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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  CC 2.0T Luxury - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By VARam2000 - August 5 - 2:26 pm

  I had already decided on a CPO 2008 S80, when my wife saw one of these on the highway. She sent me a photo from her cell and said , "Youve got to buy this car!" After seeing this gorgeous car in person and a 20 min test drive, I was sold. Picked it up the next day; White Gold 2.0T Luxury, moon roof, Sirius, extra mats for $29k. MSRP was 34695. Invoice was $30110.

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  The Underated VW CC - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Michael Almada - July 23 - 2:38 pm

  This car exceeded my expectations in a host of ways - great value for the money when originally released in 2009. With the 2013 change of model, the price has risen to match the quality level of the car. Fabulous handing and mileage - I could reach 36-40 mgp highway on flat roads like NJ Turnpike; averaged 31 mgp all around. Excellent, durable materials in cabin. Superb styling and equipment. Excellent front leg room for tall drivers and left leg rest. Slight hesitation typical of this 2.0T VW engine on take off. I had NO mechanical issues whatsoever. Only 2 minor annoyances: odd spring loading on the doors; default setting - only the drivers door unlocks on exiting the vehicle. Also note the DSG maintenance is pricey at $400 every 40K miles.

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  V6 killer - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By edyvw - June 26 - 2:41 pm

  This is probably best used car you can get it on the market if you think driving is more then going from point A to point B (if not, then get Camry). This is 2.0T 200hp four banger with 207lb/ft torque. However, what is HUGE difference is DSG (Dual-Clutch Sequential Gearbox) with 6 gears. When shifts up, it changes gears in 0.065 seconds. Now guys, manual might be a little bit more fun to drive, but it just cannot keep up with my CC. Also, if you want to use full potential, get performance tires! If you are DIY guy/girl, this is perfect car. Probably this is most friendly car for people who like to change oils on their own. However, try to use full synthetic oils like Castrol 0W30 (GC).

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  Best car yet... - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By fazzster - June 13 - 4:39 pm

  I have owned over 20 cars in my lifetime and the CC is the best yet. It will be 2 years old soon and I have logged 54k miles so far without a single issue. The only complaint was the excessive wheel gap and soft springs so I solved the "problem" with a set of Eibach lowering springs. Which is the way it should have been delivered from the factory in the first place. The handling is superb while still retaining ride comfort. I am averaging 35mpg on my commutes (80% highway/20% rural roads). Best mpg thus far has been 38. The clutch could have a little better feedback but the shifter is smooth and precise. The quality of the interior is impressive even with the vinyl seats.

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  CC - The Peoples Car - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By acabrera10 - June 4 - 6:36 am

  What an amazing car. Fantastic ride, interior, and comfort. A totally amazing experience. VW has a winner here. My wife and I drive the CC and cant help to notice the attention the car gets. On the very first day I got the car, I had 3 people stop me and ask about the car. I went from a Honda Pilot to the CC and what a great move. One word describes the VW CC - AMAZING!

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  Great car - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Wayne Holt - May 18 - 7:41 pm

  I love driving this car, I have a Nissan Z convertible, and I always drive my VW CC, great handling, low maintenance cost, oil change is once a year, I have had no problems out of this car. Highly recommended, anyone looking to buy this car get it, you will not be disappointed.

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  Will Keep you posted - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Sean - April 29 - 3:36 pm

  Just traded my 08" APR stage 2 tuned VW GTI yesterday. That car kicked constant butt...This CC is totally a different animal with similar guts. This CC will get the APR tune this week and should be in the range of 252- 262HP for a APR stage 1 tune. I just love the looks of the CC and the Mercedes CLS...this is my Volkcedes! Will post more after the APR tune.

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  Owned SAAB Turbos - CC Much Much Better - 2012 Volkswagen CC
  By chowchow - March 20 - 9:08 pm

  Having drivern Mercedes and Audis, the CC compares very favorably to both in terms of ride, handling performance and interior features but it tops both in terms of uniqueness and looks and affordability/value. If you are in the market for a Audi A 4 or a Merceders Benz C Class - and you do not care about the emblem on your ride - this car blends looks, ride, comfort and performance. The 2.0 turbo coupled with the DSG auto is far better than any SAAB turbo - I owned a 99 SAAB 9-5 2.3 LPT and a 99 SAAB 9.3 2.0 and while the 9-3 was fun to drive - it rode like a pick-up truck and offered few lux amentiies and while the 9-5 offered a refined ride and lux amenities, it was not much fun.

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  Cautious Shoppers - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Daddy21 - March 18 - 8:33 pm

  I researched this purchase more than any of the previous 18 new cars I have owned. This site and others were very helpful. My two week old CC Sport is a dream! First car that I liked better after two weeks than I did on showroom floor. Much better than I thought possible, NO BUYERS REMORSE so far. Quicker than I thought, challenged it over Thanksgiving on mtn. rd. and power and handling delivered way beyond expectations. Millage is better than sticker, about 23 city, 34 hwy. and people cant take their eyes off the car. If dependability is not a problem then this is the best auto purchase I have ever made. I hope this helps you.

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  Fantastic Coupe - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By G-Man - February 23 - 1:36 am

  For context, I am a spirited driver who likes the performance of a coupe and the convenience of a family car. I upgraded from an Acura CL to the VW CC. What a great car for the money! The CC is beautiful and sexy inside and out. People notice the car. The 2.0 turbo is really fuel efficient yet it is powerful and fun to drive (if the minimal jet lag bothers you the VR6 engine is phenomenal). The DSG transmission is the best I have ever driven. The V-tex simulated leather looks beautiful and is easier to maintain. Basically you can have an Audi A4 for less than $30K.