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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  My only regret was that it was leased not bought - 2013 Volkswagen CC
  By Mollari 2261 - August 31 - 1:12 am

  3 years / 30 miles and there wasnt a thing wrong with it. It was actually heartbreaking to turn it in at the end of the lease. Everything I needed this car to do, it did extremely well. It was roomy, comfy, very stylish, practically luxurious, fun to drive, good on gas, and it never gave me a lick of trouble. Replacing this with a leased Jetta was like going to Arbys after dining at Mortons Steak House. While I lease that miserable car, Im saving up to *buy* another CC.

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  CC burns oil - 2012 Volkswagen CC
  By oldlawyer - August 25 - 12:29 pm

  I have had this car for 13 months and was enjoying its ride comfort, power and fuel economy when I discovered that it was burning oil at about 15,000 miles. I complained and VW tested it then confirmed that it is burning 0.29 quarts every 1000 miles which translates to 2.9 quarts between recommended change intervals. VW says that is okay, but automotive engineers state that it is evidence of an engine defect. The car is a marvel in many ways, but watch out for the oil burning: VW does not disclose this to buyers until after they have bought the car which I think is a bit sleazy.

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  Rarely Seen - 2012 Volkswagen CC
  By jamarvcel - August 11 - 1:46 pm

  I purchased my 2012 cc r line about a week ago. I had already bought the 2012 jetta tdi for my wife and then I fell love with the r line. I love the kit on the r line and 18" alloys, and I love the fact that its a RARELY seen car. Its a affordable and luxurious car, and very sporty. Alot for the american dollar. It rides really smooth and is a eye catcher. It has a desent acceleration for a 2.0t. Overall I am very satisfied and the tdi is nice too. Id recommend this car to anyone and to be honest I am a very picky person but I have only good things to say about this car.

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  Excellent Car - Worth the price - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By sat - August 10 - 9:03 pm

  Nice features. 1. Blue Tooth (Call quality is very good) 2. Nice Leather interior 3. Frame less windows. 4. well designed Bucket seats suitable for long drive with excellent lumbar support. 5. Play music using your SD card( no need to carry ipod anymore)

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  Super Car - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By BillyG - August 10 - 4:46 am

  Traded a 2008 BMW 328 with sport suspension, too rough riding also kind of "bunty" looking. Terrific improvement in comfort with the CC over the Bimmer, way better looking and still excellent handling. Also own an 06 MB E Class, far prefer the CC, have relegated the Benz to my wife. After almost 3 months zero problems, great gas mileage, a very positive experience, would highly recommend.

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  I miss my Jetta - 2012 Volkswagen CC
  By arklo - July 19 - 1:17 pm

  The CC is a beautiful car, undoubtedly. Its likely the fast pedal and sleek exterior kept me from noticing the incredibly rough ride I have been experiencing since taking my car home 2 months ago. I cringe when I pass over a manhole cover in the city, or god forbid a pothole, OUCH! The car gets decent gas mileage, the interior is impressive and the standard wheels are just so attractive, I just wish they would have nailed down a quieter, smoother ride for city driving. The acceleration takes some getting used to, it doesnt just spring out of the gate- you have to learn to apply the right pressure so you dont jerk your passengers while trying to get to 45 MPH quickly (say, for merging)

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  Very Pleased with CC - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By ten_ugly - July 14 - 5:47 pm

  I have had my 2010 CC Sport for over 12 months and have been very pleased with it. It drives very similar to the Audis i have had in the past including an S4. It is not nearly as quick, but provides you with a very tight drive. If you are looking for a cushy ride this is not it. This is tight German sports car that has excellent steering feel. Gas mileage has been averaging 25 - 30 mpg with a 6 speed.

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  Fun to drive, handsome, good MPG, happy owner!! - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By gottlieb - July 4 - 11:51 am

  After 3 years and 30,000 miles, still love my 2010 VW CC white/tan , i prefer driving this than my 2008 Mercedes Benz E Class, I get as high as 35 MPG highway with A/C, interior is awesome, feels more expensive, very comfortable seats better than my Lexus and Benz, cornering is excellent, a little bumpy for my taste but thats to be expected for a car this low, acceleration is amazingly fast for a 4 cylinder car. love the "THUNK" when opening and closing the frameless doors!!! Only VW has that. overall, another VERY HAPPY VW CC owner, thinking of buying 2013 :)

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  James Bond meets NASCAR - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Russ - July 2 - 5:36 am

  Traded in my old dapper 2003 Passat V6 4Motion for this bigger, wilder animal. V6 is extraordinarily responsive and gets better mileage than I feared-- about 30 on the highway, maybe 15 in town, a few mpg better than my old Passat. Although steering gives less feedback, as others have said, it corners precisely and enthusiastically while the wide, low tires grip tenaciously. Slaloming at high speed on twists and around corners at night, watching pivoting headlights track is a sublimely James Bond movie experience. No defects after 3-plus weeks. Ride is a little busy, but comfortable seats absorb little bumps well. Much appreciated front legroom, good GPS.

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  Best looking car on the road today - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Greg - June 29 - 11:13 pm

  I looked at the Mercedes, BMW, Audi, and Acuras. The CC looks better than all of them, and has an incredibly large trunk, with a back-seat that also folds down. The technology package is awesome - even accepts a mini-flash card for music, and plays DVD movies while waiting. Another cool feature is the "auto-hold brake. It automatically holds the car until you press the accelerator - great in rush hour traffic. This is a great car and excellent value. Its design will last at least 10 years or more.