Feeling safe on the road without sacrificing comfort and fun seems to be what the 2001 Audi A8 is all about. A characteristically well-appointed interior, with focus on wrapping passengers in maximum luxury, along with innovative aluminum frame and suspension designed to improve handling, responsiveness, and fuel economy, and a powerhorse 4.2-liter, 310-hp V8 quattro combine to make an ideal car for business or pleasure.

The 2001 Audi A8 is available in the base model and the A8L, which is five inches longer. New in 2001 is standard electronic stability program (previously only standard in the A8L). Audio, Tiptronic transmission, and phone controls have been moved to the steering wheel. Optional memory settings for the passenger seat appear for the first time in 2001. In the A8L, along with a standard navigation system, comes an optional leather package that adds leather trim to the door panels and center console. Because the interior is so quiet, roomy, and sophisticated, it often serves as a second office for commuters who hate to leave their car. So the 2001 A8 offers a new Office Package that features a fold-down desk and minibar in the backseat. Now you can live, work, and play all in the same car.

Although the roomy interior and standard features are big selling points of the Audi, it is the innovative lightweight aluminum body and quattro AWD that keep owners satisifed. Excellent engine power combines with light handling and quattro grip for maximum road performance. The aluminum body also holds off rust well. Owners also love that there are so few Audi A8s on the road, making them feel special and distinct. Common complaints about the 2001 A8 are constant little mechanical problems that have exorbitant labor costs. The navigation display is not well liked, as is the lack of cupholders. Though the A8 is powerful at high speeds, initial acceleration can be slow.