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 The convertible version has been replaced by the S5 Cabriolet.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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  best car yet - 2000 Audi S4
  By jarett - February 23 - 2:00 am

  Love it besr car i had

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  If I built a dream car from scratch ... - 2004 Audi S4
  By S4-fun - February 23 - 2:00 am

  ....it would be an S4. I can name 5 sports cars I would love to have. You canÂ’t get groceries in them. Forget a baby seat. If you only drive when its sunny, get an exotic. The S4 is an exotic for every day. The genius is in the etails. The Recarro seats. Cabin storage everywhere but out of sight. A motor that sings. Just test drive it. Nothing compares. A sports car you can live with... put a baby seat in... take a spin around the racetrack. (not in that order) I just got one for my wife to replace a 94 Audi 90 with 199,730 miles (still running strong). I am jealous. If I needed car I would buy another S4.

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  living with an S4 AVANT - 2001 Audi S4
  By c o guy - February 21 - 2:00 am

  I went from an A4 avant to an S4 avant by accident. I visited the dealership to purchase some touch-up paint for the A4...a friend there asked me If I liked the S4, to which I replied yes except for the shift linkage. He tossed me the keys to an S4 AVANT Tip and said "go drive this for a while" well after an hour I ended up with a new car! It has been flawless for me and is great fun to drive. most people dont realize that a little eurpoean stationwagon can turn in a sub 6 second 0-60 time. It performs flawlessly in daily city driving as well as extended road trips. If it has a flaw it would be that at 120 mph you feel like you are doing 60. I LOVE this car!

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  A Great Auto - 2001 Audi S4
  By magik - February 20 - 2:00 am

  5.5 sec to 60mph the 04 S4 with 340hp is only 0.1-0.2 sec faster and has a very harsh ride but a little better handling and shifter (but at a $50K price). Winter requires snow tires. Large trunk and full-size spare tire. Owners manual calls for 0w-30 or 5w-30 oil the local dealer only carries 10w-30 so I have to bring my own oil in. Only reliability problem was a seat heater needing replacement at 49K. Nice Bose needs bass help the Avant has a subwoofer. Touchy brakes stop quickly. Ive averaged 24.4mpg since 3/01 - trip computer exaggerates mpg by 10%. I track every fill-up. Over one 10K stretch, the trip computer overstated the actual by 2.4 mpg

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  A V8 is the difference - 2004 Audi S4
  By Z8dream - February 14 - 2:00 am

  It came down to the S4, M3 SMG2, and Z06. In the end the fit and finish of the S4 was superior to the M3, and especially the Vette. The M3 is nice, and fast to be sure, but the feature content is lacking as opposed to the S4. The V8 is much more linear than the twin-turbo V6 of the old S4. I am very happy I chose the S4 and have no regrets.

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  It eats BMWs for breakfast !!! - 2004 Audi S4
  By richardS4 - February 13 - 2:00 am

  My last 4 cars were BMWs, including an E6 M3. The S4 runs circles around all of them. Great V8 engine, 6-speed gearbox and all-wheel drive. Beautiful Nogaro blue color with black leather/blue alcantara seats - stunning. It took a little while to learn how to launch it smoothly in 1st gear, but now that I can, it is blindingly fast. 145 mph feels like 90 mph in any other car. I will never go back to BMWs, which have gotten so ugly. The only question you should ask yourself when you go car shopping is "What is the best Audi I can afford?" I hope your answer is "S4."

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  Its my 4th and the best, - 2004 Audi S4
  By Hoots - February 11 - 2:00 am

  I find myself just taking off on the long route home. This car is so much fun to drive its a let down when you have to turn off the key at night and say goodnight. What an amazing machine. I feel so lucky to have one.

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  One Fast Ride - 2004 Audi S4
  By GoErie - February 7 - 2:00 am

  At only 700 miles so far, I love this car. Power at all levels classy, top notch interior great seats. This car really moves, is great looking inside and out, and is a joy to drive. Tight suspension a bit bumpy for the everyday driver.

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  audis rule - 2004 Audi S4
  By chingy - February 7 - 2:00 am

  they are great cars

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  My Awesome car - 2004 Audi S4
  By okee - February 7 - 2:00 am

  Ive had over 24 cars. Most of them being sports cars and the Audi S4s my favorite. I was in an accident two years ago and totalled my S4. I hit a cement wall at 70mph head on and was not injured or even sore ( my ego was hurt,but that was it) I turned around and order the same car again. Its very safe and its so much fun to drive. It gets looked at and the thumbs up while Im driving down the road. I love my Audi.