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:

• 

  Time will tell - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Derasie Lee - March 8 - 2:26 pm

  I owned a GXP with 303hp before this car. It had much more raw power, but this car can move for it size good pickup. The ride of the car feels a little more upscale, and the design of the car is what made me take a second look at VW. PS still miss the GXP however

• 

  beautiful but fragile - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By patrick800 - March 2 - 8:30 am

  A real looker. Nice exterior and interior. Nice engine sound, good performance and decent fuel economy. Enormous trunk. Water leakage issues, water infiltration in rear taillights and mirror lights, fixed by dealer. many dash rattles.

• 

  Car feels more expensive than it is - 2012 Volkswagen CC
  By whofan67 - February 24 - 11:36 am

  I love looking at, sitting in and driving this car. VW did this one right. I was looking at a Sonata, Lexus IS250, Infinity G35 and Buick Regal and none gave me as much car for the money as the CC. There simply is no finer car for me in the low 30K range.

• 

  How did they do it at this price???? - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Tony & Charlie - February 23 - 12:03 am

  Just bought the 09 CC. Drove BMW,Mercedes and Audi. Have owned BMW and Audi - But no more! This is an amazing car! The build quality exudes German pride! The interior is phenomenal - the design is unlike anything else we looked at (at any price) and it fits like a glove! The 2.0 turbo is amazingly powerful and smooth... Did not feel it was necessary to go to the VR6... The list of standard features is impressive! The C-Class MBZ doesnt even offer heated seats standard... If you are even considering a MBZ, BMW or Audi - You MUST drive this car! No regrets!!!! Even the buying experience was nice - good job VW!

• 

  No Longer a VW Amabassador - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By bulldogj - February 19 - 10:45 pm

  Loved CC in beginning. Work in sales so lot of people see car & commented on. Couldnt take after purchased bcause recall 4 seat wiring. Washed car 1 week later & window leaked due to seal. Then trunk would not close. All warning signs 4 things to come. After no warranty due to miles: dashboard around ignition & glove box started bubbling & peeling. Then trunk would not open. Wire harness broke no obvious rodent chewing that caused it; cost $250.00. Recall steering column console Aug 11. Sept: steering wheel locked & couldnt drive thought due to recall. Nope, diagnosis rack & pinion issue not related to recall - VW svc est $1600.00 plus $80 tow. Sales colleague was buying; no more!

• 

  What a car! - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Sporty_D - February 2 - 10:00 am

  I was initially considering BMW 3 series or the Audi A4. They were way too expensive after adding all the features I wanted. So I decided to try out the CC. Oh my, was I in for a surprise. With less $ than A4 or the 3 series, I was able to get a fully loaded car with NAV and backup camera as well. This car looks awesome and rides and performs like a sports car especially in sports mode. Oh, did I tell you? I love it when people asks me, "what kind of car is that?". This car look much better than BMW 3 or Audi A4 in my opinion. Some people actually told me that they thought it was the Mercedes CLS. Puts a smile on my face every time I take it out for a spin.

• 

  Bang for the buck - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By jsbonger - January 3 - 1:56 am

  Have been waiting to put some miles(4K) before writing this review. Traded in 2k BMW 323 for a newer car with maintenance program and warranty. Considered Mazdaspeed 3, Subaru Legacy and WRX, Audi A3, as well as GTI and Golf TDI, but the lease, maintenance, and family size closed the deal. The car drives nicely with good performance from the turbo 4, however there is some turbo lag most noticeable on steep hills. Handling is very good but it is not a BMW. The steering feel is a bit light, not like the bimmer. So far no major maintenance issues. I have driven from SD to Paso Robles and averaged 32+ MPG @ 78MPH on stage 1 APR tune. Has all the basics I need for a good highway cruiser.

• 

  First week ownership impressions - 2012 Volkswagen CC
  By vegasjon - December 19 - 7:19 pm

  I traded my 2009 GTI for the 2012 CC Lux Plus PZEV last week. Initial impressions are pretty good. This is the same engine at the GTI- 2.0T. Interior is very nicely apointed with wood trim and leatherette (I assume this is faux leather?) but quality is fairly high. NAV and electronics are easy to use with the steering wheel controls or console. iPod hookup in the glovebox is nice, and the Bluetooth functionality allows for streaming music from a device - nice if you use Pandora or anything else on your handheld device. Suspension is tight, and with the long wheelbase makes for a decent ride. The exterior design is outstanding- I got the Black paint and it looks classy with the chrome trim.

• 

  What a VW!! - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Dr Dan - December 18 - 3:46 am

  This is the best car we have owned. Drives great, looks great. Gave it to my wife as a birthday present. She loves the blue color and the numerous features the car has. We have taken it on two trips and it has done great. People stare at it when we stop at lights and restaurants. VW has done a great job on this one. This is our third VW. Happy Driving!!

• 

  2010 VW CC Automatic Trans - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Radek - December 9 - 11:46 am

  Love the car. It is fun to drive and I get complements everywhere. I paid 27K with everything except financing. Financing was 5.99% for 60 months.