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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  Lots of Fun for Small People - 2002 Audi TT
  By Donut - September 18 - 2:00 am

  This car is a blast to drive. Great traction in all weather conditions, nice turn ratio and great overall handling. Its a very spunky car good "get up and go."

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  good - 2001 Audi TT
  By rnelbert - September 15 - 2:00 am

  i love this car, it is a great ride not to mention it looks good as well

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  Fun to drive and gets all the looks! - 2001 Audi TT
  By julie - September 13 - 2:00 am

  Had the Audi TT 225 Quattro for almost a year now and still love it! It gets more looks than most cars on the road yesterday I even got a thumbs up. The handling is the best aspect of the car and the acceleration is not far behind. Add the amazing warranty and great sales and service experience at The Auto Gallery in Woodland Hills, CA (ask for Lisa in sales and Klaus in service.) I am so pleased with almost all the aspects of this car. The only two down sides of the vehicle are the non-adjustable headrests and the very small trunk (had a blow out after hitting a huge pothole and the wheel wouldnt even fit in the trunk.)

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  Float like a butterfly... - 2002 Audi TT
  By Mohammed Audi - September 9 - 2:00 am

  Although the trunk might be small, and the drink-holders hard to reach, this car is pure fun to drive. The sound of the 225s dual exhaust elicits chills, and the cars yummy lines summon one more look over the shoulder of even the most calloused driver.

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  WHAT FUN - 2002 Audi TT
  By siliconman - September 9 - 2:00 am

  I bought my TT Quattro 3 days ago. What fun! I love it.The only 2 problems I see with it is no center armrest and 1st gear rev limiter stops you at red line. I love the burst of acceleration at 3000 rpm.

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  phenominal - 2001 Audi TT
  By phreekk - September 4 - 2:00 am

  The Audi TT is the definition of fun. It handles like a dream. The quattro system keeps the car hugging every turn at amazing speeds. You may laugh but I was amazed at how much the coupe can hold, fold down the back seats (theyre not useful sitting in at all). But with the seats down i was able to fit in all four off my street tires when i had my tires and wheels changed for winter.

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  Two years of fun - 2002 Audi TT
  By tekn76 - August 26 - 2:00 am

  After having owned this car for almost two years, I have to say that I am very satisfied with the purchse. Build quality is excellent, and this car ages beautifully. This car handles and performs well enough for anything I typically use it for, and there is also a surprisingly large trunk once the seats are folded down. While visibility isnt great, the small windows beneficially allow little sunlight in, making this car cooler than most if you park it outside all day.

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  225QC - 2002 Audi TT
  By josh - August 21 - 2:00 am

  What a great car. People underestimate the performance of the TT, but it is a performer. 225hp from a 1.8 liter thats just amazing. You also get world class interior and exterior that doesnt look like anything else.

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  225QC - 2002 Audi TT
  By Josh - August 21 - 2:00 am

  What a great car. People underestimate the performance of the TT, but it is a performer. 225hp from a 1.8 liter thats just amazing. You also get world class interior and exterior that doesnt look like anything else.

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  Love the Audi TT 225 2002. - 2002 Audi TT
  By yorgos3 - August 21 - 2:00 am

  After 10 months the Audi TT has become me! It has been absolutely perfect and I love more each day. You can not g back to regular cars after driving the TT a while.