2002 Audi A8 Review
Price Estimate: $1,056 - $1,713
Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- quattro all-wheel-drive system, advanced and powerful engine, numerous options allow customization.
Cons
- Soft suspension even in sport mode, small navigation system screen, bland exterior styling.
What’s new
Audi will introduce the second generation of its flagship sedan next year, so 2002 sees only minor changes. Among them is a standard in-dash six-disc CD changer, OnStar telematics system as an option, an improved stability control system and updated navigation system software.
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.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
Vehicle overview
The A8, introduced to the U.S. in 1996 as a 1997 model, is in its final stages before a new generation makes its way. Sporting senior A4 styling, sumptuous interior appointments, and the revolutionary Audi Space Frame (ASF), the A8 is lighter 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.
There are two models available: the A8 and the A8 L. The A8 L offers an extended wheelbase, with more head-, shoulder- and legroom for rear occupants. Both models feature a 310-horsepower 4.2-liter twin-cam aluminum-alloy V8 engine. This engine sports 40 valves (five per cylinder) and makes peak torque of 302 pound-feet between 3,000 and 4,000 rpm. An adaptive five-speed automatic transmission with Tiptronic shift controls is standard equipment.
Audi's vaunted quattro all-wheel-drive system is also standard. Additionally, Electronic Differential Locking (EDL) provides low-speed traction control operating through the standard antilock braking system. 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.
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 5 seconds to protect the head in case the vehicle rolls over. Audi also offers a standard stability control system.
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 seat, exterior mirrors, driver headrest height and steering wheel position. The front passenger seat also gets a memory feature and a multifunctional steering wheel with audio, telephone and Tiptronic controls. 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.
The A8 is a solid luxury sedan, and it can be a fine choice for consumers living in cold or rainy climates. But with more luxurious and less expensive competitors available, as well as a redesigned A8 on the horizon, we certainly recommend thinking long and hard before making a purchase.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$267/mo for A8 quattro
A8 quattro
vs
$198/mo
Avg. Large Car
Audi A8 Owner Reviews
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
2001 A8 D2 Quattro 4.2L V8 5V
4.63 out of 5 starsJONMAH1, 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.
A8 in north palm beach
5 out of 5 starsanthony 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.
Excellent car, but be warned..
4.63 out of 5 starsJeremy, 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.
Audi A8L Review
4.63 out of 5 starsMAISIEBINGO, 06/12/2002
2002 Audi A8 L quattro AWD 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 5A)
Car is fun to drive and handles the
road very well. There have been
problems w/ the navigational system as
well as a warning light that never
would go off even after being fixed
once. The audio/radio system is not up
to standard w/ Lexus or BMW. For a
luxury car it should be better.
Lastly , the clock is in front of the
driver and cannot be seen be any other
rider.
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2002 Audi A8, so we've included reviews for other years of the A8 since its last redesign.
2002 A8 Highlights
quattro
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $62,200 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $267/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 17.6 cu.ft. |
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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