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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  nice ride - 2003 Audi TT
  By vlad5404 - July 24 - 2:00 am

  no problems with my 2003 TT 225 coup. Test drove- boxster, lost it in a curve at 70 tt held on, Z350 - nice power nice exterior, plastic iterior not functional for golf clubs- lexus 430- heavy, hated the shifter and the 911- excellent a little too pricy and again golf club issue. Live in NE and no problem with al the snow wehad great car lots of looks and comments

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  BamBams TT love affair - 2003 Audi TT
  By Bambam - July 24 - 2:00 am

  excellent , used to drive a Boxter and now would only get an Audi

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  LOVE THE TT - 2003 Audi TT
  By Brock M. - July 24 - 2:00 am

  This is the BEST sports car out there. I have done extensive research on cars and this car is by far the best for the money. I LOVE it!

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  This is my second TT! - 2003 Audi TT
  By OceanTT - July 23 - 2:00 am

  I just traded my 2000 TT Coupe in for a new TT Roadster. I love this car so much!!! Beautifully built and designed. Not the fastest car in its class, but who cares? Its swift enough and the turbo is fun. Test drove the rest of the competition before making my choice on another TT. Im in love with this car!!!

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  my baby - 2003 Audi TT
  By eceme - July 20 - 2:00 am

  this car is my baby, im 18 and this was my first car and i love it to death... i know im a spoiled little daddies girl but i grew up around cars and i know a great car when i drive it, im the envy of all my friends, everyone wishes they had an audi, but im the only one who has one and that makes it that much better. I love the special touches i made to it, i got it painted light pink and got light pink stitching to the interior, its my baby

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  Awesome Performance Lots of Fun - 2003 Audi TT
  By Sharon Huffman - July 20 - 2:00 am

  This car is pure fun! The acceleration is excellent-especially fun to feel it open up from second to third! Great handling in turns, smooth ride, low noise, great engineering. With the top down it is also impressive - unlike some convertibles this car is engineered with passenger comfort in mind with the top down. The balance of air flow is perfect to keep passengers comfortable in higher heat or in cooler weather. Good sound system - but probably the only thing I would upgrade. Seats are extremely comfortable and the visibility is very good for a convertible. The interior trim is awesome. Very sleek, fun vehicle. I have enjoyed every moment!

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  TT for Tina - 2003 Audi TT
  By Tina Calem - July 20 - 2:00 am

  I totally love my Audi TT, I am a car nut and I used to race when I was younger, this car drives like a dream and I am so happy with it as you can tell that I recommend it to all who are willing to smile from the moment they get in until pulling into your driveway.You will also notice people stareing at you and the TT but do not let that bother you. ENJOY THE RIDE

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  classic - 2002 Audi TT
  By autobahnfarher - July 20 - 2:00 am

  Most reviews about sports cars in the states are written by americans for american cars, american muscle cars are not the same as european sports cars. Dont compare european cars with american cars, they dont mean the same thing, its not always about 0 to 60, but how you feel when you arrive or how you feel when driving. This car has lines and character that should make it a desirable collector car later in life. Today its a great car and fun to drive. It looks good, drives well and certainly is a great car to drive.

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  Audi TT - still the best - 2000 Audi TT
  By jaz50y - July 18 - 2:00 am

  As one of the earliest TTs, had some recalls and small failures, like window motors and cd changer, but all repairs have resulted in no follow-up problems. Still the best looking car on the road, still smells new inside, still a pleasure all the way around.

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  Too fun to drive - 2002 Audi TT
  By bertram31 - July 9 - 2:00 am

  I traded a 1999 A4 in for this car and my first impression was wow what a difference. The car tracks as if its on rails. No problems in 16K miles. The 225 HP turbocharged engine pulls like a raped ape! There is some turbo lag but you get used to it quickly. My wife and I constantly fight over who gets to drive it too work. Talk about a head turner, too bad Im not single again.