Overview & Reviews

Audi revolutionizes luxury sedan construction with the Audi Space Frame, which employs seven new aircraft-grade aluminum alloys to lighten weight and provide a tighter, more crashworthy structure. The new A8 is also the first passenger car equipped with six airbags. The usual accoutrements associated with a premium German sedan are all in place.

• Aluminum space frame and body panels, six airbags, powerful V-8 engines, sumptuous luxury appointments, light weight

• Potential cost of repairing body damage

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 15.00

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  Ugly but overall a great car - 1997 Audi A8
  By felipe444444 - July 11 - 7:12 am

  I just reached 200,000 miles on my car it runs well very comfy and very fun to drive a great car for student drivers

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  Audi A8 - 1997 Audi A8
  By Anonymous - December 6 - 2:00 am

  Very well engineered car. Interior is awesome. Leather is still soft, no rattles, everything works, very solid car. Engine is teriffic. Smooth, quiet, with enough power to get you where you are going. Suspension is a little loose for my tastes, but very smooth over bumps. Steering is feather light and very nice. Transmission had failed at 170k. Not unexpectedly with the D2 A8. Tranny shifts are slow and tall gearing can make the car feel slow when not in the correct gear. Fuel mileage is great for a car this big at about 25 mpg average when using cruise most of the time. Ive had to replace a couple of things here and there but nothing out of the ordinary.

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  Maybe the only 3.7 model left in USA? - 1997 Audi A8
  By Geoff - April 10 - 1:08 pm

  I bought mine used in 2002, have driven it 80,000 miles since. Build quality, handling, performance are great. Many small things have failed though, and at 170K miles its on its third transmission (!). No other mechanical issues though. The engine is fantastic, still tight and strong and using no oil. Ive driven the 4.2 AWD models as well, and I have to say I prefer the handling of my FWD 3.7 model. Weight is only 3600 lbs, about the same as a Subaru WRX. The 3.7 seems to have virtually disappeared from the roads now, though. At current rock-bottom prices these are a stupendous bargain.

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  An automotive jewell! - 1997 Audi A8
  By jojo mojo - December 20 - 3:05 pm

  I purchased a used 97 Quattro with all extras - winter, hot weather and convenience packages. On top of that the Nav system is upgraded to the Euro version with a big screen in the center console, as well as 3 10" subs in the trunk. All I need is a Phatnoise MP3 player in place of the CD changer, and a fridge, and I can live in this car. :)) Learn how to do small repairs and youll avoid the dealer charges. I just replaced valve cover gasket myself - $60 for parts (not from the dealer - plenty websites sell original parts) and two hours because I took my time. I change my oil, brakes, sparkplugs, and other simple maintenance!

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  LOVE THIS CAR!!!! - 1997 Audi A8
  By KD - August 5 - 2:49 pm

  I purchased this car new. I feel it is an AWESOME car, the experience to have this car will stay in my memory forever. I LOVE the way it drives, very powerful and solid, can move QUICKLY when needed and beautiful inside and out! I cant imagine driving another car!

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  Stay away from Audi A8s - 1997 Audi A8
  By Rodney Hager - July 21 - 6:54 pm

  We own an A8 after a long series of Audis. This car is crap. Electronics are a total failure, Audi knows the transmissions are defective but wont do anything, both windshields cracked, coolant and fuel lines had to be replaced, the heater and AC are terrible this is the 3rd week of AC repairs at large cost, the sun roof leaks, and the overall quality is terrible... not as good as a cheap Fiat. It is not surprising Audi cant be reached by email. Many dealers refuse to sell 1997 A8s. Keep your eyes open, youll see lots of newer ones broken down. A8s are crap!

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  Love the Car...hate the maintenance cost - 1997 Audi A8
  By 0977q345 - June 10 - 2:00 am

  This is really the finest of cars. I love the performance, comfort, and driving characteristics. The only issue is the exorbinate price of repairs. Driven entirely by Audis excessive prices. The screw in replacement antenna cost over $150 (dealer is only place to get part). You will love the car, but expect to pay ($$$) for that love!

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  Excellent Car - 1997 Audi A8
  By AL/Dallas - February 25 - 2:00 am

  This car looks much better in real-life than in pictures. I bought mine for the fact that it is a rare car. You see 20 BMW 7 series for every A8 you see on the road. The gearing is set too high so that stoplight launches are not spectacular but this car has fantastic passing speed. Ive taken it up to 130 mph and the engine doesnt even strain. The transmission is turbine smooth and shifts seamlessly. The interior is luxurious yet sporty and logically laid out. Maintenance is expensive (similiar to Mercedes and BMW) but expected. The A8 makes my friends Acura RL feel like a Honda Accord. Always fun to drive.

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  A Great Sedan - 1997 Audi A8
  By dmosan - October 27 - 2:00 am

  I great handling performance sedan that deserves high ratings, including excellent fuel economy at any speed. Depreciation is a bummer, so getting a used model is the best value play.

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  Great Car - Big Time Maintenence - 1997 Audi A8
  By Xialater - January 25 - 2:00 am

  Great car, I miss mine every day......I just wish it didnt cost a small fortune to maintain the car