Overview & Reviews

With its line of S models, Audi has built a reputation for delivering understated luxury along with a healthy dose of performance. Supporting the foundation of this reputation is the Audi S4, which is a sportier variant of the already-proficient A4 entry-level luxury sedan. As such, both of these Audis benefit from handsome styling, excellent interior design and materials, cosseting comfort and superior road-holding thanks to all-wheel-drive traction.

Where the S4 and A4 differ is in performance. Throughout its run, the S4 has boasted higher power output, sharper handling and impressive braking capabilities. Shoppers seeking a used S4 may, depending on the model year, have several body styles from which to choose. On the downside, the S4 has typically lacked the crisp handling performance offered by some of its rivals. Overall, though, we hold the Audi S4 in high regard.

Current Audi S4
Unlike previous generations, the current fifth-generation Audi S4 is only available as a sedan. The convertible version has been replaced by the S5 Cabriolet. The S4 is powered by a supercharged 3.0-liter V6 that produces 333 horsepower and 325 pound-feet of torque. A standard six-speed manual or optional seven-speed dual-clutch automated manual (S tronic) sends power to Audi's rear-biased "Quattro" all-wheel-drive system.

Inside, you'll find (in true Audi tradition) one of the finest cabins in the sport sedan class. The overall design is demure but classy, and although the center console is rather button-happy, Audi's updated MMI electronics interface is now much friendlier to use than before. The seats are supremely comfortable in the front, offering plenty of support through corners and over distances. Like the A4, the S4 offers a reasonably large backseat should your sport sedan be called on for family duty.

The S4 comes with an ample list of standard luxury features like xenon headlights, selectable driving settings (known as Audi Drive Select), tri-zone climate control and leather/faux-suede upholstery. Upgrades include bigger wheels, an adaptive suspension, a rear limited-slip differential, keyless ignition and entry, navigation and a premium Bang & Olufsen stereo.

The S4 shines thanks to its strong supercharged V6, sharp handling and a forgiving nature made possible by Quattro and that optional limited-slip rear differential. Even driven aggressively, the S4 imparts confidence to the driver. Grip is tenacious and the chassis is communicative. Even so, ride comfort is commendable and cabin noise is pleasantly hushed.

Used Audi S4 Models
The current Audi S4 represents the fifth generation in the model's lineage, debuting in 2010. An optional rearview camera and blind-spot warning system were made available the following year. For 2013, the S4 received a slight styling update (with more angular grille/headlights) and a revised MMI control interface. That year also saw the switch to electric-assisted steering. Apart from lacking Audi Drive Select as standard (it was optional though), these latter S4s are similar to today's version.

The previous, fourth-generation Audi S4 was available in a variety of body styles. The sedan and wagon (Avant) were sold from 2006-'08, while the convertible (cabriolet) lasted from 2007-'09. Relative to third-generation S4s, the fourth generation offered refreshed styling, a revised chassis and a more sport-biased Quattro system, though these changes represented more of a revitalization effort rather than a complete redesign.

Under this S4's hood was a 4.2-liter V8 that generated 340 hp and 302 lb-ft of torque. Power was sent to the Quattro all-wheel-drive system through either a six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed automatic. As with today's S4, this generation model had additional performance-oriented modifications, including a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels with high-performance tires and more powerful brakes.

Inside, front occupants were treated to a comfortable and functional cockpit. The backseat was more cramped than in the current car, and the electronics systems may seem a bit dated now. The electronics interface, in particular, could be quite frustrating to use with the optional navigation system installed. Leather seating was standard, and interior trim, lighting and controls were all of high quality.

The similar third-generation S4 was offered for 2004 and '05. This was the model that introduced the 340-hp V8 engine and expanded S4 availability to the sedan, wagon and convertible body styles. As with the fourth-gen S4, transmission choices were either a six-speed manual or a six-speed automatic. At the time, the installation of such a powerful V8 in a small car raised some eyebrows, and indeed it boasted more power than BMW's contemporary M3 or Mercedes' C32.

In reviews of the third- and fourth-generation S4, we commented favorably about the car's broad power band, multiple body styles and high-quality interior. Downsides were a cramped backseat and handling that wasn't as razor-sharp as the M3's. The fact that the current S4 no longer has the V8 engine should make these generations a more novel, collectible choice in coming years.

Previous to these newer S4s, there were two other generations of the Audi S4 -- a second-generation vehicle, available from the 2000-'02 model years, and a first generation, available from 1992-'94.

The second-generation model was based on the A4 sedan and wagon of its day, and it came equipped with a twin-turbo 2.7-liter V6 engine rated at 250 hp. Quattro was standard, and Audi offered either a six-speed manual transmission or a five-speed automatic. In Edmunds' S4 road tests at the time, we found the car very enjoyable to drive, as it struck an ideal balance between outright performance and everyday comfort. Our main complaint about this model was the familiar lack of rear-seat room.

The first-generation Audi S4 was a performance variant of the Audi 100 sedan (later A6) sold from 1992-'94. These S4s came with a turbocharged inline five-cylinder engine capable of 227 hp. Quattro was again standard, and these cars were equipped with a five-speed manual transmission only. After 1994, they became known as the S6. First-generation S4s are a relatively rare find today.

User Reviews:

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  INCREDIBLE, AWESOME AND TOTAL FUN - 2005 Audi S4
  By Garner Bennett - August 7 - 12:11 am

  As a former BMW owner of a 3, 5, and 7 series over the years I approached Audi with caution and curiosity. The moment I drove the 2005 S4 I was hooked! The handling, power, style and sheer performance surpassed all other cars Ive owned. As a Realtor and need for a larger car the small size of the S4 is a compromise, but very much worth it in all respects. I now enjoy the hours I spend in my car! Dont think twice... buy this car and youll never regret it!

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  Overall Great Car - 1992 Audi S4
  By TopNotch - July 31 - 6:26 pm

  I bought this car with 133,000 on it and drove it from AZ to MN with no problems(now has 152,000). The seats in this car are great, I could have driven the whole trip without stopping. The power delivery in this car is great, once the turbo spools the car takes off. Havnt spent too much on the car other than regular maintenance. Car has no rattles in it, solidly built! It has been very reliable for me and I would drive it cross country in an instant. Highly recommend this car to anyone!!

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  Actually a 2006 Cabriolet - 2006 Audi S4
  By dreward - July 31 - 3:54 pm

  I have just received my 2006 S4 Cabriolet (Silver with red leather seats) and so far it is great. The driving has been smooth with a slight edge and I can honestly say I have never had so much fun behind the wheel of a car. It has the bluetooth prep which works well but does not transfer the phone book or control the phone directly this is in my view a bug and needs to be corrected. If phone book transfer directly from the phone is tough why not at least allow phone book transfer from the SD card? The sound system is stellar even my wife (who is notoriously picky and sensitive to volume) tells me to crank it up

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  Great car, take care of it - 2000 Audi S4
  By Dan - July 25 - 4:45 pm

  The K03 turbo chargers run out of air in the upper RPM range. In order to get full performance out of this car the turbos will need replacement. You will probably blow the stock ones anyways so plan on either getting a car that has a warranty, or spending some serious dough out of pocket to get them fixed

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  drive and you will buy - 2005 Audi S4
  By mike - July 6 - 1:41 am

  best driving car ever only car that compared was the turbo porche suv.

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  Pure fun to drive - 2001 Audi S4
  By Goat - June 29 - 4:39 pm

  I purchased this vehicle after a great deal of research and have not been disappointed in an category. The performance and handling make it fun to drive around town or on the highway and fuel economy has been a bonus averaging in the mid to high twenties. The service plan recommended by Audi is the only time my vehicle has been in the shop short of annual inspections.

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  A True quality built car. Blast to drive - 1992 Audi S4
  By Todd - June 28 - 4:23 am

  Wished it a had a shorter nose. Fully electrical w/voice recognition phone (who else had that standard in 92). Cornering is pure adrenaline and the turbo will defintely put you back in your seat. However, thats the only problem Ive had with my car. The Turbo has been somewhat on-again, off-again. Ride is very comfortable with fully adjustable heated seats, yet when the heat is on the suspension gets stiff. Very quiet inside the car.

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  Awesome - 2005 Audi S4
  By Thomas - June 18 - 4:33 am

  The Audi S4 Cab has beautiful leather interior with a highly functional cabin and a beautifully designed exterior top quality paint and materials. The S4s 340hp V8 is super responsive and hums like a song. Handling is superb the ride is solid. Top down with Bose audio system entertainment, the S4 is a dream come true! Highly recommended

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  S4 V8 Tiptronic - 2005 Audi S4
  By david smail - June 10 - 10:50 pm

  Traded a 2002 S4 with Triptonic didnt relish giving up the visceral whine of the twin turbos, but the burble of the V8s exhaust is music to my ears. The 2005.5 cost $14,000 more than the 2002 however, it has a lot more content, e.g. Recaro seats to die for, puddle lights, automatic headlights, rain sensing windshield wipers, etc. that makes the price easier to swallow. It is a mature drivers sports sedan, not a frantic M3, or boy racer STI. It is easy to drive fast responsibly. The paddle shifters can be activated while in "D" or "S" which gives you best of both worlds i.e. fully automatic or Tip. Audi Driver (UK) suggests the tip is faster after launch than the stick version...

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  I Love This Car - 2005 Audi S4
  By Ellen - June 10 - 11:02 am

  I have had so many compliments on this car. Ive been stopped in parking lots with people asking me about it because it looks so good. And it drives equally well. The backseat has room for 2. Its much roomier and more comfortable than any other convertible weve seen. Ive never been much of a car person, but I LOVE THIS CAR!