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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  My Toy Roadster - 2003 Audi TT
  By stkbrk - August 17 - 2:00 am

  Power plant is acceptable for this kind of vehicle. Performance is great... acceleration is superb, although scary. DMV threat me with revoking my license is I get another fine. It cruises at 80 mph with no effort. Style and design provokes in others curiosity and admiration. Its a simple fun to drive and owned german roadster. I will not have it any other way!

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  As good as it gets. - 2004 Audi TT
  By Mystro - August 15 - 2:00 am

  This car is art in motion. Quality and fit&finish are the best I have seen. The quattro AWD lets you mash the pedal and go. Cornering seems to defy physics. It is very easy to drive this car well. Most rear wheel drive sports cars (Porsche 911) makes you work hard when driving in challenging conditions. The Audi TT Roadster does it effortlessly.

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  I love this car!! - 2003 Audi TT
  By Scout - August 8 - 2:00 am

  I just picked up my car yesterday, I LOVE it. Im going to be 50 next year and I decided to trade in my 2002 Lexus ES 300 on something fun. Life is just too short! Im very picky when it comes to quality. I dont see anything about the TT I dont like. I decided on the automatic, simply because the traffic is so bad around here, I didnt want to do a lot of shifting. Audi even makes it fun to drive an automatic!

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  Love the stares - 2002 Audi TT
  By gumby_europe - August 7 - 2:00 am

  Have nothing but fun with this car. Excellent Autobahn cruiser. What are you waiting for ??

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  Modified TT Rag - 2001 Audi TT
  By CarlC - August 7 - 2:00 am

  First off, this is my second TT. My first, was a Black 225 Coupe. I loved it. I drove it 50K miles in the first year and sold it to buy the Roadster. I was able to find a leftover 2001 225 in silver. I have since dropped the car an inch using Eibach Springs and added 18" wheels. I have also installed an Alpine Head Unit featuring XM radio. I have not had any issues with the car. It is solid and fun to drive. Its looks are unique and striking. Kudos to Audi!

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  Dream Maker - 2003 Audi TT
  By CherylB - August 6 - 2:00 am

  The Audi TT (220 hp)is the car of my dreams. I believe the 180 is a waste of time.(Nice copy of the 220...but not even close to the REAL thing) They spared no expense in making it all luxury as well as being the ULTIMATE sports car. Audi knows how to pamper drivers by making the experience the most pleasure you can get with your clothes on!!! I love my car and will continue a relationship with Audi/Porche for my next purchase. Thats IF I EVER give up my TT!! Thank you Cheryl Bellows Nashua, NH

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  TT4ME - 2003 Audi TT
  By NicholasB - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Although Ive only owned the TT for a little over a month, I am thoroughly pleased with every aspect of the car. The TT has plenty of power, excellent build quality, and, for a sports car, a comfortable ride. The four year old design still looks fresh and modern. It is a blast to drive!

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  audi tt - 2000 Audi TT
  By tigra - August 3 - 2:00 am

  Bauhaus on wheels. Great syling, nice performance, lots of attention. Fun to drive and look at.

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  autobahn - 2003 Audi TT
  By schneller - July 27 - 2:00 am

  excellent car, drives great, looks good...must stay off intersate roads...to many pot holes...

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  Nice! - 2003 Audi TT
  By unascribed - July 27 - 2:00 am

  This car is very thoughtfully designed. I was comparing it with the Boxster, which I thought had an edge on the exterior styling but the TTs interior styling is nicer. Plus, I get a lot more car for less money -- rear glass window, retractable rear wind deflector. And I love the silver cover on the audio system. Its such a nice touch. The construction is very solid. You can tell when you close the doors and trunk. Its very solid.