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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  Audi TT - 2001 Audi TT
  By gharrower - June 25 - 2:00 am

  While it isnt a Porsche, its a great sports car. And living in the Midwest I love it in the winter...with winter snow tires Ive never had a problem with snow its as sure footed as a mountain goat. With Z rated summer tires its more fun to drive than anything Ive been in before.

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  Lil Blue Thing - 2012 Audi TT
  By Herb stern - June 22 - 5:47 pm

  This is my 2nd TT. First one didnt have quattro and the car needs it to get the power to the ground. Good power, fairly good handling, not so good steering. Too boosted, most of the electric steering car now being made just cant compare to a good hydraulic system. For its size, it has good trunk space. I can fit my bike after taking off the front wheel. While I miss a manual, I am getting spoiled by the DSG box. Just work those floppy paddles. Car is reasonably priced if you dont load it up. I prefer the stock alcantrara suede. I had to order my car as all dealer stock came with many options.

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  TT coupe quattro - 2001 Audi TT
  By lesli - June 22 - 2:00 am

  This car was and continues to be a real head turner. Extremely fun to drive. A very sure-footed ride that hugs the curves.

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  Convertible Fanatic - 2003 Audi TT
  By kenwlund - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I have owned a new Miata (fun but too small if you are 6feet or taller), new Chrysler Sebring convertible(nice underpowered family convertible), a Jag XJS cabriolet (pretty but junk)and a BMW 328i convertible (Great Performance Car, but high maintenance) The TT is a great design, great ride and lots of fun. The Audi service plan built into the price lowers your annual operating costs as well and that made it very attractive. Also, to go with the great styling and mid- range performance, there are great deals on this car right now!

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  Great Car Bad Dealership - 2003 Audi TT
  By Bboy - June 21 - 2:00 am

  I love the car but dont by from Rusnak Pasadena. The customere service is horrible. Okay back to the car. Great to drive and really fun. A little small at first, but you get used to it. Overall very satisfied with the car.

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  What my Porsche Carrera 4S wasnt - 2002 Audi TT
  By TTDPM - June 16 - 2:00 am

  The Audi TT ALMS is everything my C4S wasnt, and what I expected it to be. My C4S was fast, handled well, and was awd. Thats where the similarities end. The C4S had switches from a JC Whitney catalog. The wipers screamed old generation VW bug. The ALMS TT is comfortable, well built, and has storage to boot, and at about 50K less than the C4, its a steal. Anyone who complains about this car should buy an exotic, and live in it for one week, and realize what a great car they are driving

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  Great Fun - 2003 Audi TT
  By dbh - June 15 - 2:00 am

  Great sytle, great handling, better than average power, more cargo space than a sports car, good sound system, I can drive it every day of the year, and its a head turner. Whats not to like? Well, the blind spots caused by the body style, but you get use to them.

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  Fun under the sun - 2002 Audi TT
  By W. B. Lovern - June 11 - 2:00 am

  all positive in first sixteen months and 11,700 miles. Dealer (Steve White in Greenville, S.C.) is top notch. Impossible to pay for anything but gas and tires once the car is yours and that sure makes driving easy on the wallet. my wife likes it as much or more than the Boxster she had and the quattro awd system is terrific.

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  Nice Little Rocket - 2002 Audi TT
  By johntt - June 4 - 2:00 am

  I love the TT, it is quick nimble and just a hoot to drive! My wife love to drive it too, she thinks its the sexiest car on the road. if i could change 2 things, 1. give it more power. I had an M Roadster and, to me the TT seems too slow for something this cool. 2. sloppy shifter. Once again, the BMWs shifter was much more precise. Overall, we love out TT and never plan on selling.

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  The Audi youll remember - 2000 Audi TT
  By JohnDoe120934 - June 3 - 2:00 am

  This might be the best car Ive ever owned. A few minor issues - wheels seem to need to be aligned a little to often. It handles very well, very very well. No complaints about horsepower - although I know a few people have. Seats are very comfortable and the interior and exterior are eye catchers everywhere you go.