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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  TT 225 - 2004 Audi TT
  By nissim Sasson - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Yhis car is exelent great performance nad fun one ofthe most fuin i the market

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  Fantastic Fun for all Seasons - 2000 Audi TT
  By koelle.p - October 30 - 2:00 am

  I never expected to own a sports car but I could not resist the test drive. It was so much fun! The 180hp engine gives plenty of power to this small car, accelerating so fast that before you know it you have to slow down to the speed limit. The 4WD grabs the road on every turn and is really convenient an safe in the snow. The front seat is comfortable even for me (62"), which does not happen even in some SUVs. The biggest surprise was the trunk, much more space than I expected, luggage for 2 people is easy to accomodate. And on top of all: It is BEAUTIFUL! Necks turn to look at it all the time.

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  good - 2001 Audi TT
  By NC - October 29 - 2:00 am

  No major problems, car is 2 years old, with 15000. Wipers have been replaced 3 times and dealer repalced windshield as wipers scratched window. Slight grind shifting into 3rd, dealer claims is normal? Water gts into door sill when washed, dealer also calims is normal. Fun to drive and no mechanical issues other than transmission shift into 3rd gear.

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  nice, but needs fixin - 2000 Audi TT
  By whippit - October 25 - 2:00 am

  i bought this car as a certified pre- owned which included the extended warranty. good thing. the car has required regular car and attention and many parts have been replaced similar to the experience of other reviewers-- suspension, problems with alignment, etc. i have the same problem with the wheels and i am not convinced the wheels are ever balanced and aligned. the car is fun to drive, performs well on the road and is terrific for passing and moving up in the pack at high speed. shifting is tight and the clutch seems a bit "delicate" so shifting smoothly is not always easily.

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  Much Fun, but with an annoying squeek. - 2003 Audi TT
  By Laguna beagle - October 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought my 03 TT new. At about 2,000 miles it developed an annoying squeek emanating from somewhere in the right rear hatch area. I took it to the dealer who did some "insulation" work which helped for a short time, but then it came back. A week ago I hauled 4 bags of seed topper from Home Depot and the squeek went away for the most part. Im wondering if the problem could be related to the right rear strut mounting. Could a bushing be the culprit? Otherwise, the TT is a blast! The Quattro is fantastic in the wet when everyone else is lifting, the TT tracks along like its on rails. I give it a 9 overall.

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  Impressive - 2004 Audi TT
  By wdel - October 23 - 2:00 am

  Non conformist style. Geared for the individualist. Driving not for "xtreme"ist pleasure but raucous to plain old fun is available.

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  Problems with Audi TT - 2004 Audi TT
  By mit - October 22 - 2:00 am

  Not a 2004 TT, but a 2000. Problems encountered out of warranty: AC Compressor - $1,500. Cooling Fan - $300. Belt Tensioner - $280. Insulation fell into AC Blower - $275. Broken Wire to Turbo - $115. CD Changer Stopped Working - $350. Oyxgen Sensors - $700. Electrical problems come & go. Car is serviced regularly, never abused and looks like new, but hesitate to go more than 25 miles from home.

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  The Best of Sports Cars - 2004 Audi TT
  By Bill LaRoche - October 17 - 2:00 am

  No need to go into detail.......The best of the pst 4 sports cars Ive owned...flawless............

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  Everyday is raceday at Le Mans - 2002 Audi TT
  By MNR - October 17 - 2:00 am

  Have had the ALMS for just over a year and a half and i never get tired of looking at it. Got the Avus silver with red leather interior and its the most beautiful interior ive ever seen in a car regardless of price. Being single, this car doesnt dissappoint. Great handling car, could use better steering feel and weight and less turbo lag. Definately need a radar detector with this one.....

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  love it cant wait - 2004 Audi TT
  By lover_87 - October 14 - 2:00 am

  i can not wait untill the 3.2 audi tt coupe comes out i just love it