2008 Audi A4

The exterior of the 2008 Audi S4 gets some pretty positive reviews among the impressions read by TheCarConnection.com, but the real praise is saved for the interior. MyRide.com loves that the interior is “clean and uncluttered with everything designed to be functional.” Kelley Blue Book agrees, claiming that the 2008 Audi S4’s interior “might just make you want to climb in and never leave” and approving of the driver-centric touches, like “pedals [that] are perfectly positioned for those who can accomplish the classic heel-and-toe downshift.” ConsumerGuide also notes that the Audi S4’s “gauges are clear and well-lit,” though they mark it down because “the front center armrest blocks use of [the] handbrake lever and cupholders.” Overall, however, most reviewers agree with Edmunds, which re-ports that “Audi consistently produces some of the finest automotive interiors and the 2008 Audi S4 is no exception.”

Edmunds reports that while the engine bay of the 2008 Audi S4 might be small, it “is fitted with a 4.2-liter 340-hp V8” that Cars.com says “produces 302 pounds-feet of torque at 3,500 rpm." MyRide.com reports that when they ran "the S4 hard through the gears...triple-digit speed comes quickly, the sensation masked by a wide, flat, linear power curve from an engine that doesn't build velocity at the same rate that it builds revs." Other reviews read by TheCarConnection.com similarly praise Audi’s spectacular V-8, and Cars.com reviewers claim the 2008 Audi S4 “can accelerate from zero to 60 mph in 5.3 seconds.” ConsumerGuide doesn’t doubt that figure and agrees “S4s are rapid” and “plenty fast.” Car and Driver also loves the “honking V-8 power and noise” that accompanies the Audi S4.

The 2008 Audi S4 comes with a pair of transmission choices—for driving purists, Edmunds says there is “a six-speed manual gearbox,” while Audi also offers “a six-speed Tiptronic automatic” that “allows manual-style shifting via steering-wheel-mounted paddles” for those drivers who can’t be bothered to use their left foot. Edmunds adds that “the Quattro all-wheel-drive system” is standard on the S4, though unlike other Audis, “it has a 40/60 front-to-rear power split in normal situations to give the car a more dynamic attitude when cornering.” Reviewer impressions of both transmissions are positive, and Kelley Blue Book calls the Quattro system “a perfect match for the engine,” as it “does an exemplary job of delivering the V8’s remarkable output to all four wheels.” MyRide.com finds “the shifter abruptly bangs from gear to gear” when driving the S4 quickly, describing the linkage as “rarely smooth but always authoritative,” and with an “easy clutch.”

A big V-8 engine might bring a low 0-60-mph time, but it also means another low number for this 2008 Audi S4—fuel economy. The official EPA estimates for the 2008 Audi S4 are a bit shocking, with the manual transmission returning 13 mpg in the city and just 20 mpg on the highway, while the six-speed automatic gets 14 mpg city, 21 mpg on the open road. Real-world testing seems to bear those numbers out, as ConsumerGuide reports that their “S4 sedans averaged 16.1-18.4 mpg.”

The aging Audi S4 may no longer be the quickest car in its class, but it can still compete with the latest offerings from BMW and Lexus when it comes to handling and ride quality. ConsumerGuide is pleased to report that the 2008 Audi S4 lineup is “stiff but seldom punishing and [shows] impressive high-speed stability.” Other reviewers simply rave about the cornering ability of the 2008 Audi S4, which Kelley Blue Book says is “simply far beyond most drivers’ previous automotive experiences,” and “even those with considerable time in very high-performance cars will likely be seriously impressed.” The one performance draw-back noted in some reviews read by TheCarConnection.com is captured by Car and Driver reviewers, who lament “the S4’s resolute understeer,” and MyRide.com feels that the “steering [is] much too light.” Edmunds, however, loves how the 2008 Audi S4 manages to offer “excellent handling while still providing a supple ride.” MyRide.com does end on a positive note, finding that “the brakes are great” on the 2008 Audi S4.

Despite the lack of rear-seat passenger space, the 2008 Audi S4 sedan offers decent cargo capacity, while the wagon is hugely versatile in terms of its carrying capacity. Car and Driver calls the Audi 2008 S4 sedan suitably “practical for everyday use,” and ConsumerGuide mentions that the sedans “have a usefully roomy trunk and standard fold-down rear seatbacks.” The Audi S4 Avant wagon gets much higher marks from reviewers for its practicality. Edmunds reviewers calculate that “the Avant wagon provides up to 61 cubic feet of cargo space with the rear seats folded,” and for those who need to haul both people and cargo, Cars.com says that, with the seats in place, the Audi S4 Avant has “27.8 cubic feet of cargo room,” or “slightly more than double the sedan’s.”

Some Audi S4 detractors will argue about the more conservative styling or poor fuel econ-omy on the 2008 Audi S4, but few can claim the materials and build quality are anything other than superb. Cars.com mentions “silk Nappa leather upholstery is used” on all 2008 Audi S4s, while Edmunds goes so far as to say “Audi consistently produces some of the finest automotive interiors” that “feature superb materials [and] excellent fit and finish.” Con-sumerGuide reviewers, who are normally quite conservative in their assessments of interior quality, are also wowed, claiming the S4 “cabins impress for classy design, materials, and workmanship.”

In addition to top-notch materials and assembly, the 2008 Audi S4 lineup boasts an incredi-bly refined and quiet ride. ConsumerGuide remarks that the “engines purr at cruise and snarl discreetly at full throttle,” and this theme appears in several reviews read by TheCarConnection.com. Car and Driver in particular feels that both the Audi S4 sedan and wagon “sound fantastic.”

In addition to its crashworthiness ratings, reviews read by TheCarConnection.com show that the 2008 Audi S4 boasts quite a few standard safety features. ConsumerGuide reviewers observe that standard safety features on the 2008 Audi S4 include “dual front airbags, front side airbags,” and “curtain side airbags.” Cars.com adds that the standard “antilock brakes have electronic brake-force distribution,” and the “height-adjustable front seat belts have load limiters.” Edmunds rounds out the standard features list by reporting that “stability control” is included on all 2008 Audi S4 models, while Kelley Blue Book points out “rear side-impact airbags” are available as an optional feature.

The prodigious use of glass in the 2008 Audi S4’s upper body makes for pretty good visibility from the driver’s seat. However, Audi still sees it necessary to offer a “rear-obstacle-detection system,” according to ConsumerGuide, since nobody likes to dent their car in the parking lot (or run over a loose child, for that matter).

With standard features like Nappa leather and a power moonroof, it’s hard to imagine what sorts of options Audi has to tempt Audi S4 buyers with, but Kelley Blue Book assures us “the S4’s options sheet is extensive.” Reviews read by TheCarConnection.com certainly back that up and reveal Audi 2008 options such as “adaptive, high-intensity headlamps that pivot to illuminate the road around curves,” according to ForbesAutos. ConsumerGuide reports that an available “Audio Pkg.” includes an upgraded “Bose sound system” for around $1,000, while “carbon-fiber interior trim” is also available. Edmunds says there is an avail-able “navigation system” for the Audi S4, though they also note it “isn’t a model of user-friendly design.” ForbesAutos expands upon the statement, commenting that “the optional navigation system” on the 2008 Audi S4 “includes Audi’s Multi-Media Interface,” which they say “can be difficult to operate and may distract drivers from the road, but it’s less annoying than similar systems offered by other European imports.”