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 The convertible version has been replaced by the S5 Cabriolet.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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  This car is great - 2005 Audi S4
  By aes - January 18 - 1:00 pm

  My 2005 Audi S4 is great. It has lots of power and the engine is very flexible. The interior is laid out very nicely and looks very clean. The car is a great sleeper. Most dont know what the car is of what it is capable - until you blow by them. The fuel economy is a little low though. The low mileage wouldnt be as big a problem if the car had a bigger tank to increase the cruising range.

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  1st Audi - 2005 Audi S4
  By AudiGuy - January 16 - 6:49 pm

  My 2005 Audi S4 is about my 20th new car in my lifetime and the most fun to drive. I carefully compared all the obvious choices and decided the S4 provided the most bang for the buck. It fits the need for superb perfomance yet everyday drivability. It is a little small to get in and out of but reasonably comfortable while seated. It goes like a bat out of hell and the sport mode for the 7 speed auto is dynamite! It is a real performer. Its a much better value than any BMW. My only complaints are the lousy drink holders and no GPS system. Aftermarket is the answer. The auto A/C unit is a little hard to adjust for maximum confort. But the throatty V8 and the acceleration makes it all worthwhile.

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  You can have your cake and eat it too - 2005 Audi S4
  By Sean - January 16 - 5:01 am

  My 2005 Audi S4 is the true balance between genuine sport preformance and luxury. After driving the BMW M3 and Mercedes-Benz C32 AMG, I completely understood Car and Driver magazines review when all these cars were tested head to head. Besides the awsome traction in all conditions, this car can handle off roading like a king, which I found out by mistake during my journey to Lake Arrowhead California. This car is the master of all trades.

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  Monster S4 - 2005 Audi S4
  By Anwar - January 11 - 1:11 am

  Extreme acceleration, handling, and comfort. The S4 has and does it all. This car leaps off the line, and corners like glue. The Recaro seats are the most comfortable I have experienced to date. I love the rumble of the V8 and the way it pulls you into the seats all the way to 7000 rpms. I didnt expect it to be such a beast and a head turner all wrapped into one complete package.

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  This Car is Awesome - 2005 Audi S4
  By Chris - January 10 - 7:56 am

  I bought my Audi S4 about a month ago. So far its been a totally awesome car. The car is absolutely perfect so far (knock on wood) and I cant seem to stop driving it. The build quality and attention to detail is amazing. The car is so solid its built like a brick. Maybe its to early to foercast reliability but so far the car is perfect. And I hope it stays that way :)

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  great car I recommend it! - 2005 Audi S4
  By smc - January 10 - 12:15 am

  Powerful, responsive, attractive, interior is nicely appointed. The quality of the parts and appointments is high. Not surprisingly, a gas guzzler. The upgraded stereo and satellite radio system is a nice addition

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  the best - 2005 Audi S4
  By CRANDADDY - January 6 - 5:10 pm

  The best handling car I have ever driven. The powertrain lets you do anything you want. At 2,000 miles the engine really opens up and becomes even more impressive. The adaptive transmission in the automatic really adapts to how you are driving, hit the gas and youre gone. I found a little hesitation of the line, but if you put it in sport mode and turn off the esp traction control, it more than solves the problem. With the top down the stereo adapts with road noise and is a lot of fun. The three layered top sounds as quite as a coupe with the top up. The two doors make it difficult to fit 4, but I dont have to ride back there so I dont care. The car is worth it!!!!!!!

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  2005 Audi S4 - 2005 Audi S4
  By G - January 4 - 2:14 pm

  The Audi S4 is an iron fist in a silk glove. Every time you hit the right foot it feels like two hands shoving you forward, and it corners like its on rails. I took the family allroad 2.7T to the dealer for a service, and test drove the S4 while I waited. I had a 2000 A4 2.8 before and was curious... I got out grinning from ear to ear and feeling like Id been on a rollercoaster. The deal was $2,000 down/ $499 month, it was a steal I signed up for on the spot. The tiptronic was not nearly as much fun as the manual 6 spd. It shifts up to 6th and rumbles along most of the time. However, the auto has better fuel economy, just enough to avoid the $1700 gas guzzler tax for the manual.

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  Superb All Around Performance Car - 2005 Audi S4
  By Scad - January 1 - 3:33 pm

  I have had My Audi S4 for 3 months now and have put about 1,600 miles on it. It has exceeded my high expectations. Any concerns I had about reliability issues based on early 04 reports are completely gone as Ive had no problems at all. This is a superb vehicle for those who want a true very high performance car (faster around the track than an M3 in some magazine reports), but also want true practicality and comfort as well. This provides virtually the best of all possible worlds with almost no compromises in performance or comfort.

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  Never thought Id love it! - 2004 Audi S4
  By Margee - January 1 - 10:19 am

  I have owned three BMWs, an Acura, a Mercedes-Benz, and most recently an Infiniti G35 Coupe. I never even considered buying an Audi until I almost died in my RWD Infiniti last winter in the snow. So, trying to be conservative, I bought the S4. All I can say is HOLY COW!!! The thing is a rocket ship in sheeps clothing. In sport mode, there are few people who can take you at a stop sign. It handles far better than any of my RWD cars and it feels very safe. Havent had much snow this year yet, but with the winter wheels on, I dont anticipate any problems. Cant see why Id ever buy anything else.