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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  Drop dead gorgeous and a fun ride! - 2008 Audi TT
  By Fritz Waldow - May 8 - 3:25 pm

  Really wonderful except the gas mileage. After having owned three 225hp TT Roadster before I have to admit I really like the sound of the engine. Compared to the 225hp experiences before however this 6cyl consumes considerably more fuel (hwy 25 vs hwy 29). Obviously the first TT almost made me a die-hard TT fan, but there have been considerable improvements to the new generation, such as a larger trunk (no lie: it can manage two gold bags), a better top, great GPS and customizable computer. Needless to say that I just love the design. All wheel makes it a safer ride even under challenging circumstances.

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  TT Dolomite - 2004 Audi TT
  By JettaRed - May 6 - 11:49 am

  I bought this car as a CPO car in September 2007. It had come off of a lease and was immaculate. The styling is untouchable, the Audi rings are enviable. Boy racers (WRX, Evo, etc) dont even come close to the classiness of this car. Now the fun! With some computer reprogramming and bolt-on performance modifications, this car will behave according to its image. Chip tuning, water injection, exhaust upgrade, and AWD controller upgrade make this car the car that the factory should have produced.

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  Fun, fun, fun car - 2008 Audi TT
  By audifun - May 4 - 5:29 pm

  This car is simply a blast to drive. I have the basic 4cyl turbo model and it flies. Car is built to be driven hard. I have a stop and go and highway commute and its is happy doing both. It is tight and responsive and loves to be pushed. Driving this car will actually make you smile every single time you get in. You will find yourself looking for reasons to go for a drive. Everyone will look at you in this car simply b/c there are so few out there on the road. Truly a fun car to own and pleasure to drive

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  Too Topless - 2008 Audi TT
  By xnyjaydub - April 13 - 10:44 pm

  My second Audi TT is red. It is a great looking car. The top has broken and gets stuck down. This has happened twice in one month. It was fixed and only lasted a few weeks. Also the passenger window doesnt lay flush with the door after several repair attempts. It looks better with the window not sticking up a little. I could use some help with this. Obviously I loved the TT enough to lease another one. I was hoping it would work well like the 2004 TT I leased for 4 happy years.

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  Stop thinking and buy it! - 2008 Audi TT
  By Coles Dad - March 30 - 7:43 pm

  I first saw the Audi TT on the road and immediately started to do my research. After attending the Chicago auto show, I was sold on the TT and had to have one I now own a 3.2L 6 speed manual and can desribe this vehicle in one word: powerful. Driving this car is truly an experience and we cannot wait to take it for a long drive. The car handles so well that I can drive 90 mph and not feel any vibration. If you are thinking of buying this vehicle, stop thinking and buy. You will love it!

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  Beautiful Car... But Lots of Problems - 2000 Audi TT
  By mgio - March 29 - 9:38 pm

  IIve owned my TT for 8+ years and 115,000 miles. Its had its share of problems and is not cheap to fix: dead water pump, broken steering rack, two broken ABS sensors, broken wheel bearing, dead ECU, misfiring cylinder, two broken instrument clusters, blown Bose speaker, etc. I still feel its one of the best looking cars on the road and it STILL turns heards today eight years later but its dying at only 115,000 miles and I need to sell it and something at least a little bit reliable. There is nothing like this car out there anymore though. The new TTs just arent the same.

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  Fun, disappointing reliability - 2001 Audi TT
  By Airspeed - March 19 - 4:38 pm

  Fun to drive, handles nicely. But problems problem problems. Too cost conscious in engineering - will never buy Audi again. Stuff that should not happen at below 35,000 miles, and dont happen to my Benz with 120,000 miles! Too many problems to list - bearings, turbo, brake disks, joint boots, instrument panel, rain leaks frying electronics, O2 sensor, all at less than 35k miles! And Im told by one of my mechanics its one of the less troublesome recent Audis!

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  Fun to drive factor! - 2008 Audi TT
  By Dennis - March 7 - 2:09 pm

  My new Audi replaces a 2002 TT 225 Quattro 6 speed manual. I almost expect to have minor electrical and mechanical issues, but its a compromise when driving this great road going car. The new TT has only a few hundred miles, but it is easy to see and feel the differences. It is a better appointed interior, and the DSG has become very smooth in its delivery. The gusty exhaust note is what I listen to most when I drive, though the basic factory stereo sounds great. Bought the car for Quattro and when I had a FWD A3 for loaner, it was apparent I made the right decision. Ill check back after I get through the self imposed 5k mile "keep the RPM under 3500) break-in period. Easier said than done

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  My Dream Car! - 2008 Audi TT
  By Philj - February 22 - 1:46 pm

  Had my TT for 1 week and loving it! Fully loaded excl. nav and mag. ride. Was considering an 04/05 but then saw the 08 and it was all over. I test drove the 2.0 but decided on the 3.2 due to power and Quattro - I expect to keep this car for a long time.

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  Its a blast. - 2001 Audi TT
  By dpwoods - January 31 - 7:48 pm

  Purchased used just over 2 years ago, had 40K miles. I added 26K miles and only had a mass air flow sensor fail. This Quattro is great fun stock but if you have the money I highly recommend 18" rims with 235/40ZR 18 tires, cross drilled & vented rotors all around with ceramic brake pads. Also recommend perf chip and machined piston diverter valve. Now its an absolute blast to drive. Even if you dont do any of the above invest in the diverter valve, the stock part is a poor design and inefficient causing turbo lag while shifting. And for heavens sake change the timimg belt every 60K miles and at the same time change over to a water pump w/metal impeller and v-belt tensioner w/metal roller.