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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  Best bang for your Buck! - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Joel - October 13 - 1:16 am

  The CC is the best vehicle out there for this price point. From the beautiful lines to the top-notch interior this is one excellent vehicle. I looked at everything out there and nothing compares. I got mine for just over 24,000 with the Automatic.

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  Fabulous! - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Awesome!! - September 11 - 2:43 pm

  The VW CC is absolutely the best car I have ever owned. I owned a Toyota and it proved to be a major headache (engine problems, expensive parts, cheap plastic everywhere, no power etc)! I have owned two Mazdas and they both lacked excitement. The CC is a stunningly beautiful car with great performance and gas mileage. Seriously, there are no cars within the price range that can compare to the CC. The interior of the CC is gorgeous and roomy (the trunk is deceivingly large also). Take your check book if you test drive one of these beauties because you will want to own one!

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  VW CC is a big mistake - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By joel - September 9 - 6:33 pm

  I have owned more than 20 cars in my life time. This car has been nothing but trouble... it cost me more than 15,000 in service since I purchased it new VW is cheap wanna be german car

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  First VW - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Lee - September 4 - 10:56 pm

  I have had the car going on two months and every trip is blast. I am still amazed at how much power the four puts out. The car hugs the road, the steering is very responsive and the unique window/trim setup makes for almost zero wind noise. My car did not come with a CC badge (I like that) and people are always asking what is that cool looking car!

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  Awesome - 2011 Volkswagen CC
  By whitea2 - August 23 - 8:55 am

  This is an awesome car to drive. I have previously owned a saab sports, bmw 535, bmw 330 and this cc lux out classes them in all categories to include handling, ride comfort, audio controls, navigation, mpg (26-33). Well designed exterior and interior. Ergonomically friendly. My only issue has been entry and exit since I am a senior citizen and need to bend a little extra. Well worth the extra effort. I thoroughly enjoy some of the subtle features ie mute, media, usb, touchscreen, navigation, sensor wipers, storage, etc. A great car and have been driving it for over 5 months.

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  Update to Review Below - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Joe - August 21 - 6:53 am

  I had posted a partially negative review below, in which I complained about my new CCs steering feel and response. (I loved everything else about the car.) I finally decided something HAD to be wrong. I took the car in for service, and the dealer found it needed a new electronic power steering controller and a new steering rack. The car drives very differently now. The steering is tight and responsive -- no complaints whatsoever. In fairness to VW, I wanted to update my review. I am a very satisfied customer and strongly recommend the CC to anyone and everyone looking for a top quality, fun-to-drive, great looking sedan.

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  2012 VW CC Sport-Own the Road..! - 2012 Volkswagen CC
  By samforay - August 20 - 9:33 pm

  I leased a 2012 VW CC Sport Automatic last month when the dealer offered a deal after the credit check and history..He didnt let me move out of the showroom till 10pm and handover the car to me..Ever since i got the car, the parking lot looks old fashined. It definitely draws attention of the people in my neighbourhood now. I use it for everyday commute to work and gives me a confidence and style quotient. I hardly see any other CC on the highway and its definitely a head turner.. "Neighbours Envy, Owners Pride" hahahah

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  Noting but issues - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Howie - August 19 - 6:33 pm

  We have had this car for 6 years now, consistent problem with the fuel systems it’s been in the dealer 5 time for fuel injector issues only. Recently the fuel pump went out, oil leaks, control arm and much more we have spent $2500 in the last 6 months with all of the issues we been having.

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  So far so good - 2013 Volkswagen CC
  By jonsmayer - August 12 - 4:12 pm

  I have had my CC for 2 months and must say I love it. No issues so far to report. The only complaint I have is that I feel it should come standard with the VW Fender sound system. The stock system in mine is not the greatest - can be very tinny sounding with some distortion. Satellite radio cuts out with any overhead impediment (like being under a roof at the bank teller). Other than that, things have been great. Love the styling inside and out. Engine is peppy and powerful enough for me and Ive gotten pretty good mileage - roughly 32 mpg average according to the trip computer. Interested to see how it will do in winter driving.

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  Why did we wait so long? - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By wayne - August 5 - 11:06 pm

  Visited the dealer in fall of 08 to experience the new Jetta Sportwagen to replace our valued 2000 Jetta TDI and almost tripped over my tongue salivating over this unbadged model. We just could not decide because they each offered specific lifestyle features we valued. Finally chose the VR6-4Motion and have not regretted it one bit. The handling is fantastic! Design is ahead of the crowd. In 7K miles the low is 24mpg and the high is 31. Extremely comfortable for long business trips. Have owned a lot of vehicles over 1.6M miles of driving and still have the 911 and H1 Hummer but this is the one that always gets driven.