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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  Family in CT - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Joan Gill - February 10 - 12:13 pm

  We have loved driving this car and find it is an adequate size for our family of 3; we have a 10 year old daughter. We feel very safe in it and love the power and performance of the 2.7T. We wanted to trade it in for a Volvo, as were looking for a less expensive car; the 08 A6 avants are $55,000! Yikes! But when we went to trade it in, the Volvo dealer only wanted to give us $16,000. Were very disappointed with the fact that this car didnt hold its value, even though its been discontinued. We thought there would be a big demand for them!

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  allroad...allright! - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Scott Z - September 26 - 10:00 am

  This is one beautiful car. The interior is outstandingly elegant and practical. The 2.7 is a sweet engine, but the turbo lag does take some getting use to. Build quality is very good to excellent, but does not equal the Japanese hi-qual cars. Its a delight to drive under all weather conditions. The styling has it all over the boxey Volvo wagon IMHO! The car doesnt need a V-8, even though one is now available. An upgraded chip for the V-6 adds another 65 hp! Fuel economy is not great, but the range with the 18.5 gallon tank is still good at 350 miles. The adjustable height suspension is a nice feature.

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  Neat Machine - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By tiekenr - September 6 - 2:00 am

  Fantastic substitute for an SUV! I upgraded from a VW Passat 4Motion and am still impressed by the craftsmanship of this car (and the VW was pretty impresssive in its own right). So many great features, but inexplicably, no GPS moving map (in the US, the European models do have it). Everyone else has cashed in on this feature, why not Audi?

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  belvedere - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By jonroe07508 - August 2 - 2:00 am

  to much turbo lal bad fuel mileage average raod comfort at times very rough but very well built and dependable

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  New Used Quattro - 2005 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By mercedes01 - July 12 - 5:44 pm

  Well designed auto. Very comfortable. We enjoy driving. Some difficulty steering, I assume because of the all wheel drive. My wife loves it. Plenty of room compared to other vechicles in it category. Id recommend at least a look.

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  Good at first, horrible, then great! - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By rawrrXD - April 20 - 3:50 pm

  I bought this car with 110,000 miles on it in spring in northern NH, ahem: MUD. awesome in it however, when the winter months came the suspension BLEW completely gone, and it was horrible, I had been told that it was common problem and goes away with warm weather, so i had it checked out, an air suspension sensor had fried, and was replace for roughly $300, had the timing belt done, and now it RUNS LIKE A CHARM, i love this car, i will always drive an Audi, perhaps something a bit cheaper to fix, but i <3 Audi of America. At an annual Audi owners of America banquet which i worked at and found all too ironic, i told them I drove an allroad, and many were jealous, i get daily compliments.

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  great all weather car - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By steeltag - March 23 - 6:58 pm

  I bought this at 137k miles so some of the well known problems/maintenance had been performed already. It now has 145k miles and I really like it! superb all weather traction/capability, comfortable, quiet and powerful Since this is a 6 spd manual car, no troublesome auto tranny issues, but will need a clutch b4 long, Needs both front cv axles replaced (normal wear item), and some oil leaks fixed. I think this is a great USED car buy IF....proper maintenance has performed and you dont take it to the DEALER, get good independent mechanic.

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  Beautiful Headache - 2001 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Blackroad - March 8 - 2:00 am

  After two plus years and 46,000 miles, Ive got mixed feelings. I got the famous 45 mp wobble, a vibration that starts at that speed. The dealer balanced and aligned wheels repeatedly. I lost track of how many brake rotors they replaced. Finally the Audi rep had the dealer replace the TCM (computer software for automatic transmission) and it only wobbles above 65 mph. If that one problem could be resolved I could deal with the initial quality problems (all finally fixed) and I would love this car without reservation. But its like a nagging headache. I should have waited for a six-speed.

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  Love the car, hate the reliability. - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Toby Smith - January 24 - 2:00 am

  We have a love hate relationship with this car. In much the same way as you love the blacksheep of the family. Our allroad is fast (abeit with a little lag), smooth and very well thought out. The interior is prety much perfect, as is the exterior styling. It has and does everything we need as a family car with great aplomb. On the flip side it has been off the road for more than 2 weeks in less than 16k miles. The brakes were redone 3 times, new turbos have been installed, new interior lights, some squeeks and rattles were fixed, new drivers seat frame & motors, and a new gearbox was installed. This was all covered by the warranty but when is enough enough?

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  The Allroad is no Wagen - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By chipdaly - December 24 - 10:00 am

  I use to drive an A4 and then had my eye on the TT. I had one problem. I couldnt fit the kids in the TT. The next best thing was the Audi Allroad. My kids fell in love with it in the show room. Now when I go on trips we take the Allroad and leave the Windstar at home. Its too much fun to drive, so why leave it at home.