Here is what Edmunds.com review sounds like:

Summary

What Edmunds.com says
The A4 is luxurious, sporty, winterproof and a few grand cheaper than BMW's 3 Series. As such, it's one of our favorite entry-luxury cars.
Pros
Available all-wheel drive, classy interiors laden with amenities, stable handling.
Cons
Price goes up quickly with options, engines a little short on low-end torque.
What's New for 2003
The big news is the arrival of the A4 Cabriolet, a fetching drop-top version of the A4 sedan. Initially, the company will offer only one drivetrain choice -- front-wheel drive with the 3.0-liter V6 engine and continuously variable transmission. Expect to see a 1.8T version midway through the model year and a 3.0 quattro Cab by October 2003. No word yet on the possibility of a manual transmission. As if this weren't enough, Audi plans to release a coupe version of the A4 in early 2003. The rest of the A4 lineup benefits from equipment upgrades. Leather is now optional on all 1.8T models, as are 12-way power front seats. All 3.0s will come swathed in leather, with more deluxe leather optional. Previous stand-alone options for the 3.0, including xenons and satellite steering wheel controls, have been swept up into the Premium Package. A new cold weather package includes seat heaters and a ski sack, and 17-inch all-season tires are a stand-alone extra.

Here are some comments from current and previous 2003 Audi A4 owners:

Awesome Car!

Written by: Cam on 08/10/2009

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

 
Performance: 8 Fun-to-Drive: 9 Build Quality: 10
Comfort: 9 Interior Design: 10 Reliability: 8
Fuel Economy: 9 Exterior Design: 9
 

Vehicle

2003 Audi A4 1.8T quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

My A4 has 170,000 miles and is still running beautifully. It is fun to drive, comfortable, and not half bad looking either. Has run flawless its whole life (It has been maintained exactly when suggested by Audi). Will replace the timing belt again soon, though the manual says every 100 or 105k from what I have read it should be replaced every 60- 80k as that is when it is said to break. Build quality is in a whole different class, the car is amazingly sound and solid. Manual shifts smooth and precise. Gas mileage is anywhere from 23-24 city to 30-31 hwy. Quattro is awesome too!!!

Favorite Features

AWD, gas mileage, build quality, fun to drive for what it is, space, stereo

Suggested Improvements

The new A4 has all the improvements I would have suggested. The front end was re-modeled, there's more cup holders, and the new engine has the little bit more power that my car needs.

All Season Driving

Written by: Michael on 06/28/2009

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

 
Performance: 8 Fun-to-Drive: 8 Build Quality: 9
Comfort: 9 Interior Design: 10 Reliability: 9
Fuel Economy: 9 Exterior Design: 9
 

Vehicle

2003 Audi A4 1.8T quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

At 76,000 miles, I am very happy with this car. The interior design is very ergonomic and everything is oriented to the driver. Trunk space is huge. The exterior design is simple, yet elegant. Quattro AWD makes the car suitable for any driving conditions and the car is more than capable of performing in the corners - it just stays controlled at all times. The 1.8T engine is a little under performing considering the brute weight of the vehicle, but an ECU upgrade quickly fixes that issue. What you lose in engine performance, you gain in fuel economy where I get an average in the low 30's on the highway - approximately 27 mpg over all. Original and stock clutch is still going strong.

Favorite Features

Quattro AWD invokes confidence during all seasons, German quality throughout, best in class interior design, classy and elegant exterior, large trunk space, relatively good fuel economy (low 30's on highway) considering the weight of the vehicle

Suggested Improvements

Nicely textured interior paint peels easily, highly recommend purchasing an ECU upgrade from a tuner shop for improved performance from the 1.8T, be careful when washing the engine - ignition coils are very sensitive to direct water contact.

Good car with some extra cost

Written by: Maximo on 10/13/2008

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

 
Performance: 9 Fun-to-Drive: 10 Build Quality: 8
Comfort: 7 Interior Design: 9 Reliability: 8
Fuel Economy: 8 Exterior Design: 10
 

Vehicle

2003 Audi A4 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

Wow, I will probably buy another Audi, but I will do so more informed. The car is a thrill to drive and relatively good on the gas with out a lead foot. That said it takes premium fuel to push this wagon. Don't believe you can sub 87 octain every now and then, it will foul the spark plugs. If you are a DITYer be careful driving this car on to a hydraulic lift, the sport suspension does not allow enough clearance to prevent high centering. I bought this car used in Oct '06 for about 16.5K two years later it is at least as valuble as what I still owe.

Favorite Features

Corners like it is on rails, and the govenor electronically holds it at 137mph I would probably have killed myself in it otherwise. The in dash 6 disc cd changer puts out great sound and the whole system interfaces with the dash display. A very sophisticated car overall. Mileage 22-25 city 29- 32hwy.

Suggested Improvements

Plastic around the door handles is starting to flake which makes the nice interior look a little ratty. Center console rubs against my leg in the driver seat(5'11" 190lbs). The ODB II codes it spits out are a little cryptic compared to other models making it difficult to diagnosis a problem.

Solid performer with great intentions

Written by: Andrew on 09/09/2008

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

 
Performance: 9 Fun-to-Drive: 10 Build Quality: 9
Comfort: 10 Interior Design: 8 Reliability: 9
Fuel Economy: 8 Exterior Design: 8
 

Vehicle

2003 Audi A4 1.8T quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

The car is reliable, it breaks but rarely is it anything that you can't get home on. I grenaded the clutch 2 months after I got it (the clutch was shot when I bought it) and sawed through the transmission case, but she still got me home! It is a fast car, and there are many modifications out there!

Favorite Features

You can turn on the stereo with no key in (push the stereo power button, something incorrectly reviewed by Edmunds in the 2002 long-term), quattro AWD, 1.8T is rock solid, a plethora of modifications available, very nimble, everything is simple but luxurious, and stock it has very wide tires.

Suggested Improvements

Excellence

Written by: Andrew on 01/17/2008

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

 
Performance: 8 Fun-to-Drive: 10 Build Quality: 10
Comfort: 10 Interior Design: 10 Reliability: 9
Fuel Economy: 7 Exterior Design: 10
 

Vehicle

2003 Audi A4 1.8T quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

The car is amazing, the 5 speed is gear limited at 138 MPH, but it gets there fast with the 1.8T engine. Definitely worthy of a test drive, that's all it takes. One good pull away from a red light and you're hooked. If you're in it for luxury, you are by no means left out, this car has more features than any of the new lincolns, cadillacs, or beemers I have sat in. If you're in it for economy, I'm seeing an average of 26MPG mixed city and highway (about 60/40% respectively), so it's not too shabby.

Favorite Features

BMW Killer

Written by: Carl on 08/16/2007

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

 
Performance: 10 Fun-to-Drive: 10 Build Quality: 10
Comfort: 10 Interior Design: 10 Reliability: 10
Fuel Economy: 10 Exterior Design: 10
 

Vehicle

2003 Audi A4 1.8T quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

From Day 1, this automobile has proven to me everything I ever knew about Audi as a whole. I am impressed with its quality, style, design, and attention to detail. It's a resounding 10!

Favorite Features

Interior amenities, and ease of use of each. Particularly, the dual climate control with heated seats.

Suggested Improvements

None.

2003 Audi A4 1.8T CVT

Written by: Darwin on 07/04/2007

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

 
Performance: 9 Fun-to-Drive: 8 Build Quality: 7
Comfort: 8 Interior Design: 10 Reliability: 7
Fuel Economy: 9 Exterior Design: 10
 

Vehicle

2003 Audi A4 1.8T Fwd 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

Compared to a reliability of a Honda Accord, I rate the reliability of this car to 8 out of 10, 10 being a Honda. Problems I encountered include driver side window rolling down on its own due to sensitive anti-pinch protection (4 dealer trips to fix), moonroof moving on its own (switch keeps going bad), driver side speakers going in and out. Good mileage (26 mpg), nice interior/exterior. CVT has a slight delay, which is sometimes annoying. Sound system is good even for a basic system (except for the speaker problem).

Favorite Features

Nice interior, very good mileage on 1.8T, sharp looking, good power for a 1.8T.

Suggested Improvements

Fix the stereo speaker system, moonroof, power windows electricals.

Awesome, Awesome, Awesome

Written by: bate119 on 07/03/2007

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

 
Performance: 9 Fun-to-Drive: 10 Build Quality: 9
Comfort: 9 Interior Design: 9 Reliability: 9
Fuel Economy: 7 Exterior Design: 10
 

Vehicle

2003 Audi A4 1.8T quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

Audi's Quattro AWD is simply breathtaking. Snow, ice or rain, this car cuts through it like butter. In fact, we used it instead of our Ford Explorer in the snow, ice and rain last winter. It's also easily the best handling car I've ever owned! German engineering at its best! The red lights illuminate the dashboard at night, incluing two red LEDs that project downward from the ceiling, creating a cockpit-like environment. I am now a dedicated Audi driver forever, never follow!

Favorite Features

Quattro.

Suggested Improvements

Good buy

Written by: Mark H on 05/08/2007

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

 
Performance: 9 Fun-to-Drive: 9 Build Quality: 10
Comfort: 8 Interior Design: 10 Reliability: 7
Fuel Economy: 7 Exterior Design: 9
 

Vehicle

2003 Audi A4 1.8T quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 5M)

Review

If it weren't for the annoying electrical problems (3 headlight and 2 turn signal burnouts) I'd rate the reliability excellent. The A4 is fun to drive, has decent gas mileage and the quality of build is excellent. It handles wonderfully and even with the small engine, it has plenty of zip in all situations. I love the surefooted AWD especially in our Montana winters. I'll definitely buy Audi again.

Favorite Features

 

Suggested Improvements

 

10 out 10 people found this review helpful

Quick, powerful and fun!

Written by: judirow on 02/12/2007

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

 
Performance: 10 Fun-to-Drive: 10 Build Quality: 10
Comfort: 10 Interior Design: 10 Reliability: 10
Fuel Economy: 5 Exterior Design: 10
 

Vehicle

2003 Audi A4 3.0 quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (3.0L 6cyl 6M)

Review

This car is a dream! Four years and it has never been in the shop for anything but a service. It's fast, it's fun, it has a great gear box and great heated seats in the winter. The 4WD takes it over mounds of snow without a wimper. The only thing wrong with it is that it only gets 20 MPG in combined driving and takes premium gasoline.

Favorite Features

6-speed gear box, great seats (with heater in the winter), compass in the rear view mirror!

Suggested Improvements

Better cup holders!, hard to maneuver side window controls, sound system (especially the CD changer) and heating system are hard to work while driving - too many buttons where you can't see them.

In addition to these standard features:

Standard Features
1.8L Turbocharged I4 DOHC 20V FI Engine Premium Unleaded Fuel Required
5-Speed Shiftable Automatic Transmission All Wheel Drive
Center Differential Limited Slip Center Differential
Multi-Link Front Suspension Four-Wheel Independent Suspension
Multi-Link Rear Suspension Front and Rear Stabilizer Bars
Clock External Temperature Display
Low Fuel Level Indicator Tachometer
Trip Computer 15 Inch Alloy Wheels
All Season Tires H-Speed Rated Tires
Fullsize Matching Spare Tire Interior Mounted Spare Tire
Stability Control Traction Control
Braking Assist Electronic Brakeforce Distribution
Front Ventilated Disc Brakes Rear Disc Brakes
4-Wheel ABS Driver and Passenger Front Airbags
Front and Rear Head Airbags Front Side Airbags
Child Safety Locks Child Seat Anchors
Rear Center 3-Point Belt Seatbelt Force Limiters
Seatbelt Pretensioners Anti-Theft Alarm System
Engine Immobilizer Rolling Code Security
5 Passenger Seating Cloth Seating
Front Bucket Seats Power Driver's Seat Lumbar Adjustment
Height Adjustable Driver's Seat Height Adjustable Passenger Seat
Manual Driver's Seat Manual Front Passenger Seat
Power Passenger Seat Lumbar Adjustment Front Adjustable Headrests
Folding Rear Center Armrest Rear Bench Seat
Split-Folding Second Row Seat Rear Adjustable Headrests
Cargo Net Cruise Control
Cupholders Door Pockets
Front Center Console With Storage Front Power Outlet
Multi-Function Remote Remote Trunk Release
Retained Accessory Power Seatback Storage
Tilt and Telescopic Steering Wheel Variable Power Steering
Cargo Area Light Front Floor Mats
Leather Shift Knob Trim Leather Steering Wheel Trim
Reading Lights Rear Floor Mats
Air Filtration Multi-Zone Climate Control
Intermittent Windshield Wipers One-Touch Power Window(s)
Rear Defogger Remote Power Door Locks
Front Fog/Driving Lights Headlight Cleaners
Rear Fog Lights Heated Exterior Mirrors
Illuminated Vanity Mirror(s) Power Exterior Mirrors
AM/FM/Cassette/CD Changer Audio System Antenna
Audio Security System Radio Data System
Speed Sensitive Volume Control Subwoofer
Cargo Tie Downs

 

this particular model has the following options:

Compact Disc Changer Heated Seats all around
XENON lights

mirror with compass

 Rear Side Airbags

 

 This car feels great on the road as if it is on rails.  There is no car like it!  The 5 speed automatic transmission shifts great, engine is very powerful at 220hp.