Overview & Reviews

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.

• All-wheel-drive security, sophisticated engine and structural design, highly detailed interior, spacious trunk, costs less than its German competitors.

• Overly soft suspension, small LCD screen paired with outdated CD-based nav system, plain styling.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 9 of 9.00

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  Please do not buy this Audi! - 2003 Audi A8
  By Do not like my Audi - January 16 - 2:52 pm

  I bought the Audi A8L about 14-15 months ago. It STINKS. I am actually going to sell it. One thing after another breaks. Two Audi places cannot figure out whats wrong with the sensors that monitor the tire pressure. The window regulator broke, the adjustable headrests broke on 2 seats, the adjustable lumbar support broke on 2 seats, and MORE. The car is not reliable. The driver controls are NOT well thought out. The NAV STINKS, none of the controls are self explanatory, you cannot see the display with polarized glasses on if you are in the drivers seat. The speakers are not that good, the responsiveness is not good, and gas mileage is BAD. I could go on!

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  Simply Outstanding Auto - 2003 Audi A8
  By Fanning - September 8 - 2:13 pm

  This is my fourth Audi, my second A8, this time an A8L with most of the options. Best automobile I have ever owned and operated. Quiet, sure-footed, solid vehicle that pampers the occupants in sumptuous surroundings. Contrary to some reviews, I find this car to be quite economical regarding gas consumption as I am getting between 34 and 37 mpg cruising at 60 mph (100 kmh). City mileage around 20 mpg. At 44000 km (27000 mi) changed tires for Michelin Pilot A/S. Any complaints about rough ride and road noise evaporated with the new rubber.

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  Give me a brake (yes brake) - 2003 Audi A8
  By Gerald Krassner - September 22 - 2:00 am

  To be in the big league price category you need a reliable well riding automobile. My A8L had brakes replaced 4 times in 50,000 miles. Navigation had to be replaced. Tire pressuer monitor never worked properly. I disconnected it. The timing chain had to be replaced at 51,000 miles. Noise level high, I used to think a window was open. Still do. Forget about the suspension, My sons Civic takes the bumps better as well as the curves.

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  Excellent stealth vehicle - 2003 Audi A8
  By Beli - January 13 - 2:00 am

  I like everything about this car, except navigation sistem. Car is very smooth and quiet, and my kids really like all that space on the back seats. I never had any problems with vehicle, and was in service only for regular maintenance. Its excellent car without to much bling-bling.

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  excellent driving - 2003 Audi A8
  By cape cod - August 1 - 2:00 am

  The A8L(2003) is one of the finest cars on the road today bar none.Performance is well balanced for a car of 2.2tons. the ride Quality is excellent its fit and finish are also excellent I longer I own it the more I enjoy it. Cape Cod

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  Unhappy A8L Owner - 2003 Audi A8
  By DontBuyAnAudi - March 10 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle has been in the shop 3 times since I leased it on 2/1/03 for various problems. The tire pressure warning light came on the very first day I had the car (tire pressure sensors were ultimately replaced). The fuel gage was faulty and I ran out of gas while the gage read 1/3 tank full ("fuel gage sender" was ultimately replaced). The check engine light came on the very next day after having picked up the car from the shop the second time. It would not hold an idle and died unless I kept my foot on the gas ("instrument cluster" was replaced). The navigation system shorted ("navigation cd assembly" was replaced).

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  The 740is & S430s serious alternative - 2003 Audi A8
  By faciem - February 20 - 2:00 am

  The A8 has provided me thus far with remarkable agility and comfort for a high class sedan. It has given me a unique alternative to its brethren at Mercedes Benz and BMW, a package that offers indivudual styling, the confidence of quattro, and a very stylish and yet conservative-minded atmosphere in the cabin.

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  Good car - 2003 Audi A8
  By dfmrrd - February 18 - 2:00 am

  Well proportioned body offers a great ride. Steering is precise and ride is fantastic. Corners without a hassle. Good low-end torque and gusty engine. Brakes are excellent.

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  find bellow - 2003 Audi A8
  By adolpho maidantchik - February 7 - 2:00 am

  The only problem I have is concerned to the maintenance in Rio de Janeiro. As A8 is a very sofisticated vehicle completely computorized, unffortunately our dealers and the Sena Representative have not engineers with knowledge to take care of it