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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  Nice Alternative - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Mike - August 13 - 4:06 am

  So far I would say this is an excellent automobile! I own a 2008 C350 and this is hands down just as nice. Good performance, fit and finish, and great fuel economy. So far averaging 27-29MPG mixed highway and city driving. Rides better than my MB. Very quiet ride and provides great view of the road, handles nicely. Love the turning headlights! Interior is very comfortable and functional, two tone interior gets great compliments. VW has done a great job with this entry level luxury car. I would definitely suggest taking a hard look at the CC if you are in the market for a great luxury car for thousands less then counterparts.

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  Best one yet! - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Scott C. - August 8 - 2:00 am

  This is my third vw. And bye far the best one yet! Ive been leasing vdubs for the past 7 years and have been very happy.I picked this one up in July and Im thinking about buying it at the end of my lease. Its fun to drive,and has plenty of power and I really like the way it looks,and another cool thing about this one, all I have to do is put gas in it for the next three years cause vw has a great promo, free service! I will never get tired of the looks I get. People stop you all the time to ask what kind of car your driving. If your thinking about a new car I think you should put this one on your list of cars to test drive.

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  Love it! - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By LeoP - July 26 - 3:36 am

  My first German car. I hesitated to get a VW but decided to give it a shot and took it for a test drive. The test drive lasted about 5 minutes. I did not need more. Absolutely love the car, the way it looks and handles. My only problem so far is dashboard reflection in drivers side window. It blocks the view in the mirror and is very annoying and potentially a safety issue. I search the web and no one seems to have this problem, so I guess my window is defective.

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  Still going strong - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By attaymik - July 23 - 11:03 am

  Ive had my CC almost a year and overall, Im extremely satisfied with my car. I had an issue with the AC compressor and it took about 3 weeks for the dealer to get the part in (from Germany no less), test and repair. I was annoyed by that, but more at the way it was handled by the Dealer. During that spell, I limited the amount of time I drove the car because it was hot and no air! The iPod adpater works great w/my iPhone but has to be constantly plugged/unplugged with my Nano, might be the Nano. Other than that, Ive had no other issues. Its fun to drive, gets great gas mileage and I still receive compliment after compliment. I still love my car.

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  Great sports sedan - 2013 Volkswagen CC
  By pjkroseville - July 19 - 6:56 am

  Ive been a Honda guy since I was 17. I wanted a sedan mated to a 6 speed manual because I enjoy driving and the manual makes the experience much more fun! It is next to impossible to find an Accord with a manual transmission, so...I landed at VW. This is my first dive into a German car and I couldnt be happier with my 6-speed CC Sport. It is smooth, quiet,comfortable, sporty, great looking (many say it looks like a Benz CLS) and fun to drive. Ive had it for over 5 months and I still look forward to driving it everyday. Im in sales and spend a lot of time in my car and its wonderful to drive. I drive over mountain passes, simply put it in 6th gear and it just goes. Well engineered

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  My CC - 2014 Volkswagen CC
  By richardca - July 12 - 1:33 pm

  I enjoy this car and the features, moved up from a 2012 Passat, the extra 30 hp. certainly helps and the MPG is nearly the same. The 2 tone interior looks great and is very comfortable. Feels like a luxury car and drives like one. Nav. system is a plus.

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  Best vehicle ive ever owned! Ever! - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Wesley J Leach - June 26 - 2:10 pm

  I had a VW Jetta prior to the CC and loved that car as well. This car is beautiful! It has everything I wanted and more. It is difficult to find an affordable car that has luxury and performance of this magnitude. A driver that has always owned a Lexus or a Cadillac would be pleased with the Volkswagen CC. The fuel economy on the sticker says 22 mpg city, 31 mpg highway. I am averaging 31 mpg or better, round trip, everywhere I go! The Multi Function Display (MFD) on the dash tells me so. And this is the base trim model (sport).

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  CC VR 4motion - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By plate58 - June 24 - 4:30 pm

  Hands down the best bang for the buck on the market. Handling excellent, fit and finish excellent. The interior is one of the best on the market today. Standard Sport Seats for rear seat passengers incredible. For only being out 1 year it has already achieved Cult status.

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  Buy one and you see what I mean. - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By G. Wilson - May 14 - 8:20 am

  I have seen and read numerous reviews on the CC. I perchance a 2009 CC Lux., and I have 15K on it so far with no problems. The turbo 4 is all the power needed to motivate this sedan, and the 31 mpg on the freeway is spot on. I would recommend this car to anyone who wish not to see him or herself coming and going ever time you take a drive. This has been one of my best perchance as for as a near Lux. car.

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  Disappointed... - 2013 Volkswagen CC
  By spunkywife - May 4 - 5:05 am

  I recently purchased the 2013 after owning the 12 despite my reservations due to esthetics, namely the grill because I think the grill screams Made in the USA (Offense unintentional). The car seems louder and deliberate during acceleration and idling. I really enjoy looking at the 1" diameter difference in performance tires, but dislike the ride now. On the up side, my visibility at night has much improved with the LEDs. This seems to be the only time at which I am content with this decision.