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:

• 

  Best of the Germans - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By DBA - May 21 - 1:33 pm

  I have owned a Mercedes, a BMW, a Volkswagen, a Porsche, and my little Opel Kadett in college. I loved my Boxster S for the pure driving experience, but all told, no car I have owned has matched the Allroad I bought a little over two years ago. It hasnt given me a stitch of a problem and there isnt anyone who hops in the car with me that doesnt mention how great the car is. I have even had strangers come up to me asking me about the car. I like the zip it has on the road when you really need it, and I definitely feel safe in it - it has a real solid feel to it. Its no Honda when it comes to mileage, but at about 21 mpg (mainly highway driving), Im happy.

• 

  Thought shed never own an SUV - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By FJP_TT - May 21 - 10:00 am

  My wife just traded an A6 2.7T sedan for her Allroad. Shes wanted a wagon for years and hates SUVs & Minivans. She loves AWD, and strong performance so the Allroad is perfect. Its a great blend of interior space, gorgeous interior & brisk performance (the new tiptronic is much more lively than the one in her 00). The more aggressive styling is pleasant without being overly masculine. We would do without the variable suspension, since well never off-road, but it may be useful if we have another winter like the last in PA.

• 

  quick, powerful, smooth..... BUT.... - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By hfjuice - May 5 - 6:52 pm

  My audi has 160,000 miles bought it not too long ago has no major problem but the oxygen censer gave up on me. other than that drive like new. the turbos are very nice has very little lag, it pick ups on the highway. the car hauls and has won me a race with a 740 bwm. my only big concern is the mpg in the city! this car really shine in the highway. for the power that it has it ok but i would love to see me squeezing a bit more on my fuel tank.

• 

  allroadchuck - 2004 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By allroadsparky - March 29 - 10:00 am

  Have a home in Palm Springs and in Cripple Creek,Colorado.Spent the month of July in Colorado,and just drove the auto.Love it.Can it climb.

• 

  Keep accelerating--it will go eventually - 2002 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By First and Last Audi - March 6 - 10:00 am

  The acceleration lag in this car in everyday city driving is horrible. In "D" mode, very high RPM before it shifts through the lower gears. "S" mode is a little better. On several occasions, Ive stepped on the gas from a stop and literally nothing happens unless the accelerator is pumped. Good thing no oncoming traffic or I would have been a sitting duck. From what I have read on this site, this is not unusual. Anyone have any solid feedback from Audi on this issue?

• 

  13 not out - 2005 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By SPEEDBIRD 350 - February 28 - 3:13 pm

  I thought you may be interested from a UK review. This is my 13th Audi and our 2nd allroad. It is a 2.5 turbodiesel which is the most populat model over here. A tank of fuel produces 515 miles on the cruise. Petrol is too expensive here; US $10.41 per gallon. The turbo lag can be overcome by depressing accelerator a cm or so which gives it time to start spooling up. Allroads are superb vehicles and worth the slight premium over the Volvo.In the UK the A6 and Volvo are the biggest estate cars and more user friendly than pure SUVs. Built better than a BMW, more space than BMW and other drivers admire you but would never let a BMW out at a junction.

• 

  ALLROAD - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By JCrow - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Station wagons are cool again...its hard to be cool with two booster seats in back, but this car helps. This car is fun to drive(6 spd), has a beautiful interior, and has an impressive list of safety features. After owning a car for 8 mos. I am usually starting to think about whats next, but I would buy the Allroad again today in a heartbeat

• 

  not my parents wagon - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By Haz - February 20 - 10:00 am

  Shopped wagons for new family but still love to drive. Tested Passats, Volvo XC, Saab, BMW 3 & X5, Audi A6. All good cars but 2003 allroad really stood out. Looks cool, great build quality, perfect utility, spacious, top comforts, quick and fast. Turbo puts your head back and no lag with manual. Handling softer than our A4 – wider steering, longer shifter throws, occ tire give in fast corners – but still always a hoot. For a wagon it dazzles. We actually use variable susp (low hghwy, high city) with very different drive feel. More money than runner-up Passat but way more fun.

• 

  Audi allroad 2003 - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By guenthpw - January 23 - 10:00 am

  Successful blend of utility and comfort, good looks; fun to drive. Power. Roomy. Many useful features like the ski storage, the net in the luggage area, etc. Unlike with other German cars, controls and information display are a perfect compromise between completeness and ease of use. Very comfortable seats, adjust easily. Cons: Insufficient lumbar support, road rumble, excessive tire wear ($800 per set every 20,000 miles), pronounced delay of turbines on dead start, initial glitches that are typical for German cars. But with the excellent Audi service at Maplewood Imports, I have trouble remembering the details of the faults. The care now runs flawlessly.

• 

  Be Careful of Automatic Transmission - 2003 Audi Allroad Quattro
  By connveteran - December 28 - 7:19 pm

  The ZF Automatic Transmission is known to have MAJOR problems in this car. Audi apparently was aware that the 2001-2004 Allroads had bad transmissions but never did a recall The first thing to go is Reverse Gear. It slips when going uphill backwards. Reverse might be okay on level ground but not on inclines/hills. Its a very costly $4,000+ repair and you cant replace it with a used transmission because that one will also probably go bad. It must be rebuilt. Audi changed the transmission in 2004 or 2005 because they were that bad.