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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  VW finally got it right... - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By bronzkitty - November 30 - 6:43 am

  Lease was up on my 2006 VW Passat; been waiting for the CC but test drove everything under the sun in the meantime. The CC is everything Id hoped it would be: exterior build and interior fit are exemplary. The car is fast and for the most part rides smooth (the run-flat tires make the ride a tad rougher). The navigation and satellite radio are a definite upgrade from my 06 Passats navi. My mom and I were sitting in the car last night watching Indiana Jones on DVD; the sound was amazing and I dont even have Dynaudio. VW got this one right.

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  So Under Rated - 2013 Volkswagen CC
  By carrao33 - November 22 - 5:27 am

  We have had our 13 Candy White CC for 5 months and 10,000 miles so far and we absolutely love it! It is our 2nd VW and is our favorite VW model. The 2013 refresh has made the CC much more attractive with dual xenon headlights that move as you turn the steering wheel and the tail lights are gorgeous at night! We have gotten so many compliments and seems as though most people are unfamiliar with the CC and it tends to exceed their expectations. The 2.0T is a peppy motor and with the APR stage 1 ECU tune it is a pretty quick car. Overall this car is a great bargain for all that you get.

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  Thats a VW? - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Bill Brower - October 23 - 1:57 am

  Best car I have ever owned. VW made one of their stupidest moves(after diesel flap) in not making more advertising and sales push for this car. I bought it over the MB E350, Cadillac CTS and Acura TLS(Too ugly in 2010). My other cars have included Acura TLS, Jaguar XJS, Rover 2000TC, etc.

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  Reviews helped me choose - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Chattanooga - October 4 - 11:50 pm

  I have had my CC since 11-17-09 and have waited a bit to comment. Reviews helped me decide to choose this car so I will return the favor. Exterior styling is dazzling and leaves people looking. Interior is comfortable and feels natural once I get in the car. I am 6 220 so getting in and out can be tricky but once I am in, very nice. Handling is far better than I had thought possible for the money and the turbo 4 has plenty of spunk, in sport mode the car will get you on the interstate and into flow without any worries. Fuel economy is about 23 in town and freeway looks like about 32-34. Great standard stereo, lots of extras. This car will make you want to drive it so go test drive one!

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  Saved from a snowstorm - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By klpeel - September 24 - 7:40 pm

  The CC VR6 4Motion is a fantastic car indide and out that combines the favorite features of my past two (2005 Infiniti G35x and 2000 Passat GLX) and goes beyond them. It has the stability/solidity of the Passat and the driving fun of the G35x. ...and the best gizmos of each. I drove a ways from the MD burbs to the best dealer in the region (Lindsay), in VA. I arrived just as a snowstorm started. My drive back in now-blizzard conditions took 3 hours as cars were spinning out of control left and right. The CC was sure-footed the whole way. The VR6 isnt cheap, but its not much more than my old V6 Passat and the same as the G35x, and better than both. Id narrowed my search down to CC vs. A4.

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  Update to Previous Posting - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By ATLDriver - September 14 - 1:33 pm

  Just wanted to revise a previous posting I had made earlier in the year. Car had been experiencing jumpiness out of first gear and reverse, and seemed to hop forward when foot was off the accelerator. Sometimes would experience severe lag out from a dead stop. Problematic when merging in to on-coming traffic. Dealer replaced the Mechatronic unit after a 5 week wait for the part and it seems to have resolved any of my issues. Will sometimes experience the lag from a dead stop but not as severe and could be due to having the a/c on in the car. Overall, the car has been great otherwise. Part replaced has a dealer cost of around $1800. Retail would cost for you or I over $3000+.

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  Best Car Under 30k - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By jingorm - August 19 - 12:06 pm

  I was cross-shopping the Jetta TDI & Audi A3 TDI due to their fuel economy. But at the VW dealership I was drawn to the CC, as most people are. I have owned a BMW 325xi and X3 and prefer "drivers cars." The CC is definitely a joy to drive. The power delivery is smooth, yet it is fuel efficient. The steering is a touch light compared to my BMWs. Highway mileage 32- 36 and 27.1 overall after 2000 mi. The interior cabin is roomy and drowns out the exterior noise. The rear seat also feels spacious (although may be a little low for taller people). Touchscreen radio is fun to play around with. A great commuting/daily driver. Would be perfect as an "only car" if it could fit 5.

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  GREAT CAR! Quick for a 4cyl - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Tom, Virginia - August 18 - 6:30 am

  Bought the car yesterday, fast fun and a REALLY cool exterior design. Only issues are interior storage, the door storage area is a joke. Rear seat middle area would be better served to seat a 5th person, also the rear could have easily had dual exhaust like on the 6cyl instead of one side on the 4cyl. But oh well, love the car through and through! Out the door price was $28k. Same car as the Audi a4 for the most part except its $5k cheaper...

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  Such a fun car - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By MarcoN - August 17 - 1:16 am

  So, I had to come back to Edmunds and write a review. We debated over the CC, and the somewhat comparably priced entry levels from Lexus, Infiniti, and Audi. Hard choice picking the VW over the "luxury" brands, but I have to tell you that it was definitely worth the name plate trade off. Extremely well built, solid car; very fun to drive, with a lot of pep for a 4-cylinder; like others have noted, unlike the entry level luxs, you will get plenty of looks. So many people have stopped my wife and me and asked what type of car it was, or just complimented the style and look. We bought a luxury model fully loaded (backup camera, bluetooth, nav, etc.) in the blue/gray. Would recommend to anyone.

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  Wowza. - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Wheels8716 - August 9 - 5:10 am

  Traded in my 2006 Subaru STI for my CC. Im a certified car nut, and have always loved the exterior design of the CC. I talked the wife into a test drive, and that was it. Where do I sign? The 2010 CC offers the famous VW DSG gearbox. I wanted the 6 speed manual at first, but the DSG really is the best of both worlds. The gear changes are THAT quick. There is not another car within $20,000 of the CC that oozes so much style. The interior not only works from a functionality stand point, but it is simply gorgeous. It glides down the road effortlessly. I was looking for great looks, decent gas mileage, and a comfortable interior. VW hit this one out of the park.