The Audi 4000, Audi's entry-level compact 4-door sedan since 1982 (also as a 2-door coupe until 1984), was replaced by the Audi 80 and 90 for the 1988 model year. In January 1992, the car was announced to become just the Audi 90 starting early in the 1993 model year.
The 90-series cars were positioned to compete with the BMW 3-series, the Saab 900 series, the Volvo 850 GLT, the Lexus ES 300 and the Infiniti J30.
Year-to-year changes[]
1991[]
Since 1988, both the Audi 80 and 90 sedans came with either front or all-wheel drive. The Audi 90 of this generation was sold through 1991.
1992[]
The Audi 80 now came with standard ABS, and an optional power sunroof. This was the last model year for the Audi 80, before a new Audi 90 replaced it.
1993[]
The 1993 Audi 90 was unveiled at the 1992 North American International Auto Show on January 9, 1992, and was released in dealerships on July 6, 1992.
The name "Audi 90" was in use during the car's last three years in production. The Audi 90 was a 4-door sedan with a 2.8-liter V6 engine. There were S and CS trim levels. The S had just front-wheel drive, while the CS had both front and all-wheel drive.
1994[]
One of the only changes for 1994 on the Audi 90 sedan was a passenger-side airbag on all models.
1995[]
For '95, the lineup for the 90 was expanded. All 90s were powered by a 172-horsepower longitudinally mounted sohc 2.8-liter V6 (not to be confused with sister division VW's narrow-angle V6, which had the same displacement and horsepower, but was mounted transversely under the hood). The base front-wheel-drive sedan was now just called the 90. Other sedan models were the 90 Quattro, Sport 90 and Sport 90 Quattro. The Quattro all-wheel-drive system was available for the first time in the base car.
Sport versions have lowered, higher-rate suspensions, body-color moldings, unique 5-spoke aluminum-alloy wheels, sport seats and a special cloth interior. The Quattro Sport predictably added Audi's sophisticated awd system with the U.S.-made Torsen (torque sensing) center differential. All four series were available with an optional comfort/convenience package that includes leather upholstery, power driver's seat, infrared locking system, automatic climate control and a sunroof.
Although for 1994 the wheelbase was stretched and legroom increased, the 90 was still cramped in the rear and trunk, and fell short of less expensive cars (like the Mazda 626 ES or Camry V6) in overall comfort. Performance, however was excellent.
The Audi 90 was replaced by a new Audi A4 in September 1995.
Retail prices[]
| Model year(s) | Trim level | Drive | List price | Destination charge | Effective date |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1991 | 80 | FWD | $20,750 | $405 | February 10, 1991 |
| 1991 | 80 | AWD | $25,200 | $405 | February 10, 1991 |
| 1991 | 90 | FWD | $26,250 | $405 | February 10, 1991 |
| 1991 | 90 | AWD | $29,200 | $405 | February 10, 1991 |
| 1992 | 80 | FWD | $22,650 | $405 | February 9, 1992 |
| 1992 | 80 | AWD | $26,250 | $405 | February 9, 1992 |
| 1993 | S | FWD | $25,850 | $445 | July 2, 1992 |
| 1993 | CS | FWD | $28,700 | $445 | July 2, 1992 |
| 1993 | CS | AWD | $32,250 | $445 | July 2, 1992 |
| 1993 | S | FWD | $26,650 | $445 | Q2 1993 |
| 1993 | CS | FWD | $29,500 | $445 | Q2 1993 |
| 1993 | CS | AWD | $33,050 | $445 | Q2 1993 |
| 1994 | S | FWD | $27,820 | $445 | September 9, 1993 |
| 1994 | CS | FWD | $30,770 | $445 | September 9, 1993 |
| 1994 | CS | AWD | $34,420 | $445 | September 9, 1993 |
| 1995 | Base (S) | FWD | $25,670 | $445 | October 5, 1994 |
| 1995 | Sport (CS) | FWD | $26,070 | $445 | October 5, 1994 |
| 1995 | Base (S) | AWD | $27,170 | $445 | October 5, 1994 |
| 1995 | Sport (CS) | AWD | $27,570 | $445 | October 5, 1994 |
A 2016 Audi A3 with the most basic packages costs as much as a 1994 Audi 90 CS.
Gallery[]
.jpg "Audi 90 CS 4DR Sedan (1994).jpg (41 KB)")
