2000 Audi A8 Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

While the A8 and A8 L aren't top performers in the super-luxury sedan segment, their well-appointed cabins and all-wheel drive make them feasible alternatives to offerings from BMW, Lexus and Mercedes.

Pros

Lightweight aluminum body, powerful engine, sumptuous luxury, all-wheel drive.

Cons

Price paid for advanced technology, tight rear-seat accommodations, overly soft suspension.

What's New for 2000

Updated styling in the form of a revised grille, enlarged headlights, added chrome and aluminum trim and reshaped bumpers provides a subtle new look. Inside, new interior surfaces and standard Valcona leather intensify an already richly appointed cabin. Revised switchgear makes it easier to pilot the A8, and a new navigation system is available. A new 4.2-liter, 40-valve V8 resides under the hood, and aluminum suspension components reduce unsprung weight and enhance handling. A long wheelbase version (A8L) is now available for increased comfort of rear passengers, and comes standard with an electronic stability control system and navigation system.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

Excellent car, but be warned..

Written by: Jeremy on 12/12/2007

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	9
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	7
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	9

Vehicle

2000 Audi A8 4 Dr Quattro AWD Sedan

Review

I purchased my A8 used w/ 56K. It handles wonderfully for a large sedan and I average about 17/25 on premium fuel. I have found it to be both sophisticated and understated; and if you are looking for such a vehicle, it should be verboten for one not to at least consider the A8. That being said, I have had reliability issues. My thermostat had to be replaced, which required replacing the t and s belts, as well as the water pump, the CV boot tore causing my brake pad light to go off (?), my driver's interior door handle randomly broke and my radio randomly died. I have spent nearly $3,000 in the last yr. on this vehicle.

Favorite Features

Ski sock, Bose audio, engine, winter handling (with snow tires), superb V8 engine, heated seats.

Suggested Improvements

Needs another front cupholder; DO NOT use the rear holders unless you want frapuccino-colored leather seats. The Zach Morris analog phone and the CD ROM nav are so 90s.

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Love at first drive

Written by: doc on 06/21/2006


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	9	Exterior Design:	10

2000 Audi A8 4 Dr L Quattro 4WD Sedan

What an awesome car. After owning an Audi 5000, I never expected to buy another Audi, but renting an A4 in Europe convinced me that Audi has come a long way. The first thing that attracted me to the A8 was the superbly understated styling. Once I drove it I was hooked! It is the finest car I have ever driven. It is luxurious in a subtle way which perfectly suits my style. I like that it is relatively scarce, but surprised it isn't a bigger seller. I especially like the light agile but confident feeling I get from this aluminum bodied all wheel driver.

Great looks, excellent fit and finish, outstanding features, exceptional comfort, great back seat leg room, large trunk, nice night display and lights, quick acceleration and decent gas mileage (despite my heavy right foot).

I wish the navigation was more convenient.

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

Audi A8

Written by: R Swanson on 08/29/2005


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	8
Fuel Economy:	8	Exterior Design:	10

Best car I have ever driven. This car is glued to the road. Shines at speeds above 85 mph. Very comfortable long distace cruiser. Exceptional on slippery surfaces.

Handling, performance, comfort, style.

Trunk is way too small. Cupholder is a joke

Unbelieveably Bad Experience

Written by: paul on 05/21/2005


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	9	Build Quality:	1
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	1
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	10

I've always loved the A8 and was pleased as punch when I finally found mine. But I've had nothing but trouble from this car. A year after purchase the 'check engine' idiot light came high. Audi diagnosed it as a bad tank of gas and reset it. A few months later, same thing. I wanted a true diagnosis. $4300 in diagnostic fees later, it's diagnosed as a broken valve spring requiring the heads be removed. Just this past week (May 2005) the steering started making noise. This diagnosis? An irreplaceable bearing in the electronic steering column -- the entire column needs to be replaced. The cost? Estimated at $2200.... Audi offered blue book on a trade, I declined. I'm turning Japanese.

It's a beautiful car. No other car has the looks of the A8. Absolutely stunning. Performance and comfort are what you expect in the ultra premium segment. If you're in the market for the A8, find one with Audi's extended warranty. Don't consider one without it.

I understand there are lemons -- cars not indicative of the entire marque -- and that's what I believe I purchased. I still love the looks, performance, and comfort of the A8, but will never own another Audi. This car has cost me almost 25% of its purchase price in repairs in two years. Good luck.

Drive of a lifetime

Written by: lepin on 05/21/2005


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	10
Comfort:	10	Interior Design:	8	Reliability:	10
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	10

I never owned a car like this but I couldn't resist when I drove it. It feels as roomy as a Town Car but handles like a Porsche. The only quibbles are the one small drink holder and the cheap plastic buttons to open the trunk and set the seat memory. I will own this car forever if I can.

More drink holders. Better buttons.

2000 Audi A8 Consumer Ratings & Reviews