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 351 through 360 of 498.00-
Wonderful - 2003 Audi TT
By DSO - July 25 - 2:00 amThi has been a wonderful car. As a 6"3 guy, for a long distance car, not the greatet, but to have around town it is awsome. Love the way it handle, fun to drive. A very reliable car
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Fun to drive - 2003 Audi TT
By Lotty2006 - July 25 - 2:00 amThis car is very fun to drive. Also is a very reliable car to own.
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crouch rocket - 2003 Audi TT
By kirby mathews - July 25 - 2:00 amthe most enjoyable vehicles i have ever owned BAR NONE
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Awsome - 2003 Audi TT
By TTTim - July 24 - 2:00 amThose who say the TT isnt a performer..it depends on the driver. Motor Trend even said its almost up to Boxster S on back roads. If u want something fast in a straight line get a Camero SS. Ive raced Boxsters and smoked them on back roads. Also you can do so much with the 1.8 litre engine, eventually getting it well past 300 hp. You dont need anything faster..trust me.
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Difficult to ask for more.... - 2003 Audi TT
By zegypt - July 24 - 2:00 amThe Audi TT Coupe is a very interesting car in many ways. It is a head-turning attention getter that has one of the most amazing interiors of any car Ive ever seen, much less owned. The power, while criticized by some reviewers, is more than adequate unless you plan on racing regularly (not me). You get a great deal of car for the price, with very few problems. As for comfort, you get a nice ride that, again, is adequate for most anyone. The controls are excellently placed. Functionality is almost perfect, except for the flaws below.
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NEW TO PERFORMANCE CARS - 2003 Audi TT
By M H DIAMOND - July 24 - 2:00 amTHIS WAS MY FIRST EXPERIENCE WITH A PERFORMANCE CAR, THE CLOSEST I HAVE BEEN INVOLVED WITH PRIOR WAS THE MITSUBISHI 3000GT. THIS AUTO IS A REAL KICK TO DRIVE AN HAVE THE TURBO KICK IN TO ACCELERATE WHEN NEEDED, THE AWD MADE IT GREAT ON TIGHT TURNS LIKE ENTERING OR LEAVING A THRUWAY AQT HIUGHWAY SPEEDS. THE BASEBALL GLOVE LEATHER INTERIOR CAUGHT EVERYONES ATTENTION WHEN RIDING WITH THE TOP DOWN.
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Looks aint everything - 2003 Audi TT
By ToplessDude - July 24 - 2:00 amUnreliable, poor gas milage, unsecure steering, cramped cockpit, lousy ride after a few hours...but WOW!!! It LOOKS GREAT!!
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TTs a blast to drive - 2003 Audi TT
By group911 - July 24 - 2:00 amI bought this car in Idaho Falls & drove it home it was an absolute kick in the pants on the wide open highways across Wyoming.
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I LOVE MY TT - 2003 Audi TT
By atomskier - July 24 - 2:00 amI LOVE MY TT. IT HANDLES GREAT, IT LOOKS AWESOME WITH THE TOP UP OR DOWN.
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TT Lover - 2003 Audi TT
By Gatortomk - July 24 - 2:00 amLoved the styling at first sight, but what really sold us was the comfortable, roomy interior when we took it out for a test drive! WOW! Its just what we wanted in a convertible, quick, easy, lots of FUN. Not a copycat design has all the features you could want for comfort and convinence. The maintenance plan was a big plus too. The seats hold you in while youre doing those impossible sharp turns...those tires really hold on tight and no body roll to speak of. Driving it everyday to and fron work with the sun and wind in my hair is a great attitude adjuster...LIFE IS GOOD!
