2001 Audi A8 Review
2001 Audi A8 Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Light weight, powerful engine, sumptuous luxury, all-wheel drive.
Cons
- Price paid for advanced technology, rather bland exterior design.
What’s new
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.
Edmunds 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.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2001 Audi A8 Quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (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 $4.58 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio
$308/mo for A8 quattro
A8 quattro
vs
$224/mo
Avg. Large Car
Vehicle overview
The A8, introduced to the US in 1996 as a 1997 model, is aging gracefully. Sporting senior A4 styling, sumptuous interior appointments, and the revolutionary Audi Space Frame (ASF), the A8 is lighter, tighter and more responsive than many other super-luxury competitors.
Employing lightweight aluminum-alloy construction, ASF is designed to provide superior structural rigidity, improved handling and responsiveness, better fuel efficiency and easier recycling. Gas-filled shocks, beefed-up frame reinforcement, and lightweight suspension components further contribute to ride comfort and handling in the A8.
The A8 L offers an extended wheelbase, with more head-, shoulder- and legroom for rear occupants. It also includes Electronic Stability Program (ESP), a global positioning Audi Navigation System, and heated "comfort" front and rear seats. The A8 4.2 quattro, which has all-wheel drive and a 310-horsepower, 4.2-liter, twin-cam aluminum-alloy V8 engine under the hood, sports 40 valves (five per cylinder) and makes peak torque of 302 foot-pounds between 3,000 and 4,000 rpm.
Safety is not ignored in the A8. Dual front airbags are supplemented by side airbags tucked into the front seats. Rear passengers also get side airbags, mounted to the seat rather than the door panel. Audi's Sideguard head airbag system consists of inflatable curtain airbags installed in the headliner along each side of the car, which cover the windows in the event of an accident and remain inflated for five seconds to protect the head in case the vehicle rolls over.
Audi's vaunted quattro all-wheel-drive system is standard. Additionally, Electronic Differential Locking (EDL) provides low-speed traction control operating through the standard antilock braking system (ABS). Electronic Braking-Pressure Distribution (EBD) is included with the ABS system, and ensures that maximum braking capacity can be utilized whenever needed, regardless of road or load conditions.
Inside, drivers will find an interior slathered in real wood and Valcona leather upholstery. Front seats are power adjustable in 14 different ways, and a memory feature accommodates four different settings for the driver's seat, exterior mirrors, driver's headrest height and steering wheel position. The front passenger seat also gets a memory feature for 2001 and a multifunctional steering wheel with audio, telephone and Tiptronic controls is now standard on the A8. The steering wheel tilts out of the way when the key is removed from the ignition. The automatic dual-zone temperature controls employ two sunlight sensors to help maintain accuracy.
Despite its rather expensive price tag, the A8's technological advances and long list of standard equipment should prove desirable enough to continue bringing BMW, Lexus and Benz intenders into Audi showrooms.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2001 Audi A8.
5 star(69%)
4 star(28%)
3 star(3%)
2 star(0%)
1 star(0%)
29 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
4.63 out of 5 stars
2001 A8 D2 Quattro 4.2L V8 5V
JONMAH1, 04/13/2008
2001 Audi A8 Quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 5A)
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.
5 out of 5 stars
A8 in north palm beach
anthony simpson, 05/31/2006
2001 Audi A8 L Quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 5A)
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.
4.63 out of 5 stars
Excellent car, but be warned..
Jeremy, 12/12/2007
2000 Audi A8 quattro 4dr Sedan AWD
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.
4.25 out of 5 stars
Love This Car!
Philly B, 10/25/2004
2001 Audi A8 L Quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 5A)
Bought the car a little over a year
ago while still under warranty. Just
past 50k miles, so no longer will get
free maintenance. Very good driving
car. Everyone who gets in it marvels
at how smooth and quiet the ride is.
Absolutely excellent in the snow.
Great on the highway for long rides.
Only had to replace a tie rod which I
think got damaged when a hit a wicked …
pot hole in NYC. Love the sound
system. Could use more cup holders,
which I think was done with new '04
model. Will definitely consider buying
another one in a few years...and
that's unusual for me to get the same
car again. Says something about this
car.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2001 Audi A8, so we've included reviews for other years of the A8 since its last redesign.
2001 A8 Highlights
quattro
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $62,200 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $308/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Drivetrain | all wheel drive |
Warranty | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the A8 include:
- Alarm
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriverNot RatedPassengerNot Rated
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRolloverNot RatedDynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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