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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  Hunk of Junk - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By allroadjunk - August 5 - 1:59 pm

  Buyers beware of this Audi at any price! I traded in my wife’s Lexus RX300 with 100K (great car) for a 2004 All Road with 75K. A week after we got the Audi the turn signal failed and the part cost over $100. To make things worse, it is under a front dash plate that is impossible to remove without breaking the cheap tabs that hold the metal clips ($150 to replace). Within a month it started to leak oil and I was told that the seal was a known problem and impossible to replace without a top end tear down (eight hours of labor). I did this repair and the trimming belt at a cost of over $2,600. Then a coil went and I was told to replace all six due to an Audi recall. A few months later warning lights started coming on and sensors that cost $300 plus to replace started to become common. I am now at 90K and I have another oil leak going to the turbo (min $500) and the air suspension has gone bad ($1,700 per wheel and should be done in pairs) and my check engine and ABS lights are going on and off. After owning over 65 cars, this is truly the biggest hunk of junk! Audi should step up and do a recall on the suspension and oil problems. While they did the right thing by discontinuing the “All Road” model they apparently still have many problems with the A6 (according to a 2010 worst rating survey) and God help you if you have an A8. My brother gave his to the “Cash for Clunkers” program.

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  Who Needs an SUV? - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By 5timeaudiowner - July 11 - 2:00 am

  We swapped an A6 2.7T for the allroad. It is simply awesome... my wife doesnt ever want to give it up! Great acceleration, braking, steering feel, very comfortable, large cargo area, adjustable suspension, towing capacity. Love the beige interior. I get more looks driving this than my 2002 A4 avant w/sport pkg. I think its the wheels/flared arches and aluminum accents.

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  ALLROAD Built for the road - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By mhebert - July 6 - 10:00 am

  I traded my BMW X5 for my Allroad, and I enjoy driving my Audi more. It has better road feel and the acceleration is comparable. I just finished a 1400 mi. road trip over 5 states, mountain passes, under many different road conditions, and I can report that there are very few autos that can match the performance, comfort, and utility of the Audi Allroad. It is one of the best cars I have ever owned!

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  Big Hat, No Cattle... - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By markbetsy - May 24 - 10:00 am

  When I first saw this car, i thought WOW!! thats one cool car. Audis have usually delivered "the goods" with regard to performance, but, alas this car is somewhat disappointing. turbo lag is very evident (automatic transmission); so far so that a group of disgruntled owners are petitioning audi of america to fix the "problem" as they call it a safety hazard. other HUGE performance problem is with the brake rotors. my allroad has 32,000 miles and im on my fourth set...that is completely unacceptable. driver door rattled from the first day, but always intermittently, so the repair guys thought i was an idiot...

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  allroad - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By z - May 13 - 5:56 pm

  Very fun to drive. Quick and nimble considering it is a great snow car. Aggressive looking enough not to be ignored and subdued enough not call for unwanted attention. Fun for longer road trips and a great every day kid (2,4) hauler.

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  Audi Allroad Is Fun To Drive - 2005 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By rockcreek - April 30 - 4:23 pm

  The auto allroad is an oveall great car and I love it. Its easy to drive, has plenty of power and handles well in all weather conditions. The interior is well manafactured and the design features inside are impressive. The rear leg room and headroom are amazing for this mid size car and are as comfortable as the front seats. I like the dual climate control, but wish it had heated seats like my husbands Audi TT. The Bose sound system is better than most luxury cars that I have owned in the past and the speakers are placed all over the interior. I have had no mechanical problems with the car and everything from the exterior to the interior are holding up beautifully. I think youll love it too!

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  2004 Allroad V-8 4.2 L - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Yong - April 3 - 3:33 am

  I bought the car for its looks and engine and having owned another Audi for 10 years. I must admit it was a fun car to drive but then it started to go down slope after I bought it. One day, my wife forgot to turn off the lights, somehow both front air- springs went after 8 hours. Thats three grands of repair. Then the windows switch went bad, and together with the transmission seal, another grand. Today took my car in for check engine light, the torque converter needs to be replaced, the cost: $3700. I wanted to keep the car but cant afforest it anymore. Granted I bought the car used, but at 75K miles the car is falling apart. Is it true that you can only lease Audi now?

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  Learned some things - 2001 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By lives in car - March 23 - 12:43 am

  Bought car used while still under Audi warranty. 110,000 miles on the car now, and no squeaks or rattles. The car isnt as reliable as older Audis Ive owned, but more reliable than some cars. Wears tires quickly (a trait of AWD cars) but fat, sticky rubber isnt supposed to last. It is a car that looks like it belongs in a most affluent customers driveway. Positive comments from everyone from airport valet to Samoan tuner/racers to a Porsche racing equipment vendor. It isnt an economy car, but will comfortably run rings around "sport" SUVs while getting far better mileage than they will. The Swiss Army knife of cars.

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  No need for SUV... - 2001 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By pomcul - March 11 - 10:00 am

  I bought this car in in 2001... fully loaded with 6 speed manual. I had very little bugs with it, the only thing I replaced was the bushing for the front seat... After 40k miles the car runs as smooth and as fast as the day I bought it. I chipped the car and it produces 310 HP and really dont have any turbo lag... the engine feels like a 4.2 V8 without the weight. I will keep this car for another 5 years, its just that good!! Hope you will have the chance to enjoy this car... Good driving....

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  best car Ive had - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By jbengfort - February 27 - 2:00 am

  Fuel economy and mild drive-by-wire acceleration/transmission lag are the only drawbacks to this vehicle.