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 The convertible version has been replaced by the S5 Cabriolet.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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  Buy with warranty or be ready to spend - 2004 Audi S4
  By AC_SOCAL - May 5 - 5:41 pm

  Pros : Performance is awesome, one of the best looking sport sedans , interior is spacious, sound system is great, fully loaded with options, very nice seats. Cons: 1) very poor reliability! So far : bearings, engine cover gaskets, coils, light sensors, seat warmers wiring, clutch!, control arm. I was not expecting that many issues with a car that I take good care of and I hardly overdrive it! Good thing all were covered by extended warranty. 2) MPG : 14 to 15 3) Front heavy due to engine weight I am reluctant to buy another Audi, although the S5 is hard to resist. I owned 328i BWM for 5 yrs I did not have any problems until around 100K miles,I started having problems with S4 at 30K mi

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  Love it! - 2010 Audi S4
  By Shawn H. - April 22 - 11:57 pm

  I have had my S4 for a few weeks now and absolutely love it. The price is reasonable, especially when you compare it to the A4 with S-Line package. The supercharged engine is amazing. Instant torque whenever you need it. Great handling, grip and performance. It effortlessly accelerates you to 80 mph before you can get off the on-ramp! It makes driving fun...even the boring commute to and from work. The 7-speed DSG can be a little aggressive on the shifting at times when you are driving it easy. Dynamic mode / Sport mode is great...the throttle/engine performance is brilliant. You will be hooked upon test driving this car so be careful if you make your way to the dealership just to "explore".

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  Love that Sport Setting on tranny - 2010 Audi S4
  By BobP - April 22 - 1:29 pm

  This will be the 3rd S4 Ive owned over 10yrs and feels the fastest. Still not sure about the big snout but the Audis tail is nice. 0-35mph around town was disappointing till I tried the Sport setting, now it is much more linear and fun. I love the Sport setting in the city!!! Try it and it becomes addictive. Beautiful interior, great seats, big trunk and 4 doors in a car that can easily keep up with the other German Cars around town in real world driving.

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  Wonderful Machine - 2010 Audi S4
  By David - April 10 - 6:30 am

  I took what was in the dealership and that included the DSG 7 speed, differential, drive select, sound system and Sat Nav. I would normally have only selected the the DSG and diff, but they all work well. The differential is a must, but the drive select works well with a comfort mode that has a much softer throttle, compliant suspension and lighter steering - I use it around town. The striking feature of the car is the usability of the performance. The car is extremely safe and stable at all times and very comfortable in long trips - no more back ache and numbness. The real world performance is surprising - no sound or fury at traffic lights - a gentle right foot, and the car is gone

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  Highly Recommended Vehicle - 2010 Audi S4
  By JoeLinux - April 2 - 11:41 am

  Only 700 chars, so Ill be brief: 0-60, better than: - BMW 335i/xi - Infiniti G37S - Volkswagen GTI 0-60, slower than: - BMW M3 - Porsche Carrera S - Chevrolet Corvette 1/4-mi, better than: - Ford Mustang GT - Camaro SS - Nissan 370Z 1/4-mi, slower than: - Mitsubishi Evo X - Porsche Cayman S - Lexus IS-F Interior fit & finish is superb, and bucket seats are excellent (esp. in two-tone). MMI interface is way better than BMWs iDrive, only the external cables are expensive (why not just have standard inputs?) Brakes are phenomenal, and cornering is breathtaking. Also of note, Audis 333 hp rating is horribly wrong (possibly due to delayed RS4)

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  Fairly Impressed - 2004 Audi S4
  By Proud Dad - March 24 - 12:53 pm

  Was looking for a 4 door with some grunt...domestics (Charger, Impala, etc) were garbage. S4 head and shoulders above. This car gets after it. Seats are extremely supportive and engine growl is addicting. Hugs the road and begs for curves. Dont know if I would recommend for a commuter car. Made more for crooked back roads. Best looking car on road in my opinion and its 5 years old at this point! Averaging around 19 combined mpg--and thats with me "going easy" on acceleration and driving a lot of interstate. Like I said, not necessarily a commuter car or a car thats going to attract a lot of attention (a good thing in my book!).

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  The best car for a smart man - 2005 Audi S4
  By Jim - March 19 - 11:23 pm

  Ive owned my S4 for over 30k miles now, so I think I can properly review it as a used car. Its a blast to drive if you drive it like it wants to be driven. You honestly have to take care to drive it slowly. I commute 3 hours round trip to DC everyday and while I hate my commute, if I just stomp on the gas in 3rd gear at 3k revs, it makes you smile like a teenager watching American Pie during a certain scene. Gun it in first and you almost feel uncomfortable. It throws you back and takes some getting used to. I typically drive conservatively, but if you downshift in this car and hear the growl, it just makes you smile. I give my car to my wife when Im out of town, and it scares her.

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  Rock stable Dual personality - 2010 Audi S4
  By Steve M. - March 18 - 8:28 pm

  Complete control in any weather with the best tires. Very comfortable for a sports sedan that will cruse at 70 getting 26 MPG. Few compromises in design or function only in price to own and options lacking at $50K.

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  excellent car - 2005 Audi S4
  By airgim - March 14 - 10:16 pm

  Fantastic engine performance. Very well built interior finishes. High quality. Excellent grip with 4wd. A pleasure to drive. You feel safe and enjoy high performance. I enjoy driving on s mode gear. A fan choice if you are looking for a used sports performance car, without looking like one.

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  Best Sport Sedan Hands down. - 2010 Audi S4
  By Phil Ontko - February 28 - 10:32 pm

  This car was the most researched vehicle I have ever purchased. I test drove with my wife the I- G37, M-C350, L-GS 350, A-TL, BMW 335 and yes the Audi S4. All the cars were great but the S4 really stood out on the interior finish also the acceleration with the 7-speed automatic was powerful & seamless. The fact that it didn’t have much of an exhaust note I viewed as a plus. The ride when not pushed is very comfortable but make no mistake this car is a wolf in sheep clothing when you ask the car to perform it is an animal! The S4 we ordered and purchased is a red automatic, prestige, driver assist, red & black silk Napa leather, dark birch trim and Audi drive select.