1994 Audi V8 Reviews, Pricing & Specs

Aside from a restyling of the fog lights, there were no changes to the 1994 Audi V8, as this year would be the last for the full-sized luxury high performance sedan. Sitting at the top of the Audi lineup, the V8 boasted a 4.2-liter, DOHC, 276-hp V8 engine and 4-speed automatic transmission. Good curve handling, crisp steering, and standard quattro all-wheel drive turned the staid-looking sedan into a sports tourer that was both practical and fun to drive.

Quattro all-wheel drive was and still is an unsurpassed Audi innovation that provides sure-footedness in any road condition. The V8 was also the first to combine quattro with an automatic transmission. The result was a heavy car that displays slow pickup, but loves to open up on the highway. A longer wheelbase than the Audi 100 platform on which it's based, the 1994 V8 is roomy inside, with seating for five and a large trunk. There are so many standard features, the list of options is non-existent. In addition to the leather heated seats, heated mirrors and locks, power adjustable seats, cruise control, and dual front airbags, the 1994 V8 adds a remote trunk release, dual climate control, and a digital dash display.

The 1994 V8 is a fun drive for those needing both a respectably elegant family or business car, but who also crave a bit of thrill when "responsible adult" time is over. Good engineering means good handling and a safe and sturdy feel behind the wheel. Depending on your opinion, the subdued looks of the Audi V8 are either desirable or not flashy enough. The engine and materials are durable and age well. Pricey repairs, scarcity of parts, and unpleasant experiences with dealers mar an otherwise pleasant ownership experience. The V8 will reappear as the Audi A8 in 1997.