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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  Style over substance - 2002 Audi TT
  By Brandon Keener - May 29 - 10:10 pm

  This was my first German car after one Toyota, one Honda, and two Acuras. This was such a wonderful change from the Asian generic look of my previous cars, but the warranty issues were not something I was used to dealing with (bad clutch at 12K, haywire windows, faulty airbag, dead radio, oil burning). Regardless of these issues, I still love the car. Woefully underpowered for $39,800, it all comes down to the look. I have never been looked at more in any car I have ever owned. My relationship with the car was so strong that I forgave all its deficiencies....almost....see improvement needs....

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  I LOVE this CAR!! - 2005 Audi TT
  By ConnieGRG2 - May 27 - 8:07 pm

  This car is FABULOUS! I traded a BMW 5 series for my little TT and it was the best thing Ive ever done! There isnt a day go by that I dont tell my husband "I LOVE THIS CAR!" Who knew a car could be this fun to drive!?! The TT is a head turner with great get up and go Did I mention I LOVE THIS CAR?!

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  Love is this... - 2005 Audi TT
  By Mansoor - May 12 - 9:40 pm

  After I got this car as a gift from my parents I was excited. They had to suffer because on weekends instead of going home, I take long trips to unknown places in Texas. I just love how I can trust this car in the middle of nowhere. No one can take it from me. This car is a magic on the empty highways on middle Texas. I am taking this car to Seattle from Austin, TX in two days and looking forward to the fun I will have. Just a delight, you will love how the world looks from the inside of this beauty. Believe me, you will fall in love with this car even if you dont want to.

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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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  Fun to drive by excellence - 2005 Audi TT
  By bernard mollet - May 10 - 1:41 am

  Very powerful, fun to drive, very exclusive design, one of the best third car you can imagine to drive on the sunshine

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  TT Has Been a Super Car - 2001 Audi TT
  By S Stangl - April 14 - 1:14 pm

  I have had my TT since 2001, and still love to drive it. The styling still gets nods of approval from people in the street, the styling really is unique. Overall I have been happy with the car, it does have a few interior squeaks here and there, and some minor electrical issues occurred, but its a very solid car.

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  Great car! 225 hp prob. better choice - 2001 Audi TT
  By 01 roadster covt 1.8 - April 9 - 2:47 pm

  I love my Audi TT drives smooth, you only have to have maintenance every 10k miles There is one problem that upsets me about the car, it seems there is something loose on the driver side. When you hit lets say a pot hole or something or even just cruising its like a creaking sound very annoying. Overall excellent car, its a head turner, Especially with the top down, its quick and reliable. Oh I wish there was an in-dash cd (would make life a little easier.) Other than that LOVE IT!!!!

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  Fun to Drive - 2005 Audi TT
  By Kenzie Cook - April 1 - 6:59 pm

  This car is just so much fun to drive and there is not that many on the road so it is unique as well.

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  Amazing Ride - When its not in the shop - 2000 Audi TT
  By aerobab - April 1 - 4:22 pm

  Wow...truley an impressive car! World-class styling (inside and out), great performance, a real head turner! I use this car for my every day vehicle and loathe the days when I cant drive it! Its a shame that Ill be getting rid of it soon, as I am unable to afford the monthly (sometimes bi-monthly) maintenance on it. Relatively simple repairs to unnecessary luxury features (i.e., headlight washers) should not cost $500!! I have only had repair work on these little nuisances...never anything major. The Certified Pre-Owned "warranty" offered by Audi is a load of garbage. The TT really is an awesome (initially affordable) toy to have...as long as you have deep pockets for repair!

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  The TT is peppy! - 2000 Audi TT
  By Kristen - March 30 - 1:50 am

  Driver seat is comfortable, interior circle theme is interesting and catches everyones eye. This car has a reputation for being fast and upscale. Despite a 4 cylinder, this car quickly accelerates, the AWD feature must give it an extra jump. Smooth ride at high speeds. AWD does indeed help in the snow. The rumbling sound gives it a race car feel. Small enough to fit in the tiniest of parking spaces. Leather is first rate. BOSE sound system is awsome. Large trunk when seats are folded down. Red interior lights are cool. Downsides: 0 legroom in back, this car is made for 2 and a couple of dogs. Expensive oil changes.