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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  Dont buy a TT - 2002 Audi TT
  By C dub - July 14 - 5:50 pm

  I bought my dream car used 2 years ago. Since then it has had one problem after another. The timing belt breaks prematurely with these cars and Audi USA knows this and does nothing about it. Instrument cluster fails, fuel cell broken 3x, automatic window motor goes out. If you get a flat tire you have to buy a whole set of new tires because they have to have the same tread wear as it is AWD. And even the most minor thing to fix is very expensive I had a blast driving it when it wasnt broken, but it seems to be breaking more and more and the car is only 6 yrs old. Dont buy this car no matter how "pretty" it is.

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  Audi TT Roadster 08 - 2008 Audi TT
  By Sungwhan Cha - July 9 - 3:20 pm

  What can I say. Its summer time and I like to drive with my top off. I still need to get used to it since I only drove it for a week. Its a head turner for sure. I couldnt do that with my old car, so I am pretty happy with it. I have yet to test the S drive and the S tronic though, but the D drive has been exciting so far

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  A beautiful speed machine! - 2001 Audi TT
  By EX - June 30 - 5:53 pm

  For the money, this is the best sports car on the road hands down. Ive had this car (225HP-Quatro-AWD) almost 7 years now, and Ive only had very minor issues. Looks incredible, and performs almost as well as its looks. I drive it in NYC/NJ/CT, and it can handle the road(one of the worst infrastructures around) as well as all the bad drivers due to its speed and handling. Performs very well in poor conditions, but I would recommend snow tires for extreme conditions. Good room, solid storage for its size, but you wont be able to fit an adult in the back seat. Very well built and durable. Im 63" 225 and Im very comfortable in it. Nice amenities-sound-seats-dash-controls-very user friendly!

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  This is whats up - 2000 Audi TT
  By Alistair314 - June 18 - 9:24 pm

  Had this car for 10 months, bought it with 69,000 miles on it. Considering I bought it for 15,000 it was absolutely amazing. Very fun to drive, quite good in the curves except for the mild understeer, and considering the size of the engine (1.8l) very fast. This car also handles remarkably well in snow. Zipping past Wranglers and Tacomas in 10 inches of snow is always fun.

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  Wife says: "Best Car Ever" - 2008 Audi TT
  By John - June 12 - 3:47 am

  Bought this for my wife, she needed one last sports car before we she got "old". She had an old 1976 Porsche 911 but loves this car better, in fact shes says the TT is her best car ever. Bought a red color coupe and she loves it. Its perfect for her petite size and I know she loves getting all the attention. The handling is great, it wants to be driven and before she knows it the spolier pops up and she notices that shes going 80 miles plus. The trunk is big enough for a weekend trip. Im just a bit too big for the seat which is too confining for me on a long drive but its a her car and she loves it.. When Mamas happy everybodys happy.

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  Dont Drive on Redbull - 2008 Audi TT
  By RobbyBobby - June 3 - 1:07 pm

  This car is amazing! Style, performance, and quality are all 10. The 4cyl turbo is great, plenty of kick to it. Peformance and economy, my last fill up was averaged at 30mpg. I was hesitant to purchase an automatic, whats the fun of a sports car that you cant shift? However, the paddle shifters are a lot of fun, and make up for a spouse that cant drive stick. The top drops smooth and speedy. Nice to be able to put it up or down when moving. The launch control feature is a blast! It will light the tires up like it had 400 horses under the hood. Great in the snow as FWD only.

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  Great car - 2008 Audi TT
  By pipergal - June 1 - 10:08 am

  I love to drive this car. I had a car that got better gas mileage, and just couldnt give up driving this fun sports car. Too early really to tell about reliability. With numerous frost heave "speedbumps" and potholes around here, I started hearing a knocking noise in the front end when going over a bump. The dealership however didnt hear it. Of course, Im still under warranty. They also told me that the 2 bent rims are "slight" although I have a tire/rim warranty. The rear tires are worn out at around 17,000 miles. They stick like glue to the road however. Would I buy this car again? You bet!

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  Retirement gift - 2001 Audi TT
  By Rayman - May 25 - 12:14 pm

  Like other owners I have had some repairs but not as serious: lights and winshield wiper fluid reservoir. The major item was the instrument cluster which Audi finally settled the lawsuit. Upgraded shocks, exhaust and intake manifold make the car more fun to drive than ever.

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  Fantastic Car! - 2001 Audi TT
  By PorscheTech911 - May 24 - 6:00 pm

  I love this car! It handles well, drives well, looks awesome, easy to use, plenty of space for big guys (im 63" 300lbs) I would absolutely recommend this car to anyone. The car isnt too bad on maintanance and up keep.

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  I won this baby and WOW! - 2008 Audi TT
  By I won it! - May 15 - 9:03 am

  I won a 08 TT coupe in Bixoli, MS at the Grand Casino and traded it for a Roadster with 47 miles on it at the dealer. I have had 6 convertibles before this and never an Audi (3 MGs, 1 Mustang, 1 LeSabre, 1 Miata). This baby takes the cake, it is smooth and agressive at the same time. I just love this car. It is a real eye turner also. Drives well in the city and runs like a scalded dog when you put your foot into it on the interstate. I love when the automatic spooler goes up at 75mph (you can manually do it also in town ) and people point at you with amazement as you pass.