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 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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  Allroad Review - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By TOM - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I dont need to say much but the Allroad is great! I have had it for about a year and everything about it is wonderful. Its 0-60 performance(6.8sec) is wondeful, its handling is outstanding and its looks are perfect. I took it up in the mountains and it easily went through creeks and mud and I love the fact how it rises up with the touch of a button. I did hesitate buying an Audi but I was convinced they changed(reliability wise) and that they did. Last I would like to say this car is just not a Wagon it has Suv/wagon appeal, Audis chrome affect looks, Porschea handling, and a beatiful interior to fit.

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  The renaissance vehicle - 2001 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By DJ95070 - March 7 - 10:00 am

  The allroad has been flawless. Great handling. Most impressive AWD system. Gets me from the coast to the coldest and snowiest places faster than any other vehicle - for the third year in a row. After 40k miles, its proven itself. Gas mileage has been 21.5mpg average for all my driving - and I love to accelerate!

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  What a ride! - 2001 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Inquisitor - February 24 - 10:00 am

  Ive had this car for about 3 1/2 years now, and its been great- the best car Ive ever owned. Twin turbo engine mated to AWD and a variable suspension lead to a car both fast (got my first ticket in 10 years in this car) AND utilitarian. I still get looks and the best comment I ever heard was from a little kid who pointed and said, "Daddy, thats a cool-looking car!" Aside from usual wear, there have been very few problems. Im switching out now, but only because I miss having a manual transmission (which is available for this car- what a mistake not getting it!).

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  Tempermental Performer - 2001 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By LASurf - February 14 - 12:30 am

  Bought mine used with 35K. Ive had a few problems from the suspension airbags to drive seals and electrical bugs. Car is now at 70K. It is a highly engineered car that is also intended as a rugged vehicle. Maybe too much for the billing. It can be costly to keep but it does run hard, always looks good and is differentiated even from new cars. It is feature rich and the fit-n-finish quality evident. Depending on driving patterns, off-road etc. the air suspension, brakes and cooling systems can be faulty. You do have the turbo lag and heavy transmission shifting that the manual tiptronic addresses. The car is a beast in wet or snowy conditions and runs well in cold weather and desert.

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  My opinion - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By RDWILLIA - February 4 - 10:00 am

  Solid ride,ease of access and easy view of all controls (both daylight and nighttime.Driver’s seat and passenger seat have power adjustable.The driver has lumbar suprt. Stiffness of ride can be adjusted. The higher you raise the car softer it is. Lowest great for highway. In town raise it one setting so it will smooth out city potholes. It has twin turbo’s but that unfortunately includes turbo lag, which can be compensated for by using the Tip-tronic shifting when necessary. My car came with ESP and handles like its on rails. It’s an SUV with touring car comfort. Versatile.

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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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  Audi from Hell - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Troubled and Bitter - January 3 - 4:46 am

  After 30,000 miles the Audi sevice people gave up on trying to fix the surge/lag problem that my 2003 Audi allroad has developed. I have spent $6,100 on new turbos (2),a torque converter, ECU, transmission control unit...etc. This car has had roughly $10,000 in warrenty work with no fix. Now they have made me an insulting offer to get me out of the car as a "courtesy" to buy another piece of junk Audi. Ive owned Audi or Volkswagen products since, my 1970 Audi super 90, 1978 Scirocco, 1987 Quantum, 1998 A4 Avant, and 2003 allroad and after all that they make a lame offer of settlement. Its Audis service problem not mine. Unless things change and change dramatically I will never buy another Volkswagen or Audi product again...GO Toyota !!!

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  Car gets lost in comparison - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By audiconvert - December 23 - 10:00 am

  I am a wagon fan. We used to drive Volvos, but shifted to Audis after numerous test drives. The Audi Allroad is the most complete car we have had. Great interior and exterior, great sound system, fun engine, great versatility because of the pneumatics that allow you to increase clearance at the touch of a button, the only downside is very average gas mileage and some parts problems from third- parties. Having had both, there is no comparison between this car and the VolvoXC70 (which is a great car) - the Allroad is just better -- more fun, more capable. If I had to have only one car (and didnt need a third row of seats) this would be it.

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  Snow Snow Snow - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By ctbass - November 21 - 2:00 am

  I just survived the Denver blizzard of 2003. I had to drive in a foot and half of wet, heavy snow. I raised the suspension to the top and drove throught the crud with ease. As I passed the abandoned suburbans and jeeps I asked myself, "Where are the cameras? What a commercial for Audi this would be!!!"