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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  Very Surprised - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Mtnplay - February 9 - 12:13 am

  I have owned virtually every model of BMW for the last ten years. Decided to stop feeding my cash to the bavarians to only have them keep pushing my price points up and value down. I purchased a Black on Black CC Sport, Auto, Sirius, the "leatherette" is superb, and at this quality, leather is a waste of money. What a wonderful car. The fit and finish is impeccable,the styling is modern and fresh, the drive is excellent. You do get a little of the front wheel drive pothole suspension behavior, but it doesnt detract. My mileage in the first thousand miles on freeway is 31.5. I purchased the car for $2500 under sticker. Amazing car for the money. VW has a new level of respect from me.Amazing

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  CC 2.0T Manual - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By paul - February 6 - 6:56 am

  Traded in my 2000 A6 2.7T on the CC. I am very pleased with the of the car overall. While not as luxurious or powerful as my old Audi, its hard to believe this car can be had for under 26k. It looks and feels like a much more expensive car and the 2 tone leatherette interior is top notch. The clutch is very light and the 6 speed manual is satisfying. This is a great car! I hope it proves to be reliable long term vehicle. That was my only concern repurchasing from this German brand.

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  Great car for the money & blast to drive - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By BostonNorth - January 26 - 12:23 pm

  Terrific car for the money, love everything about it. Would have liked the nav radio with bluetooth but thats the only concern. Great gas mileage and the 2.0t with manual is great.

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  Regret Decision - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By migzc - January 15 - 5:39 pm

  This is the first car I ever purchased new and I really regret my decision to go with Volkswagen. The car is very noisy, has creaks and rattles in the front and back. I have taken it to the dealership approx 10 times and they still cant make it right! There is a very distinctive rattle in the front driver side when going over bumps and they replaced the strut, brakes and several other things and no luck. Now they say it is normal!! Also, the plastic trim behind the rear window cracked for no reason, they dont know how that happened but said they will replace it. The part has been on order for a month!! There is also a major delay from punching the gas to actually accelerating!

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  Mecedes CLS Styling+ Audi 2.0T Engine - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By JimandSue - January 13 - 9:43 pm

  This car is an amazing value and fun to drive. The heritage of the car is Mercedes CLS "coupe" styling, the powerful/responsive Audi 2.0 Turbo fuel injected (same used in the A4), DSG transmission (same used in the A4-A8 lines), Deep bucket seats (like the older Ferraris) and decent stereo. The car is very powerful and the DSG makes it a blast to drive. The car performs best on the highway where is gets an amazing 30 plus MPG due to its 6 speed DSG Transmission and wind cheating body. The sound system is good and allows bluetooth and easy iPhone/Pandora integration. Price was under $28K, Id get the extended 6 year/75,000 mile warranty. Finally, back seat leg room is far better than A4.

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  NEVER LOOKING BACK - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By BRANDON - January 3 - 10:26 am

  I am so glad I took the time to compare. Ive been an Infinity owner for the past 6 years but decided to test drive the VW CC bfore my next purchase; and "Thank God" I did. Ive only had my new CC for 2 months but I feel like its a test drive each morning just going to work. I love my VW and the solid feel it gives me. I just feel safer and sportier in it.

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  Poor interior design and performance - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Jano - December 29 - 5:26 am

  Purchased a new VW CC.It is very difficult to drive. When accelerating,you must be very careful in depressing the accelerator because if not done just right the vehicle will shoot forward too fast or bog down for a second or two causing a dangerous condition when pulling out into traffic.The dashboard is poorly designed especially the placement of the media buttons and phone buttons on the steering wheel.the air conditioning ducts are pointed down so you dont get the full blast of air when opened fully. This is the first vehicle that I have ever has that I am fearful of driving because of the performance of the car. I took it to the dealer and they said it was okay.not enough room for expla

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  Lovely to look at delightful to drive - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Jerry Henricks - December 11 - 6:10 am

  I have owned this car for more than a year. It is the first automatic transmission I have had for three decades - no participation like having a 6 speed manual. I love everything about it regarding superior styling, very quiet, steering and handling. The quality shows in everything it does. The two tone leather seating gives it a lot of panache. The heater/air conditioning is terrific once youve let it do its thing. I have the jet airplane impeller" set of wheels - the coupe de grace. The seating comfort makes it a real road runner. Gets 21 mpg around town (driven hard) and 29 on interstates. No problems other than a rim and tire from a road hazard. Youre going to love it! I sure do.

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  Awesome Sports Sedan at Excellent Value - 2014 Volkswagen CC
  By kettemr - November 19 - 6:13 am

  This is my second VW CC. I traded my 2011 CC Sport 2.0 for a 2014 CC V6R 4Motion. Also researched and priced Audi A6 3.0, Audi A5 Cabriolet, and BMW 535. The CC V6 AWD Executive offers nearly all the same features and quality with exceptional styling, comfort, and ergonomics. IMO drives very similar to the Audi A6 3.0 Quattro for nearly $20k less.

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  No memory seat for base model - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By cc lover - October 31 - 2:13 pm

  Memory seat was one of my reason to choose this car. But,after purchasing my cc base model, I found out Edmunds.com provided wrong information in available features. Memory seat is not standard in base model. it is available at luxury and above models. I am disappointed about Edmunds.coms accuracy but extremely enjoying my new cc. I am just wondering about comment below by "Liz" sounds like memory seat for base model(2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6A)