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 The convertible version has been replaced by the S5 Cabriolet.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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  Fun, but should be better - 2001 Audi S4
  By Mr. 50 BMG - March 28 - 2:00 am

  The car looks wonderful, inside and out. Build quality is excellent. Performance with the Tiptronic and with no chip mods is fast, but not wickedly fast. In city driving, I am getting from 19 to 21 mpg and I have reached a steady 28-30 mpg on 70mph freeways (you can get 32+ mpg if you choose to drive 60mph in the right lane with the trucks). It is a heavy car (~3500 pounds), but that is to be expected in an all-wheel drive vehicle.

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  The new S4 - 2004 Audi S4
  By Sharpie - March 26 - 2:00 am

  Awesome car. It has lived up to every promise that Audi has made. The V8 power combined with the all wheel drive handling combine to make quite a thrilling ride. The exhaust note is "evil" sounding and adds even more adrenaline when you punch it. If you can find one, Id buy it.

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  fully pleased with my S4 - 2002 Audi S4
  By ross1113 - March 7 - 2:00 am

  Added a transmission chip for my tiptronic and an engine chip both from the very trustworthy folks at Stratmosphere. Result? The car was as transformed from a stock S4 as it is from a stock 1.8 A4.

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  Great Car - 2000 Audi S4
  By PNF - March 6 - 2:00 am

  This is a great car. I have owned other high performance vehicles in the past (C4 Vette) and I have found that I enoy this one the most. The combination of practicality and high performance is unbeatable. I would recommend this car to anyone who is serious about owning a high quality, thoroughly enjoyable daily driver. Audi was crazy for stopping production of this one!

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  "Silken Rocket" as dubbed by AUDI - 2002 Audi S4
  By carpon - March 5 - 2:00 am

  I bought this car based upon a comparison with the BMW 3 series. The 3 series felt cheap on the inside as compared with the S4. This car has it all for the price. The turbo responds instantly, when you punch the gas its gone. Passing other vehicles has become a full time occupation.

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  Awesome Car!!!! - 1992 Audi S4
  By TurboAudiS4 - March 2 - 2:00 am

  The original S4 is an awesome car, especially the 92. it has a rear sway bar, which every other year lacked, it also was the only year to offer the boost gauge and wood interior. It has great potential to be a realy fast car (400 hp+). the only downside is that the parts are hard to find due to the very limited production run of the S4/S6 (aprox. 5,000 made it to the US and Canada)but they are a great all around car, definatly the best of its day, and still a great car by todays standards.

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  great car for a mechanic - 1993 Audi S4
  By car_nut - February 24 - 2:00 am

  I bought my S4 based on performance and longevity. What I didnt realize is the cost of operation. I saw these cars hitting 300k miles, many of them modified for extra horsepower. Well, I had many problems and could tell more were about to surface. For a car that had a sticker of nearly $50k you would think it would be bullet proof reliable. The drivetrain and quattro systems are incredible and a blast to drive in snow and push through turns on dry pavement. The problem is with all the other systems and components. This car never went 10k miles without some kind of repair or adjustment needed even when new.

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  Best Car I ve Ever had - 2000 Audi S4
  By SHA - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Fast, dependable, great to drive, classy, GREAT service, wouldnt trade it for anything: NO problmes of any kind - 26,000miles

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  One of Audis best - 1994 Audi S4
  By agentblu - February 17 - 2:00 am

  When this car came out in 94 it was very far ahead of the competition in design, comfort performance and quality. This car still holds these values over many of today’s new cars. The car is solid and fast just as if it were driven off the lot new. The performance in the rain is excellent and cant be beat. Interior is beautiful with leather and wood trim. The dash is beautifully rounded with racecar style gauges. The look of vehicle is still modern and many of my friend’s thought the car was on a few years old. This car has actually inspired three of my friends to purchase Audis, and that in itself says a great deal about these vehicles.

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  e(S)tatic about the S4 - 2000 Audi S4
  By karshopper - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Unbelieveable car!!! Has tons of torque and tons of control. It rides a little softer than the M3 (good or bad based on the persons choice). The car is subdued for a "sports" sedan when you talk about exhaust note. Again, plus or minus depending on the owner. The Quattro is the best in the industry but because of the perf. focus of the car you need snow tire for the really foul weather (1-1/2 more of snow). The trunk space is good and again larger than its main competitor (the M3). The S4 is a amazing car with no turbo lag and almost limitless potential with small modifications.