2002 Audi A6/allroad quattro: Road Test

2002 Audi A6/allroad quattro 

  • MSRP: $35,400 - $58,700
  • Invoice: $31,950 - $52,879
CG Rating

67

out of 100

View Another Vehicle

Our road test for the 2002 Audi A6/allroad quattro includes a full evaluation of the 2002 Audi A6/allroad quattro from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2002 Audi A6/allroad quattro, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2002 Audi A6/allroad quattro help you decide if a 2002 Audi A6/allroad quattro is right for you.

Advertisement

ACCELERATION

3.0 quattro sdn, auto. 2.7T w/ Sport Pkg., man. allroad quattro, man. S6 Class Average
6 7 6 8 6.2

All slightly lazy off the line, but gather speed rapidly. The 3.0 and 2.7T come alive over 3000 rpm. V8s are robust. Haven't timed 3.0, but test 2.7T and 4.2 ran 0-60 mpg in 7.0 sec; test allroad in just under 8. CVT sharpens throttle response at high engine speeds vs. conventional automatic, which some of our testers found tardy in its shifting. Manual transmission suffers long throws.

FUEL ECONOMY

3.0 quattro sdn, auto. 2.7T w/ Sport Pkg., man. allroad quattro, man. S6 Class Average
5 6 4 3 4.6

In mostly highway driving, test 3.0 quattro sedan averaged 20.9 mpg, 4.2 averaged 18.4. Test allroads averaged 15.1-17.2. Test manual-transmission 2.7T averaged 22 mpg. Haven't measured CVT yet, but Audi says it's more fuel efficient than conventional automatic. Audi recommends premium fuel for all.

RIDE QUALITY

3.0 quattro sdn, auto. 2.7T w/ Sport Pkg., man. allroad quattro, man. S6 Class Average
8 7 6 5 7.2

Base and allroad suspensions provide typical Teutonic composure, but low-speed bumps come through and there's a trace of high-speed float. The 2.7T and V8 models are firm and quite firm, respectively; 4.2 and S6 are eminently stable at speed.

STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING

3.0 quattro sdn, auto. 2.7T w/ Sport Pkg., man. allroad quattro, man. S6 Class Average
7 7 6 8 6.7

V8s have satisfyingly firm steering (S6 is superb); other A6s feel accurate, if occasionally feeling slightly overassisted off-center. Quattro improves grip and response on all surfaces, but handling is an asset with any A6, despite more-than-expected tire squealing in tight, fast turns. Stopping power, now with standard brake-assist, is smooth and strong.

QUIETNESS

3.0 quattro sdn, auto. 2.7T w/ Sport Pkg., man. allroad quattro, man. S6 Class Average
7 6 7 5 6.8

V6s muted, V8s growl, but both refined. Wind noise occasionally louder than warranted at these prices; same for road noise, particularly with Z-rated 17-inch tires.

CONTROLS

3.0 quattro sdn, auto. 2.7T w/ Sport Pkg., man. allroad quattro, man. S6 Class Average
8 8 8 8 6.3

Large, legible gauges, and central instrument pod conveniently displays audio settings, outside temperature, mpg data. Driver must look from road to find low-set climate system, but its buttons are distinctly marked, readouts are bright and clear. Cruise control awkwardly embedded in turn-signal stalk. Contemporary cabin design has highest-grade materials and assembly.

ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)

3.0 quattro sdn, auto. 2.7T w/ Sport Pkg., man. allroad quattro, man. S6 Class Average
8 8 8 8 7

Comfortable, supportive seats, adjustable padded center armrest. Standard tilt/telescope steering wheel is powered on 4.2 and S6, and available heated. Unimpeded outward visibility. Available Xenon headlamps have Xenon high-beams that project a quarter-mile.

ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)

3.0 quattro sdn, auto. 2.7T w/ Sport Pkg., man. allroad quattro, man. S6 Class Average
7 7 7 7 5.4

As in front, doors open wide to nicely contoured, not-overly firm seats. Generous knee, toe room. Head clearance for those up to 6-ft-1. Wagons lack rear cupholders.

CARGO ROOM

3.0 quattro sdn, auto. 2.7T w/ Sport Pkg., man. allroad quattro, man. S6 Class Average
6 6 7 7 4.2

Large sedan trunk has wide opening, nonintrusive strut hinges, handy grocery hooks. Wagons expansive. All rear seatbacks fold 60/40. All doors have cloth-lined map pockets.

VALUE WITHIN CLASS

3.0 quattro sdn, auto. 2.7T w/ Sport Pkg., man. allroad quattro, man. S6 Class Average
9 7 6 3 5.1

A6's distinctive blend of spaciousness, performance, design sophistication, and powertrain choice is unique among luxury cars. Prices generally run below those of directly competing models, though parent Volkswagen's own Passat W8 overlaps some A6 territory, and at lower prices.

Total Score

3.0 quattro sdn, auto. 2.7T w/ Sport Pkg., man. allroad quattro, man. S6 Class Average
71 69 65 62 59.5

Total Score: 71

Scores for all Premium Midsize Cars

Low Score
49
Average Score
59
High Score
72

Car Buying Resources

Trade-in Calculator

Research how much your car is truly worth.

Trade-in Calculator

Used Cars

Search online classifieds and find a local dealer.

Search Local Listings

Vehicle History Report

Get a CARFAX Vehicle History Report. The first...

Get a CARFAX report

What's Under the Hood?

Learn about how cars work.

Learn Things

Insurance

We're dedicated to making insurance easier.

Get Insurance

Sell Your Car

Reach over 8 million buyers.

Sell Your Car
Advertisement

Locate a dealer

Sell Your Car

Advertisement