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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  Superb Car for the price - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Antonio Carrera - January 27 - 1:46 pm

  Easily beats any MB, Audi or BMW in the same price range, has a great number of standard options included, handling and power are very good. Great leather seats and ergonomics. Was very surprised when I did the test drive.

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  Best Vehicle I Have Ever Owned...Hands Down! - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Jud Dyer - January 13 - 2:23 am

  After 7 years and 100,000 Miles of daily driving...this car has never once been in for any repairs other than regular maintenance and routine replacements. Never have I been more in love with a car in my life.

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  Awesome Good - 2013 Volkswagen CC
  By ussjimmycarter - January 2 - 4:13 am

  Just traded a Passat (2006) with the 3.6 L engine for a 2013 4 motion and the same motor. I love the car! It is quiet, comfortable, wicked fun on curves and it is beautiful! The sound system is unbelieveable. Programmable Key Fob, Air Conditioned and heated seats, when you shut the car off or hit open on the key fob all the windows go down about a 1/4 of an inch to make opening and closing doors easier! And boy is it fast! Switch to Sport Mode and manual shift and this bad boy will scream!

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  Right Choice - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By HappyInCbus - December 30 - 9:56 pm

  I am a recent college grad. who just started his first real job, and needed a new car. My old car was on its last leg, so I started test driving everything (Camry, Avalon, G35, Mazda6, Altima, A4). I was all set to lease an Altima, but the CC was my last car to look at, and it blew me away in person! In my opinion, it is one of the top 3 or so best looking cars, regardless of price. I have already had 5 different strangers come up to me and ask what kind of car it was (nice ego boost by the way). Its a blast to drive, and nice to have a "worry free" warranty that lasts for the life of the lease (3 years, 36K mi.).

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  This Car is a Winner! - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Bette - December 26 - 8:26 am

  I drive an average of 800 miles a week and Im still amazed at its comfort, performance, style, and value. Like driving it more than my BMW 530I...and receive way more compliments. Surprisingly good gas 30-33 highway, 25 avg MPG. Great traction, torque and overall performance. At first glance easy to confuse for the Mercedes CLS.

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  My Stellar CC - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Charlie - December 25 - 8:40 am

  Ive owned the car for 7 months now, added the gold coast accessories package on a white gold CC VR6 4Motion. I get stopped weekly at gas stations, stores, starbucks etc people asking what kind of car. if you are bored of todays boring designs and average ride quality, just go buy one. this car stands entirely above its base 26k price.

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  Love my CC - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By B. from FL. - December 22 - 4:06 am

  My first German car, and Im impressed. Before my purchase I looked at several American made cars and I was disappointed in the materials used, the power of the 4 cylinder motors. I have owned both Toyotas and Nissans. No style in the Toyotas and not happy with service Dept. with Nissan. The CC drives great drove 9 hours to Key West second week I had it, averaged 32 Miles to the gallon using high test 93 Octane. Get lots of compliments on interior and exterior. Please dont make this a 5 seater 4 is perfect, this is a Sports sedan. I read that several people have had trouble with transmission, I think it is there coordination, I enjoy it better than my Nissans sport CVT trans.

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  no regrets! - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Jake D - December 6 - 2:00 am

  After all the negative comments and review about VW I had my doubts about ever owning one. I got a chance to drive my friends Jetta GLI and was very impressed. He never had any issues with the GLI and then I saw the first CC driving down the road and I had to have one. I bought the V6 because it was the only silver one they had on the lot. Now, 14 months and 27,000 miles later, it has been the best car I have ever had. Not a single problem, it has performed flawlessly. The dealer is nice, I bought a new Jetta Wagon for my wife 3 months ago. Even after owning it well over a year the CC looks absolutely gorgeous. I am proud of owning it.

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  HappyTrails - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Dick Scott - November 1 - 12:23 am

  This car has made my parting with my 17 year old SAAB 9000 Turbo 5M a lot easier than expected. The looks, sport ride, electronics, etc., etc., are outstanding. Its so quiet I have to watch my speed!! The 4 banger with the 6M is a great match. The thought that has gone into the interior lay out is impressive. I am quickly bonding with my "baby blue".

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  Mercedes Nightmare - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By rr2011 - October 24 - 8:29 pm

  this has been the best car i have ever owned i will never go back to BMW or Mercedes but rather Volkswagen or Audi they have really stepped up their design and performance of their cars making them fun and inexpensive to drive. my Volkswagen cc vr6 4 motion so far is the best car i have owned.