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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  Dissappointed - 2001 Audi TT
  By bobing - August 16 - 10:00 am

  I love the style and design and the interior touches. Too bad you have to be a contortionist to get in and out of the car. The seats are unconfortable, the cup holders useless, and the suspension creaks like an old lady every time you go over a speed bump at 3 MPH. Someone tried to steal my car ( too bad they didnt succeed). The ignition system was dammaged. It only took 2 months to get a duplicate coded key from the Audi factory - all the way in Germany. It cost me $2,000 in rental car fees waiting for the parts. But a BMW 5 series and forget the TT- or make me an offer and yo can have a silver 225 turbo. Fire sale!

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  The other woman... - 2002 Audi TT
  By JamesUhl - August 16 - 2:00 am

  Wanna find out if your significant other is the jealous type, then you have found the car to fall in love with! A pleasure to drive and a dream to own - turns heads everywhere, people cant help but talk to you about it. Minor parts quality issues arent a concern with exemplary dealer service/care. Interior is divine.

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  Best Car Ever - 2001 Audi TT
  By kudzu - August 8 - 2:00 am

  After having owned a BMW 635 and BMW M5 I have found the TT Quattro Coupe with 225hp engine the best all around car for racing and commuting I have ever owned. I have driven 1200 miles in a day and felt very relaxed and comfortable at the end of the day. I have driven it on a road course and had the tires squealing all the way around the track and the very next day driving around neighborhoods looking at landscaping. Just absolutely amazing.

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  We love this car!!!! - 2001 Audi TT
  By Sarah H - August 5 - 2:00 am

  Very stylish. Awesome drive. Cant beat the body style. Very cool car.

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  Roadhandler - 2001 Audi TT
  By Pedlinpharmacist - August 4 - 2:00 am

  I have had my TT for 1 year. It is wonderful. The AWD is great it sticks to the road like it has glue on the tires. Have been thru curves rated 25mph at 65+. Nothing but pure fun in the mountains, even with snow/rain. I put on Blizzak tires in the winter. No problem anywhere I went. The TT may not be the fastest car off the block, but it is no lagger either. Very tight all over. The design is great, turns heads were ever I go. You constantly have people waving at you and hollering "what a cool car". Only problem I have had is trying to get a base luggage rack to carry my skis and bike. Recommend it to anyone who wants a really fun machine.

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  A best car by AUDI - 2002 Audi TT
  By AZ - July 16 - 2:00 am

  A great car to drive in any wheather

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  Better value than SLK - 2002 Audi TT
  By wingsfan_nc - July 16 - 2:00 am

  About a year and a half ago I wanted to buy a convertible. I went down to check out the 3-series convertible, and the salesman wouldnt even take me seriously because I was 26. Looked at an SLK, and similarly equipped was around $47000. Got mine for just under 40k, and I tell ya, it gets more looks then either of those cars. More looks than a Boxter even. Sure, the Boxter is a better street performer.. But everybody has a Z3 and a Boxter. It has more headroom than the SLK too. Its everything a stylish roadster sould be. I love it. Audi has found a life-time customer.

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  Best car Ive owned - 2002 Audi TT
  By GWK - July 13 - 2:00 am

  I was hesitant to even look at a TT because I needed at least a minimum cargo capability. When noticed the sizable amount of cargo space the TT Coupe has and my buying barrier disappeared. I have had the car to weeks and it is fantastic. It clearly designed as a work or art....smooth lines and 21st century construction. I would say that as many things of beauty it will take care to keep it that way. No door trim coupled with smooth sheet metal will make the slightest door ding very visible. Keep in mind its a small car. I am only 5-9 and I have to pull my head down to enter. But once inside its a beautiful and roomy feel.

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  Audi wins at Lemans and my garage. - 2002 Audi TT
  By David Deitch - July 11 - 2:00 am

  This is the third Audi I have owned, and I love each one progressivley more than the previous. To date I have had zero problems with the car, which holds true with the quality of my other Audis. The car is a blast to drive, and garners lots of looks.

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  I Love My TT!! - 2000 Audi TT
  By nanadude - June 24 - 2:00 am

  Im a 57 yr. old grandmother & always desired a small sporty car. First time I saw a TT coupe on the road I fell in love with it. I sped up to get close enough to find out what it was. All I could think about was the cute curved shape. When I found out it had a small back seat that folded down to make extra room in the trunk, that was it for me. I had to be able to get all my "stuff" in the trunk for trips- luggage, golf clubs, etc. It was a yr before I drove the TT, all the time thinking to myself "this isnt going to be all Ive dreamed of this past yr", but sure enough it was and much more. Its so peppy on acceleration and hugs the curves(quattro).