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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  180hp front drive convertile - 2001 Audi TT
  By Grimmond - May 1 - 2:00 am

  This car is a pleasure to drive. The thing I like most about it is strangely the interior. Everything feels rock solid and precisely designed. Im 61" and still everything is in just the right place. It feels just as solid on the road whether hitting a twisty mountain backroad, or at speeds of 130mph (and still felt like there was plenty left despite hitting the speed limiter). Its quiet too, even with the top down and at high speed. This is simply the most stylish and fun sports car currently on the market for the price. Im in love. (my wallet isnt though)

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  TT Times 2 - 2003 Audi TT
  By FJP_TT - April 27 - 2:00 am

  My second TT (the first a 180HP coupe) has taken the fun up another notch. The 225 hp 1.8 liter coupled with the 6-speed is a huge improvement in capability. Both of my TTs were Quattro-equipped and I wouldnt have it any other way - the stability of the car on the road is never in question. The ESP makes cutting loose on gravel much more enjoyable since it keeps the nose pointed where you steer it. I recommend a switch to all- season tires from the factory performance treads if you live near snow. Otherwise, I wouldnt change a thing! Ive never enjoyed driving more...thats even including my younger days driving Triumph ragtops.

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  Funsville, USA - 2001 Audi TT
  By abruzzi - April 27 - 2:00 am

  The turbo and the quattro the key to the performance. It leaps between 2nd, 3rd and 4th. Cruises effortlessly at 90- 95 in 5th. And takes long mountain curves at 90+ like its nailed to the road. Was going to buy the classic silver, if I got it new, but then saw the new colors this one is denim blue, or as I prefer VOODOO BLOO. Plan to rechip it to take HP from 225 to 265, add a diverter valve to get rid of turbo lag, and may redo the air intake and exhaust. Am actually trying to find a way to race this thing. Any ideas out there????

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  Munches Auto Glass - 2001 Audi TT
  By GlassMan - April 26 - 2:00 am

  On hot days (100+ degrees), windshield cracked from passenger side (just at the dash) across the field. Parked and reading newspaper. Two cokes and three newspapers later, heard a muffled "piff". Looked up to see crack grow 4-5 inches. Temp 102+. Month later, car parked for about a week (drove beater to work every day). Had a 100+ day. Found crack growing from the same spot as before. My new friend, the auto glass man, confirmed increased TT business in the area... A couple of weeks later, the glass man returned for his third visit. Hot day, car parked. Design flaw? Crummy glass? Bum installation? Body flex?

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  Very classy comfortable! - 2003 Audi TT
  By SkT - April 15 - 2:00 am

  PROS: Fun to drive and look at. The trunk is much larger than it appears from the outside. The detail in the design of the interior is very "James Bond". CONS: Steering wheel jerks to left with acceleration. Windshield is in your line of sight unless you are a small person. Overall, this car is made for its exquisite appeal and not necessarily for a luxurious drive.

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  best - 2001 Audi TT
  By everso - April 7 - 2:00 am

  this is the best car in the world. bar none.

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  TIME FOR AUDI - 2003 Audi TT
  By ROSEMIRO - April 4 - 2:00 am

  Since I bought my TT back in February 2002 I have had nothing but pure fun. Every time We are in the car we get lots of attention. People here in Hawaii still point whenever we pass by. Although I think it should have more horsepower, everything else about this car is just great. I feel like Ive been driving this car all my life.

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  Buyer Beware - 2003 Audi TT
  By ladriver - April 2 - 2:00 am

  This is a warning to all those considering this car. It is a horrible car with an extremely poor build- quality. The car looks great, both on the inside and outside. It is comfortable and is a fairly nice ride. However, the reliability and workmanship are so poor that I would never recommend it to anyone of my friends. My car was in the shop at least 16 times in 18 months. If you are considering this car, I would highly recommend that you look at other options. This is a very, very poorly built car. This is not just my opinion. I have several friends who also own this car and fully agree.

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  super high tech performer - 2001 Audi TT
  By jdipoalasr - March 23 - 2:00 am

  Had only two minor mechanical problems repaired under warranty with excellent customer service to include a free loaner until completed.

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  The Mother of all Sports Coupes - 2003 Audi TT
  By daninoah - March 20 - 2:00 am

  This car has been out since 2000, and it still turns heads. It has a great engine sound. The car is very fast. It might not beat a 350z or GS Coupe 6MT, but its styling and build quality blow away any similarly priced sport coupe. The seats are firm. The gears are short and easy to find. The turbo lag is negligible. The quattro handling is like nothing youve ever experienced. One would have to be very reckless and make many mistakes to get into trouble with this car. The car is solidly built and can be driven every day.