2000-2006 Audi TT Full Review - Consumer Guide Automotive

Our in-depth review covers everything you need to know about this generation Audi TT. Get the latest news, find a local dealer, and get a free price quote for this generation Audi TT.

2000-2006 Audi TT Review

Launched in spring 1999 as an early 2000 model, Audi's sports/GT coupe initially came only as a front drive 2+2 hatchback. In summer 2001, the coupe became available with Quattro all-wheel drive. Nothing on the market looks anything like a TT, though its roofline is reminiscent of Volkswagen's New Beetle. If the TT has any real rivals, they might include the BMW Z3, Honda Prelude and S2000, and Mazda Miata. You'd never know it by looking, but the TT was built on a shortened version of the Audi A4 platform, also used by Volkswagen's New Beetle, Golf, and Jetta. The TT was shorter and lower, however, with firmer suspension tuning. Under the hood sat a 180-horsepower version of the turbocharged four-cylinder engine used in the A4 and the New Beetle, driving a five-speed manual transmission. No automatic transmission was available. Antilock all-disc braking and front head/chest side airbags were standard. Traction control also was standard on the front drive TT.

Year to Year Changes

2001 Audi TT: A two-passenger soft-top Roadster joined the original coupe in spring of 2000, as an early 2001 model. Also new were a standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP) to help prevent skidding, a rear spoiler, and a 225-horsepower rendition of the TT's turbocharged four-cylinder engine, driving a six-speed manual gearbox. Audi's Quattro all-wheel-drive system was standard on the Roadster and 225-horsepower coupe, and optional for the 180-bhp coupe. A power top was standard on the Quattro Roadster, but optional if the convertible had front drive. Both Roadsters had heated glass rear windows. A power-retractable glass windblocker went between the structural roll bars behind the headrests.

2002 Audi TT: Added midyear to mark Audi's participation in American LeMans Series racing were 1000 limited-production 225-hp ALMS coupes with 18-inch wheels and special trim. Also new for 2002 was a new radio with in-dash CD.

2003 Audi TT: Base models had a 6-speed automatic for the first time. Optional wheels on the 225-hosrepower model were now 18 inches.

2004 Audi TT: New for '04 is a 250-hp V6 engine standard on Audi's new V6 quattro TT, and now-standard xenon headlights. Also added mid-year was Audi's Direct Shift Gearbox, a clutchless manual that can be set to shift like an automatic.

2005 Audi TT: The TT saw no changes in 2005.

2006 Audi TT: Available satellite radio is the only change for 2006.

2000-2006 Audi TT Road Test

Pros	Cons

Acceleration	Noise

Handling/roadholding	Visibility

Build quality	Rear-seat entry/exit

Interior materials	Rear-seat room

Available AWD	Ride

Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation

Racy looks are the main attraction of the TT, whether fitted with a steel or fabric roof. The 180-bhp engine is not all that quick, though 0-60 mph acceleration in 7.4 seconds certainly isn't sluggish. However, the engine needs a lot of revs for quick takeoffs and brisk passing. Gas mileage is excellent, but premium fuel is required and Quattro models burn a little more gasoline than front drivers. With the 225-bhp engine, 0-60 time drops below 7 seconds, but that engine suffers annoying "turbo lag." Handling is sharp and balanced, but the steering wheel can wiggle as the optional 17-inch performance tires travel along deep-grooved pavement. On rough surfaces, the ride can grow harsh, and noise levels are on the high side. Civilized for a sports car, the TT offers cozy (but not cramped) seating up front, but the coupe's rear seat is for parcels rather than passengers. An imaginative cabin design makes use of top-notch materials. Visibility is poor to the sides, but not bad to the rear--certainly not as restricted as the low roof and virtual "bathtub" seat position might suggest. Cargo space is good with the coupe's rear seatbacks up, and terrific when they're folded down. Although the Roadster's trunk is small in capacity, it's usefully shaped.

Value for the Money
A TT offers practical sports-car fun, with a style and personality all its own. It's a bit like the New Beetle in terms of differing smartly from the automotive pack, but despite a few drawbacks, the TT delivers a truly sporty experience along with its high style.

Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings

Audi TT base convertible w/2WD	Rating

Performance	6

Fuel Economy	7

Ride Quality	2

Steering/Handling/Braking	7

Quietness	2

Controls/Materials	6

Interior Room	3

Room/Comfort (rear)	0

Cargo Capacity	1

Value within Class	2

Total:	36

Each vehicle report contains one rating chart for representative model. Consumer Guide® rates in ten key areas: Performance, Fuel Economy, Ride Comfort, Steering and Handling, Interior Noise, Controls and Materials, Driver Room, Passenger Room, Cargo Capacity, and Insurance Costs. These ratings compare the particular vehicle rated to ALL other vehicles, not a vehicle's standing in a particular class. In the ratings table, "1" is the lowest rating and "10" is the highest rating.

2000-2006 Audi TT Reliability

Trouble Spots

Consumer Guide's® Auto Editors have scoured repair bulletins and questioned mechanics to search for commonly occurring problems for a particular vehicle. In some cases we also give possible manufacturer-suggested solutions. In many instances these trouble spots are Technical Service Bulletins posted by the manufacturer, however, we have our own expert looking at additional vehicle problems.

Audio system: If the CD player and rear defogger are operated at the same time, a whining noise may come from the audio speakers. This requires a filter on the wiring harness. (2000)

Coolant leak: Coolant leaks from the thermostat housing on the VR6 engine due to bad O-ring or cracked housing. (2002-06)

Engine noise: Engine may groan or howl due to a problem with the charge pressure valve for the turbo system. A revised valve is available. (2000)

Paint/body: Hoists or floor jacks may damage early production models' sill panels. Later models are built with hoist lift pads that can be retrofitted. (2000)

Rough idle: Dirty throttle body bore and throttle control module commonly cause rough or low idle. (2000-01)

Rough idle: Backfires dislodge the idle control damper from the rear of the engine causing rough, or no idle due to faulty plugs or wires on vehicles equipped with the VR6 engine. (1992-04)

Suspension problems: To improve handling and reduce the risk of vehicle skid, front stabilizers (FWD) or front and rear stabilizers (Quattro) are being replaced. (2000)

Consumer Guide® Estimated Repair Costs

This table lists costs of likely repairs for comparison with other vehicles. The dollar amount includes the cost of the part(s) and labor (based on $50 per hour) for the typical repair without extras or add-ons. Like the pricing information, replacement costs can vary widely depending on region. Expect charges at a new-car dealership to be slightly higher.


Item Name	Repair Cost

A/C Compressor	$801

Alternator	$785

Brakes	$345

Clutch, Pressure Plate, Bearing	$855

Constant Velocity Joints	$2,635

Exhaust System	$950

Radiator	$615

Shocks and/or Struts	$1,795

Timing Chain or Belt	$345

NHTSA Recall History

2000: In high-speed turns or abrupt lane-change maneuvers at speeds substantially above posted limits, and depending upon road conditions, precise steering response may be demanded to retain directional stability. Dealers will replace front stabilizers in front-drive cars, and front/rear stabilizers in those equipped with all-wheel drive. A modified control arm will be installed, together with firmer front/rear shock absorbers and a rear spoiler.

2000: Small section of fuel-line assembly on small number of cars could have been damaged during production; if so, fuel could leak.

2000-01 Quattro: Rear-track control-arm-mounting bushing and bolt could corrode leading to loss of vehicle control.

2000-2006 Audi TT Prices

Prices	Good	Average	Poor

2000
TT Coupe	$9,500-10,800	$8,600-9,700	$4,900-5,600

2001
TT Coupe	$10,700-11,700	$9,600-10,500	$5,700-6,200
TT Coupe Quattro	$12,300-13,500	$11,100-12,200	$7,000-7,700
TT Roadster	$12,800-13,700	$11,600-12,500	$7,300-7,800
TT Roadster Quattro	$14,500-15,500	$13,200-14,100	$9,000-9,600

2002
TT Coupe	$13,000-14,000	$11,800-12,700	$7,500-8,100
TT Coupe Quattro	$14,700-16,000	$13,400-14,600	$9,100-9,900
TT Roadster	$15,000-16,000	$13,700-14,600	$9,500-10,100
TT Roadster Quattro	$17,200-18,500	$15,800-17,000	$11,000-11,800

2003
TT Coupe	$15,500-16,500	$14,100-15,000	$9,900-10,600
TT Coupe Quattro	$17,500-19,000	$16,100-17,500	$11,200-12,200
TT Roadster	$17,000-18,500	$15,600-17,000	$10,900-11,800
TT Roadster Quattro	$19,500-21,000	$17,900-19,300	$12,700-13,700

2004
TT Coupe	$18,200-19,500	$16,700-17,900	$11,600-12,500
TT Coupe Quattro	$21,000-23,500	$19,300-21,600	$13,700-15,300
TT Roadster	$20,000-21,500	$18,400-19,800	$13,000-14,000
TT Roadster Quattro	$22,500-25,500	$20,700-23,500	$14,600-16,600

2005
TT Coupe	$21,000-22,500	$19,300-20,700	$13,700-14,600
TT Coupe Quattro	$24,000-27,000	$22,300-25,100	$15,600-17,600
TT Roadster	$23,000-24,500	$21,200-22,500	$15,000-15,900
TT Roadster Quattro	$26,000-28,800	$24,200-26,800	$17,200-19,000

2006
TT Coupe	$24,500-26,000	$22,800-24,200	$15,900-16,900
TT Coupe Quattro	$27,000-29,000	$25,100-27,000	$18,100-19,400
TT Roadster	$26,000-27,500	$24,200-25,600	$17,200-18,200
TT Roadster Quattro	$29,200-32,700	$27,200-30,400	$20,100-22,600

This chart details a range of prices in year-by-year listings for vehicles in three condition levels:

Good: a clean low-mileage, solid-running vehicle that needs little or no repair.

Average: a car with normal miles on the odometer, perhaps a few scrapes or dings; engine might need a minor repair or two, but runs acceptably well.

Poor: might have potentially dangerous problems with the engine and/or body, or abnormally high mileage; definitely in need of mechanical attention. Valuations reflect wholesale prices paid by dealers at auction, and retail prices on used-car lots. Each range covers all trim levels and engine types for a vehicle with a typical amount of equipment--usually an automatic transmission, air conditioning, stereo, etc. Fully loaded vehicles may cost more. Average mileage is 12,000 miles per year. Keep in mind that these are guidelines only. Actual selling prices vary- especially from region to region.

2000-2006 Audi TT Specs & Safety

Vehicle Dimensions

Specification	2-door convertible	2-door hatchback

Wheelbase, in.	95.4	95.4

Overall Length, in.	159.1	159.1

Overall Width, in.	73.1	73.1

Overall Height, in.	53.0	53.0

Curb Weight, lbs.	3054	2910

Cargo Volume, cu. ft.	7.8	24.2

Standard Payload, lbs.	--	--

Fuel Capacity, gals.	14.5	14.5

Seating Capacity	2	4

Front Head Room, in.	38.3	37.8

Max. Front Leg Room, in.	41.2	41.2

Rear Head Room, in.	--	32.6

Max. Rear Leg Room, in.	--	20.2

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

Powertrain Options and Availability

Initial TT coupes came only with a 180-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder and five-speed manual shift. A 225-bhp engine joined the lineup later, teamed with a six-speed manual gearbox. For 2003 the base engine swapped the 5-speed manual transmission for a 6-speed automatic. New in '04 is a 250 horsepower 3.2-liter V6 paired with the SMT manual transmission.

Engines	Size liters / cu. in	Horse- power	Torque	Transmission: EPA city/hgwy	Consumer Guide Observed

Turbocharged dohc I4	1.8 / 107	180	173	5-speed manual: 22/31 6-speed automatic: 20/28	5-speed manual: 25.3 6-speed automatic: --

Turbocharged dohc I4	1.8 / 107	225	207	6-speed manual: 20/28	6-speed manual: 24

dohc V6	3.2 / 195	250	236	SMT manual: --	SMT manual: --

Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.

NHTSA Crash-Test Results

Vehicle crash test information not available at this time.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.

Built In: Hungary

Drive Wheels: transverse front-engine/front- or 4-wheel drive

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Also in the 2000-2006 Audi TT Review:

Audi TT

Audi TT Road Test

Audi TT Reliability

Audi TT Prices

Audi TT Specs & Safety

Audi TT Photos

Audi TT Full Review