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, Awesome, Awesome - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Dan - September 18 - 12:30 pm

  I bought the Audi All Road for my wife. I got the 4.2 engine for me. Hauls the family, all our gear, and it hauls fast! Beautiful with the solid body Black. Many looks driving this around.

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  Love my allroad - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Edmond Kalestiantz - September 11 - 6:50 am

  Have driven and owned 14 Mercedes Benz cars since 86. My last MB was 06 ML 350. Bought my 1st Audi and it is perfect in every way. Our 04 Allroad is a CPO car in perfect condition. We are 2nd owner and I love driving it, it is an absolute blast. Gas millage is not very good, but I was not looking for an economical car. I probably will drive less 5000 miles per yer.

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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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  fun wagon - 2001 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By QUATTRO - July 24 - 2:00 am

  I dont think I would go back to driving a SUV after buying the versatile wagon.

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  Swiss Army Knife of All Trades - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By RostyVyg - July 12 - 10:00 am

  Who needs a SUV when car like this exists...

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  AllRoads Lead to the Audi - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Rodman - June 24 - 10:00 am

  After a thorough review of sports sedan vs sport ute, I found the Audi to be the best hybrid of both. It has the off road capabilities of any "commuter" sport ute on the market and the acceleration and handling of a great sports sedan. I Love the fact that many people see it as a "whimpy wagon" until theyre breathing my exhaust as I fly to 60 in 6.8 seconds :o) After 2K miles it is performing beutifully. I hope to enjoy it for the long haul.

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  Understatement but not underpowered - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Ross1113 - May 17 - 10:00 am

  An evolutionary creature of my 99 A6 Avant - only improved in every noticable area. A delight to drive locally and long distances. Just wish for more color choices inside and out.

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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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  Awesome Allroad - 2005 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By selcor - May 2 - 10:00 am

  Consistent mileage over 24 on the road at 70 MPH+. Mix of 92 octane and 87 octane seems to work great. No noticeable turbo lag in sportmode. Tremendous handling in all conditions, great comfort for 6 footers. So far have only 4000 miles on it. No problems to date and all maintenance included for 4 years or 50000 miles.

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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.