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 The convertible version has been replaced by the S5 Cabriolet.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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  Would Do It Again - 2004 Audi S4
  By J - December 31 - 2:55 pm

  I waited six months to receive my Audi S4 after I ordered it and it was worth the wait. This car does pretty much everything well. Its a very timeless design that will not get old. Very subtle but also a hint of restrained agressiveness. The Recaro seats are sublime and the interior is about as close to perfect as Ive seen. It seats four very comfortably and Ive taken several long trips with teenagers in the back. No complaints other than no integrated DVD -) The power is perfect and is delivered through Audis quattro. This V8 is very smooth and powerful. The power delivery is very linear and its hard to keep the speeds down, even when I am trying. The only downside? Gas mileage.

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  German Muscle Car - 2004 Audi S4
  By DolphinS4 - December 29 - 10:20 pm

  The Audi S4 is an awesome handling car: quattro, speed sensitive steering, & suspension w/ lightweight components. Its interior is top notch, Better than the BMW M3s. Its gearbox is excellent and the clutch is kind of soft. The V8 rumble sounds better than a raspy inline 6. I was deciding between this car and an M3 and picked the S4 because it has 4-doors, a V8 engine, a superb interior, and the better gearbox. I have nearly 20,000 miles on it already and have not had a single problem. The car runs like a dream and has gobs of power throughout all the gears.

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  Still a great car - 2000 Audi S4
  By 2Fast - December 29 - 12:19 am

  Ive had my 2000 Audi S4 for two years now, and it continues to thrill me each and every time I drive it. Its been reliable (so far) and is great fun to drive in the midwest in winter with snow tires. I have held off on upgrading to the newer version, cause I am still happy to be driving this each day.

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  Best Buy! - 2005 Audi S4
  By Michael - December 28 - 2:41 am

  What a great car? Between this S4, the Mercedes C55 AMG, and BMW M3, the S4 is clearly the best. It goes 0-60 in just over 5 seconds, but the best feature is by far its stellar handling. The Quattro delivers perfection around every turn: there is NO NEED to brake! The interior is also very stylish and quite comfortable, while the exterior maintains the look of a sporty vehicle. Everything is very ergonical (easy to use) from the radio to the tiptronic transmission (which is VERY smooth). The trunk is quite large for its class and can easily hold several golf bags or pieces of luggage. I love everything about this car from the most minute detail to the 340 HP V8 beast under the hood! A++++++!

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  Speed and looks... - 2005 Audi S4
  By 2005S4 - December 28 - 2:36 am

  Awesome car, very fast, great handling.

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  Best Christmas Present I have Ever Had - 2004 Audi S4
  By Duggers - December 23 - 10:56 pm

  I have not stopped smiling for 5 days since I purchased my 2005 S4. This car has everything I have ever dreamed of in terms of style , gadgets , comfort & power. Traded my BMW and would not go back for any amount of money. If you are in the market for a performance car you would be a fool if you didnt try the S4. Gas Mileage I can see is going to be low but with the power pack returning 340 bhp who cares. Drive it youll love it

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  S4 Crazy - 2005 Audi S4
  By ElSRS - December 18 - 6:32 pm

  We were so excited when we got our new S4, we almost jumped for joy! Its a beautiful, luxurious performance cabriolet, and its cheaper than an M3 convertible and waaaaaaaay cheaper than a CLK55 AMG cabriolet. And, it has the bullet-proof quattro!

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  The last car i want to own - 2005 Audi S4
  By JP - December 4 - 1:34 pm

  I have had a number of cars over the years. I have had the small sports car to the suv ... and nothing can compare to the feeling I get in this. From the handling to the roar of the motor ... it is all pleasure. I acutally like driving in the rain now - thanks in part to Quattro. It is the most fun car I have ever driven.

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  A great car with problems !!! - 2005 Audi S4
  By amp_ny - December 2 - 5:55 pm

  I got this car in May 2004. Its a great, fun car to drive but I have several minor problems but the most important one is, while driving between 900-1100 rpm or when i go down gear, I hear a vibration. it sounds like coming from the muffler but it doesnt. Went back to the dealer twice and finally second time, they said that its coming from the drive chain. Maybe they will have to take the engine out to fix it.

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  WOW - 2005 Audi S4
  By carlylsdad - December 2 - 12:30 am

  I traded my 2000 s4 twin turbo for this v-8 model and WOW. It handles great and accelerates great. I thought they couldnt improve on the 00 model, but was I wrong. What an upgrade! Drive this and it sells itself.