2005 Audi S4 Consumer Reviews

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.

1 out 1 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.

1 out 1 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!

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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.

3 out 3 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.

2 out 2 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.

0 out 2 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.

0 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Wow

Written by: s4pimpdaddy on 05/12/2007

Vehicle

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

Review

Wow, what a machine. I upgraded from a Volkswagen GTI to this and this car is light years ahead of anything else I've ever driven. The AWD is flawless, the Recaro leather seats hold you in, and the quality of the interior is second to none. My only gripe about this car is the awful gas mileage.

Favorite Features

The heated leather Recaros, the powerful V8, and a plethora of other accessories that came with this.

Suggested Improvements

With all the technology out there, they should have found a way to get better gas mileage out of a V8.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Can we go topless?

Written by: Inquisitor on 07/28/2006

Vehicle

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

Review

I bought this car in late 2004 and after a year and half, I figured I could finally do a complete review of it. I cross-shopped and found the S4 cab was best all-around. Up to 80 mph, the wind noise with the open top is astonishingly low - the best of any convertible I've ever been in. The handling is superb for a convertible, but remember it is a front-heavy AWD vehicle, so drive it correctly or helloooo scary understeer - learned this at an Audi Club driving event. When done right, it's awesome through the twisties. Overall, this is a grown-up, amazing sleeper of a cruiser.

Favorite Features

The S4's V8 has great torque across the rev range - it's a German muscle car! And that rumble is like the rest of the car - understated. Good acceleration (although noticeably slower than the sedan). Minimal wind noise to 80 mph or so. Stealthy design. Comfortable space for a big guy like me.

Suggested Improvements

Rear seats are a joke with my 6'3" frame; only those under 5' can fit comfortably. A lighter engine might help with understeer and the awful mpg. Hardtop would be nice. HUGE blind spots, but that may be a problem with all 'verts. Acceleration kick not really felt until 4k rpms or so.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Fantastic!

Written by: Punchai on 07/17/2006

Vehicle

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

Review

Honestly, it’s too early for me to objectively rate all the characteristics. It’s SO much fun to drive - rain or shine. The engine is a beast and roars like a race car . . . people stare and frequently someone will ask what I’m driving. I love all the amenities – Recaro seats, Bose, NAV, XM, etc., etc. The ride is awesome and handling is second to none. My biggest criticism is that city gas mileage is poor (though comparable or better than a big truck or SUV).

Favorite Features

Performance, ride, handling, comfort, and amenities.

Suggested Improvements

Gas mileage.

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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