1990-1994 Audi V8 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

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1990-1994 Audi V8 Review

On sale in July 1989, Audi's new high-performance luxury "flagship" sedan challenged such logical rivals as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, and Jaguar. Exterior styling resembled Audi's 100/200 series, but only the front and front doors were shared with those models. Priced at a hefty $47,450, the V8 Quattro held a 240-horsepower, 3.6-liter aluminum V8 engine with dual overhead camshafts and four valves per cylinder. Power went through a 4-speed overdrive automatic transmission to a permanently engaged all-wheel-drive (AWD) system. Normally, engine output was split 50/50 between front and rear axles. When wheel slippage was detected, extra power would be sent to the axle with the greatest amount of traction, giving the best possible chance of getting underway properly. In extreme situations, all the power could temporarily go to either the front or rear, wherever it was most needed. This was the first Audi Quattro model with an automatic transmission, fitted with three modes: E for higher fuel economy; S for sportier performance; and M for manual operation. An automatic shift lock required that the brake pedal be applied to shift into a drive gear. Standard features included a driver's airbag, antilock brakes, 2-sided galvanized steel body panels, leather upholstery, a Bose sound system, and a cellular phone.

Year to Year Changes

1991 Audi V8: A 5-speed manual transmission became available this year, as a no-cost option in place of the standard 4-speed automatic.

1992 Audi V8: A larger engine and a passenger airbag went into the 1992 model of Audi's flagship sedan.

1993 Audi V8: Few changes were evident this season. Only one powertrain was available: the 4.2-liter twin-cam, 276-horsepower V8 engine with 4-speed automatic transmission and permanently engaged 4-wheel drive. The 5-speed manual transmission was gone.

1994 Audi V8: Changes were few for the top-of-the-line Audi's final season in this form. Except for new colors, the only revision was installation of new ellipsoid fog lights within the front fascia. A replacement for the V8 Quattro was expected for 1995, and arrived in 1997 as the A8 series.

1990-1994 Audi V8 Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Fuel economy

Handling/roadholding	Road noise

Passenger and cargo room	Ride

AWD traction

Antilock brakes

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Offering every available safety and convenience feature, the V8 Quattro is one impressive automotive achievement--but it's clearly not a car for everyone, even where money is no object. Even those who can afford a car of this caliber might find Audi's flagship to be more in tune with the German Autobahnen than with American interstate highways. The combination of firm suspension and wide Z-rated tires give it commendable--even amazing--stability at high speeds, but also makes the ride harsh and noisy on rough roads and patched pavement. Tires also generate considerable noise, which can get tiresome on long drives. Steering, on the other hand, is precise and responsive. Audi's initial dual-cam V8 engine delivers strong, prompt passing response on the highway, but lacks brisk off-the-line acceleration--especially in "economy" mode. Around town response might be better in "sport" mode, but in our test of an early model, the transmission reverted to "economy" every time the engine was started. Highway fuel mileage is disappointing, whatever the mode. The stronger V8 for 1992-94 will be appreciated when trying to move this 2-tonner away from a stoplight. Among this sedan's impressive attributes is outstanding traction. Audi's sophisticated all-wheel-drive system is a wet-weather ally that sets the V8 Quattro apart from other high-priced luxury sedans of the early '90s. Fuel economy is poor. We averaged 17.2 mpg overall with an early model, reaching a high of 21.8 mpg on the highway. When new, the V8 Quattro's price included a stiff federal gas-guzzler tax, as well as a luxury tax. Four adults have plenty of space in a well-designed interior. The large trunk has a low liftover height. Though the V8 Quattro is impressive in many ways, and makes a fine road car, most Americans will probably find models such as the Lexus LS 400, Infiniti Q45, and Cadillac Seville much better suited to their driving tastes.

Value for the Money
Fast and powerful with the 1992-94 engine, at least, the V8 Quattro boasted nearly every modern safety and comfort feature for its day. What this sedan lacked was an appeal wide enough to generate substantial sales. Prices remain strong even today, but a V8 Quattro can yield a satisfying--if nonfrugal--highway experience.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Audi V8 Quattro	Rating

Performance	7

Fuel Economy	2

Ride Quality	6

Steering/Handling/Braking	7

Quietness	6

Controls/Materials	7

Interior Room	7

Room/Comfort (rear)	5

Cargo Capacity	4

Value within Class	4

Total:	55

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.

1990-1994 Audi V8 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: A leak in the connector on the transmission's final-drive housing causes the engine to stall when coming to a stop. (1990-94)

Brakes: The ABS kicks in at speeds below 20 mph due to weak signals from the wheel speed sensors that may have to be replaced and regapped. (1990-92)

Doors: The power locks for the doors and fuel door fail because the vacuum hoses come loose requiring new clamps and/or longer hoses. (1992-94)

Mirrors: The screw holding the rearview mirror comes out and the mirror falls off. Reinstalling the screw and coating with thread locking compound is the repair. (1990-92)

Oil consumption: The oil capacity stated in the owner's manual (10 quarts) is incorrect, and the level has been changed to 8.5 quarts. (1991)

Seat: The ratchet mechanism fails in the adjustable armrest. (1990-94)

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	$780

Alternator	$475

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$1,100

Brakes	$745

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$800

Constant Velocity Joints	$2,310

Exhaust System	$775

Radiator	$685

Shocks and/or Struts	$1,660

Timing Chain or Belt	$310

NHTSA Recall History

1990-91: Bushing that guides cruise-control rod can, over time, deteriorate and cause rod to bind, which may impede return of throttle plate to its full idle position.

1990-91: Instruction label for jack operation is incorrect.

1990-93: Some airbag sensors do not comply with durability standards over lifetime of vehicle; if sensor should malfunction, airbag can deploy inadvertently.

1991-92: Capacitor in rear speakers could leak and cause overheating or potential fire.

1990-1994 Audi V8 Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1990
V8 Quattro	$1,900-2,400	$1,300-1,700	$300-400

1991
V8 Quattro	$2,300-2,800	$1,700-2,000	$400-500

1992
V8 Quattro	$2,900-3,600	$2,200-2,700	$700-800

1993
V8 Quattro	$3,500-4,400	$2,800-3,500	$900-1,200

1994
V8 Quattro	$4,400-5,400	$3,700-4,500	$1,500-1,900

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.

1990-1994 Audi V8 Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	4-door sedan

Wheelbase, in.	106.4

Overall Length, in.	191.9

Overall Width, in.	71.4

Overall Height, in.	60.0

Curb Weight, lbs.	3991

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	16.7

Standard Payload, lbs.	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	21.1

Seating Capacity	5

Front Head Room, in.	37.8

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.7

Rear Head Room, in.	37.5

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	36.0

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

Powertrain Options and Availability

As its name suggest, the V8 Quattro sedan was powered by a V8 engine: initially, a 3.6-liter dual-overhead-cam unit that produced 240 horsepower and 245 pound-feet of torque. Only a 4-speed automatic transmission was available in 1990, but a 5-speed manual gearbox could be installed on 1991-92 models. For 1993, a 4.2-liter V8, rated 276 horsepower, replaced the 3.6-liter engine.

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

dohc V8	3.6 / 217	240	245	5-speed manual: 14/20 4-speed automatic: 15/20	5-speed manual: -- 4-speed automatic: --

dohc V8	4.2 / 254	276	295	4-speed automatic: 14/20	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/all-wheel drive

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Also in the 1990-1994 Audi V8 Review:

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Audi V8 Road Test

Audi V8 Reliability

Audi V8 Prices

Audi V8 Specs & Safety

Audi V8 Photos

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