2001 Audi allroad

Logbook accolades abound for the small-feeling, large-carrying, superbly finished semi-SUV-like Audi. "Handles like a sport sedan, yet schleps cargo like a small SUV," notes one driver. Nearing the end of our One-Year allroad test, Senior Road Test Editor Chris Walton learned that changing a flat tire is an involved process, entailing disabling the self-leveling suspension and inflating the collapsible spare. Total time spent: 40 minutes. But the escapade didn't stop there. Finding one of the special Pirelli P6 allroad tires at a dealer proved a challenge, but, oddly enough, Beverly Hills Porsche had one in stock, which cost us $174.23. Since our year with the allroad was coming to a close, we performed the 20K-mile service early (including oil and filter change), plus the front rotors had started to warp--again. A little machining and a set of new pads cured the vibration. Total service cost: $0.

"After driving an allroad in 15-degree permafrost, all I can say is this capable Audi is absolutely triumphant."--Chris Walton