Overview & Reviews

The Volkswagen CC is a sedan for midsize car shoppers who want something with a bit more style and flair than your average rolling appliance. Following Mercedes' lead with its E-Class-based CLS "four-door coupe," VW took the Passat sedan and, with a nip here and a tuck there, transformed it into a sleeker and more eye-catching offering.

The current Volkswagen CC (the CC moniker stands for "Comfort Coupe") is based on the previous-generation Passat. It owes its striking stance to dramatically redesigned sheet metal and a lower, sloped roof line. The suspension has also been tightened up for sharper handling and the base engine is a torque-rich, fuel-efficient turbocharged four-cylinder. The CC boasts high-quality furnishings and, during its first four years, featured a more sculpted two-person backseat instead of the typical three-passenger arrangement. The result is a suave and sporty European sedan that our editors have deemed an excellent antidote to mainstream mediocrity.

Current Volkswagen CC
The Volkswagen CC is a five-seat midsize sedan that's available in four trim levels: Sport, R-Line, Executive and VR6 4Motion Executive.

Standard power for all CCs except the highest trim level comes from a turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine with 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. A six-speed manual transmission is standard on the Sport and R-Line trims. A six-speed automated manual known as DSG takes the place of a conventional automatic transmission, and is optional on those trims and standard on the Executive trim. Front-wheel drive is standard on all four-cylinder models. A 3.6-liter V6 with 280 hp and 265 lb-ft is standard on the VR6 4Motion Executive. A conventional six-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive are also standard.

Even the base CC is nicely equipped, boasting such niceties as alloy wheels, foglights, automatic climate control, a tilt-and-telescoping steering column, convincing leatherette (vinyl) upholstery, power heated front seats, VW's Car-Net telematics  system, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, a navigation system and a touchscreen-operated stereo with satellite radio and an auxiliary audio jack. If that's not enough, additional features and options -- depending on trim level -- include leather upholstery, a sunroof, bi-xenon headlights, LED running lights, front and rear parking sensors, a superb premium sound system and an upgraded navigation system with a bigger display screen and a rearview camera.

In reviews, our editors have taken a strong liking to the Volkswagen CC. Its combination of good looks, strong performance and upscale cabin with high-quality materials is tough to beat. The value leader is clearly the turbocharged four-cylinder model, which offers peppy pickup and plenty of standard luxuries for about the same price as V6-powered mainstream family sedans.

However, there's also an argument to be made for stepping up to the VR6 – it's considerably more expensive, but the six-cylinder delivers authoritative acceleration at all speeds, and the CC's finely wrought interior helps to support the VR6's elevated price point. Either way, the Volkswagen CC's sport-tuned suspension offers an excellent ride/handling balance, soaking up bumps in typically firm Germanic fashion and tackling tight corners with surprising verve. Just know that the CC's styling requires some compromises: Rear headroom is tight for taller passengers, and trunk space is down quite a bit compared to the much larger current Passat.

Used Volkswagen CC Models
The Volkswagen CC was first introduced for the 2009 model year. A used CC is pretty similar to a new one, though there have been a few changes over the years. In that first year, a conventional six-speed automatic was optional on the 2.0T model rather than the current car's DSG transmission. Bluetooth was an option and the standard stereo did not feature the touchscreen interface. The V6 came standard with front-wheel drive, with all-wheel drive being optional. That changed for 2011, when all-wheel drive became standard for the V6.

Perhaps the most notable change occurred for 2013, when the CC swapped out its former, sculpted two-person rear seat for a more conventional and practical three-person setup. That year also brought a slight exterior styling refresh that included slimmed-down head- and taillights. Other than a minor shuffling of features and lacking the current lineup's Executive trim level and telematics system, these latter CC models are similar to today's offerings.

User Reviews:

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  Love This Car - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By TC in NJ - November 11 - 11:33 am

  I too am on my third VW (Jetta, Passat, now CC). I love this car. It looks and feels like a much more expensive car. The outside styling captivated me, but I love the way it handles and the sleek interor as well. Great soundsystem. So far my gas mileage is running on the high end of the range. Once I drove this, I dropped all thought of a more expensive BMW.

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  retired my old passat - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By andy - October 20 - 3:43 am

  Bought the CC after unsuccessful attempts to find Jetta TDI wagon. distinctly different from my 03 passat,the CC looks great. the ride is typical VW firm,the interior is 9/10s Audi.seating is much better d/t power adjustments.Ive always driven Man. trans-so I thought Id do so again. After 2 test drives, I felt auto seems more appropriate. The vinyl (leatherette) feels fine but is probably not as durable as real leather. All in all a very sleek, comfortable long- distance cruiser.

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  disappointed & frustrated - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Karen Rutkoski - October 4 - 1:26 am

  Bought my CC almost 1 yr ago; have only 6400 miles on it. It has been in for service 4x for check engine light. Was told 1st time that it was a computer error even though there was a distinct hard boiled egg smell coming from car. The 2nd time there was black smoke pouring from the exhaust. Fuel injector and a spark plug were replaced. Two days later light on again and was told it was "residue" that sensor was picking up. Now 1 month later light is on again along with a burning smell. The car drives with a "chugging" feel especially when I take foot off brake. Was told that a new sensor has been ordered. Dont see how that will fix the other issues. Am afraid to even drive the car!

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  Great Car - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By JEB - October 1 - 11:20 pm

  Very smooth and comfortable, good acceleration and handling, great fuel economy with manual transmission. One of the best cars that I have ever owned.

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  very sporty car - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Big O - September 6 - 10:00 am

  I traded my Audi A4 in last week for the CC and im glad i did , i love this car , i love the way it had handles on the the hwy and the surface street. I owned a VW Jetta a few years ago, but volkswagen really stepped it up when they brought out the CC. i love the Bluetooth and touch screen radio.

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  Water Retention (rear doors) - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By DGrant - August 24 - 3:20 am

  Ive had my VW CC for 7 months now and Im still in love with it. Not only does it perform and ride well, its an attention getter. However, the issue of water retention in the rear doors is annoying. With every heavy rain, Im opening the rear doors to release the water, and checking the floor for wetness.

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  3.6 Vr6 4 Motion is the way to go - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Mate Dezamits - August 18 - 6:27 am

  I keep reading bad reviews.. Buy the 3.6L engine and you will have no problem at all

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  Underrated and overlooked - 2014 Volkswagen CC
  By jewishmomo - August 16 - 2:15 am

  I leased the Executive 5 months ago and I am still blown away. I had a Jetta prior to this and believe I was no where close to being disappointed with that but I always wanted a CC. And I am not disappointed at all. I was between the 3 series, A4, and C Class and the CC provides the best interior by far. Mercedes has this annoying habit of a having a full phone dial pad for some reason. I mean its 2015 dude come on! Audi steps it up well but the screen is all the way up there. And the BMW has way too many buttons. This is a space shuttle! The CC on the other hand is primarily all on the 5.5 inch screen, which believe is bigger than most screens in there. Plus the camera never gets foggy.

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  After Market Sunroof Possible - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By steve3752 - August 14 - 12:10 am

  I was not going to buy the CC becuase of the tilt only sunroof. Decided to buy CC Sport at invoice and try aftermarket Webasto 735 Sunroof. Cost $1,295. Very happy. Has more features than any factory roof I have had on Audi, Acura and Lexus. Automatically closes when ignition turns off. Car is great. People constantly ask if it is a Mercedes and are shocked when you tell them VW. 2.0 T is very resposive, smooth and quiet

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  Cheap Light Bulbs - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By CCgirl - July 10 - 4:33 am

  Im also having issues with the tail lights, like someone else who has talked about it in his/her review. My car is now 6 months old, has 6000 miles on it, and Ive had to get three tail light bulbs replaced. They keep going out one by one. Its a waste of time having to go to a dealership frequently to get them replaced. I still love the way this car looks, but Im disappointed with its quality and performance. Road noise, wind noise, bumpy ride on potholes is all too annoying.