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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  German Precision American Vision - 2002 Audi TT
  By Beeyond - October 4 - 10:50 pm

  The car lacks power but has EYE appeal galore. I added a Borla catback system, a D-BOV both of which make great sound, power and Looks. P-flo air. Euro tail lights, short shifter, custom mats, red LEDs inside and paint wax custom front full bra. I have a ride I can be proud of set of tires are General 225/45/17 never thought I would own GENERALS but made by Uniroyal great tyres. TT holds the corners and going up hill it keeps giving you more power. My wife drove it and could not believe the power it has she said it never quit when she demanded more it was there for her.

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  Another Quattro for me - 2006 Audi TT
  By jonny - September 29 - 2:54 am

  My 1989 Audi 100 Quattro served me well for 17 years, so when I finally decided to get a new car, Audi was the car to beat. I checked out the competition, but nothing came close. Although the TT is much different than a 4-door sedan, it still has the quality feel and classic style I loved in my old car. Soon after I purchased the vehicle, I set out on a 3-week, 3000-mi roadtrip to see if anything needed fine-tuning by the dealer. Everything worked and performed perfectly. Now the new car feels like a part of me when I drive, just like my old one did.

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  My Little Red Coupe - 2002 Audi TT
  By JRL - September 22 - 12:29 am

  This car has provided me with the most fun of any car Ive ever owned. Handles great in the snow and ice, and amazingly on mountain passes. Good thing skis became shorter in the past years, as theres not a lot of room inside, and Audi stopped making their racks for the TT. Audi service has been fantastic to deal with - Ive had very few issues over the four years Ive had the car. I think Ill end up keeping this one until the wheels fall off. Cant think of another car at the price range that packs the punch that the 225 hp TT has in terms of performance and craftsmanship.

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  Long-term review 2003 180HP TT Coupe - 2003 Audi TT
  By JP - September 18 - 3:53 pm

  Driving before the turbo kicks in is painful. The paint is EXTREMELY susceptible to scraches, dents, and road damage. The Tiptronic chip had to be replaced along with the battery at 8000 miles. The instrument cluster had a problem at 28000 miles. The glove compartment handle broke during normal operation at 5000 miles. It tookthe dealer two CD changers (CDC) and several complaints to get the CDC working right. The brakes would "scarily push back at your foot when depressed harshly" the dealer never found anything wrong. Just like the exterior, all the nice brushed aluminum accents are extremely susceptible to damage/scratches.

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  Fun little car - 2000 Audi TT
  By JeffE - September 11 - 3:16 pm

  I bought a 2000 Quattro (29,000 miles) in 05/2005. I drive this car HARD and so far no problems except for the instrument cluster, but this seems to be rather common. This is a fun little car which has a lot of room (I am 62, 300), and fits the wife and dog just fine! I would like this little coupe to have some extra horses and a 6th gear, but it handles on rails. You CANNOT beat this car in the snow. I love zooming past the tahoe/jeep/escalade drivers in 10 inches of snow, and seeing the look on their faces! All in all a great car, as long as it holds up!!

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  Audi TT - 2003 Audi TT
  By Cindy - September 8 - 2:21 pm

  Car has ben in shop 3 times since purchase for minor maintenance. More of a nuisance than anything else.

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  A blast to own! - 2002 Audi TT
  By Chris Spida - August 26 - 11:22 pm

  This car caught my attention when it first came out. It was always a dream of mine to own one and now I do! I cannot go anywhere with out getting a compliment on the car. People always love the red interior and want to ask questions about the vehicle in general. If get the opportunity to own one of these beauties be prepared for a lot of attention, especially outside of affluent areas. However, there is a down side. There have been a number of problems with the drive train on the car and Audi of America has been less than helpful at some of the turns. Be prepared to go through some hassles. But if you can take it in stride it will pay you back!

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  Fun Car! - 2001 Audi TT
  By Kris - August 22 - 4:13 pm

  This is a great car. My first convertible. The power roof is easy and quick, I can drop it down or put it up easily at a stop light. I have also had an issue with the squeak/clunky noise that a couple other reviewers noticed but it hasnt caused any major issues. I have had a couple expensive repairs with the water pump and oil gaskets and such. but its been basically very reliable. and its a beautiful car! My favorite is the baseball leather interior, makes the car stand out from all the other black leather-clad interiors of comparable cars.

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  TT Envy - 2005 Audi TT
  By Will - July 18 - 6:16 pm

  It took three years to decide to buy and so far, so good. The TT is incredibly fun to drive. Its speedy, but more of a cruiser than a bruiser. Style is the selling point.

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  Get the extended warranty - 2002 Audi TT
  By Cyan - June 29 - 11:28 pm

  I have had many small problems. Some of which Ive had fixed by Audi service only to have the problem come back. Never left me stranded or embarrassed. I get lots of looks, kind of a funny sounding wimpy idle. Handles like its on rails but could use a little more power. Tons of space for a small car. Its my work truck, I have seriously fit a 32"X80" door into it just fine. Half dozen 2X4s no problem. Can get 7 5-gallon buckets and my tools.