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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  Audi TT - 2004 Audi TT
  By Garry - May 21 - 2:00 am

  Fun to drive. Quality throughout in fit and finish. The only sports car to have in the snow. A bit underpowered, particulary off the line.

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  So much fun! - 2001 Audi TT
  By wmjwood - May 19 - 2:00 am

  I used to have a Miata many years ago and went through two JEEP Grand Cherokees before going back to a convertible, but I absolutely love the TT. It is so much fun to drive and amazingly, it is much bigger than I had expected. There are a ton of hidden compartments and storage spaces. I am a big fan of the safety features in this car as well as the fact that it gets great gas mileage (well, compared to a JGC). :)

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  This is a keeper! - 2004 Audi TT
  By ron murfin - May 13 - 2:00 am

  Bought the car with 2,000 mi and in almost a year only one minor adjustment....great drive....electric top is perfect...plenty of power in the little 4 banger with the turbo....and high marks for Champion Motors...excellent sales and service personnel.

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  Audi TT is the best sports car going - 2004 Audi TT
  By Dez - May 11 - 2:00 am

  Ive only own my TT for 1 year, but Ive been wishing for one longer than that. Its the most refine, tight sports car Ive ever had (and Ive had others). I cant imagine anyone having a TT and not being in a good mood after driving it.

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  This is a performance car - 2004 Audi TT
  By robertq - May 7 - 2:00 am

  The articles I have read on the internet regarding the Audi TT must be referring to the four cylinder versions. The 3.2 DSG has exceptional power and handling. The exhaust note is particularly impressive and it is amazing to drive. The only problems I have with the car are due to its size. Their is very little room in the cabin, the cupholders are useless, no armrest and the trunk is ridiculously small. With that said this car is not meant to be practical. It is meant to be a fun car with performance and it lives up to that billing.

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  Fun to drive - 2000 Audi TT
  By triumpher - May 3 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is just fun to drive. It feels and is very fast and quick, and the quadro makes it feel like running on rails. We had a Corvette befor that , but this one is more fun.

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  Sams Review - 2004 Audi TT
  By Samman19 - April 27 - 2:00 am

  I like it a lot because yeah my dad got it for me and I just love it thanks guys for building this fine! machine

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  All I want is a headrush... - 2004 Audi TT
  By vividrigor - April 25 - 2:00 am

  The TT is a fun, sporty and very stylish city car, which is what I bought it for. It is easy to manipulate through traffic and speedy enough to get you through tough spots on the freeways. If you are single, this is the perfect little car. Tons of fun to drive and to look at people always love it.

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  Art in Motion - 2004 Audi TT
  By Mystro - April 20 - 2:00 am

  The Audi TT is a work of automotive art. Every piece and detail is well thought out and made of top material. In a world where most auto makers give the look of aluminum and leather. The Audi TT is the real deal. Nothing fake or cheap in this car, high-end all the way. This car is for people thats been around sportscars and have that "Been there, Done that" mentality with Porsches, Vettes,etc.. Audi WILL impress you. Quality is in the details and the TTs beauty is more than skin deep.

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  cool - 2004 Audi TT
  By canuto - April 16 - 2:00 am

  well just cool i had it for a year so far and just love the little thing