2003 Audi S8 Review

Name: 2003 Audi S8 Review
Brand: Audi
Price: 5647 USD
Rating: 4.8 (38 reviews)

+55

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Audi S8 model years

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

All-weather capability, highly detailed interior, offers the handling of a midsize sport sedan in a luxury sedan package, big trunk, stealth appearance.

Cons

Engine doesn't completely satisfy, mediocre rear legroom, stealth appearance can also be confused with bland and boring.

What’s new

Changes to Audi's hot-rod version of the A8 flagship are minimal for 2003. Among them are a new set of 18-inch alloys; birch or sycamore wood interior trim; new black dash and door panel trim; and "Audi Exclusive" embossment for the headrests. Also, the premium package now includes the navigation, parking assist and tire pressure monitoring systems. Three limited-edition color combinations will be offered -- a silver exterior with a burgundy interior, a Ming Blue exterior with a platinum interior and a black exterior with a caramel interior -- but the Alcantara leather package has been discontinued.

Edmunds says

The S8 is not our favorite high-end sport sedan, but it's well-suited for situations where maximum grip and anonymity are required.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2003 Audi S8 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (4.2L 8cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.27 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia

$320/mo

$214/mo

Avg. Large Car

Calculate my fuel costs

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Audi S8.

5 (87%)

4 (8%)

3 (5%)

2 (0%)

1 (0%)

4.8

38 reviews

Write a vehicle review See all 38 reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

After 12 years, still the best German sedan

shogunfc, 03/08/2013

2001 Audi S8 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (4.2L 8cyl 5A)

I had many German cars.4 Mercedes,3 BMW, 2 VW,1 Audi and 2 Lexus.I sold my 2006 Audi A8L, to buy a very low mileage 2001 Audi S8. I felt in love with this car, since the first day I saw it, many years ago.The newer A8L is bigger and more luxurious than the older S8, but the S8 gives me a lot of pleasure to drive. It is fast, fun and reliable. I use to get tired of my cars after 6 months. …

Fantastic Driving Experience

Toni, 07/09/2006

2001 Audi S8 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (4.2L 8cyl 5A)

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.

Amazing Automobile

Pigman, 10/17/2010

2001 Audi S8 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (4.2L 8cyl 5A)

This German car is for drivers; people who love to drive. Of any car I have ever owned this is the one I would pick if I had to drive across the country. It reminds me of an NFL linebacker, big, swift, powerful and nimble all at the same time. I originally purchased it with 92000 miles. It now has 140000 and all I have replaced is tires, idler pulley and serpentine belt and fuel pump. I …

Supercar

chris355, 05/07/2010

2001 Audi S8 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (4.2L 8cyl 5A)

My S8 has a few years on it and I am still absolutely in love with it. I was looking for a sports-orientated car that could carry car seats and groceries and get around in the snowy Pittsburgh winters. This car manages to do that and more - it's like three cars in one! An SUV for winter, a sports sedan for summer and a 4 dr family hauler for all times in between. It's rock solid at …

We have a limited number of reviews for the 2003 Audi S8, so we've included reviews for other years of the S8 since its last redesign.

See all 38 reviews of the Audi S8

Write a vehicle review

2003 S8 Highlights

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$72,500
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	16 MPG
Cost to Drive	$320/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	17.6 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Key safety features on the S8 include:

Alarm
Stability Control

NHTSA Overall Rating

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.

Frontal Barrier Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Driver5 / 5
Passenger5 / 5
Side Crash Rating
OverallNot Rated
Side Barrier Rating
OverallNot Rated
DriverNot Rated
PassengerNot Rated
Combined Side Barrier & Pole Ratings
Front SeatNot Rated
Back SeatNot Rated
Rollover
RolloverNot Rated
Dynamic Test ResultNo Tip
Risk Of RolloverNot Rated

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2003 Audi S8 Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2003 Audi S8 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (4.2L 8cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.27 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2003 Audi S8.

Trending topics in reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

After 12 years, still the best German sedan

Fantastic Driving Experience

Amazing Automobile

Supercar

2003 S8 Highlights

Safety

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2003 Audi S8 Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2003 Audi S8 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (4.2L 8cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.27 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.

Most helpful consumer reviews

After 12 years, still the best German sedan

Fantastic Driving Experience

Amazing Automobile

Supercar

2003 S8 Highlights

Safety

People who viewed this also viewed

Consider these recommendations

Related Used 2003 Audi S8 info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Shop similar models

Shop used vehicles in your area

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Audi

Research similar vehicles

Other models

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2003 Audi S8 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD (4.2L 8cyl 5A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.27 per gallon for premium unleaded in Virginia.}