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 The convertible version has been replaced by the S5 Cabriolet.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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  unique - 2000 Audi S4
  By caopsina - October 20 - 2:00 am

  so far no disappoinments at all,stock power is amazing, stability super, i coud`nt recomend a better value for the money.

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  Awesome!!!!! - 2004 Audi S4
  By Unionjack - October 6 - 10:00 am

  I was lucky to get one of the first cars to be imported into the USA. Having waited 11 months for the car to arrive every one of my expectations have been met. The handling/ acceleration/braking is second to none. I clocked over a 1000 miles this last weekend and could have gone on for another 1000. The vehicles standard Recaro seats are very comfortable whilst at the same time extremely firm and gripping. Everything except fuel consumption gets a 10 in my book but then a few less miles to the gallon is a small price to pay for this awesome ride.

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  Fun to drive but not fun to own - 2001 Audi S4
  By markk911 - October 4 - 2:00 am

  The car is fast and very fun to drive. The large trunk allows me to use it like a truck. Although, my experience with the car has been going down hill since I drove it off the lot. With less than 30k miles it is already making "creaking" noises in the cabin. The radio has already been replaced b/c of failure. I have the 6M tranny and the clutch has already failed (requiring the car to be in the shop for 2 weeks). Immediately after that it went back into the shop for a week for a failed thermostat. This is the last Audi I will purchase. I plan to sell it before the warranty expires.

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  quality for the wiser consumer - 2002 Audi S4
  By C Murder - October 2 - 2:00 am

  The command of the S4 is great. It took some getting accustomed after driving an American and Japanese car for so long. I wanted a luxury car that was different, a gamer and something I can put 300,000 miles on within ten years. The interior of the car cant be challenged. My BMW friends get more attention and a higher car note in the M3 but that is all they get.

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  Der Uber Audi S4 - 2002 Audi S4
  By pkvoss - October 1 - 2:00 am

  This car is the best value for a German sports sedan when compared to a Benz or BMW. Nearly every thing is standard, very few options. Even the 6 speed manual or 5 speed automatic is a no charge option! Std Quattro AWD is still the king after 20+ years of proving its self. The Benz still does not have AWD as an option on a C class, BMW left the AWD market in the late 80s to early 90s due to poor reliability in their 325 ixs AWD design. And the new BMW 330 xi sits a lot higher up than a non AWD 330 sedan. BMW still has a way to go on perfecting the AWD sedan!

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  The 2004 S-4 is a Solid Success - 2004 Audi S4
  By MisterDuck - September 30 - 2:00 am

  The 2004 S-4 has the best across-the- board torque I have ever experienced. Acceleration is superior even in sixth gear. The shifter is quick and precise, and the exhaust note is thunderous (though not for anyone who thinks a quiet, serene ride is a high priority). Handling is outstanding and ride quality is refined without compromising the tautness and road feel expected from a performance sport sedan.

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  RocketShip - 2004 Audi S4
  By Alon - September 30 - 2:00 am

  I have been an Audi Lover all my life. I waited a year for this car and well worth it. I was the first to drive the car off the lot and have been getting looks ever since. The car has amazing torque. Handling is unbelievable. Gas mileage is a bit of a burn, yet all it takes is a good release of all 340 horses and you quiclky forget the trip made to the pump. Eat your heart out M3 lovers.

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  Best Audi ever - 2002 Audi S4
  By pilot2519j - September 25 - 2:00 am

  Great car. Loves to run and handles like a gem.

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  Great for mods... - 2000 Audi S4
  By S4-MTM - September 16 - 2:00 am

  Excellent car that you can tune easily. Add a chip and exhaust (2K) and you dramatically improve the car performance to 325hp. (0-60 in 5.0)

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  this is the one - 2002 Audi S4
  By cup - September 14 - 2:00 am

  for 40k I would buy the s4, even for 60 I would still buy a s4 and keep the rest. I mean, whats better? m3, well it has little problem with the transmission and a big problem with 8k redline. If it bothers you that the s4 goes 5.5 then a chip and exhaust will do. and when you run race fuel, the s4 gain more hp then other cars gain. So, unless you just dont like the look, its a great car to own.