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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  Loved it... but it beat my wallet into submission - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By daniel911t - October 21 - 6:11 pm

  This was a fantastic car. I had a 2002 purchased with about 45K mi on it. It was immense fun to drive, thirsty, and practical. However, once things started to break... I had trouble finding mechanics that would work on it, then the bills were staggering. I sold the car with 120K mi on it after the final straw fell... while on a long road trip the alternator failed - not a big deal, but the repair was $1.1K! Timing belt and other minor work was $5k, clutch was $3k... it was just crushingly expensive to keep alive. But it was AMAZING when it worked right! If youre a mechanic, or are friends with one, then go ahead and buy one.

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  Not fun to fix - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Hoss - October 17 - 6:16 pm

  I loved driving the allroad, but I hated to fix it. Every time it went to the shop it needed at least $1000. Leaks here, bad parts there, $90 oil changes, Mine was becoming such a money pit I was glad to sell it at a loss. The 2.7T can be tuned to make great power, but it also leaks oil like a sieve and is expensive to fix. Parts go bad on these cars far short of what I would consider an acceptable life span.

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  Is a great car when not in shop - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By gracegreek - August 4 - 6:50 am

  This is my 2nd Audi, my previous one was the A6 sedan. I have driven other luxury cars and nothing is more comfortable for long or short drives than the Audi. My 1st Audi I sold at 102K miles, unfortunately this one is having all the same problems as the last one and the extended warranty is running out. I bring my car into the shop 5 or 6 times a year beyond my religious tire rotation and oil changes. You must be religious on rotating tires every 5K-6K miles just to get 20K miles out of them. This is unique to the Allroad. Both area dealers have excellent service,and they are prompt with loaner cars. Excellent car as long as it is under warranty.

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  Mostly good - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By rslau - June 5 - 2:00 am

  Great car, but had problem with the auto trans; it was replaced within a few thousand miles on the car. The dealer was great in helping me with this problem. The car has had not problem after this, and it swifts must better with the replacement - the lag time between pushing on the gas & the car starting to move has improved. I would buy another allroad, but most likely with the 8 cyclinder. The exterior & interior design is extremely nice, though the seats can be a bit uncomfortable at time - not enough side support. It is altogether a great car to drive in both good & bad weathers.

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  2001 ALLROAD - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By FARGOFRED - May 18 - 3:33 pm

  Elegant looks-inside and out. Very comfortable for long rides. An absolute joy to drive. Acceleration is very good (could be better with a V8) and handling is superb with minimum body lean, no tire squealing.

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  You can do everything with it - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By 2integrate - May 12 - 7:30 am

  I wanted a car that was stylish and had good performance and handling, all while providing enough space to haul my equipment and tools around because I am a contractor. I have never been disappointed with this car. For work or play it delivers. I am not a fan of SUVs, because you really cant drive and have fun. You forget that you are in a wagon. IT IS A GREAT CAR WITH GREAT LOOK!

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  Amazing car - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By joey - May 2 - 11:16 am

  Although the EPA rates this cars mpgs at 19, I found that by being gentle on the gas I could usually get around 25. This was the greatest car I ever owned. Amazing in the snow.

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  audi allroad - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By tomallen - March 11 - 10:00 am

  Bought one of first in area. Love the six speed as it turns the wagon in to a sports car. Excellent handling for such a big car. Of course, wish the mileage was better, but we have averaged 20.3 in 15000 miles, burning plus grade. Used off road with pumps cranked up. Handled rocks and ruts quite well. Second Audi, the first being a 1996 A4. Can not say enough about innovation and quality (how far Audi has come in just a few years!) Audi always has been innovative and now it has the quality to boot., and is one of best marques on road, including BMW and Mercedes.

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  A Stylish Rocket! - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Mr Fussy! - January 21 - 10:00 am

  Have had the allroad about 4 months now. So far so good! Great styling, performance, handling and stopping power. Suspension a bit bouncy on rough surfaces, but manageable. Seems to be built like a Swiss watch, fit and finish is outstanding. Anxious to see how it does in snow (live in Colorado). A real blast to drive in the mountains, it really flies up the passes. Suspect it will not do as well in snow as my Subaru Outback, however, tires on Audi are very wide. Turbo lag a definite annoyance.

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  Excellent alternative to SUV - 2001 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By plymm - September 16 - 2:00 am

  bought certified pre-owned. Owned car for 6 months now. Very reliable-no mechanical problems. Only issue was getting use to transmission lag-I find there is no turbo lag-the transmission doesnt shift down fast enough (to improve fuel economy) causing lag/hesitation. This issue goes away when you use the tiptronic shifter. I also find the lag gets minimized if you go easy on the gas pedal initially and then lay into it. This also creates a more linear power curve. Been driving it around in NE winter storms. The all wheel drive is capable, but not as sure footed as my Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo in the snow--the Jeep has a slight edge.