2003 Audi A8 Review
Price Estimate: $3,573 - $5,793





+25
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- All-wheel-drive security, sophisticated engine and structural design, highly detailed interior, spacious trunk, costs less than its German competitors.
Cons
- Overly soft suspension, small LCD screen paired with outdated CD-based nav system, plain styling.
What’s new
A redesigned A8 is coming for the 2004 model year, so 2003 changes are minimal. Premium packages for both the A8 and A8 L now include the navigation system, parking assist system, tire pressure monitoring system and 17-inch wheels with 225/55R17 all-season tires. In addition, this year only the A8 L will be eligible for the optional 18-inch wheels and 245/45R18 performance tires.
Edmunds says
Audi's flagship isn't a top performer in the super-luxury sedan segment, but its advanced space frame design and all-wheel drive make it an interesting alternative. Consider waiting for the 2004 redesign.
For sale near Perris, CA
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in California
$341/mo for A8 quattro
A8 quattro
vs
$273/mo
Avg. Large Car
Reliability
The 2003 Audi A8 has a 4 years / 50,000 miles basic warranty and 1 recall. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Recalls
1 recall foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 08V397000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 37D5/J2
- Manufactured from:
- 1995-07-19 to 2002-08-14
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 13900
- Defect Description:
- VOLKSWAGEN IS RECALLING 13,900 MY 1996-2003 AUDI A8 VEHICLES EQUIPPED WITH A 5-SPEED AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION. THE LOCKING CABLE MAY MOVE OUT OF POSITION OVER TIME. WITH THE LOCKING CABLE OUT OF POSITION, THE SHIFTER CAN BE MOVED OUT OF THE "PARK" POSITION EVEN IF THE IGNITION KEY IS NOT IN THE IGNITION LOCK.
- Defect Consequence:
- THIS COULD ALLOW THE VEHICLE TO ROLL, CAUSING A CRASH WITHOUT WARNING.
- Corrective Action:
- DEALERS WILL MODIFY THE AUTOMATIC TRANSMISSION LOCKING CABLE BY INSTALLING AN ADJUSTING PIECE THAT WILL SECURE THE LOCKING CABLE IN PLACE. THE RECALL BEGAN ON SEPTEMBER 12, 2008. OWNERS MAY CONTACT AUDI AT 1-800-822-2834.
Warranty
4 years / 50,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 12 years / unlimited miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 4 years / unlimited miles
- Free maintenance Warranty
- 4 years / 50,000 miles
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.
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.
Love This Car!
4.25 out of 5 starsPhilly 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 2003 Audi A8, so we've included reviews for other years of the A8 since its last redesign.
2003 A8 Highlights
quattro
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $62,200 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 18 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $341/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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