1997 Audi A4 Consumer Reviews
Most Helpful Reviews
Positive Review
Bought second hand and added an after-market warranty that covered me well. Biggest problem was failed timing belt at 82,000, but warranty covered. Very spunky car and I wish I had owed the Audi when I was stationed in Germany for the autobahn driving!
VS
Critical Review
I bought this car with great enthusiasm after all I have heard about German engineering. The car is comfortable and good looking and when it works the ride is pretty good. The combination of manual shifting, turbo, and Quattro is what I was looking for. The car had only 89K miles when I bought it. Soon after I bought it, the problems started - suspension, steering, engine, electrics, multiple leaks from just about everywhere - coolant, steering, transmission. The car behaves strangely in the cold - almost impossible to change to 2nd gear before it warms up, and the airbag light is up until warm. The plastic inside passanger and the engine compartments is crumbling even when you look at it. I try to do repairs first on my own, I do have some experience with other cars. This one rates the worst for repairs - the parts and fluids (steering oil, antifreeze) are very expensive, some of them you can find only at the dealerships (where you have to bear AUDI representatives horrible attitude), and than everything is constructed like it will never be repaired with even simple jobs like a belt change taking a lot of time and effort. Overall, I wouldn't recommend this car to anybody but the enthusiast who is capable and willing of constant repairs or the one who can afford the robbery at the AUDI dealerships.
1997 A4 Reviews
Showing 8 of 248 reviews.
I’ve had mine for about 6 years. Great on gas fun to drive and very comfortable (I’m 6’4”). I would only suggest getting it if you are able to work on your own vehicles. Repairs will most likely cost more than the vehicle is worth. Mine is sentimental so I will keep mine on the road for the rest of my life.
easy to drive
none
This is a very comfortable efficient car for a small person
This is a great small car
nothing
Has aways been garaged, interior leather , heated front seats, clean and in very good condition, no smokers, or kids .Always serviced at Audi when necessary. Only one driver.This is my 4th Audi. I love this car.Easy to drive
It is nice small car.Has news brakes
Will need some minor servicing
For an old car it is in good condition and has always been garaged.Good for a run about car
I very much enjoyed this car, I was very impressed with interior and exterior craftsmanship. Interior looked like a new car at 18 years old. Control arm bushing and crankcase ventilation problems were annoying, but it was a great B5 design platform, and had nice smooth power. I would imagine the S4 in this class must have been a blast to drive.
Amazing to Drive! Very Comfortable!
Gas milage isn't the best...
I bought this car recently 1 owner with 45K miles (bought car Jan 2019) and this car has been rock solid with performance and reliability. I have the 2.8 L V6 with the Quattro (AWD) drivetrain. For it's age (even though it's is extremely low milegae for it's age) the car performes beautifully, especially in the winter. Car warms up extremely quickly and then quattro system is flawless and I never had a problem. The car looks just as good as it performs too! My friends believe that the car is 10 years newer than it actually is. The car looks so much newer than it actually is! There are downsides that I have found with the car however. it doesn't have the best gas milage. I get about 15 city and 18 highway. The backseat isn't very big either. If there's anyone over 5'6" in the back, both the front passengers and the ones in the back will be a bit squished. Other than that, the car is extremely comfortable on long car rides, or even just a quick sprint to the store!
VERY fun to drive!
Mileage is not the highest...
Very well built car (I can say at this age!) fantastic handling, reliable, sound, quick...good torque. Mileage is just "okay" but does well with a feather foot on the throttle. STILL looks great all these years later, a design of timeless beauty. AWD Quattro system is world renowned and excellent. Good shift feel, accurate steering, taut suspension (I installed Bilstein sport shocks and springs for about 29mm lowering). I do my own auto maintenance and this great machine keeps on going! German engineering has its advantages.
Bought second hand and added an after-market warranty that covered me well. Biggest problem was failed timing belt at 82,000, but warranty covered. Very spunky car and I wish I had owed the Audi when I was stationed in Germany for the autobahn driving!
