2008 Audi TT
Based on analysis of 26 TT reviews and test drives.
Audi TT - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Audi TT ranks 7 out of 9 Luxury Sports Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 26 published reviews and test drives of the Audi TT, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
Critics appreciate the TT coupe's sporty looks, fun ride, and luxurious interior. However, its front-wheel drive layout may give some performance enthusiasts pause. Overall, it ranks within the bottom half of its class.
The 2008 Audi TT is a fun, luxurious sports car that can double as an around-town cruiser. Redesigned this year for the first time, the coupe features a restyled exterior, an updated chassis and a new base engine. According to Forbes, the TT "looks good, feels genuinely luxurious and is plenty quick enough to show the driver and passenger a good time."
Reviews, however, point out that the TT's front-wheel drive layout may not appeal to those looking for a true sports car. For higher levels of sporty performance, reviews recommend the Porsche Cayman and Mercedes-Benz SLK or CLK.
The Audi TT coupe 2.0T comes with an inline four-cylinder engine and S tronic automatic transmission, and is also available with a Premium Package. The 3.2 model comes with a V6 engine, Audi's Quattro all-wheel drive, and a six-speed manual transmission (with an optional automatic). The TT is also available as a two-seat roadster with an automatically retractable soft convertible top.
- "With the new TT, Audi has made significant improvements to what already was a good-looking, fun-to-drive sports car. And it has given extra meaning to the term 'extraordinary.'" -- Washington Times
- "The '08 TT might be a tick behind the competition at the track, but taken as a whole -- especially by those who live in the Northern states and like having awd -- the overall package is tough to beat -- gussied-up Golf or not." -- AutoWeek
- "In the end, if you're going for a hard-core sports car, you're probably not looking at the TT, no matter how improved it is in that regard. Plus, if you want to be practical about it, you can get the 3.2-liter engine in an A3 3.2 Quattro and have nearly the same amount of fun-plus room for five people and their stuff." -- Car and Driver
- "What we have today is a tight, somewhat Spartan, high-performance car that is ready to run against some Porsches, Nissan Zaniacs, Mustangs, Corvettes, and other pulsing performers. How do you pick one over the other? Wallet and wishes are the only parameters, but you can't go wrong picking the all-wheel-drive quattro as long as you find its looks satisfying." -- Boston Globe
- "If you're looking for a sporty weekend toy, or even a year round sports car, make sure the 2008 TT is on your shopping list. Be careful about how you outfit your TT, though, because prices rise quickly with options." -- New Car Test Drive
- "The vehicles range in price from $35,000 to more than $50,000 -- a lot of greenbacks for a German roadster or 2+2 coupe." -- Detroit News
TT Performance - 8.3 (Very Good)
The 2008 Audi TT offers impressive power and handling, especially when it comes to the 3.2 Quattro model. "The TT is an immensely capable machine whose abilities become more profound the harder you push it," says Automobile Magazine. Even so, the TT ranks in the bottom half of its class for performance. Continue with our full TT Performance Review to read about the 3.2's Quattro all-wheel drive (AWD) system. continue
TT Exterior - 8.4 (Very Good)
Critics are impressed with the new TT's exterior styling. In fact, some believe it looks much better than its predecessor. "While old TT looked like a distant relative of the VW Beetle, the new TT looks as if those who carve Porsche sports cars out of clay tinkered with it," writes the Chicago Tribune. Still, in this highly-competitive class, the TT ranks in the middle for exterior design. Continue with our full TT Exterior Review to learn about how the 3.2's exterior differs from the 2.0T's, or check out our photo gallery. continue
TT Interior - 7.6 (Good)
The Audi TT gets positive reviews for its luxurious, high-quality 2+2 interior cabin. "Inside the coupe, every appointment feels, looks and smells luxurious," says the Detroit News. The 2008 TT's interior ranks near the middle of its class. Continue with our full TT Interior Review to learn why critics believe its cargo hold is respectable for its class, or go to the 2008 TT's Photo Gallery to see pictures of it for yourself. continue
TT Safety - NA
Though the 2008 Audi TT has yet to be crash tested by the federal government, it features a wide assortment of confidence-inspiring safety equipment -- including dual threshold seat-mounted chest, side, and knee air bags for front passenger occupants. Continue with our full TT Safety Review to read why one review criticizes it for not offering side head airbags. continue
TT Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 Audi TT reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Audi offers a four-year/50,000-mile limited warranty. Continue with our full TT Reliability Review to learn about Audi's growing reputation for reliability. continue
