2005 Audi A8 Review
Fuel Economy
15 - 18 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
It may not have the name recognition of its German peers, but the A8 matches or beats them in just about every meaningful category.
Pros
Superb driving dynamics, plenty of passenger space, exquisite interior, standard all-wheel drive.
Cons
Inconvenient glovebox location for the CD changer.
What's New for 2005
A standard-wheelbase version of the A8 is introduced this year for those who don't need all the size of the A8 L, along with a tire-pressure monitor, rain-sensing wipers and LED lighting for the door handles and mirror controls. New optional equipment includes a keyless entry and start system, a wood steering wheel and shift knob, satellite radio and power door closers for the front and rear side doors. Horsepower has been bumped up to 335 (from 330). A 6.0-liter W12 power plant, which provides 450 hp, 428 lb-ft of torque, has also been added.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Leader in quality and comfort
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 9 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Audi A8 quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
Review
This is best car I have had after owning several BMW models. 2005 models came with bluetooth in later production model which apparently are way more reliable than the one's with OnStar*. The only maintenance I have done over the last year is brakes and oil changes. It's hard to drive anything else once you get used to fine interior and futuristic interior. Seats are best in this class of cars. Check details online the way this car is being produced, all aluminum chassis and adjustable suspension modes provide superb ride quality. I prefer SWB over L because of aesthetics. Rear seats still provide a lot of room. MMI is easy to use and Bose stereo is the best I have come across. PPI is a must.
Favorite Features
MMI, interior, voice commands, bluetooth, variable suspension modes, etc.
Suggested Improvements
I 'd like to see a diesel version of A8 in US market with at least 35MPG, that will definitely surpass the competition.
Horrible Experience
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 3 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 6 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 1 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Audi A8 quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
Review
I purchased a 2005 CPO A8L 6 months ago. From the day I drove it off the lot I have had nothing but trouble. From the minor (ie. remote keys didn't work) to the major items (ie. sunroof, power trunk, console buttons, water pump, head lamps, etc.) my vehicle has been in the shop a total of 3 weeks. The CPO checklist was a total misrepresentation. Most of the items that were bad on the vehicle were checked off as having passed a "rigorous" inspection. I have owned several other luxury new and used brands. But I never had this kind of trouble before. Truly a horrible experience. The final slap in the face is the trade value. All I want to do is trade out of this car but the values are way down.
Favorite Features
All wheel drive and good looks.
Suggested Improvements
Get rid of the power trunk and have a less complicated MMI system.
Oh yea
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 6 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Audi A8 L quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
Review
Just bought a used A8L Quatrro.Man This thing is fantastic. Never owned a luxury car before,and now I know what I have been missing. The soft market on these vehicles put them in reach for those of us with the "beer pocket". I am hooked. Handling is wonderful and the power from the 4.2 is plenty for any American highway. I had to study the owners manual while I sat in the car and go step by step over all the systems. There are a lot of buttons and dials and submenus to learn. If you buy one of these cars take the time to learn it inside and out. It will make the experience so much better
Favorite Features
Heated/cooled seats, smart-key system, rear leg room, power rear window visor, memory seats, mirrors, and steering wheel.
Suggested Improvements
No need for 19 inch wheels, tires are way too expensive, road noise is too high for this level of machine.
I love this car
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Audi A8 L quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
Review
I bought a certified pre-owned 2005 A8L and have enjoyed every element of this car, from the handling to the styling. I will say that the cost of repairs is high, but probably comparable to others in its class. I had to replace a rear view mirror and one arm rest and was quoted $500 for each repair. I also had an issue with the automatic trunk not staying down. Thankfully my certified warranty covered these items. The car is truly a looker and I still get compliments. I have recently replaced the tires and it drives like new. I love this car.
Favorite Features
MMI, comfort, handling, styling, performance, beauty.
Suggested Improvements
My 2005 has the OnStar telematics, which are no longer in service as OnStar disavowed its analog vehicles in 12/07, truly a disappointment. Now I cannot use my integrated telephone. Also, there is no bluetooth for this model year, another disappointment. Audi should kick in for the replacement.
Best car for the money
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2005 Audi A8 L quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)
Review
I loved the A8 since the D3 model was first shown. I waited patiently for the pricing to drop to a level I could afford (preowned). I have had my CPO car for 4 months and 5K miles, and I still love it. It is not as reliable as my 98 Lexus GS400 which had almost nothing go wrong with it after 145K miles. I just had a number of things replaced at the 45K mile service, such as the trunk hinges (common problem), parktronic sensor, airbag sensor, and one softclose door sensor. Even with these little problems, I love the car. No serious issue that will leave you stranded, but still something small that requires a trip to the dealer. I do not regret my choice, regardless.
Favorite Features
Interior design and comfort. Ventilated seats are great in the summer. Drives sportier than my GS400, which is supposed to be a sport Lexus. Feels much smaller than it is, while offering supreme comfort.
Suggested Improvements
Ipod connectivity didn't come until 07 (I added it but it was costly). Slightly more power would be a bit more fun. More reasonable service costs (for after warranty ends), rear headrests unadjustable, larger sunroof, better voice activated system, better GPS system.
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2009 Audi A8
- 2008 Audi A8
- 2007 Audi A8
- 2006 Audi A8
- 2005 Audi A8
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