Best Car Reviews - 1999 Audi A4

Introduction

The 1999 Audi A4 is a standout model in the compact car segment, offering a blend of performance, luxury, and German engineering. Released at a time when Audi was solidifying its reputation for producing stylish yet robust vehicles, the A4 managed to capture the attention of enthusiasts and casual drivers alike. Its target audience primarily includes young professionals and urban dwellers seeking a combination of style, sophistication, and performance without breaking the bank.

What makes the 1999 Audi A4 notably unique is its manual 5-speed transmission paired with a powerful engine, offering a hands-on driving experience that car purists appreciate. It's a vehicle that combines elegant design with solid driving dynamics, making it a favored choice for those who love the feel of the open road.

Design and Exterior Features

The design of the 1999 Audi A4 is a testament to Audi's commitment to timeless aesthetics and functional design.

Sleek dimensions: Compact yet spacious, perfect for urban environments.
Aerodynamic silhouette: Contributes to its fuel efficiency and road grip.
Distinctive Audi grille: Adds a touch of aggression and class.
Elegant headlamps and tail lamps: With a contemporary look for its time.

Standout exterior features include tasteful chrome accents and robust build quality, which set it apart from previous iterations. While maintaining a classic sedan shape, it offers subtle design changes that add a modern flair.

Interior and Comfort

Step inside the 1999 Audi A4, and you'll find a cabin that perfectly balances functionality and luxury. The materials used within the cabin reflect high-quality craftsmanship, ensuring both comfort and durability.

Leather seats and trim options for an upscale feel.
Ergonomically designed controls for intuitive use.
Generous legroom and headroom for a compact car.
Wood grain accents that offer an elegant touch.

The vehicle includes power-adjustable seats and climate control, ensuring a pleasant journey regardless of the weather outside. It's an interior designed with the driver and passengers in mind, providing both luxury and practicality.

Performance and Handling

Under the hood, the 1999 Audi A4 houses a 6-cylinder engine that runs on premium gasoline. It boasts a transmission system that's a delight for manual enthusiasts, a 5-speed manual that puts control firmly in the hands of the driver.

Acceleration: 0 to 100 km/h in roughly 8.1 seconds, providing exhilarating take-offs.
Fuel consumption: With a rate of 14.16 l/100 km, balancing power with efficiency.
Front-wheel drive ensures agile handling in urban environments and stability on highways.
Precise steering makes it a breeze to navigate through city traffic or windy roads.
Suspension setup handles both city bumps and highway drives with ease.

In terms of driving experience, the A4 provides an engaging and connected feel. It's responsive, offering both comfort and an element of sportiness, particularly appealing in winding paths and urban settings.

Technology and Connectivity

For a car from 1999, the Audi A4 is impressively equipped with tech and connectivity options that were ahead of its time.

Basic infotainment system offering good audio quality.
AM/FM Radio with a CD changer for entertainment.
Power windows and central locking for convenience.

While it might lack the modern connectivity options such as Bluetooth or smartphone integration, it compensates with its reliable engineering and functional features.

Safety Features

Safety is a crucial component of the Audi A4's design, with several features ensuring peace of mind for drivers and passengers alike.

ABS brakes and traction control for improved grip and safety.
Driver and passenger airbags as standard.
Crash-resistant body structure providing additional protection.

Despite lacking advanced technologies like lane-keep assist or adaptive cruise control, it does deliver essential safety features that were considered top-notch at the time.

Pricing and Variants

The 1999 Audi A4 is competitively priced, making it an attractive option in its class.

Base price starts at around $25,000 USD.
Available trims: Standard, Premium, and Luxury editions, offering various levels of equipment and styling.

When compared with contemporaries such as the BMW 3 Series or Mercedes-Benz C-Class, the A4 often stood out due to its driving dynamics and superior cabin quality at a slightly lower price point.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Engaging manual transmission.
Luxury interior appointments.
Solid build quality.
Strong engine performance.
Timeless design.

Cons

Higher fuel consumption.
Limited tech features.
Front-wheel drive only.
Repair costs can be high.
Cabin noise at higher speeds.

Maintenance and Common Issues

Maintenance costs for the 1999 Audi A4 can be on the higher side due to its premium components and engineering.

Electrical system issues.
Oil consumption concerns.
Timing belt and water pump replacements.
Brake wear and tear.
Valve cover gasket leaks.

Annual maintenance can range from $600 to $1200 USD, depending on usage and care levels.

Rating

Overall: 8.0/10
Design: 9/10
Comfort: 8.5/10
Performance: 8/10
Technology: 6/10
Safety: 7.5/10

User Reviews and Feedback

“The manual transmission makes driving so much fun. It's everything I wanted in a car.”
“Love the interior feel; it feels more expensive than it is!”
“Maintaining the car can be costly, but the driving experience makes up for it.”
“I wish it had more modern tech, but what it has works well.”
“I feel safe driving it, build quality is excellent.”

Common praises are directed towards its driving dynamics and quality interior, while criticisms usually focus on maintenance costs and technological features.

Best cars in this category

1999 BMW 3 Series
1999 Mercedes-Benz C-Class
1999 Lexus IS
1999 Volvo S40
1999 Saab 9-3

Summary

The 1999 Audi A4 is best suited for those who enjoy a responsive driving experience and appreciate a car that's elegantly designed with a premium feel on the inside. It's a vehicle that delivers on performance and luxury, though with a few trade-offs in fuel efficiency and technology. Overall, it represents great value for those looking for a well-rounded compact car with a hint of sportiness. The A4 remains a prime choice for enthusiasts who value driving involvement paired with the classic charm of a late-90s Audi.