2004 Audi A4 Review Summary & Specs

Base Sedan
Excellent line of sports sedans adds even more models.

Summary & Specs

reviewed by New Car Test Drive
2004 Audi A4 Review

Audi A4 combines high quality, thoughtful design, and invigorating performance at a compelling price. The A4 is one of the most respected cars in a class that includes some of the best cars in the world. It delivers good performance in a practical package. It offers amenities and safety features found in large luxury sedans at a much lower price of entry. And it offers the option of quattro all-wheel drive.

There are at least 14 sedans in this class. Sales are strong yet the competition is brutal, and today's hot ticket can quickly become tomorrow's has-been. It's no fluke that the A4 has remained near the top in sales since its introduction seven years ago, and this latest-generation A4 is a much better car than its predecessor.

The A4 3.0 is an outstanding small luxury sport sedan. The Avant wagon is a great choice for families of two or three and a dog, offering big cargo capacity and sport-sedan handling. Cabriolet models add the excitement of open-top driving at the expense of some practicality. The V8-powered S4 takes performance to a significantly higher level; while the A4 1.8T delivers the luxury and performance of a true European sports sedan at a price that puts it in reach of many new-car buyers. Anyone shopping this class should take a long look at Audi.

In short, the Audi A4 is a well-balanced machine that will hold your interest. It's exciting enough to grab your attention in the short term and substantial enough to grow more attractive with time.

Specs

Vehicle Category Luxury Cars
Editor Jeffrey P. Vettraino and Mitch McCullough
Model Lineup Audi A4 1.8T sedan 5-speed ($25,250); A4 1.8T sedan CVT ($26,400); A4 1.8 T sedan Quattro six-speed ($27,450); A4 1.8T sedan Quattro Tiptronic ($28,500); A4 1.8 T Avant Quattro six-speed ($28,450); A4 1.8T Avant Quattro Tiptronic ($29,500); A4 1.8T Cabriolet CVT ($35,250); A4 3.0 sedan CVT ($31,150): A4 3.0 sedan Quattro six-speed ($32,940); A4 3.0 sedan Quattro Tiptronic ($33,990); A4 3.0 Avant Quattro six-speed ($33,940); A4 3.0 Avant Quattro Tiptronic ($34,990); A4 3.0 Cabriolet CVT ($41,800); A4 3.0 Cabriolet Quattro Tiptronic ($43,550); S4 sedan Quattro six-speed ($45,650); S4 sedan Quattro Tiptronic ($46,800); S4 Avant Quattro six-speed ($46,650), S4 Avant Quattro Tiptronic ($47,800); S4 Cabriolet Quattro six-speed; S4 Cabriolet Quattro Tiptronic
Engines (standard) 3.0-liter dohc 30-valve V6
Transmissions (standard) 5-speed automatic with Tiptronic
Engines (optional) 170-hp 1.8-liter dohc 20-valve turbocharged inline-4; 220-hp 3.0-liter dohc 30-valve V6; 340-hp 4.2-liter dohc 40-valve V8
Transmissions (optional) 5-speed manual (1.8T); 6-speed manual (3.0 and S4); 5-speed Tiptronic automatic (with quattro); 6-speed Tiptronic automatic (S4); CVT continuously variable automatic (3.0 with front-wheel drive)
Safety Equipment (standard) ABS, EBD, Brake Assist, traction control, ESP; dual frontal airbags, front side-impact airbags, curtain-style head-protection airbags; three-point seat belts for all five positions with pre-tensioners and force limiters in front
Safety Equipment (optional) rear side-impact airbags
Basic Warranty 4 years/50,000 miles includes scheduled maintenance
Assembled In Ingolstadt, Germany
Manufacturer Phone 1-800-822-2834
Manufacturer URL www.audiusa.com
Base Price MSRP $25,250

Specs as Tested

Model Tested MSRP Audi A4 3.0 quattro Tiptronic ($33,990)
Standard Equipment dual-zone automatic climate control with air filters and smog-sensing auto-recirculation, fog lamps, central locking with remote operation, power windows with one-touch operation front and rear, cruise control, concealed headlight washers, heated windshield washer nozzles, 150-watt 10-speaker stereo with six-CD in-dash changer, 12-volt power outlets in trunk and center console, comprehensive first-aid kit, 12-way power front seats, leather seating inserts
Options as Tested (MSRP) Sport Package ($750) includes lowered sports suspension, P235/45YR17 high-performance tires on 17-inch aluminum wheels, brushed aluminum trim; Infotainment Package ($1000) includes 215-watt Bose premium sound system and satellite radio; Premium Package ($2300) includes power glass sunroof, multi-function steering wheel, xenon headlamps, HomeLink universal garage-door operator, auto-dimming power folding exterior mirrors, auto-dimming interior mirror with compass, memory for driver's seat and mirror adjustments; metallic pearl paint ($450); Cold Weather Package ($625) includes heated front seats, ski sack
Destination Charge 690
Gas Guzzler Tax
Layout all-wheel drive
Price as Tested $39,805
Horse Power 220 @ 6300
Torque 221 @ 3200
Fuel Economy 18/25
Wheelbase 104.3
Length/Width/Height 179.0/69.5/55.4
Track Front/Rear
Turning Radius 36.4
Seating Capacity 5
Front Head/Hip/Leg room 37.3/NA/41.3
Middle Head/Hip/Leg room
Rear Head/Hip/Leg room 37.1/NA/34.2
Trunk Volume 13.4
Payload
Towing Capacity
Front Suspension independent, upper and lower control arms, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Rear Suspension independent, trapezoidal links, coil springs, anti-roll bar
Ground Clearance 4.2
Curb Weight 3627
Stock Tires P235/45YR17
Brakes Front/Rear vented disc/solid disc with ABS, EBD, and Brake Assist
Fuel Capacity 17.4

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