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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  utility and comfort - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By kwan - May 20 - 10:00 am

  Elegant style, more subtle and comfortable ride than the X5 or ml class. Engine powerful, quiet and smooth, turbo lag is not that apparent once one gets use to the trottle.

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  Better than PORSCHE Cayenne S - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Wernerk320 - May 13 - 10:00 am

  The allroad offers more amenities for the money, incl. air suspension, rear seat heaters and OnStar, which is extra on the Cayenne S and standard only on the Cayenne Turbo (actually OnStar not available at all). Also the allroads on pavement handling is better and smoother then any of the two Cayennes. They do feel more like trucks. The interior in the allroad also appears to be more understated and elegant. Needless to say the AUDI materials are real, vs the Cayennes painted plastic.

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  Thank God its gone - 2005 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Matt - May 8 - 1:20 pm

  It was a dream wagon but turned out to be a nightmare. Goes through tires and brakes with at an incredibly fast pace due to its enormous weight. The suspension is a huge selling point giving you that capability but it was a hassle from day one with failures in the electronics and controls. There were numerous times where the check engine light would come on due to failed electric sensors. The V6, although a twin turbo unit, is underpowered for a car this heavy. I came to know the Audi A3 inside and out as I was in a service loaner A3 more than my actual car as it was in the shop ALL THE TIME. Never own one out of warranty. The warranty companies wont cover them anymore due to its reputation.

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  A Car For All Seasons - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By williar - May 1 - 2:00 am

  We chose this car because it is easy to get in & out of and is very prectical in everyday use. But unlike other wagons, it has a bulletproof full-time AWD system, a great ride, excellent handling, terrific performance, and an adjustable suspension that gives 5.6" to 8.2" of clearance. Reliability has been excellent, and the warranty covers everything for 4yrs/50K miles, including oil changes. A bit better offroad than a Subaru Outback, but rides like a Cadillac. Fuel usage averages 19 mpg; not bad for a heavy, powerful AWD car.

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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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  Great Car - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Joel Mercado - April 12 - 2:10 am

  Just purchased a CPO recently. A truly wonderful car. Love the exterior and interior design. Real comfortable ride, kinda like driving a suped up Caddie. Feels like a bigger vehicle than it appears. Though heavier than most wagons, this gives me a safer feel. Performance has been very suprising so far. Instrumentation is a bit confusion though. Overall, great car.

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  exceptional - 2005 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By ward lile - March 16 - 3:56 pm

  It seems to do everything exceptionally well. Its amazing in snow and rain, and even mud. But still fun to drive like a sports sedan. Rarely does a car that does so many things competantly do any of them so exceptionally, but the All Road does.

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  excellent experience - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By audifan1948 - January 24 - 10:00 am

  Great highway cruiser - We spend alot of time up and down I-95 from New York to Florida. Good amount of carrying capacity with the 2nd seat down. Look forward to more trips.

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  Wooowwwww!!! - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Serionni - January 22 - 2:00 am

  I bought this excelent built half wagon half SUV for my wike. It was surprising the real sports car performance. Its fast and furious!! the Audi Quatrro sistem gives it a smooth ride. Much Better than my BMW X5 3.0

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  Perfect Car - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By nwPDXdriver - October 31 - 10:00 am

  Needed a car for suburban driving and the trips to the mountains. Handles well in snowy cascade conditions. The adjustable ride hight is a nifty feature when clearance is needed. The seats are extremely comfortable and there have been no reliability problems except realignment once.