1990-1992 Audi 80: Full Review
Updated: 11/23/08
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Learn about the year-to-year changes and reliability for the 1990-1992 Audi 80 and our price chart details a range of prices based on vehicle mileage and condition.
Pros
- Handling/roadholding
- Antilock brakes
- 4WD traction (Quattro)
Cons
- Cargo room
- Acceleration
Vehicle Highlights
Introduced for 1988, Audi's "entry-level" sedan came with front-wheel drive or, as the 80 Quattro, with permanently engaged all-wheel drive. The Quattro system normally split engine torque 50/50 between the front and rear axles. When sensors detected wheel slippage, a torque-sensing center differential automatically sent as much as 78 percent of the power to the axle with the most traction. The front-drive 80 sedan used a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, which produced 108 horsepower. A larger (2.3-liter) 5-cylinder engine went into the 80 Quattro, making 130 horsepower. Either way, a 5-speed manual transmission was standard; 3-speed automatic optional. Antilock brakes were optional, but a driver's airbag was standard. New features this year included a standard stereo radio/cassette player with anti-theft circuit for the front-drive 80 sedan. A Sport Package was optional on the 80 Quattro, containing sport seats, a trim computer, and additional gauges.
Expert Ratings Summary (view detailed report)
| Category | Audi 80 Series Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 42 |
Learn about the year-to-year changes of the 1990-1992 Audi 80. Get full details of the styling and performance changes throughout the history of the 1990-1992 Audi 80.
Year to Year Changes
1991 Audi 80:
Audi's entry-level front-drive sedan lost its 108-horsepower, 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine, adopting instead the 130-horsepower 5-cylinder powerplant from the 80 Quattro and its more costly 90-series sibling. At the same time, a 4-speed automatic transmission replaced the prior 3-speed unit as an option. Fog lamps became standard, as did all-season tires (with high-performance rubber optional). The all-wheel-drive 80 Quattro gained antilock brakes, a sport suspension, and sport seats.
1992 Audi 80:
Audi dropped its existing 90 series this year, but the "entry-level" 80 series carried on for one more season with only minor changes. Antilock brakes now were standard, and a power sunroof replaced the manually operated unit on the options list.
Our road test for the 1990-1992 Audi 80 includes a full evaluation from the inside out. We've evaluated every aspect of the 1990-1992 Audi 80 and highlighted the vehicle's performance with pros and cons. Use our comprehensive road test ratings to decide if this generation 1990-1992 Audi 80 is right for you.
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
Sluggish acceleration is a major drawback of Audi's 80 series, even with the power increase for 1991-92. Considering the price of these sedans, performance simply isn't up to par. There's simply not enough low-end torque to deliver brisk takeoffs. Antilock brakes, if so equipped, provide short, straight stops. These sedans can carry four passengers in reasonable comfort, but all their luggage might not fit into the car's skimpy trunk. Altogether, the 80 is a highly capable automobile that offers stable handling; satisfying cornering ability; a well-controlled ride; and strong, responsive brakes. Buyers of the 80 series when new also benefited from commendable assembly quality and paint finish.
Value for the Money
Rather costly when new, these vestiges of the early '90s aren't so expensive today, now that they're a decade or so old. If you can get past the tame performance, an 80-series is worth considering for low-budget family use, mainly based on its handling talents and German assembly quality.
Rather costly when new, these vestiges of the early '90s aren't so expensive today, now that they're a decade or so old. If you can get past the tame performance, an 80-series is worth considering for low-budget family use, mainly based on its handling talents and German assembly quality.
Expert Ratings Summary
| Category | Audi 80 Series Rating | |
|---|---|---|
| Performance | 4 | |
| Fuel Economy | 6 | |
| Ride Quality | 4 | |
| Steering/Handling/Braking | 6 | |
| Quietness | 4 | |
| Controls/Materials | 5 | |
| Interior Room | 4 | |
| Room/Comfort (rear) | 3 | |
| Cargo Capacity | 2 | |
| Value within Class | 4 | |
| Total Score: | 42 |
Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer
Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering
and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room,
Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle
rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the
ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.
Our reliability study for this generation Audi 80 includes details on average repair costs, manufacturer recalls, and everything you need to know to gauge the long-term reliability of this generation Audi 80 .
Trouble Spots
Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search
for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested
solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer,
however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.
Automatic transmission:
The manufacturer had a service campaign to replace the gear oil in the automatic transmission,s final drive (differential) with synthetic oil. There should be a tag on the transmission dipstick if this was done. (1991)
Cold-starting problems:
Hard starting and rough running after cold soak in cool (45-65 degree) weather should be fixed by a replacement coolant flange that includes a temperature switch. (1990)
Electrical problem:
The turn-signal self-canceling cam assembly fails, and redesigned parts are required to fix it. (1990-91)
Fuel gauge:
The fuel gauge stops working because of problems with the sending unit which may also stick or make clunking noises. (1990)
Fuel pump:
Loss of power and backfiring caused by a clogged screen (which was later eliminated) in the fuel distributor. (1990-92)
Mirrors:
The power mirror switch shorts out and should be replaced with a redesigned switch. (1990-91)
Rough idle:
The original O-rings on the fuel injectors will harden and leak causing idle problems. New seals are made of Viton rubber. (1991)
Tail/brake lights:
The brake lights quit working because of oxidized switch contacts; the interior lights stay on (or won't come on) due to faulty door jamb switches; the truck light stays on (or won't come on) due to a faulty switch. (1990-92)
Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs
This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The
dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the
typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement
costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership
to be slightly higher.
| Item Name | Repair Cost |
| A/C Compressor | $775 |
| Alternator | $410 |
| Automatic Transmission or Transaxle | $1,100 |
| Brakes | $745 |
| Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing | $830 |
| Constant Velocity Joints | $1,290 |
| Exhaust System | $775 |
| Radiator | $700 |
| Shocks and/or Struts | $1,555 |
| Timing Chain or Belt | $700 |
Our price chart for this generation Audi 80 details a range of prices in
year-by-year listings based on vehicle mileage and condition.
| Prices | Good | Average | Poor |
|
|
|||
| 1992 | |||
| 80 | $1,300-1,800 | $800-1,100 | $200 |
| 1991 | |||
| 80 | $1,100-1,600 | $700-1,000 | $100-200 |
| 1990 | |||
| 80 | $1,000-1,300 | $600-800 | $100 |
|
|
|||
This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:
Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.
Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings;
engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.
Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or
abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations
reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car
lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical
amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo,
etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep
in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from
region to region.
Specs for this generation Audi 80 include everything from fuel mileage to seating capacity to options availability.
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | 4-door sedan | |
| Wheelbase, in. | 100.2 | |
| Overall Length, in. | 176.3 | |
| Overall Width, in. | 66.7 | |
| Overall Height, in. | 54.8 | |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 2906 | |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 10.2 | |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- | |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 15.9 | |
| Seating Capacity | 5 | |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.8 | |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 42.2 | |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 37.2 | |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 32.2 | |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
||
Powertrain Options and Availability
In 1990, the 80-series engine for front-drive models was a 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, making 108 horsepower, coupled to a 5-speed manual gearbox or 3-speed automatic transmission. Quattro editions used a 2.3-liter 5-cylinder, borrowed from the 90-series, rated at 130 horsepower. Starting in 1991, the 2.3-liter inline 5-cylinder engine went under every 80-series hood, driving either a 5 speed manual transmission or a 4-speed automatic unit. Sedans came with either front-wheel drive or permanent (Quattro) 4-wheel drive.
| Engines | cu. in |
Horse- power | Torque | Transmission: |
Consumer Guide Observed |
| dohc I5 | 2.3 / 141 | 130 | 140 | 5-speed manual: 20/26 3-speed automatic: 19/22 4-speed automatic: 18/25 |
5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: -- 4-speed automatic: -- |
| ohc I4 | 2.0 / 121 | 108 | 121 | 5-speed manual: 22/30 3-speed automatic: 23/27 |
5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: -- |
|
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist. |
|||||
Built In: Germany
Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/front- or 4-wheel drive
Detailed safety information for this generation Audi 80 include detailed crash test scores from the NHTSA.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Sideimpact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Learn about official auto recalls, reliability issues, and vehicle problems for the 1990-1992 Audi 80 directly from the NHTSA and manufacturers.
NHTSA Recall History
1990:
Steering lock bolts could break as driver applies excessive force to a locked steering wheel, in an attempt to disengage the steering lock; wheel would then remain locked.
1990-91:
Differential oil in transaxle is lost over time, due to evaporation; low oil levels cause premature bearing and gear wear, and eventual differential failure.
1990-92:
Some airbag sensors do not comply with durability standards over lifetime of vehicle; if sensor should malfunction, airbag can deploy inadvertently.
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