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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  hard to beat - 2011 Volkswagen CC
  By jbaril - June 7 - 9:09 pm

  I bought my candy white over black CC Lux a week ago. Its a great car to look at and to be in. Typical VW tight build quality. Due to the many lease offerings at years end, I looked at M-B C300 Sport Sedan, Saab 9-3, Cadillac CTS, Lincoln MKZ. Just got out of a 2011 Sonata Limited, nice car, but....I miss the German!! The Caddy is too small, especially the center console to the accelerator pedal, not enough room, plus, along with the Lincoln, cheap interior materials. The Saab is still good looking but just plain old. The Benz is nice but to get the lease deal it really is the el cheapo version. None of them hold a candle to the CC with its beautifully finished interior. Get one.

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  Nice but expensive to maintain - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By tsantsa1 - May 25 - 11:30 am

  I have a 2009 CC with the 2.0 and a 6 speed manual. It has a beautiful car to drive over 40K miles, BUT, it is a female dog to maintain. Just before it went out of warranty, the dealer where I take it for service (not where I bought it) replaced both the clutch pedal assembly and the intake manifold under warranty. Since then the clutch pedal has come loose twice. I just took it in for the 40K service. The service mgr said its supposed to be loose like that. It was not loose before replace, and they tightened it once after service. Which brings me to the 40K service. VW covers service through 30K. At 40K they make it up with a $400 plus service charge. Lease dont buy it.

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  A better Passat - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By 2PassatOwner - May 21 - 5:50 pm

  As a 2 Passat owner, I would say this is definitely one of the best Passat VW ever build. Its not for everyone but a irresistible one for people who appreciate German engineer at a reasonable price. I cant help with a smile on my face every time driving it.

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  Amazing Car for the Money!!! - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By WGR - May 2 - 7:16 am

  I bought the car today, and I am thrilled! The seats hug you, the stereo is great and the style is second to none. Why buy a boring Accord, Camry or other when you can have style!!! live now!

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  Good Mileage Doesnt Have to Be Ugly - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By VW from GA - April 1 - 11:36 pm

  The exterior is a head turner! Its a great design thats not going to be seen on every corner. The interior, after the initial shock of the two tone leatherette, grows on you quickly. Fit and finish is above average for this price range. The car is very quiet and the seats are very comfortable, more comfortable than my wifes MB E500 in fact. Stereo is fairly intuitive as are most of the controls. Getting a smooth start takes a bit of practice and remembering to "activate" the Parking Brake every time you park takes some getting used to. Overall, very pleased. Good mileage, great looks, a peppy engine and comfortable seats make it a winner!

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  Nice alternative to Accord/Camry/Altima - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Smitty - March 30 - 4:43 am

  I needed a car that could be driven a lot, so I was looking for a car that got 30+ MPG on the highway. Most of the cars on the list ended up being gutless econoboxes that were like appliances to drive and had bare-bones interiors with cheap, hard plastics. The Jetta TDI was on the list and was fine to drive, but when I was able to get a CC for a lower monthly payment, that made it a surprising possibility. It feels like a luxury car, and I look forward to driving it. Fuel mileage has been surprisingly good. If you care enough to be reading this review, do yourself a favor and actually drive one.

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  Great car with some drawbacks - 2011 Volkswagen CC
  By Fielder - March 19 - 10:00 am

  An exceptionally beautiful car - very disinctive. I think its better looking than the Mercedes CLS. Its also nice that you dont see many on the road.

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  Love this Car. Would Highly Recomend - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Kevin - March 10 - 1:13 pm

  I took this car for a test drive and enjoyed it a lot i also liked how responsive the throttle is. The 2010 interior comes standard with the Touch screen which is what pulled me in to purchasing this vehicle. Ive had the car for about 2 weeks now and everybody compliments me. My parents are jealous that i have a nicer vehicle then them :)

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  Worth it... - 2011 Volkswagen CC
  By nick_ole - March 5 - 2:42 pm

  Ive owned this car for 4 months now and still find it fun to drive... For a 4-banger, it sure drives like a 6. VW sure has a winner in the CC. Biggest problems... Being a heavy set 6th guy, its a pain to get in/out of car. Other than that, its worth it. Im looking forward to taking it for a long trip to gage its comfort for long distance driving. Havent had it for too long, so reliability at this point is kinda moot.

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  Love My cc - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Leah - March 3 - 3:08 pm

  This car is fast, great to handle, and the gas mileage is approximately 600 miles to a tank. A bit on the small side for taller people. Very happy with my purchase.