2001 Audi S8 Review
Fuel Economy
15 mpg
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
Want to drive the hero car from the movie Ronin instead of the BMW 7 Series or Mercedes S-Class? This is it -- minus the dual-tank nitrous system.
Pros
Faster and quicker than A8, sumptuous luxury, all-wheel drive.
Cons
Price paid for advanced technology, rather bland exterior design.
What's New for 2001
The S8 is Audi's new high-performance version of the flagship A8. It's armed with more horsepower, a stiffer suspension and more powerful brakes. As with other 2001 A8s, the 2001 S8 has the Electronic Stabilization Program (ESP) and the new multifunctional steering wheel as standard equipment.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
Q Ship
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Audi S8 Quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 5A)
Review
This is my favorite sedan in the world for a four season climate. Understated competence, subtle luxury, mysteriousness, and timeless style. I drive it daily, but it shines brightest on 3 or 4 passenger road trips to ski destinations, everyone is supremely comfortable as I power through snow drifts and navigate icy corners. The S8 is very fast and light on her feet because of the strong V8 and light aluminum frame, but cops don't notice her. Pretty darn good mileage for 360 hp, amazing interior finish that is not too complicated or gizmo oriented. Gorgeous dash at night, all the creature comforts you can ask for (ahem, except good cupholders!). It is a fantastic car.
Favorite Features
The sport seats, the sport steering wheel, the sport accelerator pedal! Aluminium frame makes her light on her feet despite the luxurious size.
Suggested Improvements
Okay, you're not supposed to drink anything at 150 mph on the autobahn, but I don't drive on the Autobahn! Sure would like more/better cupholders!
Cool points out the window
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 8 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Audi S8 Quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 5A)
Review
Well I must admit to being newly enamored with the S8 as I just bought one. I like others don't care for the Nav system compared to what $200.00 will buy now, I suppose it was ok in its time.
Favorite Features
My favorite feature is the engine, I am hoping to find higher performance parts for even more power as this car can take loads of power.
Suggested Improvements
Cup holder stinks - I live in coffee city USA.
My Own Private Lear Jet
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 9 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Audi S8 Quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 5A)
Review
This is a wonderful car all around and fast and nimble like a Lear jet. Comfort, performance, total package with that understated look. Prefer it over S500 or 740 anyday.
Favorite Features
Power, braking, Quattro, comfort!
Suggested Improvements
High end stereo needs low end sound.
Sports Sedan of the Decade
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 7 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Audi S8 Quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 5A)
Review
The 01 to 03 S8 is the best sports sedan of the last 20 years. It is an all business, aluminum engineered masterpiece. Ask any engineer with knowledge and they will agree. I bought it Audi certified with no regrets. I strongly advise buying one of these S8s if you are into subtle from the outside and awesome from the inside type of driving experience. I read another review before I bought that described it as a 4 door Porsche 911... I agree. My wife thought I was nuts for buying a 4 year old car (certified), but now fights for the keys. Can easily carry 2 kids and gear on any excursion. Would buy a certified one with warranty again!!
Favorite Features
Understated outside appearance and sports car / luxury car inside. Factory Recaro seats. Excellent Bose stereo. Suede "Alcantra" interior. Night time red illumination / lighting of the interior. "Snow mobile" like driving characteristics in bad weather. Huge trunk.
Suggested Improvements
Navi system is a joke. Save the money and get a portable GPS. Integrated bluetooth. More unlock buttons, driver's door contains only unlock button, otherwise passengers have to pull door handle twice to unlock. Too bad that limited production will limit people's access to this historic automobile!
3 out 3 people found this review helpful
Fantastic Driving Experience
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 5 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2001 Audi S8 Quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 5A)
Review
I just bought a 2001 S8. It's my first foreign car. I am completely amazed at this cars performance. I have yet to come close to testing it's abilities but I thoroughly enjoy blowing away any one that thinks they can outperform me! Complete luxury inside, total power and very understated. It's big inside, took getting used to for a smaller woman.
Favorite Features
Responsive, FAST! Great sound system. Too many to list.
Suggested Improvements
4 out 4 people found this review helpful
View Pricing for Other Years
- 2009 Audi S8
- 2008 Audi S8
- 2007 Audi S8
- 2003 Audi S8
- 2002 Audi S8
- 2001 Audi S8
Research the 2001 Audi S8
Buying & Selling
Vehicle Details
Multimedia
Ratings & Reviews
- Model Review
- Road Test Ratings
- Road Test Reviews
- Consumer Reviews
- Awards History
- Reliability
- Consumer Discussions
Payment Calculators
Helpful Tools
