Overview & Reviews

At its debut as a concept car in 1995 and finally a production reality five years later, the Audi TT was one of the most dramatic cars to debut for the new millennium. Its organic and symmetrically styled front and rear profiles contrasted with slab-sided flanks to create a look unlike anything Audi had ever done before. Meanwhile, the TT's handsomely executed and in many ways ground-breaking interior left no discernible traces of the car's rather humble VW Golf roots.

Named after the Tourist Trophy race held on the Isle of Man (in which a predecessor of the Audi brand competed), the Audi TT is not quite a sports car, not quite a sport coupe or roadster. In essence, the front- or all-wheel-drive TT is a two-seat grand tourer. True, the coupe has a pair of seats in the back, but they are best left for little kids or used as an upholstered package shelf. For those seeking more thrills in the same package, there are the sporty TTS and TT RS variants.

Current Audi TT
The Audi TT is available as a 2+2 hatchback coupe or a two-seat roadster convertible. Only one trim and engine are available, the latter being a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 211 horsepower and 258 pound-feet of torque. Quattro all-wheel drive and a six-speed dual-clutch automated manual transmission (S tronic) are standard.

Handling is commendable, but hardly anything that'll remind you of a Porsche Boxster or Cayman. The TT is ultimately more about its unique style, a comfortable ride and its all-wheel-drive system that provides the sort of all-weather traction that few small coupes offer. The turbocharged four-cylinder delivers respectable power, while the quick-shifting transmission helps make the most of that output. Still, 211 hp isn't much in this segment, where 300-plus hp is more typical. As such, for driving enthusiasts the TT's acceleration will seem subpar.

One of the TT's most notable assets is its superbly crafted interior, which boasts a sleek and modern look. Standard features include xenon headlights, leather/simulated suede upholstery, Bluetooth connectivity and a 12-speaker Bose audio system with satellite radio. Options include the S Line Competition package (19-inch wheels, sport suspension, upgraded leather upholstery), heated seats, a navigation system and nifty baseball glove-style upholstery. Though the coupe's rear seats aren't suitable for anyone taller than 5 feet, they fold down to create a substantial 23 cubic feet of cargo space. The convertible has 8.8 cubic feet, which is sizable for a roadster.

Used Audi TT Models
The current Audi TT was redesigned for the 2008 model year and represents the second generation. The general look is a clear evolution of its predecessor, though character lines are crisper and the nose adopts Audi's now signature single-frame grille. Although longer and wider than the first TT, the latest version is lighter (by nearly 200 pounds in the case of the roadster) thanks to increased use of aluminum in the body structure. It also offers a more powerful four-cylinder engine.

Prior to 2010, the TT could be equipped with different powertrain options, specified as the TT 2.0T (200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque up until 2011) and TT 3.2. The TT 3.2 featured a 250-hp V6. This was a lively engine and certainly offered more grunt than the turbo-4, but its added weight was a detriment to handling. Both engines came standard with a six-speed manual, while the S tronic transmission was optional. Quattro was always standard on the TT 3.2. Initially, the TT 2.0T was front-wheel drive only, then Audi offered Quattro as an option for 2009 before making it standard for 2010. Used car shoppers should also be aware that cars from early in this generation were available with a rather antiquated form of iPod connectivity (it would only play your first six playlists as if CDs in a six-disc changer) in lieu of the later standard auxiliary jack and optional iPod interface.

Introduced for the 2000 model year and initially available solely as a hatchback coupe, the first TT was powered by Audi's peppy 1.8-liter, 180-hp turbocharged inline-4. Buyers could choose either front- or all-wheel drive (Audi's Quattro system). A five-speed manual was standard, while a six-speed manual was optional. Along with its low-slung, avant-garde styling, the TT boasted an equally unique interior that featured polished aluminum accents, impeccable fit and finish and, unfortunately, a few ergonomic glitches such as a CD changer mounted behind the driver seat and counterintuitive climate controls.

After a highly publicized recall to fix the twitchy handling characteristics of early TTs, a roadster and a 225-hp Quattro version debuted the following year. In 2003, an automatic transmission (with six speeds) became available. But the biggest news for this generation came in 2004, when the 250-hp 3.2-liter V6 and Audi's superb six-speed automanual gearbox became available. The latter, dubbed DSG, provided rapid yet jolt-free manual-style gearchanges that put a Ferrari's F1 transmission to shame. The Audi TT stood pat through 2006, the last year of this generation.

Potential buyers should know that, although potentially fast in a straight line, this TT was never considered a true sports car due to its potentially heavy curb weight and softly sprung suspension. Still, the TT should satisfy those who prize comfort, style and all-weather capability in their sport coupe or roadster.

User Reviews:

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  YOUR WARNING HAS ARRIVED!!! - 2000 Audi TT
  By justinharper07 - February 19 - 6:21 pm

  Super angry!! Had this car for 6 months and my car has 40,000 miles on it!! This car isnt a high mileage car. So where do I begin, lets start with the electrical, a bulb in the tail light went out and fried the whole lamp and some other electrical components- $1100. The radiator fans clutching system went out- $800. The cooling module went out- $900 (causing the turbo to malfunction). The suspension is going out- $????. At 40,000 miles I find this to be a little ridiculous!! In just 6 months! I think this is totally unacceptable!! Go look somewhere else!! I ignored the negative reviews because I thought this was what I wanted... Please dont make the same mistake as me!! Save yourself!!!

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  Do not buy! - 2001 Audi TT
  By yunaluna - February 17 - 10:00 pm

  This is a very fun to drive and very cute sporty car but its not worth the trouble. Ive owned this car 2 years and replaced the temperature sensor twice and the temperature housing. Ive replaced all 4 tires, water pump, alternator, battery, shift rod, and had the transmission rebuilt. It kept blowing fuses Id have to dig in and replace every few weeks. The oil change is expensive. Ive spent more on this car than its worth just trying to maintain it. It just spent literally 2 months in the shop for the shift rod and transmission with parts being on back order and so on. The phrase "cost an arm and a leg" does not begin to cover it. This car has cost me my soul! It is the devil.

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  Problems - 2003 Audi TT
  By eman - April 23 - 10:25 am

  Had it for 6 years and had nothing but problems- had to replace the battery 3 times. Had problems with both windows (replaced motors), Glove box broken (kept it shut not able to use $700 to replace) , had to replace the dashboard controls as the gas guage was giving false readings. Also, had to replace fron front rotors at 40K miles.Keyless entry had to be replaced as I think it ate up the battery.Replace various hoses etc at 60K miles.

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  Disappointing & Unreliable - 2001 Audi TT
  By msjoanne - January 5 - 6:18 am

  Bought my TT certified/pre-owned. Enjoyed the car for almost a year and then the saga began. Towed to the dealership at least 3 times ($200 a pop), had to take it in for oil and coolant leaks twice, had to flush cooling system 3 times, overheating issues, mass flow air sensor broke, immobilizer for keyless remote needed to be reprogrammed, ac stopped working, fan broke, speed sensor broke 1 mile after leaving service. These werent even general maintenance!! Cant believe I had to waste so much time and energy for this car.

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  Sloppy transmission - 2008 Audi TT
  By ls - January 9 - 6:39 pm

  I have had some problems with my AUTOMATIC transmission. When I am stopped on a hill and then try to go, the car rolls backward like I have a manual transmission. There does not seem to be a hill-holder feature. What is maddening, is that this only happens occasionally. I must put my foot on the brake AND gas to keep from hitting the car behind me. When I reported the problem to the dealership, they said it was a normal characteristic of the car. Also, the car rolls backward an inch, or so, when I put it in park on a hill. The transmission seems loose, or sloppy. My dealership can find nothing wrong. I cant believe this is a NORMAL characteristic of the car.

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  Huge pain, continually in the auto shop - 2001 Audi TT
  By supafunkyfx - October 17 - 3:42 pm

  This car is pretty fun to drive, but I have had to bring it to the shop a minimum of 5 times EACH year that Ive owned it. Aside from the irritation of continually having to schedule appts and be without my car, the European parts are expensive and an hour-long diagnostic is required before ANYTHING can be fixed. End result: even to replace a $20 brake light switch, there is a $90 charge for the diagnostic before anything is done for the car. Because Audi was trying to be so artistic with this car, its a pain to do even the smallest thing such as putting on the spare tire and if you have a blowout once the tires are below a certain tread depth, you have to replace all 4 tires.

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  Avoid this car. - 2001 Audi TT
  By Disappointed Owner - November 17 - 3:29 pm

  I have owned this car for over three years now. I have replaced or repaired the following: 2 o2 sensors ($750), MAF sensor ($400), timing belt & fuel pump ($600), CV boot X2 ($200), fuel sending unit ($675), both power windows motors ($1050), exhaust manifold ($1400), headlight bulbs X2 ($275), oil leak ($150), vacuum leak ($275), instrument cluster ($900).... there are other repairs I have done.... but just cant recall right now. Add it up, it is about $7000 in repairs. Take my advice, this car is unreliable and normal repairs are very expensive. Avoid this car!!

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  Avoid Audis! - 2001 Audi TT
  By insyte - June 24 - 4:33 pm

  I own a 2001 TT Roadster convertible. Nothing but problems: failed transaxle, water leaks and rattles, performance problems, failed instrument cluster -- all with less than 23,000 miles!! Audi has not been helpful in resolving out-of-warranty problems. For instance, discovered at 22,000 miles -- due to severely abnormal tire wear -- that rear axle was bent when installed at the factory. Audi insists that damage due to "external factors," but dealer admits it takes a serious impact to bend the axle -- which has never happened in my possession. Out of warranty -- Audis "Customer Advocates" are powerless to help, even though they agree that it is improbable that I caused the damage.

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  Overpriced - 2003 Audi TT
  By paulto817 - May 11 - 10:09 am

  Two plus years into owning a TT is disappointing. I have had model cars that held paint better. Chips and pits galore. The keyless remotes constantly require reprogramming, and the Audi comprehensive warranty is not all it is that good. The dealer will decide when you get what fixed, regardless of your feedback. Brakes wear, well we understand they are soft but they are within .000001 inch, so no replacement. Come back after the 50,000 mile waranty and we will be happy to replace them for a fee. My first and last Audi, just to much money for an underperforming vehicle.

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  Audis Suck - 2002 Audi TT
  By Audid - June 8 - 2:00 am

  My vehicle has been in for service 48 days and is not yet 2 years old intermitently does not start-dealership cannot find problem. Sway bars replaced 3 times, stereo replaced- insturment cluster failed,CD player had to be replaced- build quality is crap- DO NOT BUY-Mercedes,BMW,Infinity first-many electrical problems-I am having to sue Audi-Audi corp policy- THEY DO NOT REPURCHASE THERE VEHICLES- YOU DO HAVE TO HIRE AN ATTORNEY TO SUE THEM- not smart for a car company that wants to retain it customers- and really bad policy!!! So Cal Audi rep should be fired!!!