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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  Love this car - 2005 Audi TT
  By Kent - January 7 - 5:09 pm

  This car is just plain fun! I smile every time I drive it, heck, even when I look at it. My wife says it is more comfortable to ride in on a road trip that our Volvo. My little 180hp engine has all the pep Ill ever need and gives me 34MPG on the freeway. The trunk storage space is amazing, great for trips. Also a neat city car to get into parking spaces. The back seat is just a great place to keep stuff you want handy, and once in a while you fold it down as you now have a mini-wagon. Only problem was the airconditioner went out on a hot day, they fixed right away and has been fine. Im not really a car nut, but Im nuts about this car.

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  Emotional Attachment - 2001 Audi TT
  By gepetoh - January 4 - 10:51 pm

  My 2001 Audi TT at the time was by far the biggest head turner of all cars not named Ferrari or Lamborghini, and it cost a heck of a lot less. The driving experience is superb due to the way it makes me feel, rather than the individual parts. The TT is by no means a performance ace. There is noticeable turbo lag, and it goes 0-60 in 7.5 or so, but it feels faster. Its lateral grip is excellent, although not comparable to the sportier Porsche Boxster or Honda S2000. Overall, the car feels sportier than it actually is. The real winner is the design, both internally and externally. There are some creaks that are rather annoying at times, however, and I had to take it in for two minor and one major service.

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  Audi Excellence - 2005 Audi TT
  By TT MD - January 3 - 10:10 am

  The 05 Audi TT is a truly exemplory car. It is a supurb driverrs car with outstanding handling. The Quattro drive must be experienced to be believed . It is like riding on a track no matter the rain conditions. It is strongly recommended that a sports car winter tire be used durng snow season, e.g. Blizzak. With those tires, even the Audi convertible is a great year round car in most regions.

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  2001 Audi TT - Great Car - 2001 Audi TT
  By RTK TT - December 24 - 2:19 am

  I have received tons of compliments on my 2001 Audi TT 225 quattro since I first purchased it. This car is four years old now and I still get looks in it. It delivers great performance with its 225HP twin intercooled turbo, 5V per cyl engine. Witrh the all wheel drive, it has it all.

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  Awesome Car that needs very little - 2004 Audi TT
  By MTJ1117 - December 21 - 11:41 pm

  I have had my 3.2 TT DSG for about 6 months now. It is an excellent vehicle both in design and function. A thrill to drive everyday. Great handling characteristics with the quattro system. The DSG and the 3.2 coupled together works smoothly in conjunction with each other matching speed to the revs of the engine for no jerking motions as in a normal stick shift. Nothing like feeling the car might be out of position in the corner and knowing you need to give it more gas and not braking to pull thru it.

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  Live Close to a Dealer - 2002 Audi TT
  By audi owner - December 14 - 6:15 pm

  I love this car! this is my second Audi purchase - both similar stories: In the shop every 4-8 weeks. Just make sure you have ready access to a dealer nearby and expect to get to know them. But, hey, youll love the car - reliable or not!!!

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  AUDI TT Performance - 2005 Audi TT
  By Dr. K - December 4 - 11:31 am

  This car is extraordinary in ever respect. While the curb weight errs on the heavy side, most of the weight reflects safety features rarely found in a sports car. A sound trade off given the acceleration stats of the vehicle. However, the "best" feature is the cars roadability - like driving on a RR track. It is amazing how well this car hold the road. However, you must get winter snow tires or wheels as (with other sportscars) high speed performance tires dont have the necessary grip.

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  Test Drivw at your own risk! - 2004 Audi TT
  By rcbonn - November 24 - 12:51 am

  The best vehicle that I have ever been in? No. The best vehicle that I have ever owned or driven? Absolutely!! More fun than I could have believed. After my wife and I test drove a tt 225 coupe we agreed that this was the car that we had to have. It is everything that I had hoped for. Responsive, fast, nimble, very comfortable and also very cool. Our tt turns heads and puts smiles on the faces of everyone who rides in it or who dares to drive it. Do not test drive this car unless you are ready to purchase one. From the crisp Bose sound system to the heated seats this car is luxury and sport come together with just the right blend. All wheel drive, 100+ MPH & city streets at 27 MPG!

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  Most Exciting Car I have ever owned - 2005 Audi TT
  By marcdemeis - November 11 - 1:28 pm

  I still get excited every single time I get into this car. It is such a joy to drive and this thing can really fly if you spend about $500 on a performance chip. But anyway, it turns heads and is just a blast to drive. It is so unique.

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  Already 12 service visits? - 2002 Audi TT
  By Never German Again - October 28 - 2:00 am

  I purchased this car new in Oct 02. Of course the interior and exterior design are unparalleled, the quality of the workmanship is something to be desired. Since new, I have been to the service dept. 12 times, all for petty things, such as blown speakers, stuck glovebox, new climate control unit, new instrument cluster, and many others. I love driving this car, but I expect better quality from such an elite marque. Guess Ill be buying a Lexus next time around.