1998-2004 Audi A6 Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Audi A6. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Audi A6.

1998-2004 Audi A6/allroad quattro Review

Replacing a model that had debuted for 1992 (initially as the 100 series), the newest A6 proved to be Audi's best effort yet at matching the midline BMW and Mercedes-Benz models in terms of prestige and performance. The midsize, near-luxury sedan displayed the new Volkswagen/Audi corporate look, consisting of an arched roofline and prominent semicircular wheel openings. Built as a scaled-up version of the compact A4 sedan, the A6 was related to the then-new, similarly derived Volkswagen Passat. A sedan debuted first, with front-wheel drive or optional Quattro all-wheel drive. The sedan was about 3 inches longer in wheelbase than its predecessor, but a half-inch shorter overall. It was also slightly wider and taller. An Avant station wagon joined the sedan during the 1998 model year. Dashboard-mounted airbags featured "dual deployment" operation, meaning they would pop out with less force during a crash if the occupant was not wearing a seatbelt. Front side-impact airbags were standard, and rear side airbags optional. All told, an A6 could have as many as six airbags. Sole engine was a 2.8-liter V6 with five valves per cylinder, producing 200 horsepower. Audi's 5-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission offered manual-shift capability with a secondary selector gate. Sedan rivals included the Acura TL, Infiniti I30, and Lexus ES 300. Except for Volvo and (later) Saab, no manufacturers offered a comparable "near-luxury" station wagon.

Year to Year Changes

1999 Audi A6: Only minor equipment changes marked the '99 models. A larger right-door mirror went on all models, and a first-aid kit was installed. A Homelink transmitter and auto-dimming door mirrors were newly included in the extra-cost Convenience package. Rear heated seats were added to the Cold Weather Package. Audi's Warm Weather option group lost insulated glass, but gained manual sunshades for the rear side windows. During the 1999 model year, the sedan gained a sport suspension option and available 5-speed manual shift for its Quattro edition. Sedans could have front-wheel drive or Quattro all-wheel drive, but Avant wagons all had the Quattro system.

2000 Audi A6: Two new performance sedans joined the lineup this year. A6 2.8 sedans and Avant wagons kept the prior 200-horsepower, 2.8-liter V6 with 5-speed automatic. The 2.8 Quattro sedan could now be fitted with a 5-speed manual transmission. Audi's new 2.7T Quattro sedan got a 250-horsepower twin-turbo V6 with 6-speed manual or no-extra-cost automatic transmission. Topping the line was a new 4.2 Quattro sedan with a 300 horsepower V8 (automatic only) and slightly different styling. New Sideguard "curtain" airbags, standard on the 4.2 and optional on other models, dropped down from above the side windows for head protection during a side impact. All models could now get an optional satellite-linked navigation system with audio and visual direction prompts, but no video screen display.

2001 Audi A6: An SUV-inspired allroad wagon model was added for 2001. It had unique exterior cladding and an air-spring suspension for up to 8.2 inches of ground clearance. Automatic-transmission models now offered optional steering-wheel buttons for manual shifting. Steering wheel audio/cell phone controls and passenger-seat memory were newly standard on 4.2 models. An antiskid system became optional on 2.8 models, while curtain side airbags were now standard on 2.8s. Audi's basic warranty was extended from 3 years/50,000 mi. to 4/50,000.

2002 Audi A6: New for '02 was the S6 Avant with a 340-hp 4.2 V8, sport suspension and tires, and aluminum exterior trim. A 3.0 sedan and Avant wagon replaced 2.8 models and had a 220-hp 3.0-liter V6 instead of a 200-hp 2.8 V6. The 3.0 sedan came with a continuously variable automatic transmission and front-wheel drive or quattro AWD; all other models came with quattro front-drive. All '02 A6s got an in-dash 6-disc CD changer, new front- and rear-appearance touches, and revised dashboards. OnStar assistance became available midyear, and could be enhanced with extra-cost in-car e-mail service.

2003 Audi A6: For 2003, leather seat inserts are standard for 3.0s and the 2.7T. The 2.7T trades 16-inch wheels for standard 17s. On the debit side, front passenger-seat memory is dropped, and the sunroof is optional instead of standard on the 4.2 sedan. Added midyear was the limited-production RS 6 sedan. It has a 450-hp twin-turbo V8, Audi's new self-adjusting Dynamic Ride Control suspension, 18-inch wheels, and specific trim, and includes OnStar

2004 Audi A6: Added for '04 is a satellite radio option and a V8 engine for the allroad quattro. Dropped this year are the S6 Avant and RS 6 sedan.

1998-2004 Audi A6/allroad quattro Road Test

Pros	Cons

Steering/handling	Rear visibility

Passenger room	Climate controls

Cargo room

Side airbags

Standard antilock braking

Build quality

Exterior finish

Interior materials

Acceleration

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Thanks to throttle recalibrations and engine tuning, overall acceleration with the base engine is satisfying. Performance is swifter yet from the A6 2.7T and A6 4.2 sedans. The continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT), available in the 3.0, sharpens throttle response at high engine speeds vs. conventional automatic. Audi claimed 0-60 mph acceleration times below 7 seconds for each of the performance editions, and we wouldn't dispute those figures. They easily rank among the faster cars in the near-luxury class. Fuel economy is good for a near-luxury car. We averaged 22.4 mpg in a front-drive sedan. Heavier weight makes the Quattro editions somewhat less frugal. Firm steering--especially in S6 models--communicates well in turns and helps the car head effortlessly down interstates and straightaways. Few front-wheel drive midsize sedans corner with more poise or grip than an A6. The penalty is a suspension that glides over rough pavement centers, but notices nearly every small bump and tar strip, making for a "busy" ride on many surfaces. On the plus side, the ride is generally supple and quiet. Brakes are strong, with neatly progressive pedal feel. Wind noise is very slight, but tires thump and whine. Limited-production RS6 is for the hard-core performance fan only. The ride is rough, noise levels much higher, and acceleration neck-snapping. As for the interior, the A6 cabin is a breezy, sophisticated blend of color-matched surfaces and walnut trim, joined by touches of brightwork on the dashboard, doors, and console. The sedan is roomier than competitive BMW 5-Series or Mercedes-Benz E-Class models. Occupants enjoy an abundance of head, shoulder, and leg room. In back is a supportive bench seat that promises plenty of knee clearance, toe space, and head room. The wagon's 2-place rear seat is sized for preteens. Outside mirrors are small enough to hamper lane changes, but visibility otherwise is quite good. It's even better in the glassy wagon, which also boasts good load-carrying ability. Trunk space is cavernous and easily accessible. Interior storage is also plentiful, including map pockets on every door. Workmanship and materials are top-notch throughout. Panel gaps are precise, inside and out.

Value for the Money
New or used, an A6 costs a lot less than a comparable BMW 528i or Mercedes-Benz E320, yet delivers a similar sense of Teutonic solidity and driving feel. Audi's allroad wagon brings the ride and comfort of an SUV into the mix without sacrificing sophisticated onroad capability. The A6 is a well-made machine that performs admirably on the road. All told, we recommend these great German machines highly, despite their relatively high prices.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Audi A6 4.2 sedan	Rating

Performance	7

Fuel Economy	5

Ride Quality	7

Steering/Handling/Braking	8

Quietness	8

Controls/Materials	7

Interior Room	8

Room/Comfort (rear)	7

Cargo Capacity	3

Value within Class	2

Total:	62

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

1998-2004 Audi A6/allroad quattro Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Climate control: The heated steering wheel may not heat up or may not stay warm. (1998-99)

Cruise control: The cruise control fails to hold the set speed due to vacuum servo failure. (1995)

Fuel gauge: The fuel gauge is inaccurate. (1999)

Fuel gauge: Fuel gauge on Quattro models may stick on full or empty if any one of the three sending units malfunctions. (1998-00)

Paint/body: The front bumper is low and several owners have complained of damage on parking curbs. (1998-99)

Power seats: The driver's power seat stops working because the electronic module loses its memory. (1998)

Rough idle: Dirty throttle body bore and throttle control module commonly cause rough or low idle. (1998-01)

Windows: Sun visor mounting screw could chaffs wire and blows fuse to power windows, dome light, alarm system, and power seat memory. (1998)

Windshield: The windshield may leak near the top edge. (1998)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$780

Alternator	$465

Automatic Transmission or Transaxle	$1,100

Brakes	$745

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$800

Constant Velocity Joints	$2,310

Exhaust System	$775

Radiator	$670

Shocks and/or Struts	$1,600

Timing Chain or Belt	$290

NHTSA Recall History

1998 A6: An incorrect filler neck that doesn't match the fuel cap was installed during assembly and could allow fuel to escape.

1998 A6: If engine backfires during cold start, an air screen loosely seated in airflow meter can become damaged; screen pieces could enter intake system and prevent throttle plate from returning to full idle position.

1998-00 A6, A6 Avant: While performing the remedial repair for recall 04V133000, if the plastic cover is not securely installed to the driver's side support cross member, the headlight switch wiring harness could come into contact with the cross member. This could lead to an electrical short in the harness, which could lead to a fire in the driver's side dashboard area.

1998-01 A6: Sulfur in fuel could cause fuel gauge to read "full" when the tank is actually less than full.

1998-04 A6: If driver's knee bolster is touched, it may contact the headlight switch under the dash board and cause a short. Dealers will inspect and replace affected parts.

1998-99 A6: Some tie-rod seals may not seal properly; if moisture and/or dust particles enter swivel bearing mechanism, bearing could wear over time, diminishing steering control.

1998-99 A6: When driving car registered in specified cold-weather state, in extremely low ambient temperatures with 2.8-liter five-valve V6 engine and automatic transmission, ice accumulation may cause throttle to freeze in open position; engine may fail to reduce speed when foot is raised from the gas pedal.

1998-99 A6 w/Quattro: If car is refueled shortly after engine is started, and is kept running during refueling, fuel-vapor recovery system could produce sufficient pressure to expel fuel when nozzle is removed.

1998-99 A6 w/automatic transmission: Control valve in vacuum hose may not open or close fully at temperatures below four degrees (F) under certain conditions; could cause insufficient vacuum to be provided to brake booster.

2001 A6 allroad: Under heavy load conditions, the wiper blades could become entangled with each other and cease functioning.

2003 A6: Driver airbag igniter may not have been assembled properly, making the air bag ineffective in the event of a crash. Dealer will inspect and replace affected parts.

1998-2004 Audi A6/allroad quattro Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

1998
A6 Avant wagon	$4,500-5,300	$3,700-4,400	$1,600-1,900
A6 Quattro Avant	$5,400-6,200	$4,600-5,300	$2,200-2,500
A6 Quattro sedan	$5,600-6,300	$4,800-5,400	$2,300-2,600
A6 sedan	$4,800-5,500	$4,000-4,600	$1,800-2,100

1999
A6 Avant wagon	$7,000-7,800	$6,200-6,900	$3,300-3,700
A6 Quattro sedan	$6,700-7,500	$5,900-6,600	$3,100-3,500
A6 sedan	$5,700-6,500	$4,900-5,600	$2,300-2,700

2000
A6 2.7T Quattro sedan	$8,900-9,800	$8,000-8,800	$4,600-5,100
A6 2.8 Quattro sedan	$8,200-9,000	$7,400-8,100	$4,200-4,600
A6 2.8 sedan	$6,800-7,700	$6,100-6,900	$3,200-3,600
A6 4.2 Quattro sedan	$10,500-11,500	$9,500-10,400	$5,600-6,100
A6 Avant wagon	$8,500-9,400	$7,700-8,500	$4,400-4,900

2001
A6 2.7T Quattro sedan	$10,800-11,800	$9,700-10,600	$5,800-6,400
A6 2.8 Quattro sedan	$9,800-10,800	$8,800-9,700	$5,100-5,600
A6 2.8 sedan	$8,200-9,200	$7,400-8,300	$4,200-4,700
A6 4.2 Quattro sedan	$12,800-13,800	$11,600-12,600	$7,300-7,900
A6 Avant wagon	$10,500-11,400	$9,500-10,300	$5,600-6,000
allroad Quattro	$12,000-13,300	$10,800-12,000	$6,700-7,400

2002
A6 2.7T Quattro sedan	$13,500-14,700	$12,300-13,400	$8,000-8,700
A6 3.0 Quattro sedan	$12,500-13,500	$11,300-12,200	$7,100-7,700
A6 3.0 sedan	$10,500-11,700	$9,500-10,500	$5,600-6,200
A6 4.2 Quattro sedan	$16,000-17,200	$14,600-15,700	$10,200-11,000
A6 Avant wagon	$13,000-14,000	$11,800-12,700	$7,500-8,100
S6 Avant wagon	$20,500-22,000	$18,900-20,200	$13,300-14,300
allroad Quattro	$14,800-16,000	$13,500-14,600	$9,300-10,100

2003
A6 2.7T Quattro sedan	$16,200-17,500	$14,700-15,900	$10,400-11,200
A6 3.0 Quattro sedan	$15,000-16,200	$13,700-14,700	$9,500-10,200
A6 3.0 sedan	$13,000-14,500	$11,800-13,200	$7,500-8,400
A6 4.2 Quattro sedan	$19,000-20,400	$17,500-18,800	$12,400-13,300
A6 Avant wagon	$15,500-16,800	$14,100-15,300	$9,900-10,800
RS6 sedan	$41,000-43,000	$38,100-40,000	$29,900-31,400
S6 Avant wagon	$25,000-26,500	$23,300-24,600	$16,500-17,500
allroad Quattro	$18,000-19,500	$16,600-17,900	$11,500-12,500

2004
A6 2.7T Quattro sedan	$19,500-21,200	$17,900-19,500	$12,700-13,800
A6 3.0 Quattro sedan	$18,500-20,000	$17,000-18,400	$11,800-12,800
A6 3.0 sedan	$16,000-17,500	$14,600-15,900	$10,200-11,200
A6 4.2 Quattro sedan	$22,000-23,500	$20,200-21,600	$14,300-15,300
A6 Avant wagon	$19,000-20,500	$17,500-18,900	$12,400-13,300
allroad Quattro	$20,500-22,500	$18,900-20,700	$13,300-14,600

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

1998-2004 Audi A6/allroad quattro Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	4-door sedan	4-door wagon	allroad 4-door wagon

Wheelbase, in.	108.7	108.6	108.5

Overall Length, in.	192.0	192	189.4

Overall Width, in.	71.3	71.3	76.1

Overall Height, in.	57.2	58.2	60.1-62

Curb Weight, lbs.	3516-3759	3947	4167

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	17.2	73.2	73.2

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	18.5	18.5	18.5

Seating Capacity	5	5	5

Front Head Room, in.	39.3	39.3	37.5

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.3	41.3	41.3

Rear Head Room, in.	37.9	38.7	38.4

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	37.3	33.2-37.3	37.3

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Only one powertrain was available at first: a 2.8-liter, dual overhead-cam V6 with Tiptronic 5-speed automatic transmission that permitted manual gearchanges. By 2000, two additional engines were offered: a turbocharged 2.7-liter V6 and a 4.2-liter V8. Two new transmission possibilities also arrived: a 5-speed manual (for 2.8 Quattro sedans) and a 6 speed manual in the new 2.7T Quattro sedan. The S6 Avant model, new in 2002, used a 340-hp 4.2 V8 engine. A 3.0-liter V6 replaced the 2.8-liter and was available with either 5-speed or continuously variable automatic transmission. The limited-production RS6 used a turbocharged version of the V8 that made 450 horsepower. It mated only to a 5-speed automatic transmission. The 4.2-liter V8 is made available for the allroad quattro in '04.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

dohc V6	2.8 / 169	200	207	5-speed automatic: 17/27	5-speed automatic: 22.4

Turbocharged dohc V6	2.7 / 163	250	258	6-speed manual: 18/25 5-speed automatic: 18/25	6-speed manual: 22 5-speed automatic: --

dohc V8	4.2 / 255	300	295	5-speed automatic: 17/24	5-speed automatic: 18.4

dohc V8	4.2 / 255	340	310	5-speed automatic: 14/21	5-speed automatic: --

dohc V6	3.0 / 182	220	221	5-speed automatic: 18/26 CVT automatic: 20/27	5-speed automatic: 20.9 CVT automatic: --

Turbocharged dohc V8	4.2 / 255	450	415	5-speed automatic: 15/22	5-speed automatic: 14.4

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: Germany

Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive

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Also in the 1998-2004 Audi A6/allroad quattro Review:

Audi A6

Audi A6 Road Test

Audi A6 Reliability

Audi A6 Prices

Audi A6 Specs & Safety

Audi A6 Photos

Audi A6 Full Review