Best Car Reviews - 1985 Audi 5000S Wagon

Introduction

Released in 1985, the Audi 5000S Wagon captured the attention of those seeking a versatile family car with a touch of European sophistication. Aimed squarely at the midsize-large station wagon market, this vehicle offered spacious interior comfort, a reputation for durability, and a distinctive design that stood out from American or Japanese models of its time. What makes the 5000S Wagon particularly noteworthy is its unique blend of German engineering with a five-cylinder engine providing a good balance between performance and efficiency and its manual 5-speed transmission, which appeals to driving enthusiasts seeking more control.

Design and Exterior Features

Reflecting classic 1980s design ethos, the Audi 5000S Wagon boasts a boxy yet sophisticated profile with distinctively Audi cues. Its generous size provided ample cargo and passenger space, making it a practical choice for families.

Lengthy silhouette for increased storage capacity
Large rear hatch offering convenient access to the cargo area
Chrome accents and trim adding an element of elegance
Rectangular headlamps that were a signature of the era
Improved aerodynamics compared to previous models

Interior and Comfort

Inside, the Audi 5000S Wagon offered well-thought-out cabin design, emphasizing comfort and practical use of space. Material quality was generally high, with premium fabrics and finishes.

High-quality textile upholstery
Spacious seating arrangement accommodating up to five adults comfortably
Ample cargo space with easily foldable rear seats
Ergonomic dashboard layout that was driver-focused
Manual climate control system ensuring a comfortable ride

Performance and Handling

Equipped with a 2.2-liter, 5-cylinder FFS engine, the 5000S Wagon was a blend of economy and performance. Driving performance was reliable, marked by a decent acceleration given its class, reaching 0-100 km/h in approximately 10.5 seconds.

Fuel consumption averaged around 15.65 l/100 km, which was competitive for a station wagon of its size at the time.

Smooth handling on both city roads and highways
Front-Wheel Drive system providing good traction
Responsive steering ideal for quick maneuvers in an urban setting
Stable performance at higher speeds with minimal body roll
Quiet cabin with reduced engine noise inside

Technology and Connectivity

The Audi 5000S Wagon focused more on mechanical quality than modern technology, given its production era, so it lacks today's advanced digital systems but offered some innovative features for its time.

Basic AM/FM radio with cassette player
Manual antenna to improve reception
Analog display dashboard
Basic trip computer offering fuel efficiency readings
Minimal connectivity options compared to modern vehicles

Safety Features

While lacking the sophisticated driver-assistance technologies seen today, the 1985 Audi 5000S Wagon included several essential safety features:

Front and rear crumple zones for impact absorption
Power-assisted disc brakes for efficient stopping power
3-point seatbelts for all passengers
Reinforced safety cage body structure
Lack of airbags, a common feature in vehicles at that time

Pricing and Variants

In 1985, the base price for the Audi 5000S Wagon was competitive at around $19,000 USD, which was on par with other European imports.

However, notably, the 5000S was often seen as offering greater value compared to some of its pricier German counterparts, delivering a similar level of build quality.

Pros and Cons

Pros

Spacious and versatile interior
Solid build quality with durable materials
Engaging manual transmission option
Distinctive design appealing to European car enthusiasts
Good balance of performance and fuel economy

Cons

Limited advanced technology and connectivity
High fuel consumption compared to today's standards
Limited safety features
Costly repairs compared to domestic cars
Potential issues with the manual transmission system over time

Maintenance and Common Issues

Annual maintenance costs for the Audi 5000S Wagon can be higher due to the scarcity of parts specific to the model and its age.

Transmission issues such as difficulty in shifting gears
Problems with the electrical system, including lighting and dashboard components
Rust and corrosion in areas prone to moisture
Cooling system problems, especially with older radiators
Wear and tear on suspension components due to the car's age

Rating

With a solid mix of practicality and a hint of luxury:

Design: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10
Performance: 7/10
Technology: 5/10
Safety: 6/10

Overall Rating: 6.8/10

User Reviews and Feedback

“The Audi 5000S Wagon provides a comfortable ride and roomy interior for long family trips.”
“I love the manual transmission, offers a unique driving experience not found in many cars today.”
“A bit expensive to maintain, but the classic design and build quality make up for it.”
“Handling is great on the highway, but fuel economy leaves a lot to be desired.”
“The spacious cabin and cargo area are perfect for my needs, but I miss modern tech features.”

Best cars in this category

1985 Volvo 740 GLE
1985 BMW 5 Series Touring
1985 Mercedes-Benz W123 Estate
1985 Saab 900 Turbo Wagon
1985 Ford Scorpio Estate

Summary

The 1985 Audi 5000S Wagon is best suited for enthusiasts of classic European vehicles who appreciate manual transmissions and sturdy build quality. It presents great value in terms of space, comfort, and engineering, though reduced by limited technology and higher maintenance costs. While newer models have since overtaken it in various aspects, its unique combination of style, performance, and practicality still holds a special appeal to a dedicated audience.