2005 Audi A4 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Expert review
With refined styling and an upscale cabin, the redesigned Audi A4 punches above its weight class.
Through the late 1990s, and into the early part of the century, Audi has enjoyed something of a styling renascence. Cars like the A4 sedan and TT coupe have shown Audi’s ability to deliver world-class styling—and performance to back it up.
With the A4, Audi finally has a legitimate competitor to the BMW 3 Series and Mercedes-Benz C-Class. The A4 has been redesigned for 2005, and while the previous-generation model marched to the beat of its own drum, this redesign is clearly aimed at beating the 3 Series and C-Class at their own game.
out of 10 expert review
Look & feel
The first-generation Audi A4 was sold from 1995 to 2001. It was replaced with a second-generation model, but one that only provided a subtle styling evolution. This third-generation model is the most significant change in styling, adding details that break up the clean lines of the previous two generations of styling. The A4 is available in a sedan, a convertible (called “Cabriolet”), and a wagon (called “Avant”). The Cabriolet body style remains unchanged from the previous generation of the car, so many of 2005's updates do not apply to it.
The sedan and Avant's headlights are now slightly angled, providing a more aggressive look, while the taillights have a more conventional look than those of their predecessor. Up front, the grille design now extends through the bumper to the lower front grille area, making for one massive assembly. All these style choices are meant to move the A4 beyond its plucky, upbeat image, and morph into a more mature and distinctive vehicle.
This evolution continues in the cabin, where additional use of woodgrain and chrome collaborate to push the A4 upmarket. A notable change is the steering wheel, which moves from a three-prong design to a four-prong, and gains climate and cruise controls.
Performance
The A4 is available in a dizzying number of engine and drivetrain configurations, made slightly more complicated by the holdover Cabriolet. These options include 1.8-liter turbo and 2.0-liter turbo 4-cylinder engines, and 3.0-liter and 3.2-liter V6 engines. The 1.8T engine makes 170 horsepower, while the 2.0T puts out 200 horses. The 3.0-liter V6 engine option makes 220 horsepower, while the top-tier 3.2-liter V6 makes 255 horsepower.
Manual, Tiptronic automatic, and continuously variable automatic transmissions (CVT) are available. The sedan and Cabriolet route power to the front wheels (FWD) or available Quattro all-wheel drive (AWD). The Avant wagon is offered with only AWD.
Audi has clearly targeted the BMW 3 Series with its drivability. The manual is precise, though the Tiptronic automatic, with its tap-shift manual mode, is nearly as rewarding. Audi’s Quattro system is the benchmark among luxury AWD setups, and it improves traction for both inclement weather and performance driving.
There are also high-performance variants, dubbed the S4 and RS4, not covered in this review. Just know that the S4 brings a dash more speed and cornering, while the RS4 brings a whole helping of it. They are more expensive and available in fewer numbers.
Form & function
The A4 sedan provides 13.4 cubic feet of trunk space, which can be expanded via a split-fold rear seat. A central rear-seat pass-through allows limited access to the trunk from the rear seat but also makes it possible to carry a pair of skis without the need for a roof rack.
If it’s space you need, look to the Avant wagon. It provides 27.8 cubic feet of cargo space behind the rear seat, and as much as 60.6 cubic feet with the rear seat folded. The Cabriolet has just 8.9 cubic feet of trunk space. While this is not a lot, a barrier with the convertible top components ensures this figure is a constant with the top up or down.
Backseat legroom in the sedan and Avant is limited but acceptable. For the Cabriolet, an adult can sit in the rear passenger-side seat if the front passenger slides their seat forward. Sitting behind the driver is a task best left for children.
Safety
The A4 comes standard with an advanced theft-deterrent engine-immobilizer, antilock brakes, and front and rear seatbelt pre-tensioners. It also comes with a full array of front- and side-impact airbags with a front passenger-seat occupancy sensor.
Audi’s safety philosophy also hinges on the capability of Quattro AWD, which provides enhanced traction in many different types of weather and road conditions.
Cost-effectiveness
Base MSRP for the 2005 Audi A4 is $25,800. The Avant Wagon starts at $29,150, while the Cabriolet starts at $35,750. The sedan price significantly undercuts the 3 Series, which starts at $29,995.
The most efficient version of the 2005 Audi A4 is the sedan with the 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual transmission, and FWD. It returns 20 mpg city, 31 highway, 24 combined. With the CVT, fuel economy is 21 city, 30 highway, 24 combined.
The smaller 1.8-liter engine is actually less efficient, returning 20 mpg city, 29 highway, 23 combined. The least efficient version of the A4 is the V6 with Quattro AWD. Whether you choose the 6-speed manual or 5-speed automatic, fuel economy is 16 mpg city, 24 highway, 19 combined.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 2005 Audi A4 generally appreciate its attractive styling, excellent build quality, and enjoyable driving experience. Many love the performance aspects, especially with the turbo engine and handling capabilities. However, the high maintenance costs and reliability concerns are significant downsides mentioned by several drivers, with some suggesting the need for an extended warranty due to potential issues."
The looks were fantastic, always had a love for this styling, especially with the wrap, this car as an easy head turner, grabs a lot of attention and always spotting people staring at our car lol. I love this car.
February 22, 2013Just got it. It's simply awesome. Lot's of power, but still not enough, great styling, handles like it's on rails. I've tried to get it loose, it just sticks to the road. Great on gas too, 32 mpg!!! If you want a STI or Evo but are short on $$, get this instead, it won't let you down.
July 15, 2009When you hammer the gas in the A4, there's a brief delay and then you get a nice spurt of acceleration. Same with the steering. There's a little play in the wheel when you corner; then the sporty sedan bites into the pavement. The A4 takes to the road the way a debutante enters a party: There's a period of deferential reserve before it warms to the scene. You want the A4 to get up and boogie. Its shapely design suggests performance, and its curves resemble those of the more exotic Audi TT roadster. The cockpit grips you snugly, as if preparing the driver for some serious throttling. But the A4's head wins out over its heart, at least in the entry-level 1.8T model. It provides a refined ride that is spirited at times, but this car is too prim to let its hair down. The "Tiptronic" shifter that comes with the optional 5-speed automatic transmission reflects the A4's button-down soul. I was skeptical when I first pushed the gear selector out of conventional drive and over into clutchless shift mode, expecting a lazy driver's version of a stick shift. There is some of that. Moving through the Tiptronic's six gears requires nothing more than an effortless flick of the wrist. And in case you forget, the transmission downshifts for you when you slow down or stop. But there was some functionality on top of the faux racing schtick. The Tiptronic shifts gears the instant you tap the stick forward, without the delay there would be with a clutch. It will keep the transmission in any gear you choose, if you feel you need the power, while providing a broader range of choice than a typical automatic transmission. But for regular driving, why bother? The Tiptronic got boring after awhile, especially since it didn't serve much of a purpose. And it began to seem like an innovation designed to enhance the A4's image as a road car more than the actual driving experience. There's a lot of that identify confusion going on in the A4, which strives to fulfill the luxury and performance expectations that come with the Audi brand while staying squarely under $30,000 at the low end. A leatherette interior is standard, for instance, but the same trim level doesn't include power seats. There's both luxury and performance in the A4, but not quite enough of either.
August 12, 2008What owners say
The looks were fantastic, always had a love for this styling, especially with the wrap, this car as an easy head turner, grabs a lot of attention and always spotting people staring at our car lol. I love this car.
February 22, 2013Just got it. It's simply awesome. Lot's of power, but still not enough, great styling, handles like it's on rails. I've tried to get it loose, it just sticks to the road. Great on gas too, 32 mpg!!! If you want a STI or Evo but are short on $$, get this instead, it won't let you down.
July 15, 2009When you hammer the gas in the A4, there's a brief delay and then you get a nice spurt of acceleration. Same with the steering. There's a little play in the wheel when you corner; then the sporty sedan bites into the pavement. The A4 takes to the road the way a debutante enters a party: There's a period of deferential reserve before it warms to the scene. You want the A4 to get up and boogie. Its shapely design suggests performance, and its curves resemble those of the more exotic Audi TT roadster. The cockpit grips you snugly, as if preparing the driver for some serious throttling. But the A4's head wins out over its heart, at least in the entry-level 1.8T model. It provides a refined ride that is spirited at times, but this car is too prim to let its hair down. The "Tiptronic" shifter that comes with the optional 5-speed automatic transmission reflects the A4's button-down soul. I was skeptical when I first pushed the gear selector out of conventional drive and over into clutchless shift mode, expecting a lazy driver's version of a stick shift. There is some of that. Moving through the Tiptronic's six gears requires nothing more than an effortless flick of the wrist. And in case you forget, the transmission downshifts for you when you slow down or stop. But there was some functionality on top of the faux racing schtick. The Tiptronic shifts gears the instant you tap the stick forward, without the delay there would be with a clutch. It will keep the transmission in any gear you choose, if you feel you need the power, while providing a broader range of choice than a typical automatic transmission. But for regular driving, why bother? The Tiptronic got boring after awhile, especially since it didn't serve much of a purpose. And it began to seem like an innovation designed to enhance the A4's image as a road car more than the actual driving experience. There's a lot of that identify confusion going on in the A4, which strives to fulfill the luxury and performance expectations that come with the Audi brand while staying squarely under $30,000 at the low end. A leatherette interior is standard, for instance, but the same trim level doesn't include power seats. There's both luxury and performance in the A4, but not quite enough of either.
August 12, 2008Bought it brand new, have put 80000k's on it and still love it big time.
January 10, 2008Red leather is great, heated seats are best I have ever sat in. Great handling and tight steering. Looks great on the road, gets compliments. Top is very easy to clean. Overall, great car. Quattro is a great benefit especially in the winter.
September 3, 2014This is my first Audi, but I'm certain not my last. I drive 154 miles round trip each day for work and I average 31mpg. It would be nice if the maintenance was less expensive, but I suppose it's worth it as much as I commute.
November 10, 2013great car fun to drive but not too reliable very easy to do a bt setup a lot of hidden goodies great vag capabilities nice looking fuel efficient a lot of room in the front big trunk though it does cost a lot to maintain and parts are expensive
August 14, 2009Dolphin Grey, 6-speed manual, full electrics and leather, 6-disc CD and Sat radio, 37k miles, 17" alloys, drives like a dream. Love It!
May 28, 2008I drove one of these, and I thought it was great. Great handling, acceleration, and the tiptronic option is great.
May 7, 2008Nice styling, comfortable interior, excellent build quality & reliability, good fuel consumption, nice handling, good performance
January 7, 2008Trims & specs
Base MSRP $34,310 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 220 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $26,520 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.8L 170 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $28,870 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.8L 170 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $30,170 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 200 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 13.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $28,070 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.0L 200 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 13.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 25 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $32,670 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 220 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 13.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $36,470 | Seating 4 |
Engine 1.8L 170 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 10.2 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $34,310 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 220 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 13.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $44,970 | Seating 4 |
Engine 3.0L 220 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 10.2 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $36,120 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.1L 255 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 13.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $43,020 | Seating 4 |
Engine 3.0L 220 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 10.2 cu ft |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $32,670 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 220 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 22 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $26,520 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.8L 170 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 13.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 24 | Drivetrain FWD |
Base MSRP $28,870 | Seating 5 |
Engine 1.8L 170 hp I4 | Cargo Capacity 13.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 23 | Drivetrain AWD |
