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 The convertible version has been replaced by the S5 Cabriolet.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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  1993 Audi S4, Not made this well anymore - 1993 Audi S4
  By Sports car fan - August 19 - 2:00 am

  This is a super car that not only has very high performance, but also is extremely reliable. Sure if you are stupid enough to add dumb performance parts such as computer chips you will ruin the car and make it unreliable, but I have had mine for 11 years and it has been virtually flawless. Okay I had a PS hose or two replaced, but that is it, all around this car is still like new with no rattles and solid to drive. Cant say that about many other cars that are out there 11 years old with over 110K miles.

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  Practicality was never so much fun! - 2000 Audi S4
  By jatwrite - August 12 - 2:00 am

  The S4 is an outstanding overall vehicle for someone who likes to have fun driving but has practical needs too -- like a fold-down rear seat, decent trunk, four doors, etc. Also fun to modify: for $600 I bought a chip (APR) that adds 58 hp and 100 lb ft of torque, making torque 358!!! Quarter mile under 14 yet still a comfortable ride.

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  Balance - 2001 Audi S4
  By s4orce - August 7 - 2:00 am

  1.5 years and 16,000 miles later I still love this car. As in life balance is the key. The right car for almost all situations. Power, subtle good looks, fun to drive, great handling, all-wheel drive, 6 speed manual, comfort, room for 4, large trunk, fit and finish, exclusivity etc.

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  s4best of the best - 2000 Audi S4
  By dusan - August 2 - 2:00 am

  like street racer and also audis big lover I can only say BEST OF THE BEST also I can say audi is my life.

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  you just wouldnt understand - 2002 Audi S4
  By sicks4 - July 10 - 2:00 am

  i did my homework and checked everything that came close to comparing. Nothing matches the feel of driving this car, its handling and design make it the perfect combination of luxury and power. if you havent driven one you couldnt possibly understand. nothing else compares

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  Perfect - 1994 Audi S4
  By abila - May 24 - 2:00 am

  Pretty cool for summer period especially on our road.

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  Great Car - 2002 Audi S4
  By spark888 - May 12 - 2:00 am

  This is my first Audi and I love it. Great power and handling. Most fun car I have ever driven.

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  S4 - 2001 Audi S4
  By Suckas - May 5 - 2:00 am

  This car iz so wonderful to drive, a lot od power, stabability, control and it can be compared with almost any car from the M3 and down, the new one will be a great competition with the m5.

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  fast four door - 2000 Audi S4
  By jay chaudry - April 12 - 2:00 am

  best four door sedan i ever own.better than m3 and amg benz.faster than porsche boxter and honda s2000.

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  can they improve it? - 2002 Audi S4
  By peritel - April 7 - 2:00 am

  This is my 2nd Audi. I got one of the last S4s. I wont give it up easily. There is not much I would change, it has the classis A4 shape and proportions. I pray for cool wet days to humiliate just about anything else on the road. Yet I can take it to a business meeting and impress anyone. As always paint is awesome and the fit and finish of the interior is great.