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2002
Audi A6

Starts at:
$35,400
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 4dr Sdn CVT
    Starts at
    $35,400
    19 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn quattro AWD Auto
    Starts at
    $37,150
    17 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Wgn Avant
    Starts at
    $38,350
    17 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn quattro AWD 6-spd Man 2.7T
    Starts at
    $39,750
    17 City / 24 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V6
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr Sdn quattro AWD Auto 4.2
    Starts at
    $49,650
    17 City / 25 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas V8
    Engine
    All Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

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2002 Audi A6 2002 Audi A6 2002 Audi A6 2002 Audi A6 2002 Audi A6 2002 Audi A6 2002 Audi A6 2002 Audi A6 2002 Audi A6 2002 Audi A6 2002 Audi A6 2002 Audi A6 2002 Audi A6 2002 Audi A6 2002 Audi A6

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Expert 2002 Audi A6 review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By
Full article
our expert's take

The 2002 Audi A6 3.0 sedan is an attractive, midsize vehicle with lots of lovely luxury features and plenty of comfort/convenience amenities.

Got that? Great, let’s move on to the transmission. I could go on all day about it.

My test A6 was equipped with one of the niftiest new pieces of engineering on the market — a continuously variable transmission. It’s called CVT for short, and its origins actually can be traced to the early 20th century. But now, unlike then, a CVT holds up under the forces engines dish out.

The CVT technology on the test A6 is unique to Audi, which means the automaker gets to call it an “Audi multitronic automatic continuously variable transmission.”

If you haven’t guessed, Audi loves to put its stamp on all manner of its automotive engineering. But that’s beside the point — just think CVT for now.

Unlike a conventional transmission — with all those hard, toothy gears whacking around — the Audi CVT has a pair of conical “variators” wrapped up in a super-strong, link-plate drive chain.

Having trouble picturing that? Think two, split pulleys wrapped in a belt.

The pulleys can move closer to each other or farther apart. When they are close together, the belt rides on a larger diameter toward the outer rim. When they move apart, the belt rides on a smaller diameter, closer to the axis.

What it all means is that the pulleys and the flexible, vanadium-plated steel chain work in tandem between the extreme gear ranges — 12.7:1 to 2.1:1. How many gear ratios are in between the extremes?

Something like an infinite number.

That’s right, the transmission expands and contracts so seamlessly that literally scores of gear ratios are experienced — say, in a typical acceleration from an on-ramp into the freeway traffic.

What you don’t hear or feel when you’re accelerating are gear changes. The first couple of times, it’s unnerving. Whether you are devoted to a manual or an automatic gearbox, all of us are accustomed to hearing the familiar “buzz-whump” sound of gear changes. Hit the gas in the Audi A6 3.0 with CVT and what you get is a long, steady, uninterrupted “waaaaaaaaaa…”

You darn near lose touch with reality waiting for that gear shift sound/feeling to kick in. Rest assured, it doesn’t happen. The CVT simply dishes up the power in one long wave right up to the top end of the gear range.

But does it perform?

Heck, yes, it performs. The CVT in the Audi A6 3.0 is matched up with a 3-liter V-6 with five valves per cylinder, and the CVT is built to handle 230 foot-pounds of torque.

What about fuel economy? The ratings are 19 miles per gallon in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, admirable for a robust V-6 with 220 horses. And if you want to know about the hydraulic torque converter, forget it. The CVT doesn’t need that because of the flexibility of the drive belt.

Right about now, you’re asking yourself how a CVT can possibly be th at smooth because it has to react to a variety of driving conditions while negotiating a seemingly endless band of gear ratios.

The answer is simple: The multitronic CVT includes electronics that sense how much pressure the driver is applying to the gas pedal. Engine torque and clutch engagement adjust accordingly. Take your foot off the gas, and the CVT will even simulate the no-throttle forward creep of a typical automatic gearbox-equipped vehicle.

What if you can’t go on in life without shifting gears? No sweat. The multitronic CVT offers the option of clutchless manual shifting, with six fixed transmission stages in the system.

How does the CVT stack up against other automatic gearboxes? Superbly.

Once you stop waiting for the sound of gear changes, you’ve got it made. The CVT requires no special adjustment in driving behavior and performs more smoothly than a conventional automatic.

Not only that, electronic systems in the multitronic CVT sense uphill and downhill grades, automatically adjusting engine-braking torque to help out the driver.

Is CVT the wave of the future?

Not being shy, Audi calls its multitronic “arguably the most technologically advanced transmission in automotive history.” But in truth, the long-term story of CVT probably will be told up the road as Audi drivers put extended miles on the new system and reliability numbers start coming in.

Based solely on performance in my test vehicle, I’d say Audi is on to something good. And other automakers are incorporating CVTs into select autos. If the ball keeps rolling, makers and repairers of transmissions may be shifting gears to a whole new technology in a few years.

Audi A6 at a glance

Make/model: 2002 Audi A6 3.0 CVT.

Vehicle type: Five-passenger, front-drive, midsize, mid-luxury sedan.

Base price: $35,400 (as tested, $40,325).

Engine: 3-liter V-6 with 220 horsepower at 6,300 revolutions per minute and 221 foot-pounds of torque at 3,200 rpm.

EPA fuel economy: 19 miles per gallon city; 25 mpg highway.

Transmission: Automatic continuously variable transmission with special features.

Steering: Power rack and pinion with speed-sensitive and handling-enhancement features.

Brakes: Power four-wheel discs with anti-lock and special control features.

Suspension type: Four-link with stabilizer bar on front; double A-arm independent with trailing arms and coil springs on rear.

Interior volume: 95.9 cubic feet.

Trunk volume: 17.2 cubic feet.

Fuel tank: 18.5 gallons.

Curb weight: 3,516 pounds.

Front track: 60.6 inches.

Rear track: 61.8 inches.

Height: 57.2 inches.

Length: 192 inches.

Wheelbase: 108.7 inches.

Width: 71.3 inches.

Tires: P205/55R16 all-season.

Final assembly point: Neckarsulm, Germany.

2002 Audi A6 review: Our expert's take
By

The 2002 Audi A6 3.0 sedan is an attractive, midsize vehicle with lots of lovely luxury features and plenty of comfort/convenience amenities.

Got that? Great, let’s move on to the transmission. I could go on all day about it.

My test A6 was equipped with one of the niftiest new pieces of engineering on the market — a continuously variable transmission. It’s called CVT for short, and its origins actually can be traced to the early 20th century. But now, unlike then, a CVT holds up under the forces engines dish out.

The CVT technology on the test A6 is unique to Audi, which means the automaker gets to call it an “Audi multitronic automatic continuously variable transmission.”

If you haven’t guessed, Audi loves to put its stamp on all manner of its automotive engineering. But that’s beside the point — just think CVT for now.

Unlike a conventional transmission — with all those hard, toothy gears whacking around — the Audi CVT has a pair of conical “variators” wrapped up in a super-strong, link-plate drive chain.

Having trouble picturing that? Think two, split pulleys wrapped in a belt.

The pulleys can move closer to each other or farther apart. When they are close together, the belt rides on a larger diameter toward the outer rim. When they move apart, the belt rides on a smaller diameter, closer to the axis.

What it all means is that the pulleys and the flexible, vanadium-plated steel chain work in tandem between the extreme gear ranges — 12.7:1 to 2.1:1. How many gear ratios are in between the extremes?

Something like an infinite number.

That’s right, the transmission expands and contracts so seamlessly that literally scores of gear ratios are experienced — say, in a typical acceleration from an on-ramp into the freeway traffic.

What you don’t hear or feel when you’re accelerating are gear changes. The first couple of times, it’s unnerving. Whether you are devoted to a manual or an automatic gearbox, all of us are accustomed to hearing the familiar “buzz-whump” sound of gear changes. Hit the gas in the Audi A6 3.0 with CVT and what you get is a long, steady, uninterrupted “waaaaaaaaaa…”

You darn near lose touch with reality waiting for that gear shift sound/feeling to kick in. Rest assured, it doesn’t happen. The CVT simply dishes up the power in one long wave right up to the top end of the gear range.

But does it perform?

Heck, yes, it performs. The CVT in the Audi A6 3.0 is matched up with a 3-liter V-6 with five valves per cylinder, and the CVT is built to handle 230 foot-pounds of torque.

What about fuel economy? The ratings are 19 miles per gallon in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, admirable for a robust V-6 with 220 horses. And if you want to know about the hydraulic torque converter, forget it. The CVT doesn’t need that because of the flexibility of the drive belt.

Right about now, you’re asking yourself how a CVT can possibly be th at smooth because it has to react to a variety of driving conditions while negotiating a seemingly endless band of gear ratios.

The answer is simple: The multitronic CVT includes electronics that sense how much pressure the driver is applying to the gas pedal. Engine torque and clutch engagement adjust accordingly. Take your foot off the gas, and the CVT will even simulate the no-throttle forward creep of a typical automatic gearbox-equipped vehicle.

What if you can’t go on in life without shifting gears? No sweat. The multitronic CVT offers the option of clutchless manual shifting, with six fixed transmission stages in the system.

How does the CVT stack up against other automatic gearboxes? Superbly.

Once you stop waiting for the sound of gear changes, you’ve got it made. The CVT requires no special adjustment in driving behavior and performs more smoothly than a conventional automatic.

Not only that, electronic systems in the multitronic CVT sense uphill and downhill grades, automatically adjusting engine-braking torque to help out the driver.

Is CVT the wave of the future?

Not being shy, Audi calls its multitronic “arguably the most technologically advanced transmission in automotive history.” But in truth, the long-term story of CVT probably will be told up the road as Audi drivers put extended miles on the new system and reliability numbers start coming in.

Based solely on performance in my test vehicle, I’d say Audi is on to something good. And other automakers are incorporating CVTs into select autos. If the ball keeps rolling, makers and repairers of transmissions may be shifting gears to a whole new technology in a few years.

Audi A6 at a glance

Make/model: 2002 Audi A6 3.0 CVT.

Vehicle type: Five-passenger, front-drive, midsize, mid-luxury sedan.

Base price: $35,400 (as tested, $40,325).

Engine: 3-liter V-6 with 220 horsepower at 6,300 revolutions per minute and 221 foot-pounds of torque at 3,200 rpm.

EPA fuel economy: 19 miles per gallon city; 25 mpg highway.

Transmission: Automatic continuously variable transmission with special features.

Steering: Power rack and pinion with speed-sensitive and handling-enhancement features.

Brakes: Power four-wheel discs with anti-lock and special control features.

Suspension type: Four-link with stabilizer bar on front; double A-arm independent with trailing arms and coil springs on rear.

Interior volume: 95.9 cubic feet.

Trunk volume: 17.2 cubic feet.

Fuel tank: 18.5 gallons.

Curb weight: 3,516 pounds.

Front track: 60.6 inches.

Rear track: 61.8 inches.

Height: 57.2 inches.

Length: 192 inches.

Wheelbase: 108.7 inches.

Width: 71.3 inches.

Tires: P205/55R16 all-season.

Final assembly point: Neckarsulm, Germany.

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
4 years / 50,000 miles
Corrosion
12 years
Powertrain
4 years / 50,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
4 years

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
5 model years or newer / less than 60,000 miles
Basic
1 year or 20,000 miles (whichever occurs first)
Dealer certification
125-point inspection

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Consumer reviews

4.6 / 5
Based on 19 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.8
Interior 4.6
Performance 4.7
Value 4.4
Exterior 4.8
Reliability 4.4

Most recent

  • Fun car, classic styling, great winter car.

    I've owned the car for four years. I drove it every day of these last four years. The vehicle has been reliable and a blast to drive.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • The best car I've ever owned, hands down!

    I drive this car on my daily commute to work which is 80 miles north of Cheyenne, on the interstate where we experience up to 70 mile an hour winds almost on a daily basis, this car holds itself while on the road handles perfectly, has good gas mileage despite the wind is very sturdy well put together and as old as it is I have virtually no repairs except for when something gets really wore out, like brakes or an ignition, I really love the twin turbos a give me Instant Power and speed when I need it, all the electronics and amenities in the car in the interior are still working and I've not had to repair or replace any of them and I drove a Mercedes the other day and I was very glad to be back in my Audi A6!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Beautiful ride

    This is a spacious, comfortable sedan. There is a lot of power in it and the extras make it a pleasure to drive. Some recurring electrical problems but otherwise reliable. My husband who is 6'7'' doesn't fit well in the driver's seat as the steering wheel doesn't extend higher, but it's been a great family car.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • I love my 2002 S6 Avant

    Expensive, but its worth it, its a great all a rounder, I like it so much that I must moved back to Europe, and I am having it shipped so that my family will enjoy it. Best car for the money its a head turner. British racing green and white interior.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • V8 Quattro Tank

    15 years later, this car in this trim is now a niche enthusiast ride. The exterior design is arguably the most timeless of Audi's mid-size sedans, with its wide fenders only found on the A6 4.2, S6, and RS6 of this C5 generation. It does push in corners due to it's weight and V8 up front, so its more of a highway cruiser than a sports sedan like an E39 5-series BMW, but it does make for a more comfortable and spacious car. The Sport Package is a must with stiffer springs, dampers, and thicker anti-roll bars. Additionally, the Sport seats are amazing. The items on the car that need to be addressed eventually are the oil cooler pipe (a $14 part that takes 5 hours to get to), cooling fans (both fan clutch and aux fan), valve cover gaskets/cam chain seals, and intake actuator arms (again, plastic parts that fail and can be replaced with aluminum pieces). Once these items are addressed along with routine maintenance like transmission fluid changes and timing belt changes, it makes for a unique daily driver with some European flare.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 3.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • great machine

    i had 2 a6 2.7 and both were great to me, 2.7s are the best one for power and confort , gotta watch regular maintenance like t-belt, and valve cover gasket replacement , amazing on snow , I never got stuck but had a lot fun with it!! i
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • great for my family

    Me and my wife love our car is the best car we had so far very room and plenty room for kids and traveling.We never experience any issues very dependable and great driving car..just wanna share with mine experience
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Audi a6

    I recently purchased a used 2002 Audi A6 Quattro. It is great for driving in the snow and rain. The engine isn't reliable at all and parts are a fortune since it is a foreign made car. Other than replacing the head gasket, battery, and having to pull out the radio the car is worth what was asked.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 1.0
    1 person out of 1 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • VERY RELIABLE GOOD LOOKING CAR

    AFTER 10 YEARS THE CARS STYLE STILL LOOKS GREAT. INTERIOR HOLDS UP VERY WELL AND WITH JUST OIL,FILTERS AND BATTERY THE UP KEEP HAS BEEN MINIMAL.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Nice vehicle

    I purchased an Audi A6 with 71k. The price was right and I had been looking for a car to go along with my Denali. It is very comfortable on the inside and has excellent pick up! I love driving in the S mode because it becomes a beast on the road (though I am sure it burns more gas). Only modifications needed are rims and a darker tint on the windows. I have had to replace an engine coil, power steering pump/ belt, and both front axles so far along with a tune-up but the car was used so.... love the Audi a6 so far!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 3.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 3.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Best Ride Ever

    This was a 1 owner car and the 4.2 ltr allwheel drive is awesome. I can't say enough for the safety features it has, but I'm glad it does because it saved my wife and it saved me 2 winters ago. We really enjoy driving and riding in this vehicle and everyone loves being in it as well.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No
  • Luxury and Performance with a style all its own

    I love this car. It has a unique style, plenty of power with the 3.0 liter (I already got pulled over...), and the assurance of quattro for the wet and snowy days winter. I'm looking forward to my first winter so the kids can enjoy the heated rear seats and me the heated steering wheel on those cold winter mornings. I had to replace the o2 sensor (@ 65k miles) for $380, but I've had similar and more pricey repairs on my volvo s80...so, nothing that outrageous.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Transporting family
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
    Yes No

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2002 Audi A6?

The 2002 Audi A6 is available in 1 trim level:

  • (5 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2002 Audi A6?

The 2002 Audi A6 offers up to 19 MPG in city driving and 25 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

What are some similar vehicles and competitors of the 2002 Audi A6?

The 2002 Audi A6 compares to and/or competes against the following vehicles:

Is the 2002 Audi A6 reliable?

The 2002 Audi A6 has an average reliability rating of 4.4 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2002 Audi A6 owners.

Is the 2002 Audi A6 a good Sedan?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2002 Audi A6. 94.7% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.6 / 5
Based on 19 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.8
  • Interior: 4.6
  • Performance: 4.7
  • Value: 4.4
  • Exterior: 4.8
  • Reliability: 4.4

Audi A6 history

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