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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  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.

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  Be warned - this car could bankrupt you - 2001 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By CT driver - January 15 - 6:33 am

  We bought this car as an SUV alternative - loved the carlike driving, decent performance and Audi style. Unfortunately, the car has been dreadfully unreliable. Weve lost $20,000 in depreciation in 30,000 miles and had over $20,000 of warantee repair work done - thats $40,000 to drive 30,000 miles!! WOW. The list of repairs (covered by Audi but inconvenient to say the least) is too long to fit here: 2 replacement transmissions; new brake rotors every 15,000; new front air suspension at 58,000; front tie rods at 55,000; 2 air flow sensors; 3 hazzard light switches; new radiator at 52,000 miles; steering angle sensor (controls ABS) No racing-no accidents-no excuse for this experience

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  Love it with a couple reservations - 2001 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By likes to drive - January 11 - 2:00 am

  This has been a great family car!!!!! My husband is European and likes a car that he can really "drive". This works for us, and yes, we text drove everything out there. He drives it with the tiptronic and it gets a bit better gas milage. It is comfortable for long drives, has been steady when driving on flooded and windy roads; and still turns heads in the preschool parking lot. An unexpected benifit of raising the car has been less bending needed when taking the children out of the car!

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  turn the esp off ! - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By joetii - December 23 - 2:00 am

  Best car I ever owned , and I got 14000 on it! HOWEVER , I live in upstate NY and as soon as the roads get slick , shut OFF the esp . It drives so much better that I wonder why its included.When its on in slick conditons the car is way worse than my a4 quattro that did not have it. Very fast , why chip it ? Very comfortable. I do use the adjustable suspension with work , driving on farms on dirt roads, its great !

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  Great Car - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By SYR - November 28 - 10:00 am

  EXCELLENT CAR, MUCH MUCH BETTER THAN ANY EUROPEAN WAGON.

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  Beware! - 2001 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By tom a - November 19 - 11:36 pm

  First, the good news. This car is fun to drive and fits a great niche (like a Volvo XC70 or Outback). Now the bad news. Reliability. Or should I say unreliability. I purchased an allroad certified from the dealer with 30K miles on it. Since then, the car has had probably 15 trips for repairs, totaling over $20,000. Everything you can imagine. The first few years, the dealer covered it. But Ive paid out about $10K personally now. Audi needs to get its act together. I hope they do, but this Audi is my last.

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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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  snowtoy - 2001 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By wbk - July 16 - 10:00 am

  Its been a bombproof car. Amazing in bad weather, quiet comfortable and reliable.