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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  A Week into it, I love my 2013 CC LUX - 2013 Volkswagen CC
  By lasubeguy - April 21 - 2:42 pm

  I just took delivery of my new 2013 CC LUX in black oak brown with the two-tone tan/black interior and I LOVE this car! It is elegant, sporty, plenty quick enough for me and beautifully designed both inside and out. I still am astonished at how much people have complained about the grille redesign of the CC. It is relatively minor, and the car still reeks of German style and engineering (and, by the way, unlike the Passat and Jetta, is still made in Germany). It has the tight, "hard" Teutonic ride of a German car, but is also comfortable. The electronics, controls in the cabin and knobs and buttons all feel high quality and operate smoothly. The overall feeling of the car is quite Audi-like.

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  I just bought the CC - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By KarenF - April 13 - 8:50 am

  I bought the V6 CC. It has loads of power and grips the road on sharp turns. The interior design is beautiful. Its all leather (2-tone) and has wood trim. I love it. The sound system is great. No complaints. And in spite of the power, it sips fuel. I think my old 4 cyclinder G6 used more fuel.

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  Lots of bang for the buck! - 2012 Volkswagen CC
  By benetodog - March 31 - 5:21 am

  I test drove Lexus, Infinity, Acura, and Audi. Ended up driving through a VW dealership and was practically forced into test driving a CC. I fell in love...I kept asking the dealer "really? this is a 4 cylinder?" 2 days later I leased my first VW. So far I am liking it (not loving it) I find the thigh bolsters to be a little to firm, and the steering wheel is a little to far from me. It has plenty of power (I drive with a heavy foot). Handling is a little lofty, but maybe I just need more time getting used to its manners. Silver paint job is a little sloppy, looks like the robot fell asleep in a couple of spots. All in all, this car is a lot of bang for the buck.

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  2010 VW CC Sport 6M - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Peter - March 30 - 6:03 am

  Best car Ive ever owned. Stronger acceleration than my VR6 Jetta GLX and much better looking. V-Tex seats are beautiful.

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  What is it? - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Chuck - March 29 - 10:43 am

  This car is beautiful both inside and out. Ive had many people slow down to see the badge to see what it is or come up to me in a parking lot to admire this car. It looks and handles like a car that costs 20-30K more. The turbo-4 has exceptional power (scary power for a 4). It hugs the road and handles like a charm. No problem with pulling to the right like some reported with the 09. Im afraid I know Im going to get a speeding ticket because it rides so smooth and is so quick that it glides to 80 mph before you know it.

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  Great design for the price - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Edwin - March 1 - 5:43 am

  Traded in 06 Accord Coupe EX 5-Speed. Great value for 6-Speed sport. Little details with regards to interior and exterior styling make it feel like a luxury vehicle. Also considered Accord EX-L, Subaru Legacy, Mazda6, Malibu, Fusion, & Acura TSX. This was the best value based on 4-Door Sedan, 6-Speed Manual Transmission, styling, leather seats, etc.

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  2010 CC Sport owner for 1 yr - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By CCGirlnj - February 27 - 10:00 am

  I completely agree with the review posted by Chris on 9/20/10 (see below). I have now owned this car for one year and Im here with an update. I still love this car for its sleek looks and fuel economy. BUT, I really hate it for its harsh ride and excessive road noise. The frameless doors are cool but annoying, especially when they freeze up in the winter and dont lower as they should to allow you to get in. They also cause too much wind noise on windy days. The car also makes some rattling sounds on rough roads. It feels underpowered at low speeds. Next time I would consider a Ford or Buick simply for better noise insulation and smoother ride. The keys on CCs keyfob are also hard to push.

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  Wow! Love this car! - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Valerie - February 27 - 2:00 am

  In May of 2009 I leased a shadow blue metallic CC. This is my second VW. The first one I leased was a 2006 Jetta which I also loved. In October 2009 my CC was hit hard in the right rear panel and was totaled. I was impressed of how solid the car felt and how it took the impact of the accident as a SUV was the one who hit me. I loved it so much that I went back to the same dealership and said "I want the exact car in 2010 with the same options". The 2010 colors with two tone interior were exactly the same as 2009.I was so happy to get the 2010 CC back. People follow me into parking lots to ask what kind of car is this? They also love the blue color that has a purple hue in the sun.

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  Best looking car and value on the market - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Greg - February 22 - 6:36 pm

  The CC has the looks of the C-class, but for half the money. Even the back seat is larger than the C. I bought the black on black Luxury with Technology package and BlueTooth. We wanted the better MPG than the 6. So far, very happy. Havent figured out the hard drive yet, but, you can watch a DVD on the NAV screen. Pretty cool.

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  Going on 4 years - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By brcc - February 14 - 12:00 pm

  Bought my 09 Lux new Mar 09. Have 44K on it with absolutely no issues. Avg 25 mpg with 35 on trips. Use 89 octane and not premium with no problems. Enjoyable driving with multiple seat settings to suit longer hauls. Nice cockpit with the extended moonroof panarama. Constantly surprised by quality of the car, finding little, but substantial advantages every time I go through it, e.g. full spare, tie downs and just the material used. Recently replaced OEM Continentals which got noisy with age with quiet and nicer riding Michelins.