2008 Audi RS4 Review
The RS4 is a high performance variant of the Audi A4 that debuted in 2007. It resembles the S4, but includes advances from their famed R8 race car. It’s the top tier of the A4 family.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The Audi RS4 is a fast, fun sports car that’s just practical enough to drive every day. In terms of value, it’s not the best in its class. However, what it does, it does right, with the kind of quality only Audi can provide.
What’s New For 2008:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
J.D. Power gives the A4 3 stars for overall dependability. Problems with the last generation included blown fuses, faulty cruise control, engine misfires, inaccurate fuel gauges, difficult starting, and rough idling. It was recalled eight times. Problems with the current generation include coolant leaks, hard starting, water leaks, and noisy idle. It’s been recalled once for degrading headlamp coating. Expect average reliability. The basic warranty lasts for four years or 50,000 miles.
Analysis Of Safety Ratings And Features:
The RS4 received 4 stars in government frontal crash tests and 4.5 stars in side tests. IIHS results are not available. Anti-lock brakes, full side airbags, and stability control come standard.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Awesome performance
+ Excellent ride
+ AWD standard
Cons
– Heavy
– Expensive in its class
– Below average gas mileage
Head-To-Head Competition:
The BMW M costs a couple thousand less and gets 5 more highway miles, but lacks AWD, a CD changer, and a moonroof. The Lexus IS F costs significantly less, but lacks standard AWD. The Cadillac STS costs a couple grand less and gets slightly better gas mileage, but lacks AWD, a moonroof, and has 100 less hp.
What Others Are Saying:
“Like the sedan, the RS4 Cabriolet’s handling is nothing short of amazing — it makes curvy-road driving so easy that you don’t realize how fast you’re going until you show up at your destination an hour earlier than you expected… The RS4 is one of the best handling cars under $100k, yet it rides as smoothly as a Cadillac. I don’t know how Audi does it. (My guess: Black magic.)” – About.com
“…the moment I saw the RS4 a Toyota angel appeared on my left shoulder and an Audi demon manifested itself on my right. And then I drove the RS4 and the demon kicked the snot out of the angel.” – The Truth About Cars
“So, yes, Audi’s new whiz-bang rocket ship isn’t perfect. That’s part of its charm. You’re willing to write off its faults as the price of such asinine, iconic fun. Tear down a winding road, with pavement ripping into pieces under your right foot, and all is forgiven. The RS4 is Audi taking chances. It’s special. It has soul.” – Automobile Magazine
Read more about the 2008 Audi RS4 at the Audi manufacturer web site.
