1990-1992 Audi 80 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Audi 80. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Audi 80.

1990-1992 Audi 80 Review

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.

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.

1990-1992 Audi 80 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Handling/roadholding	Acceleration

4WD traction (Quattro)	Cargo room

Antilock brakes

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.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

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:	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.

1990-1992 Audi 80 Reliability

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

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.

1990-1992 Audi 80 Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1990
80	$1,000-1,400	$600-800	$100

1991
80	$1,200-1,700	$700-1,000	$100-200

1992
80	$1,400-2,000	$900-1,300	$200

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.

1990-1992 Audi 80 Specs & Safety

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	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

ohc I4	2.0 / 121	108	121	5-speed manual: 22/30 3-speed automatic: 23/27	5-speed manual: -- 3-speed automatic: --

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: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

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%. Side-impact 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%.

Built In: Germany

Drive Wheels: longitudinal front-engine/front- or 4-wheel drive

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Also in the 1990-1992 Audi 80 Review:

Audi 80

Audi 80 Road Test

Audi 80 Reliability

Audi 80 Prices

Audi 80 Specs & Safety

Audi 80 Photos

Audi 80 Full Review