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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  Great Car - 2004 Audi TT
  By ogrlaw2 - February 22 - 2:00 am

  As long as a 2-person vehicle is roomy enough for you, you cant do any better than the TT. The car handles as well as you could hope for in this price range, and it looks superb. It is the most fun car I have had in a long time.

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  Sweet Little Car! - 2004 Audi TT
  By Dianne Harrill - February 22 - 2:00 am

  The TT is very fun to drive. Excellent turning radius, handles great with plenty of power on the take off. It is a little noisy on the open road, but the sound system is so wonderful who will notice. Some very nice, classy extras like the wipers on the headlights and the the power wind screen. The power top is quick and easy to operate. The greatest thing is the reliablity. The car has never been in the shop except for maintance, what a wonderful change!

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  Im going to throw this car... - 2004 Audi TT
  By ...over a cliff - February 20 - 2:00 am

  WOW - I should have nver bought this $36,000 headache. At 5 months old, this car cries with more aches than a $2000 Geo -I took this heap of junk into service 4 times already to fix my piercing brake noise problem (probably with more visits to come), had the window motor replaced after its second repair visit and to top it off, my TT decides it wants to stall out on me when I start it up. When I met with the Regional Rep., he questioned, "Well, would you want to have unreliable brakes have reliable brakes that squeal?" Did those words actually come out of his mouth? - So, do all safe brakes squeal? Ugh…I shouldve talked to a wall instead

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  Great Four Season Sports Coupe - 2004 Audi TT
  By TTer - February 16 - 2:00 am

  Great fun car. Able to go anywhere any season. Quattro is great in the snow (with Blizzaks). Comfortable for 6+ footer, unlike most sporty cars. Good luggage space for size. I easily fit two sets of golf clubs. Excellent power and handling. Although others may excel at the track, as an everyday driver, this car is superb.

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  the best - 2004 Audi TT
  By john benson - February 16 - 2:00 am

  i have purchased this audi as a used vehicle with 3000 miles on it. it is an 02 and i find it to be fun to drive and very stylish. i am 63, 250 lbs. and this was one of few sports cars that i could fit into. the other sports car was a corvette. its handling and performance is far superior than a normal driving car.

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  The good life in a beautiful car - 2004 Audi TT
  By Badbenson - February 8 - 2:00 am

  Ive been shopping for an Audi model for a year now initially my first choice was the Allroad, then an A$ Avant, then an A4 cabriolet, then an S6 Avant. Im now the proud owner of the TT 3.2 Quattro, and Im absolutely loving it. It handles like a dream, its fast, and it looks extremely sexy. What more can I say. Its been a long journey, but well worth it.

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  The Law Of Driving - 2004 Audi TT
  By TT Lawyer - February 5 - 2:00 am

  Although I have had the new and improved 250hp TT only a few months and the weather has not been so cooperative here in NY, I am thrilled about the power, the ride and excitement of this TT. It took a little getting used to the sporty ride but well worth it. The upgrades make this car, including the V6 and exterior lines. As indicated above the law of driving must include fun and excitement, tempered with thrills and some real guts. My new TT delivers.

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  MAY I HAVE ANOTHER PLEASE.. - 2004 Audi TT
  By finance girl - January 31 - 2:00 am

  I am coming up on the end of my TT lease in a few months and I have enjoyed this car so much I think I am going to get another. There is not another car on the market that is suited to my driving needs and preferences. I live in a snowy climate, and once I put on snow tires this car was more sure footed than my Jeep. The cornering is phenominal, and the styling is the best in its class. As far as repairs I have only had this car in the shop once to replace a power window regulator, not too bad for initial quality. I would and do recommend this car to anyone who wants a fun drive, with a reasonable cost of ownership.

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  I LOVE IT!!!! - 2004 Audi TT
  By sedonacarol - January 30 - 2:00 am

  One of the most comforable roadsters Ive had and I love the way it drives and the way it makes me feel as if I am part of the car...great driving experience...a real head turner

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  2004 TT - 2004 Audi TT
  By kabs60 - January 29 - 2:00 am

  Ive owned the car for almost 5 months. It has been a pleasure to drive. I had a Saab 9-3 convertible, which was a nice car, but it didnt not perform as well...had a lot of shake for a convertible.