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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  Tons of Fun! - 2001 Audi TT
  By golfdoctor - March 20 - 2:00 am

  Great car, nothing but tons of fun on the roadways. After three years of being on the market, the body style is still unique and catches the eye and approval of all. Easily fits two sets of golf clubs in back which make it a very practical sports car. The TT does not have the same raw quickness and feel as a frinds BMW Z3 3.0 , but not many cars do. The TT certainly has enough get up and go and roadhugging guts to satify all but the most experienced and trained drivers. Second and third gearswhen pushed through the 2000-6000 RPM range is quite a rush. I cant wait til the new V8 Audi A4 hits the showroom!

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  TT 2WD 180HP CPE -great handling&design - 2001 Audi TT
  By PGG - March 19 - 2:00 am

  have 16,250 mi on this daily driver. raven blk. handles like its on rails, loves to run between 3000-5000rpm,2nd -4th. still love design, art and concept of this car.minor qc so far, side mirror lens (gel spot of thermal,failed horn,buggy hatch-fuel release switch, exhaust heat shield rattle. great brakes for your avg sports car enthusiast on public rds.all interior pwr features perform as promised.warreny support excellent thus far. note: TT 180hp has required 94 octane spec.

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  TT= Tempermental transportation! - 2001 Audi TT
  By Bergie - March 18 - 10:00 am

  I have owned the car for less than a year and it has been in the shop 2 1/2 weeks. Audi has replaced the electronic central locking system, the instrument cluster twice (it is still not working properly), both horns, both window motors, the turbo bi valve, and had to fix many rattles and creaks. I love the car but am quite frustrated with it and I doubt if I can afford to keep it past the warranty period. This was going to be my dream car but it has turned into a nightmare. The Audi corporation is virtually no help. I am glad I have a good dealer. They are as frustrated as I am with the problems of the car. Great design, poor e

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  Best car purchase Ive ever made! - 2003 Audi TT
  By ScottNJ - March 11 - 2:00 am

  I first saw the Audi TT concept car in an auto magazine in 1995 and thought it was just another concept car that was exactly what I wanted, but would never make it to market. Happily, I was wrong! It’s now a year after I purchased my 225 HP Quattro TT Roadster, and I still get the same thrill driving it I did the day I took it home. Let me add by saying that driving the TT at dusk with the top down is about as close to automotive heaven as I have ever come. And, you’ll definitely turn several heads with this car. The styling has turned more then a few heads and the baseball glove interior is also a conversation piece at social get- togethers.

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  hot looks, with a real soul - 2003 Audi TT
  By jebneb - March 7 - 2:00 am

  watch out for the first and second gear shifts, it needs to be tightened up. also make sure the seats are adjusted properly to your liking before you drive. seat adjustments are manual. once you kick into third gear, it is quick as lightning and the handling is great. also watch your head when entering. otherwise, it is an awesome, eye catching performance sports coupe.

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  The Best - 2001 Audi TT
  By MaryBishop - March 6 - 2:00 am

  Folks I have owned many sports cars and this is a real winner - no problems - all fun!!!!!!!!

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  Know what youre buying - 2002 Audi TT
  By colodriver - February 28 - 2:00 am

  Purchased a 225 ALMS edition in Sept 02. Pros: fast, great design, ALMS red and 18" wheels, TT look is a head turner Gearbox is smooth Trunk storage adequate in back for golf clubs or Costco runs Complaints: significant turbo lag in 1st gear (much more than the 180hp), some rattles at 3K miles (!!). Annoying support frame (for center console) makes it a little uncomfortable for tall drivers.The TT is a gocart - fast and nimble and a pleasure to drive. Great handling at high speeds on mountain roads. After 6 months no problems. TT puts it all into one package - nimble, fast, fun and a head turner to boot.

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  Lemon - 2000 Audi TT
  By Miki Smith - February 26 - 2:00 am

  This Audi I bought was "Assured" and Certified! It was in the shop more than 15 times in one year! I have 2 friends with other Audis and they have simular problems. Audi "Customer Care" wouldnt do anything since the Assured warranty went over 2 months before I called. They are so cute to look at, but a major pain in the &#@ to take care of.

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  My second TT - 2003 Audi TT
  By Lewmar - February 26 - 2:00 am

  When the lease ended on my 180hp 2000 TT, I wanted a change, so I headed to the dealerships to find a replacement. The Infiniti G35 felt more like a Cadillac than a sports car, and understeered at 25MPH on a corner that I take daily in the TT at 35. The Porshe Boxter was faster, the BMW330 and Mercedes CLK a smoother ride, but somehow none gave me the smile that the TT has for 3 years. Im now the proud owner of a 2003 225Hp TTQ. Turbo lag is more pronounced than it was on the 180Hp, but the extra 45 horses are a welcome addition. It still turns heads, and the interior fits like a glove it couldnt feel more natural or comfortable to drive.

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  20,000 Mile Review - 2003 Audi TT
  By PVTT - February 25 - 2:00 am

  Have had my TT for nearly 2 years. The car has been outstanding.. Styling, quality, performance and still turns heads. Only mechanical problem was a defective turbo replaced at 3,000 miles.