2005 Audi S4 Consumer Reviews

2001 S4 vs. 2005 S4

Written by: Mark on 09/17/2008

Vehicle

2005 Audi S4 New quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6M)

Review

I swapped my 2001 Audi S4 with an owner of a 2005 S4. I purchased the nogaro blue with two tone blue/black recaro interior seats. This is a beautiful car. Audi did an excellent job with the overall look and feel. The previous owner lowered the vehicle and added awe tuning exhaust and 19" rims low profile. The exhaust is sick and the car certainly turns a lot heads as well as comments from envious VW owners. Audi is welcomed to the muscle car category! I will say that I miss the bi-turbo of my 2001. The bi-turbo is quicker off the line due the turbo and light weight of the V6. However, the overall torque is something to be desired in the V8.

Favorite Features

The exhaust and overall look and feel

Suggested Improvements

Audi really needs to stock better rims! I'm tired of the same boring rims they've used for years. The gas tank needs to be larger for longer road trips. Finally, please place the cup holder below the radio console. Apparently, Audi engineering has never spilled coffee all over the radio.

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All Around Winner

Written by: Eddie on 08/28/2008

Vehicle

2005 Audi S4 quattro AWD 2dr Cabriolet (4.2L 8cyl 6M)

Review

I traded in my 350z for a beautiful red S4 cabrio with gray interior and black top. It felt a bit heavy at first after driving a sports car for so long but I quickly fell in love with the smooth ride and roomy, well appointed interior. The big car feel and rumbling V8 almost makes it seem like a 60s era muscle car, especially when cruising city streets at low speeds with the top down. It is also quite practical with a full sized trunk (with top up) and decent sized back seats, making it perfect for a long weekend of road tripping in the country. My wife and both of my parents all fit comfortably for short trips. In short, a well rounded combination of style, luxury, and performance.

Favorite Features

The V8 exhaust note is what dreams are made of, 340 horses, carbon fiber trim and slick instrument panel, big trunk, tasteful styling, peace of mind of the Audi CPO program.

Suggested Improvements

A few more MPG would be nice, but I am getting 20-22 with the top up at 40-60 MPH. Nothing to brag about, but something I can live with.

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S4 vs M3 - different animals

Written by: Audo A4 no M3 on 08/10/2008

Vehicle

2005 Audi S4 quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6M)

Review

I'm going to write something radical here. The Audi S4 should not be compared to the BMW M3. They are different and serve different purposes. I had an M3 and now an M5. I can speak to this: S4 - better family car. Better in weather. More comfortable. M3 handles better, faster. Both are solid built and of strong engine. Audi is a better value, but doesn't hold its value as well. AWD is a plus in the Audi, but it still doesnt handle as well as the M3. Reliability - BMW. Comfort Audi, Interior/Exterior - Audi, Fuel - BMW, Both are equal in the other categories. Summary, Audi for value and BMW for reliability. BMWs have become over produced and value watered down.

Favorite Features

AWD, XM, Recaro seats, grace, solid feel,

Suggested Improvements

Improve gas mileage or produce a bigger gas tank

3 out 4 people found this review helpful

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From '97 A8 to '05 S4

Written by: AndyCap on 07/03/2008

Vehicle

2005 Audi S4 quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6M)

Review

I just traded in my '97 A8 and never looked back. The A8 also had the 4.2 V8, but it a slug compared to this better aspirated version. A V8 as it is supposed to be. 340 HP mated to the road with precision and grace. The cabin is ergonomic and smart. Bucket seats are comforable for long distance, and keep you snug through the high speed curves. The controls all make sense and are exactly where they should be. The exterior design is stealth, a this car looks like an A4, but drives like the German sport car it is. Indeed a "Wolf in sheeps clothing" My wife even called it cute until she heard the rumble of the V8. This car sounds like a beast when it growls.

Favorite Features

The power and precision. Paddle shifters. Large disk brakes. classy respectable interior. AWD is a must in New England. Favorite characteristic? It is an Audi

Suggested Improvements

The sound system is sub-par for such a nice auto - I am ripping that piece of junk out asap. The sound is hazy and the CD player does not handle MP3. Don't complain about fuel economy when you buy a V8 auto with 340 HP. I would suggest a larger fuel tank though - 13 gal is too small.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Very cool

Written by: numonyx S4 on 06/08/2008

Vehicle

2005 Audi S4 quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6M)

Review

Even after 3.5 years and 44.5k miles, my recent purchase of a used 2005 S4 is a fantastic drive. The look and performance is awesome. I love the acceleration, braking, handling, and sound of this "tiger in sedan's clothing". It provides just the right amount of sedan for my business use, but allows me to have a blast driving down the coastal highway 1 setting top pace for all the "weekend sport cars".

Favorite Features

Overall performance. Look and feel inside and out. Sound is incredible.

Suggested Improvements

Minor suggestions: center arm rest for manual shift is a bit too high for me, and I prefer to have oil-temp and oil- pressure analog gauges on the instrument cluster.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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05.5 S4 4dr aka"D BEAST!"

Written by: Barry on 06/02/2008

Vehicle

2005 Audi S4 New quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6M)

Review

I have owned my B7(chassis designation) S4 for 1.5yrs. now and love it. Build quality and fit and finish are second to none. The nav, XM radio and Bose sound systems are exellent. Im so pleased with the handling of this car, that its the first vehicle i've ever owened that i have'nt made any mods to the suspension. I have however added aftermarket intake,exhaust and software upgrades. Which go a long way in remeding one of the S4's few faults weight!.At a curb weight of 3902lbs with the 6spd tiptronic,you won't win many drag races against worthy opponents. My best friend owns a 05 comp pkg BMW M3 SMG, and even he grudgingly admits the S4's handling and overall performance makes it a superior car

Favorite Features

High speed stability, exotic musclular exhaust note, playing rally car superstar in the snow.

Suggested Improvements

205 miles to the tank = being on a first name basis with your local gas station attendant!

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Love my car

Written by: njsnowdriver on 02/05/2008

Vehicle

2005 Audi S4 New quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6M)

Review

I have to say that I really love this car. I now have 35K miles on it and it is as good as the day I bought it. When I purchased it, there wasn't an RS4 yet. Otherwise I would have bought that. But at this price point, I think it is one of the best cars in the world. Due to inclement weather I sold my previous sports cars, a BMW M3 and a Mazda RX8. While the BMW was spectacular, it just didn't work in the snow. At all. The RX8 was a dud all around. It was fun to shift, but that was it. It was slow, could not be driven in snow, and it stalled and needed to be towed constantly. The s4 is quick, handles great in snow, & is a perfect wolf in sheep's clothing. I highly recommend it.

Favorite Features

Speed, handling in bad weather, interior styling.

Suggested Improvements

Any car can always be a little faster.

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

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Best Car - Even if it's Thirsty

Written by: S4 Convert on 01/04/2008

Vehicle

2005 Audi S4 New quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6M)

Review

By far the best car I've ever owned, and I've had a bunch. Drives like a four door Porsche C4. I get bored quickly with cars, but every time I get in the S4 it feels like I've been given a gift. If you are a car enthusiast, you simply can't have a bad time in this car. You pay for the V-8 when you fill up (you can use regular, though), but you're more than equally rewarded when you step on the accelerator.

Favorite Features

Power, handling, build quality, practicality, fun-to-drive.

Suggested Improvements

Fuel economy.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

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Love it!!

Written by: DavidAlanCo on 12/19/2007

Vehicle

2005 Audi S4 quattro AWD 2dr Cabriolet (4.2L 8cyl 6M)

Review

I have had my S4 Convertible for about a year and a half and love it! I can't tell you how many people have commented on my "cool car". The car is insane around corners and I have beaten Porche Boxters on regular occasions in "races". The car almost keeps up with my business partners BMW M3. I have an automatic and there is a little "lag time" when you step on the gas, but once it gets moving, it moves like crazy!

Favorite Features

I love the built in garage door opener. The speed is insane. When I drive other cars I feel like I'm in slow motion. If you're a "button geek" you'll love it!

Suggested Improvements

The front cigarette lighter is rough if you use it for something like an external nav system. I had a penny stuck in there and it caused quite a scare when sparks flew out of it. It should have killed the fuse but it didn't.

1 out 3 people found this review helpful

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8cyl/4 season/ 2+2 convertible to beat

Written by: nick on 06/18/2007

Vehicle

2005 Audi S4 quattro AWD 2dr Cabriolet (4.2L 8cyl 6M)

Review

The most reasonably priced 8cyl/4wd/4 season 2+2 convertible for snow covered Northeast states; there is no other convertible in this class that can claim this. Excellent fit and finish by coach builders from Karmann, Germany. This car is almost like a hand made jewel for this price range.

Favorite Features

Calibration, fit and finish, looks, Porsche and BMW drivers ask about it at the gas stops all the time. Lots of power in the low band, excellent cruiser, great quality.

Suggested Improvements

4.2L FSI, better original equipment tires, vented and perforated brakes, iPod interface.

1 out 2 people found this review helpful

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