2003 Audi TT Review and Specs

Summary

What Edmunds.com says

For buyers seeking the ultimate performance sport coupe or roadster, the 2003 Audi TT will likely disappoint. But those willing to give up, say, 12 percent of sheer ability will get back at least 25 percent in pure style.

Pros

Distinctive styling, cutting-edge interiors, available all-wheel drive, superb optional Bose sound system.

Cons

Confusing interior controls, engines short on low-end thrust, hefty roadster curb weight limits handling, coupe's useless backseat.

What's New for 2003

Never considered hard-edged performance cars in their respective segments, the stylish 2003 Audi TT coupe and roadster finally offer an automatic transmission -- and a six-speed unit at that. Unfortunately, it's available only on the front-drive, 180-horsepower coupe and roadster. In other news, the quattro version of the 180-hp coupe is no longer offered and the remaining cars get a new front grille and revised exterior badging. Cast-alloy wheel designs have been updated, and, this year, you'll be able to get optional 17-inch all-season tires on all TTs (you could only get summer performance tires in this size previously); 18-inch all-season rubber is available on 225-hp models. Finally, the optional Bose sound system gets AudioPilot technology, which uses volume and tonal adjustments to compensate for outside noise.

Consumer Ratings & Reviews

Believer

Written by: CCC on 04/19/2009

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating


Performance:	10	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	8
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	10	Exterior Design:	10

Vehicle

2003 Audi TT 225hp quattro AWD 2dr Coupe (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Review

I am 2 years into my used TT. It is picture perfect and fun to drive. 33 MPG on the HW 29 in town and I have a heavy foot. Best snow car I have ever owned (lived in CO for 29 years). Would get an extended protection plan as repairs are pricey. I love my car and always get asked about it.

Favorite Features

Exterior styling and handling.

Suggested Improvements

Cup holders are horrible. But I guess in Germany people drive without coffee.

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It's a tough act to follow

Written by: BF100 on 01/18/2009


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	7
Comfort:	8	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	8
Fuel Economy:	9	Exterior Design:	10

2003 Audi TT 225hp quattro AWD 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6M)

Although the first few months of ownership were filled with computer related and dealer repair problems (almost 1 month to get is all working). It is tough to find a replacement vehicle, at this price, that offers the style and design features of the TT Roadster. The Baseball Optic leather seats with dark blue and blue canvas roof and brushed metal hardware are striking and hold up to wear well. They speak to the high standards of Audi's designers and engineers. The power train and exhaust have been reliable. There is more than enough hp/torque for an everyday vehicle and the all-wheel drive has served when needed. "Keyless" entry occasionally needs reprogramming it eats batteries.

The manual 6 transmission, steering and breaking systems give the driver great control. The motorized convertible roof and motorized rear windscreen are well designed. Fuel consumption was an average of 27.5 mpg after 5 years 10 months of use. Interior fit and finish is outstanding.

Better suspension, beefier roll bars and better quality struts!! Computer operated electric window needs to be a bit more reliable. The window, after its entry position, fails to return to closed position and "one-press" to open sometimes stops in mid-position.

Good Beats Bad

Written by: opendorz on 11/18/2008


Performance:	8	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	7
Comfort:	7	Interior Design:	7	Reliability:	7
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	10

2003 Audi TT 180hp Fwd 2dr Roadster (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

I bought mine used with 63xxx and in impeccable shape. With or without the top down, you get noticed in this car, a lot. The car handles extremely well, especially at higher speeds. The engine purrs, but does not have a strong kick at the starting gate. The ride is harsh and noisy. Lots of metal rattles underneath and in the rear, none of which the dealer can figure out! Heating/cooling and stereo are outstanding. Bottom line: the good far outweighs the negative.

Interior and exterior design. Road hugging handling. Bose sound system. Heating/AC and defrost

Change cupholder position, improve seat adjustments, automatic boot for convertible

Fun

Written by: noxdr on 07/01/2007


Performance:	9	Fun-to-Drive:	10	Build Quality:	8
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	9
Fuel Economy:	10	Exterior Design:	10

Got it used and had it for a year. It turned out to be what it was advertised to be - fun and great to drive. Very good acceleration, handling, fantastic in the snow with snow tires.

Handling, looks, sound system, acceleration (although there is a little turbo lag - you just need to know the right RPM).

Better tires (Pirellis are terribly noisy), electrical (problem with one of the windows - appears to be generic).

Long-term review 2003 180HP TT Coupe

Written by: JP on 09/18/2006


Performance:	7	Fun-to-Drive:	8	Build Quality:	6
Comfort:	9	Interior Design:	10	Reliability:	6
Fuel Economy:	7	Exterior Design:	10

2003 Audi TT 180hp Fwd 2dr Coupe (1.8L 4cyl Turbo 6A)

Driving before the turbo kicks in is painful. The paint is EXTREMELY susceptible to scraches, dents, and road damage. The Tiptronic chip had to be replaced along with the battery at 8000 miles. The instrument cluster had a problem at 28000 miles. The glove compartment handle broke during normal operation at 5000 miles. It tookthe dealer two CD changers (CDC) and several complaints to get the CDC working right. The brakes would "scarily push back at your foot when depressed harshly"; the dealer never found anything wrong. Just like the exterior, all the nice brushed aluminum accents are extremely susceptible to damage/scratches.

Design, color (Oceal Blue), interior design, features and comfort, instrument panel color (red), audio system, lumbar support of the seats, blue leather interior, exhaust note.

More power. Better trained/more efficient service. Improve reliability. Relocate the cup holders. The paint must be improved upon; its ridiculous the damage it suffers from normal wear and tear and the deleterious effect of paint jobs on the overall look of the car.

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2003 Audi TT Consumer Ratings & Reviews