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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  Best car Ive ever had! - 2008 Audi TT
  By James - July 26 - 12:11 am

  Ive had the new Audi TT Roadster for around 2 weeks and it is by far the best car I have ever owned! Ive had the Z4 and the 2006 Boxster and none of the come even close to the 2008 TT Roadster. Everything about this car is flawless!

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  Fun - 2003 Audi TT
  By noxdr - July 1 - 9:55 am

  Got it used and had it for a year. It turned out to be what it was advertised to be - fun and great to drive. Very good acceleration, handling, fantastic in the snow with snow tires.

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  Awesome Car - 2008 Audi TT
  By 2008TTGuy - June 26 - 8:47 pm

  I have only had the car for 2 days but I am in love! After test driving several the Infiniti G35X, Acura TL Type S, BMW 328xi I was set to buy the TL-S when I stopped by my Audi dealer. When I saw the new 2008 TT coupe, I stopped dead in my tracks - I dont think there is a better looking car on the road. I drove both the 3.2 Quattro and 2.0T and while the former has a little extra punch and impeccable handling, the 2.0T was plenty strong and nimble. And it fit my wallet better. I have a hard time finding any faults with the TT, but even a harder time wiping the smile off my face when driving it. I truly think this car is a good value compared to the competition.

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  the real TT review - 2001 Audi TT
  By TT in hawaii - May 21 - 10:00 am

  FYI: TT stands for "Tourist Trophy" Out of the many choices i had (S2000, Boxter, SLK 320, and Z3 3.0) the audi proved to be the winner. Nothing beets the all wheel drive quattro system, in no other car, i have i felt so incontrol (everychance i get, while in the pouring rain, ill speed up, rather than slow down. Let her rip. To hear the turbo spoon and the exhaust roar, makes others wonder, "Is that stock?" Audi seems to be the hidden treasure in the automotive industry. But all it takes is one test drive and youll be sold.

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  Best used car I have ever purchased - 2002 Audi TT
  By tim - April 30 - 1:45 pm

  Purchased used in Jan 07 in NY (I live FL), certified and only 19800 miles on car. No problems at all, runs great and I replaced the ugly rims with something that finishes the car much better than stock wheels. Averaged 28 miles to the gallon on trip back from NY... this car will be a classic one day.

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  Awesome Audi - 2006 Audi TT
  By M B - April 29 - 9:27 am

  The 2006 Audi TT 225HP Roadster is a blast to drive. It handles very well thanks to AWD and can fly in the straightaways also.

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  Worth it to buy but not for racing - 2000 Audi TT
  By Jim - April 25 - 10:19 pm

  Very nice car, interior and exterior. RARE car so gets good attention. 180 hp is not that strong but youre driving for style not for racing.

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  2005 Audi TT - 2005 Audi TT
  By M Vargas - April 19 - 2:41 pm

  This my first Audi vehicle I decided to go with the TT . For in one simple word, economy. Fuel prices are outragous out here these days. And the large vehicle I had replaced it with was costing about $138.00 at each fill-up. Every single week. Also I wanted something in a 2 seater with a four cylinder, but with the turbo I still get the punch needed to get past those tractor trailers on I-95. Since its my daily driver, I dont even mind those $48.00 fuel-ups. Yes, one unforseen expense, she goes thru high performance tires a lot, mostly in the right rear and the front right also. Overall its been a good expirience.

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  Best Car I Have EVER Driven - 2008 Audi TT
  By WillieJ - March 13 - 6:25 pm

  I drove this car today at work and I have to say its the best car I have ever driven in my life. Its really solid, stable in the corners, pretty good ride for a sports car with performance tires. The exterior design is exceptional. Plenty of interior room for me, being 61"

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  Amazing in all weather - 2001 Audi TT
  By LL - February 3 - 7:07 pm

  I got the TT in may, loving the summer usability, and the AWD makes it drivable year round. I am in Colorado and we have had a BAD winter so far this year, and I have not had a single day I had any trouble! Wonderful all around, I couldnt have picked a better car!