Just because you have a family now and resonsibilities for carting kids to soccer practice and birthday parties doesn't mean you have to sacrifice driving pleasure. At least that's what Audi thinks as it markets its 2002 allroad quattro, a station wagon that packs in trademark Audi comfort and luxury and innovative performance technology. It's so classy, you'll have to start hauling groceries from Dean and Deluca's instead of the Stop 'N Shop.

The 2002 Audi allroad quattro is an SUV alternative, especially since Audi doesn't even offer an SUV. Its combination of all-wheel drive quattro and variable suspension that adjusts the height to adapt to road conditions (pavement to mud to rough offroading) gives you all the versatility of an SUV, but with the crisp, light handling and control of a sportier sedan. The allroad didn't change much in 2002, except for the addition of a few options, such as a heated steering wheel and OnStar. A Sport mode was added to the optional 5-speed Tiptronic auto/manual transmission. A 2.7-liter, 250-hp bi-turbo V6 sits under its hood.

Though roomy, the allroad only comfortably seats four, but "comfort" is an understatement. Two-tone leather seats, a sunroof, and power-adjustable front seats are only a few of the many standard features that Audi loads its cars with. Seats fold down to expand the cargo capacity. Drivers love the allroad's confident handling and cornering. Though heavier than the A6, it is pretty speedy, but drivers do wish for more horsepower. AWD performance in the mountains is first-rate. The interior layout and quality is also a highlight. A common complaint in the allroad quattro is a very noticeable turbo lag from a standing stop. Numerous repairs and poor reliability are black spots on its record, as is the not so great fuel economy.