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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  Awesome, But. . . . . - 2001 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Pedrop - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I love this car more than any others I have ever owned. But the quality leaves a little to be desired. At 5k miles, the power steering pump blew up. At 10k miles the waterpump cracked. Battery kicked out at 12k miles. At 30k miles the air suspension developed a leak - one the dealer kept insisting they could not replicate. All items were eventually taken care of professionally by Audi. But you have to wonder about a car that listed at close to $50k new.

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  Great car - 2005 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By luis pedro - June 2 - 9:13 am

  Audi allroad its a great car, here in europe the diesel 2.5 tdi with 180 cv are the most wanted, very spacious for legs, children and baggage, great engine, with 450 nm/m of binary, excellent quality in interiors and exteriors, good road driving, its the car that you expect in every situation.

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  Audi allroad - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Jill H - March 4 - 1:30 pm

  I LOVE this car.....

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  Unlike any other - 2001 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By climbon - February 10 - 2:00 am

  Amazing car but had several problems that make me fear owning this car after the warranty. Had brake issues and spiral- spring (in the steering wheel). Its a 6-speed and I think the clutch is burning down pretty quickly, but that is not definite yet. Performance for a vehicle like this is untouchable and I love the engine....all I can say is WOW.

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  Fun car, but expensive maintenance - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By wjc - October 4 - 8:10 pm

  A really fun car to drive and very convenient for all activities. I can put my bike or kayak on the roof rack, and even slide my bike in the back with the seat down. Great options, love the back-up beeper, heated seats, etc. My only issues are the less than stellar gas mileage, especially when using premium gas (pricey) and maintenance and repairs are VERY pricey once the 50K warranty and maintenance plans expire.

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  Great car - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Bay Area Driver - April 17 - 2:00 am

  Traded up from an A6 wagon. Liked the A6 but like the Allroad even better, in particular the increased power and general updates. Its a great car.

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  Awesome with some minor adjustments - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By tonester - August 24 - 10:00 am

  Great car that I love to go to work in. The 1.2hr commute each way is a breeze. Dont like the lag but I have to adjust to it as I did on the ML. Wipers were misaligned. Got that fixed. Noisy and squeeshy brakes - dont like. With bike rack fairing, the buffet-thumpning wind at 45 with open sunroof stopped. No more problems there. OEM tires feathered out at 8500m. Rotated and will need to replace soon already. Stupid accel/resume button for cruise control.

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  Love this car - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By murphwon - May 14 - 10:00 am

  I got the 6 speed O4 version of this car and I love it. Fuel economy is not great, although this bothers me more because of more frequent pit stops than because of the economy aspect. The car has had some growing pains with a noticable vibration in the steering wheel @ 60 mph and a slight clunk on severe left hand turns. But every day I look forward to getting into this car more and more.

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  I hope it doesnt snow where you live - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Ian in Vermont - February 21 - 10:00 am

  I live in the mountains of Vermont. The allroad has been an extreme disappointment here. You see, every time it snows the town puts down a dirt/gravel/salt mixture that ultimatly ends up drying on the inside of the wheels. The allroad then shakes violently at speeds as low as 20 MPH. Even Spring hasnt ushered in any relief from this problem. A trip down my unpaved driveway replete with mud puddles renders the wheels unbalanced. My other two vehicles dont have this problem and they dont have Speed Vision infomercials touting their "go-anywhere" versatility. Avoid this car for use in snow country.

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  Moved up to an Allroad - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By PDXJG - January 24 - 10:00 am

  We have put almost 7k miles on this car since we purchased it it the end of Jan. 03. I was originally going to replace my A4 with an A4 Avant, but travel / space requirements moved me up to the Allroad. This vehicles took some time to get used to after my 1.8T. But, driving to Central Oregon through rain, snow, etc. has been a joy. The acceleration through the mountains is fanastic. I was able to pass at times where the A4 required major advanced planning. The family/ friends also appreicate the extra room in the back seat. I have been averaging 20.2 mpg. For the weight of this vehicle, this is not too bad.