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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  Audi allroad - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By BennyNY - December 5 - 10:00 am

  Great alternative to an SUV. Great build quality and roomy. Very quiet and handles great. Terrific snow/rain car. Great for the family.

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  The allroad is a winner - 2005 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By audiedude - November 13 - 6:30 am

  My 2005 Audi allroad has been great. I moved from a BMW 330i (lease end) to the allroad. While the handling is no 330i the allroad has plenty of kick. I have only driven it in the snow twice and it stuck to the road like grim death. I love the build quality. The car is unique and people are always saying they like it and have never seen one before. I highly recommend this car.

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  No Doubt I am Pleased - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Adrienne Wallace - October 19 - 2:00 am

  This is my 5th Audi. I lease every 3 years....I have never experienced vehicle let down. Additionally I have had the same salesperson for all 5 de

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  A fun family hauler - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Greg - October 6 - 10:50 am

  No problem with the car, once you know how to get off the line no problem with the turbo lag. The only issue I have is these front brakes, have only 54,000 miles on it and I am on my second set and the warping happened again after 5000 miles of driving. Always use permium fuel 91 or higher and the mileage I get is about 25-30 miles, mostly urban driving.

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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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  Best car Ive ever owned - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Stephen - August 26 - 2:50 pm

  This is my sixth Audi Quattro. Im an AWD only person, living in snowy MI. The V8 and the air suspension are wonderful. The interior is gorgeous, and I can drive it all day and feel SO coddled. I feel that this is a "no excuses" car. No matter the weather, the road (no holes in the oil pan due to rocks!) or the occasion (black tie dinner or plaid shirt camping trip), this vehicle delivers. I love this allroad. I have the monochromatic silver body and I really like the sophisticated, yet ruggedly athletic, look of this wagon. My wifes car is a 1995 Audi S6, which is not too shabby, either, but does not have the "no excuses" aspect of this allroad...be careful on rocky roads!

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  great vehicle - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By KSALLROAD - June 6 - 10:00 am

  Having owned two Landrover 4.6s and a BMW X5-4.4 in the four years before trying this car, I didnt know whether I would like it. Love it! Quieter, roomier and more reliable than the BMW. Much faster than the Rovers. Kind of funny looking but a great driver and quite quick. Turbos are great in the mountains.

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  Audi Quattro Allroad - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Jim D - May 30 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive, Technically superior to any vehicle I have driven

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  Do anything - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By onefastaudi - May 29 - 4:43 am

  This is such an amazing car, you can be flying down the highway at 120 mph in total comfort, then go offroading at 15 mph in the rocks and mud, go drive at 60 mph in the snow in total safety, and carry (inside) 10 feet long molding back from home depot. Very good canyon carver too. This is the ultimate SUV crossover. Does it all, does it well.

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  02 Audi AR - 2001 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By 1photo - May 25 - 2:00 am

  16000 miles & no problems. Turbo lag no problem, can be easily overcome. Fun car to drive, still turns heads.