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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  The Best Luxury Car for the Price!! - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By ABS - August 24 - 10:53 pm

  I work for an Audi Dealer and find that the CC is superior in quality, especially in the doors. The doors are more solid, the handles inside and out have a nice feeling of strength and have a luxury tactility. The standard features of Auto headlights with coming home and leaving home, rain sensing wipers, self dimming rear view mirrors, bag hook in trunk, and a 6 cd changer on the CC may only be had in an A4 with a $4000 package! The styling is very unique and very seductive and intriguing. The interior is very luxurious and very well thought out. Everything lies in an intuitive spot. The steering feel is better than the 09 A4, and the handling is tighter as well as more compliant.

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  65k still runs like new .. - 2012 Volkswagen CC
  By Luis - July 30 - 9:57 pm

  Got it CPO 31k now 65k runs great ..pricy DSG trans oil change., the only problem I had was the heat fan broke fixed under warranty. .. beware of tires cupping just make sure you do your rotation every oil change i do mine around 5-6k ..other them that simply amazing car ..very comfortable super reliable great for long trips.

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  Converted VW Fan - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Friscosmom - July 17 - 4:36 pm

  I was not a VW fan prior to seeing the new CC. After seeing the CC, I bought it without test driving due to a snow storm. When I was able to pick it up 3 days later, I was impressed. The car handles better than the BMWs I test drove and is more esthetically pleasing than the G35 sedan I almost bought. The manual is so fun and smooth. A passenger in my car commented that they almost forgot it was stick! Seats are comfy, styling is hot, Love this car!!!

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  My VW CC, 1 year 3 months, 20k, since - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By rsyed10 - July 7 - 6:15 pm

  Ive purchase my 2010 VW CC 2.0L Turbo Sport, 6M, brand new and heres what i have to say. I purchased this car simply because of its appeal and it has been a fun and reliable ride so far. I hadnt had any mechanical issues, just regular oil change, etc. Interior is quiet. Performance and fuel economy is sufficient just above 2k RPM. It has a lot of standard safety features that give me a peace of mind and its one of those cars you just cant ignore. Great job VW designing nice combination of stunning design and sufficient performance.

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  Best VW Purchase So Far - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By TrashMan - June 20 - 9:20 pm

  I have owned four VWs and without a doubt, this is the best purchase so far.The performance is great and from past experience, I know that the reliability will be good as well. The trunk is massive and I can fit at least six bodies in it with room for luggage as well. Im always being asked what kind of car it is and if it was expensive. It looks incredible. HUGE bang for the buck. Read it & weep!

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  good for the money - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By ironmj - June 5 - 10:00 am

  I bought the R-Line special edition of the sport CC. I highly recommend it. My last car was a 2004 Audi S4 which I loved but service costs were killing me. Not to mention driving a stick in chicago commute traffic was tough on my left leg. My father bought the luxury edition when they first came out and spent close to $40,000 for a 4cylinder. So I was amazed to see the Rline was available for $28,500. It has the leatherette which seems just as good as the leather, if not better. You just cant tell the difference. Standard heated power seats,blue tooth. Only diff between luxury is nav,sunroof(which only tilts anyways),auto temp. Still has large touch screen radio.

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  disappointed - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By disappointed - May 29 - 4:50 am

  The car guzzles gas. It does not get anywhere near the posted mileage specs. The dash rattles. The cornsilk interior collects dirt easily and is difficult to clean. At night, the interior looks like it has the measles -- a lot of little red lights everywhere but the icons are far to small to make out. The owners manual is absolutely horrible.

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  Awesome, absolutely awesome - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Muntenia - May 25 - 6:36 am

  I bought it after reviewing a long list of models from various brands. The majority had bland designs and most of them look the same. The stylish and sleek design of the CC stands out from the crowd. The two-tone cornsilk interior is fantastic. The 2.0 T engine is powerful and the car handles extremely well and sporty. Once you drive one you will end buying it.

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  Cant stop staring at it - 2011 Volkswagen CC
  By jspeith - May 21 - 3:57 pm

  We recently bought a used 2009 CC VR6. Our main goal was to find a sedan that had comfortable seats, good fuel economy, and excellent reliability. I also wanted to find a car that was not so common that it would be on every street corner. We got that and more! The design team for this car deserves an honor equivalent to the nobel peace prize - I cant stop staring at it. The exterior of the car has lines Ive never seen before even on cars five times the price. The interior is laid out so simply it is genius. Coming from a RX330 it was an adjustment dipping down to get in but once inside the room is more than adequate even with only four seats and it is a blast to drive!

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  Great Design - Poor Engine - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Mariops - May 12 - 6:03 pm

  Ive owned this car for about a month. Got it because of the design, nothing looks this good and exclusive for $30k (even compared to luxury brands). Interior looks good but having owned 3 Audis, the VW interior is not in the same league (and intentionally so). My biggest complaint is the engine (2.0T with Auto; I wanted an auto for commuting, my 2nd car is a manual). From a stop, the engine sputters and is seriously underpowered but when the turbo kicks in it takes off. Dont get me wrong, I love turbos like the next enthusiasts, but doesnt feel right in a car like this. Im sure the auto trans doesnt help. Despite engine performance/FWD handling, the design makes up for its shortcomings.