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:
Showing 281 through 290 of 498.00-
Never again - 2001 Audi TT
By Gmeyers - January 28 - 2:00 amPlagued with problems. In the first two years replaced: windshield washer sprayer, heated seat switch, window motor, rear wind deflector, windshield washer fluid reservoir and pump. Have intermittent check engine light. Dealer damaged car during one repair. Repeated attempts (3 page letter with 2 follow up e-mails over 2 month period)to resolve issue with Audis Customer Care Center were completely ignored. Audi talks a good game, but in my experience their customer service is nothing but lip service. I would have a hard time recommending this car to anyone.
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tt quatro 6 spd - 2004 Audi TT
By mrs m - January 26 - 2:00 amThe vehicle has lived up to my expectations. It performs and handles great, is reliable and comfortable. Its sporty, yet practical, 4 seats and a good size trunk/hatch.
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Way2Fun - 2004 Audi TT
By Wislynn - January 24 - 2:00 amWay2Fun is the personalized plate I hope to have on my brand new TT 3.2 Quattro! It is Imola Yellow and gorgeous inside and out. Distinctive, comfortable, and appeals to my practical side: year-round driving, a hatchback, a small, but useful backseat for little things. The sound system is great as well. I drove it in the snow and cold yesterday for the first time and, wow, great performance! (With snow tires on.)
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My audi tt - 2004 Audi TT
By ikayjayi - January 21 - 2:00 amI love it, Its fun to drive, a very stylish car. Its great to cruise around in. Everything in the interior is beautiful. Its super fast too!
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I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!! - 2004 Audi TT
By julia - January 20 - 2:00 amI ABSOLUTLY LOVE IT!!!!!!
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Fun Car - 2004 Audi TT
By Jaegen - January 19 - 2:00 amFun car to drive, fast and holds the road well under all conditions.The engine is very smooth with no power lag when shifting gears.
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German Reliability? - 2000 Audi TT
By aceTT - January 16 - 2:00 amJust traded my TT in...a sad day, because it is one of the most attractive production cars Ive seen. Too bad it spent so much time in the shop as it was certainly fun to drive. Good looks and performance though are only part of the equation. Nowadays, you expect a $30k to be designed and be well built. Maybe it was just my model but Consumers Report gives it the "thumbs down" for reliability as well. It was also a happy day, as my payments to the service department at Audi will cease.
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a Porsche Speedster for Less $$$$$ - 2001 Audi TT
By Docolater - January 16 - 2:00 amI bought the car new to be a winter vehicle in addition to my Porsche(hense the Quattro and coupe choices) 911.I feel that this car is actually close to the air cooled 911s more so than the new water cooled Porsches.The TT makes u feel special each time you drive it.Just like the 911. No other car makes u feel so fantastic!!!!!!
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Wonderful daily drivers car - 2004 Audi TT
By JWStella - January 15 - 2:00 amI put in about 120-150 miles per day on my TT - most of them on windy backroads. Ive driven and owned many RWD dedicated sports cars and unless you are on the track at or near the limits, the TT provides a superior experience. The Quattro system makes this a great car in rain or snow (if you put on some Michelin Pilot Sport A/Ss). Dont pass it up.
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2004 Audi TT Roadster 3.2L - 2004 Audi TT
By Jim Head - January 12 - 2:00 amGreat looking car! I get many compliments on this car in a town full of expensive cars (Palm Springs area).
