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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  2009 VW CC-Sport - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By JDB - August 1 - 11:30 am

  I love this car. Walked away from my Acura TL and never looked back. Beautiful styling, super fun to drive and a great buy. I get compliments daily. My wife wanted me to look at Volvo S60, BMW 3-series or a Lexus. No way, this car was it. She was won over when I brought it home. Purchased the 6-speed manual 2.0L Turbo and its plenty for the car and oh so fun to drive (did I mention that!). I agree with most reviews that if your going to pay the extra $10K for the 6cyl, then you may as well go with Infinity or BMW. Can not say enough good things about the CC and the great job VW has done with it! Even gas mileage is good at an avg. 30 mi/gal. I would highly recommend.

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  Great Car! - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Luis @ Houston - July 28 - 7:13 pm

  This is a great car. $70k style with $30k price. 2lt turbo is adequate. 4- seat concept is nice. It developed a water leak inside but VW of America called me to bring to the shop to have it fixed. They know now the door seals accumulate water and are fixing. Great styling outside and inside. Good motor. turbo boost. Great seats. Im 59" married no kids and car is perfect for us.

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  Switched from Accord - No Regrets!!! - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Jim408 - July 28 - 10:00 am

  I had driven Honda products for 15 years. When my 03 Accord was due for replacement, I found myself not liking the New Accord. Frustrated, looked at Audi, BMW and finally ended up driving away in a CC. The things that sold me on the CC over the others were the following items. 1. Bluetooth Intregration was perfect. Being able to see my phone book in the dash and the setup overall is the best system Ive ever used. 2. Radio. Teriffic touch screen setup. 3. Seats. Best Ive ever had. 4. Interior. Again, it made the accord look cheap. 5. Engine/Drivetrain. Fast and Effecient. 6. Build. Solid. Ive had no problems in 16k miles. My Honda had several. In short, this a GREAT car!

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  Best vw - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By paul - July 28 - 10:00 am

  I have owned lots of vw from rabbit to jetta and passats but this car is above and beyond my expectations. smooth drive and very quiet cabin, no road noise at all . we took a road trip did about 80 mphs and got 31 mpg. used only chevron 91 octane. fit and finish is excellent and most people think its a benz. which i have to correct them.

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  VW Headache - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By bocaboy - July 28 - 10:00 am

  This is nothing more than a Jetta with a new suit of clothes. Nothing but trouble from day one. Totally unreliable and falling apart. Cant wait for lease end to dump this bad boy.

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  Sound car but...... - 2011 Volkswagen CC
  By arled - July 24 - 11:42 pm

  Gave it high marks. Positives: Solid gas mileage. Light. Sporty and fun to drive. Nice interior. Excellent value. Cons: 4 seater w/limited head room. Engine lags when stepping on gas Needs more power. Gas and brake pedal are to close to each other. Very limited 3 year maintenance plan. Lots of plastic in engine compartment.

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  Great Car for the price - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Mark - July 9 - 6:20 am

  What a great car for the price. It’s great on gas millage, considering its size. I also give VW a lot of credit for the design. The ride is quiet, and comfortable. It feels like a firm car and yet it’s very responsive to the road. 2.0 Turbo delivers great gas mileage and ample power when needed. Interior is nicely designed with controls adequately placed at drivers reach. It’s roomy for the driver and passenger with a lot of extra trunk space. The passenger seats might be a tight fit for someone 6 feet tall. Overall great job to the designers of this fun, yet sleek looking VW CC.

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  A sweet shifting ride - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By jeffster - July 1 - 12:37 pm

  Bought this CC Sport with manual 36 months ago with 30K miles. Now up to 58K and still very pleased. Was looking for something fun and kind of distinctive to replace a 10 year old Maxima and wanted to keep a manual transmission. Was concerned about VW reputation for problems, but so far, its been okay. Had to replace water pump this last year for $900, and there were two other minor issues (under $250 to fix), so keeping fingers crossed. The transmission and engine are terrific and, so far, seem bulletproof. Plenty of power and love the turbo. A little lag, but that just makes it more fun when it spools up. Manual transmission is wonderful, smooth shifting, excellent ratios. Teaching my wife to drive stick and she likes it. I encourage everyone out there to seek out manual transmissions. They are disappearing and they shouldnt. It makes driving more fun and your maintenance costs will be lower -- there is a lot less to go wrong with a manual. And any complaints you hear about auto transmissions -- taking too long, software must need an upgrade, blah, blah, blah -- disappear with the manual. You decide when to shift, not the car, problems all solved. Okay, moving on, I am very pleased with this car. It looks great, nice lines, best view is from side. I have silver. When clean, it kind of looks like a spaceship. Tough to get out of, but that is the trade-off. Very comfortable once you are inside, cool red lights at night. All electronics still work. Bluetooth good. My only complaints are you cant get sunroof with the manual and I really, really miss that. Also, would really like a back up camera, because the sightlines on this very sleek car are really bad. For those reasons, and as I approach 60K miles, I started looking for a replacement, but after testing 13 G37, 15 Mazda 6 and 12 A4, I am actually more satisfied than ever with my CC. Think I will keep it longer and see what happens.

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  Plastic Molding is Cheap - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By A H - June 16 - 8:00 am

  The plastic molding under the windshield is cracking and the dealership will no honor warranty. Also the molding under the rear window is cracking. Its probably due to our hot summers (100+). Still the car has only 8k miles and the warranty is crap, what happened to bumper-to- bumper. Why does car shake when moving after complete stop, I do use 91 gas.

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  CC lot of car for the money - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By marty - June 2 - 12:33 pm

  Great value,Fun to drive. Very comfortable, feels like a sports car Great pick up for a 4 cylinder.