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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  all good - 2001 Audi TT
  By ronp - January 18 - 2:00 am

  i bought my quatro roadster used,had 22000 on it whith the stock pilot mich on it i have driven through the nastyest winter in memory,,i cant belive this car makes it through snow storms.i dont know of any other sport cars that can do that,,,plus handeling is unreal,ive had many rx7 turbo..corvet,,and the like ,,none as good,,,fuel economy ,,awsome,,i love my tt

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  Audi TT is the best - 2003 Audi TT
  By kuti3 - January 7 - 2:00 am

  its so cute and fast, its the best car ever made.

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  My Little Rocket - 2003 Audi TT
  By Iglo99 - January 1 - 2:00 am

  Im 53 and wanted something fun to drive. Purchased the new 6 speed automatic(tiptronic) and The only thing I regret is that my wife fell in love with it to.

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  2 yr tt owner - 2001 Audi TT
  By llldks - January 1 - 2:00 am

  A few more small electrical problems than expected, ie, replace driver window twice and horn relay once. However always dependable driver. Onboard computer overly sensative but once you realize this and thqat mostly it will reset itself, becomes less annoying. Overall, a fun car to drive and the design is as momumental as an Jag XK120. I disagree with some of the editor ratings- excellent storage for this type of car. Slightly regret not having gotten the 225hp.

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  TT Roadster FUN! - 2001 Audi TT
  By Riverton - December 27 - 2:00 am

  I have nothing but terrific things to say about my TT Roadster. Fun to drive and a real eye catcher too! I only have two minor complaints with the interior design. 1. The compartment between the seats can easily be opened without knowing due to the auto latch feature. 2. The cup holders are not very well placed. I have one minor complaint with the magnesium wheel design. The lip of the wheels are easily scarred by curbs because they stick out beyond the tire.

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  Quality and Performance - 2003 Audi TT
  By Ostrander - December 20 - 2:00 am

  One of the best vehicles Ive owned..

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  uhhh... - 2003 Audi TT
  By deadmete - December 17 - 2:00 am

  this is a good car, but i wouldnt suggest it to everyone, get a different car for the same price, and you might get a better deal.

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  TTrific - 2001 Audi TT
  By ghileman - December 6 - 2:00 am

  A lot of the so-called expert reviewers knock the TT for performance (especially compared to peers such as the S2000). However,I think the car performs incredibly well for the avg. road driver and youre likely to be thrilled unless your an F-1 driver. The style and quality of construction have been well documented and there is no doubt in my mind that the TT is an instant classic destined to appreciate in value over the long-term.

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  hot tt - 2003 Audi TT
  By agwinn - December 3 - 2:00 am

  This car is spectacular.

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  Audi TT - 2003 Audi TT
  By Renzo - December 2 - 2:00 am

  This car is about as fun as it gets. It may not be as fast off the blocks as the Porsche but its got the retro styling that distinguishes it from the rest. There are distinct styling features imprinted throughout the car. Handling is impeccable with very slight understeer. No skimping in the details. It would be nice to put an Audi performance chip in it, but that would void the warranty.