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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  AAA-Awesome-Amazing-Aboslutely must own. - 2001 Audi TT
  By mrrocklin - October 18 - 2:00 am

  My TT roadster is truly awesome not only in looks but in its manageability on the road. The drive is so smooth at any speed. Before buying any other roadster - youve got to try the Audi TT roadster. Youll love it!!

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  choose wisely - 2002 Audi TT
  By Chris_steiner - October 14 - 2:00 am

  initially, we thought we would never sel this car. Boy were we wrong. Handling and performance are great, but what a dissapointment in terms of maintenance and aggrivation. small plastic pieces (knobs, buttons, levers, etc. ) are CONSTANTLY popping-off or breaking. Replacement parts take FOREVER to come to the dealer. - BEWARE!!.

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  Driving the 2000 Audi TT - 2000 Audi TT
  By Gary Stevens - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Really fun to drive. No mechanical problems. Excellent manouverability in traffic. People still remark about distinctive styling.

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  The most fun car - 2001 Audi TT
  By benoit - October 7 - 2:00 am

  I love it. It was my dream car. Ive bought it. And its still my dream car!

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  TT Roadster - 2002 Audi TT
  By RLS - October 5 - 2:00 am

  This car has been a joy! If you want to watch some heads turn, drive the TT. I think the TT has the best looking interior(baseball stitch) Ive seen. Its a very unique and solid built automobile.

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  It works for me. - 2000 Audi TT
  By adsmith - September 26 - 2:00 am

  We LOVE this car. Bought it new 3/1/00 and have loved it ever since. Have had a few minor problems but nothing of any major concern. People still look at it like the piece of art it is. And it crosses all lines, its loved by kids, seniors, black, white, young, old, whatever...everybody wants to know "what IS that???" And it is as much fun to drive today as it was two and a half years ago.

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  Love this car!! - 2002 Audi TT
  By Krobe - September 24 - 2:00 am

  Great car with lots of room even though I am a big guy. Lots of fun to drive. Get comments all the time about how beautiful the car is. All around a great little roadster.

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  Its better than the editors rate - 2000 Audi TT
  By thompja53 - September 23 - 2:00 am

  I bought the front wheel drive, 180 hp model. I dont drive it in snow so I opted for the cheap way out. Its deceptive. It seems really quick, but if you read the automotive reviews, they show it around 7 sec to 60. I think thats because of the "slow" shift from 1-2. If youre like me (middle aged, want a sporty car) then this is a good choice. The seats are a tad tight for someone of my weight (250) but at 62" this fits me fine. The base stereo stinks. I hate Boses but if I get another I will opt for that or do a custom installation.

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  Best car ever! - 2001 Audi TT
  By Danny P - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Excellent performance, great acceleration, braking and handling. The craftsmanship is excellent and there are no creaks or glitches of any kind. The cupholder fits a 12 oz. cup without a problem. I am 57", 160 lb. and fit in the car like it was made for me. If you need a back seat, get a sedan. The seat is mainly there to reduce insurance cost, but if you fold it down you can fit quite a bit of luggage. Ingress and egress are as easy as expected for a sports car.

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  happy driver - 2002 Audi TT
  By rip - September 20 - 2:00 am

  a great car, it is the practical sports car, fun to drive, great in bad wheather and can carry golf clubs or skies