2003 Audi A6 Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
After its big engine upgrade in 2002, the 2003 Audi A6 saw minor additions and losses aross its line of sedans and wagons. The A6 sedans...
After its big engine upgrade in 2002, the 2003 Audi A6 saw minor additions and losses aross its line of sedans and wagons. The A6 sedans came in three engine choices -- a 3.0-liter, 220-hp V6, a 2.7-T turbocharged, 250-hp V6, and the powerful 4.2-liter, 300-hp V8. The Avant wagon carried only the 3.0 V6 engine. The highly praised quattro all-wheel drive came standard on the wagon, 2.7T, and 4.2, and was an option on the front-wheel drive 3.0 sedan. Tiptronic auto-manual transmission came with all quattro models. The front-wheel drive sedan featured the awkward, yet performance-oriented CVT.
In the 2003 A6, the 2.7T received the sports suspension and 17-inch wheels once offered as part of the sports package. Already providing standard features such as cruise control, power-adjustable front seats, dual climate control, power heated mirrors, and a center console, both the 2.7T and 3.0 now offered leather seats standard in 2003. For some reason, the 4.2 lost its standard sunroof and memory driver's seat, offering these only as options. Its biggest distinction from the other trims was its engine power. A Cold Weather Package thought of everything by adding heated front and back seats, a heated steering wheel in the 4.2 A6 and a ski bag.
The 2003 Audi A6 continues to score high with owners on its well-appointed interior and all the features it offers that are usually options on comparable cars from BMW and Mercedes. An accurate climate control, roomy seating, and large trunk make long trips comfortable and practical. Behind the wheel, the A6 is stable and balanced, offering precise handling. Owners feel the CVT boosts the fun rating of the A6, and the quattro is a must. The energy from the turbo turns the family sedan into a modified rocket, say some owners. Problems arise with road noise, poor gas mileage, a tiny navigation system, electrical problems and general unreliability. Drivers also comment on the poor and unhelpful attitude of Audi dealers and the difficulty in finding a knowledgeable mechanic.
What owners say
"The 2003 Audi A6 receives mostly positive feedback from owners. They appreciate its overall comfort, smooth ride, and luxurious interior, highlighting its solid build quality and good power delivery, especially in models with the Turbo engine. However, some drivers note issues with fuel economy and performance, feeling some models may lack power compared to competitors. Many emphasize the car's safety features, excellent handling in various weather conditions, and spacious cargo area as significant pluses."
Great looks, ride, handling, traction in wet or snowy conditions. The car is built so well, both inside and out. The materials, fit and finish, and realibility have been excellent. Service is not cheap, but I have needed very little of it luckily. Hard to think of what I don't like....uh...somewhat heavy steering due to all wheel drive; power is good but not mind-blowing by any means....that's about it. Oh, and the gas mileage is just so-so....averages 18.3.
September 30, 2008Very easy to drive, pulls well, and compfortable. Very economical.
August 18, 2007There is nothing like a German made vehicle. Japanese made cars can't compare. This car handles the road like a race car would. The acceleration is so smooth when entering a highway. It's an awesome car and fun to drive. The body of the car is heavier than that of a Honda or a Toyota. This model Audi was made for 3 years only and I've had no problem with it.
January 25, 2011What owners say
Great looks, ride, handling, traction in wet or snowy conditions. The car is built so well, both inside and out. The materials, fit and finish, and realibility have been excellent. Service is not cheap, but I have needed very little of it luckily. Hard to think of what I don't like....uh...somewhat heavy steering due to all wheel drive; power is good but not mind-blowing by any means....that's about it. Oh, and the gas mileage is just so-so....averages 18.3.
September 30, 2008Very easy to drive, pulls well, and compfortable. Very economical.
August 18, 2007There is nothing like a German made vehicle. Japanese made cars can't compare. This car handles the road like a race car would. The acceleration is so smooth when entering a highway. It's an awesome car and fun to drive. The body of the car is heavier than that of a Honda or a Toyota. This model Audi was made for 3 years only and I've had no problem with it.
January 25, 2011Even though I haven't driven an A6 with European specifications, I find that the model sold in Asian markets (more specifically Malaysia) are toned down models of the original Audi A6. When this model was released there, the only options avalaible was the 1.8T and the 2.4 models. This makes the car feels slightly underpowered and heavy. The 1.8T model scored a figure of 120 hp on whells on a conducted dyno test. Even though i did not managed to get a torque value due to technical complications, the car did manage to score good points on throttle response. The car showed good response from 0-100 hp on the dyno test. The 6 speed multitronic CVT transmission on this particular model can be a let down if you looking at driving the car aggresively. The shifting on the gears (on shiftronic/multitronic modes) are rather slow as compared the BMW 523i model of that current year. On the plus side, the transmission does comes with a sports mode which allows the car to maintain optimum revs without the feel of gear shifts in the given mode. Despite a slight blow to it's performance figures, the 2004 1.8t A6 is has relatively low fuel consumption and comfortable to drive in. The smaller engine of this version paired with it's transmission puts the A6 on par with the smaller, lighter 2005 1.7 Civic VTS. Besides that, the A6 is built sturdy and spacious. Along with Audi's great interior designs (espcially in black) the car is really comfortable to be in. Even the suspension is designed for comfort even if driving at speeds of around 120 km/h. Despite it's sturdy design, the car comes with a good assortment of safety features. The main highlight of its safety features is that the car comes with ESP (electronic stability program) which works like an enhanced ABS (anti-lock brake system) and TCS (traction control system) systems. The A6 also comes with 6 air bags which adds to the security of the passangers when it comes to a car crash. Overall, the 2004 1.8T Audi A6 is a good car to drive in. Despite the let down in its performance, the car makes up for it in its comfort, fuel economy, safety, and luxurios interior designs making this car a good run for the money.
April 20, 2008Owned for three years No problems except computer malfunction replaced through extended warranty. As a 6 speed manual 2.7T the car is fast and responsive. The design is the best and the finish is Audi first class. Cost of ownership and gas milage is reasonable for a car of this caliber. While fun to drive it is not as direct in response as my previous WRX
October 8, 2009Big and heavy, so acceleration is not the best. Great "long distance" car. We have had this car for 2 years now and shipped it down from Wisconsin to Florida. Not much use for the Cold Weather Package now :) Build quality is excellent and it has been very reliable. Could be classed as a "Grandad" car.
November 12, 2008My car is fitted with the 18" s-line rims and Nitto z-rated summer performance tires so those couple with the Quattro awd makes handling amazing. Brakes are solid, low-end pull and high-end passing are a breeze. Interior is a little bland but all the materials are rich and solid. Exterior has the aero kit so that also looks nice.
January 3, 2008performance - 1.9 TDI 130 bhp when the turbo kicks in it takes off i love the power it has build quaility - being german and not that old it is solid every now and then there is a screech from the bonnet but goes in seconds other than that for a car with 126k on the clock it is german engineering at its finest appearance - there are a few stone chips and 1 or 2 scratches but other than that it is perfect and looks fantastic cost - cost me £8500 and about £150 on fuel a month but being diesel it is very good does about 35 - 40 miles per gallon fun factor - well considering the car i had before this was a 10 year old vectra this is just perfection i love the power and speed and it has all the mod cons ie: heated seats leather interior climate control trip computer cruise control multi disk cd changer and much more i will be keeping this car for a long time yet and plan to replace it only with an audi Q7 3.0 TDI (when i can afford it lol)
August 29, 2008I love this car! I loved it since I drove it the first time and I am still gaga about it. Quality, power, handling are unsurpassed in it's class. I only wish the 2.5TDI would be available in the USA, then it would be as perfect as a car can be.
July 18, 2013Performace: -4.2 V8 engine quattro -double overhead cam - 350 Horsepower @ 5,700 RPM -Four wheel ABS -Stability Control -The car is 7 year old and still looks better than many 2010 cars out there. Very well designed. Great ride on the snow better than most cars with the AWD system. -The car is fast, handles well and is an all-around first class sedan. It has wonderful build quality, is roomy for passengers and luggage, fun to drive and is significanly cheaper than other's in its price range and class.
February 5, 2011Trims & specs
Base MSRP $38,260 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 220 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity 36.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $41,660 | Seating 5 |
Engine 2.7L 250 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $48,610 | Seating 5 |
Engine 4.2L 300 hp V8 | Cargo Capacity 15.4 cu ft |
Combined MPG 19 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $39,460 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 220 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 20 | Drivetrain AWD |
Base MSRP $36,510 | Seating 5 |
Engine 3.0L 220 hp V6 | Cargo Capacity N/A |
Combined MPG 21 | Drivetrain FWD |
