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 The convertible version has been replaced by the S5 Cabriolet.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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  An over-rated Audi - 2002 Audi S4
  By Bob Haworth - April 1 - 2:00 am

  Audi should never even offer an automatic transmission in a car like this...even the Tiptronic. Aside from being "clunky," after 8,000 miles mine has been in the shop going on 3 weeks because it will no longer shift gears! The right rear brake make an ear shattering squeal and they cant seem to fix that either. The brakes are awful on the smallest amount of ice or snow. There is an unacceptable number of squeaks, rattles and buzzes inside. And, even though a small point, two of the cup holders are underneath the armrest...very handy! I guess Germans dont drink and drive. For the price, extreme disappointment is all I can say about this vehicle.

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  Great Performance - 2002 Audi S4
  By mswhimiscal - March 26 - 2:00 am

  I own a 2001 S4 including all features with the exception of the navigation system. This car handles great. Hugs the road, terrific pick up and is fun to drive.

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  A sleeper car to the uninitiated - 2002 Audi S4
  By SCCAFAN - March 14 - 11:24 am

  First off I dont see how Edmunds could rate this cars engine performance as 7.0, fun to drive 7.0 and value rating 6.0. What car rates a 9 or better? Ferrari or Porsche? This car was on Edmunds 2000 editors sought after list and it nows rates a 7.4? This car is a blast and a much better value dollar for dollar versus the higher praised BMW 3-series. Do the comparison and you have to go with the Audi. Given proper tires this car is an all-year round all-weather performer. A tuners delight, with the simple change of an ECU chip you have a 300hp+ rocket.

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  The All Around Driving Machine - 2001 Audi S4
  By Justin - March 14 - 2:07 am

  The Audi S4 provides nearly everything anyone could ask for in a car. High performance, luxury, sedan/wagon utility, all wheel drive/all weather performance all for what truly is not a bad price especially compared to the BMW and Mercedes competition. Its been incredible driving this car everyday. Everyone should be lucky enough to own one of these great cars. And this is before tuning. With a couple of reasonably priced modifications you can take on any new M3. If you have the chance to get anS4 I highly recommend you do!

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  3 Years of Bliss - 2000 Audi S4
  By STurn - March 13 - 2:00 am

  I bought my S4 new, sight unseen. The very first time I drove it I was struck by how smooth the car felt. The shifting, the steering, the HVAC and radio controls and the ride, everything felt smooth, well controled, solid. It is still a superior automobile with few flaws. The car tends to understeer at the limit (which is very high), the shifter has a very smooth solid action but feels vague shifting to 2nd and 3rd. The backseat lacks legroom for tall passengers. Overall though this car is excellent, easily superior to the BMW M3 is terms of overall performance driving to and from work. But if you do track events...

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  Police makes driving less enjoyable - 2001 Audi S4
  By C Murder - March 12 - 2:11 am

  The car is all the more fun to drive at night. It owns the road with a force but yet provides an element of safety. The command of the car allow for speeding in a safe way. I see the enormous rush to purchase a SUV but I those things are a drag to drive and unsafe when it comes to quick responses. Gas mileage is poor and is the only buyers remorse I have.

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  The S4 Rocks! - 2002 Audi S4
  By LV - March 8 - 10:48 pm

  This is a great car. The Editors Rating(of 7.4) simply makes no sense. It looks good, is very fast, and extremely practical. Can you take 4 people across the country? No, but you can take 4 out to dinner. The interior is beautiful. My only complaints are: headroom (I have a tall torso), and the (6sp)shifter is a little notchy.

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  Best performance car for the $$$ - 1992 Audi S4
  By Tim Miller - March 4 - 6:17 pm

  I bought the car from a private party in Chicago and drove it back to Denver in 1996. the car had 42,000 miles at the time and now has 110,000. I have had very few problems with the car and the power/acceleration is outstanding. Values hold well on these cars due to the rarity of them, especially the 1992.

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  Most underrated car - 2002 Audi S4
  By Chorbez - March 4 - 5:33 pm

  Most underrated, well rounded vehicle. Fast (5.5 sec 0-60 14.1 sec quarter mile), handles like a snowmobile on snow, fun and safe all-weather machine yet can be quiet and luxurious around town, full of amenities at a reasonable price. The S4 is also the easiest car in the market to upgrade significantly. For a mere $500-600, the turbos can be reprogrammed to a safe 1 bar configuration by chip to produce 370+ lbs/sq ft of torque that will leave M3s in the dust, without compromising the engine.

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  What a rush - 2002 Audi S4
  By mis4tune - March 4 - 3:18 am

  A great alternative to a true "sports car". Great in bad weather, has 4 doors, fast, handles great without a harsh ride. Whats not to like? I would have to own 3 separate cars to do what this ONE can.