written by: A very Pretty Lemon on 05/26/2009


Performance:	1	Fun-to-Drive:	1	Build Quality:	1
Comfort:	4	Interior Design:	3	Reliability:	1
Fuel Economy:	6	Exterior Design:	10

2003 Audi A4 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

This is the prettiest lemon I have ever owned! Not worth the cost of the tires. It is very unreliable. I purchased this car for my daughter last year, a college student, and she has been stranded so many times that AAA canceled our contract after only 4 months! First the CVT went out, then it's been in the shop for numerous sensor replacements. Headlight replacements, $300 a pop. Just required to have the timing belt replaced at only 80K on Friday ($1500), Saturday a.m. my daughter called and said the check engine light came back on.

Only the looks. It looks tough, meanest ride on the street. At least it looks that way. My daughter has lost faith in anything I have to say about cars now.

How about lowering the costs for replacement parts. Better yet, how about using some quality parts. And quality does NOT = expense!!! This is a poor representation of the reliable German Werks!!! This car is a Piece of WORK, not worth the paint!!! Never will buy another Audi, recommend u don't!!

I wish I never bought this car!

Written by: qe212 on 05/13/2009


Performance:	6	Fun-to-Drive:	7	Build Quality:	6
Comfort:	7	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	2
Fuel Economy:	4	Exterior Design:	7

2003 Audi A4 3.0 Fwd 2dr Convertible (3.0L 6cyl CVT)

I bought my A4 in November of 2006 with 33K miles and now have 64K on it. I live in New England and wanted a 4 wheel drive sedan. In the three years I have owned the car I've replaced the windshield wiper motor twice ($500 each) and the windshield washer pump once! I've also had to replace the the rack and pinion steering, all 6 ignition cylinders, timing belt and water pump (Audi recommendation = $1200), brakes. I'm at the point I'm afraid to drive the car on any long trips and use it as little as possible. I'll be trading it in soon for a Honda Civic (going to take a hit on the trade in value and what I owe) but I just can't afford to keep the Audi.

It's great in snow and rain.

Love my car.....but....things to know

Written by: Damien on 04/18/2009


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	8	Build Quality:	7
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	4
Fuel Economy:	6	Exterior Design:	8

2003 Audi A4 3.0 quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

I love my audi and will say that it drives the same as the day I bought it (with 8800 miles on it). With that said, repairs are expensive so you should know that. Find a good VW or Audi mechanic and don't use your dealership as they are a rip off. Here are some things I have paid for on my car with 86K miles on it. At 43K a new clutch....70K a new timing belt, spark plugs, and water pump, front breaks at 72K and rear breaks at $77K.....82K catalytic converter, 85K miles suspension arms, etc. In the last year I have put $5,000 in my audi and plan to keep it for another 80K miles. My mechanic has been great and lesson learned is after the warranty was up I should have found a mechanic.

Handling, comfort, AWD, acceleration, over 20MPG still, bose sound system, and full size spare.

As many have said cup holders, rear seating space, and expense of repairs.

Perfect combination ...

Written by: peterr on 03/26/2009


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	9	Exterior Design:	10

I have owned several convertibles from Triumphs to Mercedes, I have never had one as perfect as the Audi A4 Cabrio. Imagine a car that treats you well when cruising the boulevard and at the same time lets you throw it into a corner at heart pounding speeds. A car that handles like a sports car but lets you take 3 friends along for the ride. Ar car that makes your 10 wife look like an 11 and gets you all the looks you need. PERFECT.

I got the sport and premium package, I recommend it to anyone looking at this car.

Looking forward to trading it in for the 2009 V8 S4 version.

2003 Audi A4 Consumer Ratings & Reviews