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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  New to me - 2003 Audi TT
  By MSH - September 7 - 11:19 am

  Purchased a one-owner roadster in almost showroom condition and Im sure NOT sorry about that move [further down the road, I may change my mind]. Plan on continuing with the factory maintenance schedule to prevent any problems. This car is very fun to drive and very temping to get into the turbo boost - gotta be careful because it is easy to speed before you know it. Has all the creature comforts my Sebring convertible lacked. Feels very solid, tight and a high level of build quality is evident.

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  Auditt - 2004 Audi TT
  By W - August 14 - 12:56 am

  Head turning all the time. Just cool and practical with front-wheel drive.

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  Look at everyone stare as you go by - 2002 Audi TT
  By Will - July 27 - 1:54 am

  Car is one of a kind without a doubt, great engine (had water pump replaced with metal impellar version for reliability, ecu raflashed, new dv, and p-flo intake. It is now where it needs to be for being a sports car with more turbo kick and less restriction on the engine. Great to drive anywhere anytime, handles unbelievably well on all roads. Only minor problems have occurred but nothing that cant be fixed by joining a forum online and a little bit of mechanical common sense. I highly recommend purchasing used, with the 225 engine with a 6 speed, its all fun when you want it and feels great driving through town watching everyones jaw drop at the styling and sound.

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  Squeaky brakes - 2010 Audi TT
  By audi tt 2009 - April 16 - 7:33 pm

  Loved the car, want another, yet skeptical because when pulling up at a red light, loud squeaky brakes when coming to a stop.

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  Everything I wanted and expected - 2008 Audi TT
  By satisfied - March 8 - 9:44 am

  Im very happy with my decision to purchase this car. Ive been looking at it since they came out and have just been waiting for the right price on a used one. The car is quick and handles great. Its very comfortable considering its size. The interior is roomy for the front passengers. The back seats are fine for really small children for short durations. Bose sound system isnt horrible,but it could use more bottom end. The only thing my car didnt have was the nav. I mostly wanted it for the display and the SD card readers, but the 6 disc mp3 changer in the dash works well. It displays text unlike the ipod interface. Torque makes driving the manual easier in traffic.

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  Awesome Ride - 2005 Audi TT
  By reyacevedo_2 - December 7 - 12:11 am

  This car is the best of all cars that I have owned. Is really fun to drive also very powerful and I will not sell it, I will enjoy every bit of it because it worth it. It got a beautiful design but the only down side that I have experienced is that the seats cant be positioned the way you wanted to be comfortable while driving, but is not that bad is just not the best. I still going to say is the best car I have owned and I love it.

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  New generation Audi - 2009 Audi TT
  By Topless - November 27 - 5:55 pm

  The new generation Audi TT Roadster is an exceptional sports car with blistering performance, superior handling and all the comfort features you could ask for. The price is high but residual value significantly tops the competitors. A must car for the discriminating buyer.

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  20 year Z guy gone Audi - 2002 Audi TT
  By fl81turbozx - October 30 - 1:10 pm

  The exterior lines of the 1st generation Audi TT are destined to be classic. With a factory spoiler it evokes thoughts more of a classic Porsche than a Golf or Beetle. Not only did the car redefine Audi, making cars like the R8 possible, but it also redefined a segment of which the 350z took many notes. As far as things falling apart, we will see. From experience, when a typical American is faced with a knob, switch or lever we are not familiar with, what do we do...we wrench, wiggle, push and pull on it until we brake it. God forbid we get out the manual! Handling is fantastic. Braking is better than anything I have ever driven. 370z included. Backseats, perfect, for my 2yr old.

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  Sophisticated Sport - 2009 Audi TT
  By Ken - September 20 - 1:19 am

  This car loves corners. It is fun to drive and makes my commute to work enjoyable. I decided on the Audi over Porsche, BMW, Lexus, Infiniti and have enjoyed the decision daily. Consistently surprised at how quickly I get up to traffic speed with torque to spare when I want to pass someone. Brakes are quick to engage without being too grippy. My wife and I had no plans to take our girls in it, but they love it. Lots of fun to drop off at school surrounded by monster SUVs and minivans. Booster shopping was a challenge. For as small and low as the car is, there has not been a grocery or Costco run it has not yet been able to handle. Thoroughly enjoying my mid-life crisis mobile.

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  Outstanding - 2009 Audi TT
  By Professor TK - September 18 - 1:47 am

  You can have the BMWs and the Cayman, this is one outstanding car. It may not have the tooth jarring aspects of a raw sports car but it is a perfect combination of luxury and performance. The build quality is typical Audi and even with the 2.0 the torque and power is more than enough. Traded an 03 FWD TT for this one and I couldnt be happier with the styling, performance and Quattro. It is a real head turner and so fun to drive especially with the paddle shifters which can be used at any time in any mode. Its just a great car.