Overview & Reviews

Back before luxury SUVs were all the rage, wagons ruled supreme. Whether factual or simply perceived, SUVs had a reputation for being more rugged and robust, since early models were based on truck platforms. Bridging this gap between urban sophistication and rural durability was the original Audi Allroad Quattro. Even though the first-generation Allroad was well received, it was only offered for five years. Shortly thereafter, Audi's pair of "Q" SUVs filled the void.

More recently, Audi has brought the Allroad back, this time slightly smaller and based on the A4 wagon. This new Allroad is covered in a separate review. As a used choice, the original Allroad Quattro should appeal to shoppers looking for a luxury wagon with a bit of extra ruggedness. But it did have some notable drawbacks, and few were sold, so finding one might take some time.

Used Audi Allroad Quattro Specs
The first-generation Audi Allroad Quattro debuted as a 2001 model and was based on the midsize A6 sedan. As a result, this Allroad wagon was larger in every dimension than the current model. Supplying power to all four wheels was a turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 that produced 250 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission was standard, with a five-speed automatic available as an option. One of the distinguishing features on the Allroad at the time was an adjustable suspension that could raise and lower the ride height by 2.6 inches. This gave drivers the choice of off-road clearance or greater on-road handling.

Feature highlights included 17-inch wheels, full power accessories, air-conditioning, leather upholstery and a nine-speaker stereo with CD player. Available options mostly comprised auto-dimming and power-folding mirrors, xenon headlights, a sunroof, heated seats, rear-facing third-row seats, a Bose premium audio system, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, a navigation system and parking sensors.

By and large, changes throughout the first-generation Audi Allroad were slight. The most significant addition was an available 300-hp V8 that debuted in the 2004 model year. That engine was paired with a five-speed automatic transmission. Minor changes included an available heated steering wheel and OnStar telematics for 2002 and optional satellite radio in 2004. In 2005 -- the Allroad Quattro's final year -- OnStar was dropped and the trademark black fender panels were then painted to match the rest of the body.

Throughout its run, the first-generation Audi Allroad Quattro maintained its position as an alternative to larger luxury SUVs at the time. To its detriment, however, the Allroad lacked the level of comfort and flexibility that those SUVs offered. Furthermore, the Allroad was more expensive than those rivals. In reviews, we deducted points for the base V6 engine's pronounced turbo lag under acceleration, the suspension's rather harsh ride quality over bumps and less-than-admirable fuel economy figures. These are all items of contention that should be taken into account when considering a used Allroad.

User Reviews:

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  Beautiful Headache Redux - 2001 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Blackroad Again - June 27 - 2:00 am

  I reviewed my car at 46k, now a follow- up at 73k. The headaches are fewer, but the car didnt shape up until after 50k and MANY dealer visits. Audi put on same tires as A8 and balanced them right. Vibration gone. The brake rotors warped after 23K more miles - Audi refuses to help. 3 visits to fix leaky w/washer system. It never ends. I love this car, but never again.

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  pres - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By jonroe07508 - June 27 - 2:00 am

  turbo lag bad bad fuel millage especially in city harsh ride over minor bumps esay to drive and fun to drive very well built

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  Allroad - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By trcross - May 14 - 10:00 am

  Great looks, many compliments. Not too many around so it has a great appleal. Excellent fit and finish. Poor full ecomony, but does have fulltime 4 wheel drive. Very fast pickup, but sensitive throttle. I have about 10,000 miles on the car with zero problems. I really enjoy driving this car.

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  Partially Underrated - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Johan WA - April 16 - 1:56 pm

  Very good, safe vehicle. Convenient. Great on winter roads to go skiing – perfect; never put winter tires on it and never slipped once. I don’t like the rugged bumper-look, however, you do spend most of your time on the inside looking out, so the interior must be super-good, and it is, comfy and lots of gizmos. Variable ground clearance is the coolest – it’s why I got it. I expected it all to be broken by now, but 100,000 miles later it still works (and I use that toy). They say EPA is 16/23 city/high: my combined average is 22.1mpg at an average speed of 33mph, but I am a very gentle/boring driver. Overall smooth and relaxed vehicle; go anywhere any speed, over a pass or valet parking.

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  Ultimate Snow Car - 2001 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Roberto - March 19 - 4:13 pm

  I have lived in Colorado Ski Country for 47 years and have driven Jeeps, Landrovers, Ford Explorers, BMWs and ugh, yes even a Mercedes. The Audi Allroad with Michelin snow tires is the finest handling snow car in the world! Really!! I drive from Denver to Leadville and to Aspen every week during the winter and navigate multiple 11,000 and 12,00 foot passes all winter; even during the height of three and four foot snowstorms. Trust me, this car has saved us from serious injury at least twice. However, as I approach 90,000 miles, Im getting very nervous that my 100,000 warrantly is nearing its end.Only serious problem has been the hydraulics. Theyve been replaced three times on warranty.

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  Fully Mature, Past 100k - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By XCBIKER - March 1 - 10:00 am

  I am the third owner of this steroidal, German brute. This car was never designed to be a drag racer...so no need to treat it like one. Where this car truly shines is the open freeway and out in the open wild. Where can you get on-rail handling and passing power of a Porsche? Where can you charge down a snowy, dirt road at nearly 75mph with confidence? How about scale a 25% grade complete with ruts, roots and loam and not even break a sweat with wheel spin? Audi and its Torsen AWD is everything todays crossover/SUV owner wants. This car simply has Bentley comfort and Porsche performance. Is it worth the upkeep costs? YES. Life is too short to be driving dull, uninspiring cars!

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  Audi Loyalist - 2001 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Audi loyalist - February 2 - 4:03 pm

  Purchased car used with 48,000 miles but with a six year 100K warranty. Auto has proven to be the most versatile vehicle I have ever owned. Now that the car is getting up in mileage (82,000) I am getting concerned about ownership costs. I had both front air struts replaced at a cost of $2,700 (ouch)and have had two sets of front brake rotors warp and the air bag sensor needed to be replaced, all major items but my extended warranty covered everything except the shocks (coverage expired two weeks before shocks blew). Regardless I have greatly enjoyed the ownership experience and am actually scouring the market for a low mileage 2005 model as no other car on the market comes close.

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  Great automobile but....... - 2001 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Steve - January 26 - 3:16 am

  Incredible automobile - styling, design, drivability, etc. Works well for Maine winters. Minor problems along the way BUT no sooner than the 50k/4 yr warranty was over the whole transmission blew! Cost: $5,600 to replace. Audi split the cost and paid 75% while I paid $1,300. Bummer as the lease is almost over and had to fork over some large $$. I got nowhere with AudiUSA on this issue. No good explanation from anyone on the cause of the issue other than it occasionally happens. This is my 2nd Audi - first was a 1998 A6 which I purchased. Decided to lease this one. Im afraid after 2 tries Ill not purchase another Audi again. I fear the undependability and future costs to maintain it.

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  Do not buy an Allroad - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By awdjunkie - May 20 - 3:44 pm

  These cars are great for a while... like a short while. Like another poster said, each shop visit is going to cost 4 digits and they are going to happen a few times a year... not to mention 800 dollars tires. They are hungry Brake eaters as well... there is another $800 routine maintnance bill. They are money pits, but I did love it when it was behaving.

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  It was the best of cars..it was the worst of cars - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By good_apple - March 26 - 7:50 am

  Purchased 2003 Allroad in September 05; parted ways in November 11. I chose the car for practicality and a need to be able to get around in winter..no matter what. It was perfect for that and was super comfortable on long trips. The downside: it went through tires and brakes like crazy. I am embarassed to admit how much I spent in repairs: the front suspension bladers, turbos, heater over and over, etc. Even my mechanic told me I could not afford to keep it. I will miss the winter reliability, but not the drain on my bank account.