2001 Audi A8 Review
Fuel Economy
18 mpg
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
Light weight, powerful engine, sumptuous luxury, all-wheel drive.
Cons
Price paid for advanced technology, rather bland exterior design.
What's New for 2001
The Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) now comes standard, as does a multifunctional steering wheel with audio, telephone and Tiptronic controls. Audi adds an oil level sensor to the A8 and an Office Package consisting of an electrically folding desk and minibar/cold storage for the rear seat is added to the options list.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
"Extended Warranty Required"
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 9 | Build Quality: | 5 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Audi A8 L Quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 5A)
Review
The Germans have created cars with the philosophy that performance is the measure of quality. They have forgotten that durability and reliability are paramount to quality. Anyone who buys a used Audi A8 without an extended warranty will soon find the purchase economically untenable. The electrics rival those of 60's British autos. These cars are mechanically, electrically and economically a nightmare. The worst part of the experience is how arrogant they are about it.
Favorite Features
Appearance and performance.
Suggested Improvements
Improve quality of the internals and the attitude of the dealers.
2001 A8 D2 Quattro 4.2L V8 5V
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Audi A8 Quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 5A)
Review
This car is probably the best I have ever had to deal with. Unlike Chryslers, Volkswagens (you'd think they were the same, but they're not), GM, and Acura (which are quite reliable too), this car has run like a Mack truck practically, performed beyond belief, and given me a solid 22 mpg out of a full-size luxury sedan. The grip is tenacious for a 4057 lb. car and enables the driver to make quick lane changes if need be (Columbus traffic isn't the most forgiving). All in all, this car is a keeper.
Favorite Features
Fit and finish, exhaust note, power, AWD, handling, mileage, simple layout
Suggested Improvements
The AWD sometimes doesn't want to kick in for a few seconds, acceleration in drive (use tiptronic), tail lights
Great car, but make sure it's certified
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 5 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Audi A8 L Quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 5A)
Review
Over the past three years, it seems like my A8L has been in the shop as much as in the garage. Fortunately, it was Certified, so except for the $50 deductible and inconvenience, it has been relatively painless. Here is a listing of problems: Thermostat (replaced along with timing belt @ 50K miles), vacuum hoses/connectors, Torque converter/Transmission (required replacement), peeling console material, etc. etc. etc....
Favorite Features
Solid acceleration, fantastic handling w/ Quattro, great stylng both exterior and interior, tons of room, massive trunk space, a lot of features. Two year old Audis on Certified are a steal, due to the big front end hit on depreciation.
Suggested Improvements
Make it more reliable. There has been nothing that has left me stranded, but so many little niggly things going wrong on what was a $78,000 vehicle doesn't seem right. You don't hear about these issues from Lexus owners!
3 out 4 people found this review helpful
A8 in north palm beach
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Audi A8 L Quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 5A)
Review
I purchased an A8L and I am very pleased. You never see a lot of A8 s on the road so your A8 stands out at being different. The cabin is so quiet that when you go through the brushless car wash and the dryers turn on you hear the fan motors instead of the wind noise.I sold a Porsche 911 for the A8 and I am very surprised with the performance. The off the line acceleration is very quick and smooth as it holds you back in the seat through all of the gears. My buddies have 745s, and Lexus 430s and they prefer to take the A8 the very few times we get together. Last but not least the build quality is Impressive because the car is all aluminium and straight as a arrow, seams, and door jams.
Favorite Features
The Tiptronic transmission as well as the quick response from the 4.2 V8.
Suggested Improvements
This car has so much to offer I can't think of anything it needs for improvement.
I love my Audi
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Audi A8 L Quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 5A)
Review
This is a great vehicle for a full size sedan. It has plenty of power and drives like a sports car.
Favorite Features
The power and comfort coupled with the AWD give you a great driving experience.
Suggested Improvements
The sensor that alerts you you will are getting close to hitting something is flaky. The drink holders are not as functionible as I would like.
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