1997 Audi A4 Review
1997 Audi A4 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Artful bodywork, outstanding handling, luxurious interior, optional Quattro all-wheel drive system, bargain price
Cons
- Rear leg room, fussy stereo controls, suspension float
What’s new
A cheaper Audi A4 1.8T debuts, featuring a 150-horsepower, 20-valve, turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine and a base price in the low 20s. The 2.8 gains a revised deck lid and expanded central locking features. All models have new cloth upholstery, and the console and armrests are trimmed with the same fabric as the seats. Three new colors debut for 1997.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 1997 Audi A4 2.8 4dr Sedan and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.50 per gallon for regular unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$212/mo for A4 2.8
A4 2.8
vs
$179/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Vehicle overview
Buy this car. Audi's A4 is sleek, sophisticated, and speedy, and has won praise from the worldwide automotive media. Small but safe, the A4 scored best in its class in the 35-mph offset crash tests performed in Europe, and performed brilliantly in stateside crash testing. For U.S. buyers, this translates into a competent and crashworthy alternative to the BMW 3-Series, Acura TL-Series, and Volvo 850, among others.
For 1997, two versions will be available: the 1.8T and the 2.8. The 2.8 is powered by a 2.8-liter V6 engine putting 172 horsepower through the front wheels. New is the 1.8T, which features a turbocharged, 20-valve inline four-cylinder engine good for 150 horsepower. The 1.8T is available in the same configurations as the 2.8; front- or all-wheel drive with a five-speed manual transmission or an automatic.
The A4 features a multi-link front suspension that virtually eliminates torque steer, according to Audi. We've tried a front driver, and their claims have been substantiated. Quattro all-wheel drive continues as a stand-alone option, reasonably priced at about $1,600. Dual front airbags and antilock brakes come standard. Purchase an A4 and enjoy free maintenance for three years and 50,000 miles.
Audi's new 1.8T model features fresh alloy wheels, a unique Sport package, and a base price starting in the low 20s. All early-build A4 1.8T models will be automatics. Standard equipment on the more expensive 2.8 includes a more powerful V6 engine, alloy wheels, wood trim, and fog lights. The 2.8's eight-way power driver's seat with lumbar support is exceptionally comfortable. Leather upholstery is only available on the 2.8. A theft alarm keeps thieves from making off with the radio or anything else left in an unattended car.
In June of 1997, Audi released a new and improved version of the 2.8. A five-valve 2.8-liter V6 was installed under the hood, putting 190 horsepower and 207 ft-lbs. of torque to the ground through a five-speed manual or five-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. Audi says the new engine takes the front-wheel drive and quattro versions of the A4 from rest to 60 mph in 7.1 seconds with a manual transmission. Opt for the Tiptronic automatic, and the acceleration times drop to 8.2 seconds on front-wheel drive models and 8.8 seconds for the quattro. Side-impact airbags that reside in the sides of the front seats were added, along with Jacquard satin cloth upholstery. Anti-slip regulation (ASR), an all-speed traction control system, became standard. An optional sports performance package includes a slightly lowered suspension, higher rate springs and shocks, unique alloy wheels, and Z-rated performance tires.
A short options list reveals that almost everything you need comes standard on the A4 2.8. With prices starting near $28,000, this means that you can get a status car that is comfortable, well equipped and costs less than it does to send your kid to college. We think that Audi has a winner with the A4, and the addition of the even more affordable 1.8T and much-improved 1998 2.8 will do nothing but enhance Audi's image with near luxury buyers.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 1997 Audi A4.
5 star(47%)
4 star(26%)
3 star(25%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(2%)
61 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.63 out of 5 stars
Sure isn't a Honda or Toyota!!
cpr8, 08/15/2011
1997 Audi A4 2.8 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD
I bought my A4 used about a year ago, and I have fallen in love! There is no other used car out there that can match the fun to drive, reliability, build quality, or fuel economy for that matter. I can manage around 20-24 around town, and at most 28 on the highway, that's pretty good, considering its a 15 year old car with 215,000 miles on it, with a V6, and Quattro. Like I said, it has … 215,000, and it still runs like a dream. The only problem I have had with it is an EGR code always popping up, I went thru the whole EGR system, and couldn't find anything. Turns out it was the filler hose on the gas tank, sense it also leaked when I filled it up.
4.63 out of 5 stars
97' A4 2.8L Quattro-Automatic
MS-A4, 07/27/2003
1997 Audi A4 2.8 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD
Great car, very solid, even after 75K
mi, going over RR crossings/potholes,
barely hear anything. Fun car to
drive, especially on wet with the
Quattro. Beautiful exterior-IMHO, one
of the best looking models Audi ever
came out with.
Repairs Req: Below average, minimum
repairs needed as long as you provide
enough TLC & good preventive
maintenance. TIP: For parts use … VW
Passat, most parts exchangeable &
cheaper.
"Bad" Points: Extremely expensive
maintenance & repairs, hard to find
parts & shops to work on it other than
Audi dealers. If you take good care of
it though it will return the favor.
Would definetly recommend as a good
buy.
4.88 out of 5 stars
Very Reliable
cshaner, 05/09/2009
1997 Audi A4 2.8 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD
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.
3.38 out of 5 stars
Why did I purchase this car?
Super A, 01/31/2003
1997 Audi A4 2.8 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD
This is the most absolutely,
dispisable vehicle I have owned in all
my life! I have had to replace the
heater core $1,400 job, tape player,
the muffler,throttle body $600,
ignition switch, power switch, brakes
& rotors, $1,000, turbo $1,000, oil
pump, something with the suspension &
steering, and six lights. All of this,
in the 2 1/2 years I've had the car.
1997 A4 Highlights
2.8
Engine Type | Gas |
---|---|
Combined MPG | 20 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $212/month |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 13.7 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Safety
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver4 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – Original0
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintNot Tested
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