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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  2012 VW CC Sport 6AM - 2012 Volkswagen CC
  By rjohn7 - April 16 - 8:29 pm

  I bought this car 2 months ago and have just under 2000 miles on it. I was also considering the Kia Optima and Hyundai Sonata. I do like not seeing many other CCs on the road as I do the Sonata. I have been very pleased with the car so far. I am 62" and have 2" of headroom with the seating position I have set. The seats are very comfortable and I think the rear seating is more than adequate, even for 6ers. Since the CC has a lower ground clearance, it is tougher getting into and out of the car. I have been getting 22.5 -23.0 MPG in suburban driving using a light foot. I am very happy with accel, handling, and braking and do not experience the long brake travel I have read about.

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  Gives MB/BMW a run for less money!! - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By stellar0714 - March 2 - 5:53 pm

  I ended up trading my 03 Passat GLX, which I loved, yesterday due to original transaction problems. Still in awe that this gorgeous car was so affordable. I have always been a automatic/sunroof kind of girl but the manual/no roof is perfect! Do not even miss the sunroof as the roof line is lower than traditional sedans, it feels like you are in a cockpit! Love, love this car!!

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  Love this car - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By neugoof66 - February 13 - 6:46 am

  Bought it last summer with pleanty of driving in my future. It turns heads. Fun to drive, the sport setting on the transmission is perfect. Ive driven this all over the country and loved every mile. It handles like a dream over desert hwy and curvy mountain roads. I upgraded from my second Jetta and couldnt be happier. I love this car as much as I loved my IS300.

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  Best In Class - 2012 Volkswagen CC
  By alextechfan - February 3 - 6:25 am

  I have owned a 2004 Audi A4 and a 2006 Lexus IS250, and this is a mach for the Audi and blows the Lexus away. What can I say? This car is quiet, it rides great, it handles nicely, it looks much more expensive than it is, and the 2.0T engine is a very nice compromise between power and efficiency. The engine feels stronger than 200 hp because the power and torque are available at lower RPM. Furthermore, fit and finish are premium class. The leatherette may actually be an upgrade. My wife has a Tiguan with 16000 miles that shows no wear at all on the drivers seat. Factor in the lease deals and this car is a must drive.

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  100 miles a day - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Third VW - January 29 - 1:13 pm

  As someone who commutes over 100 miles a day to my office I was looking for a car that I could enjoy driving and as VW fan I gave them first chance for my most recent purchase. I planned to shop the Mercedez C class but never got to their dealership. Test drove the CC and was sold. I love the VW tight handling and this car takes it up a notch from my previous Passatt 4Motion. The aggressive exterior lines, the growl of the engine at startup and the 290 Hpower all make driving it fun. Like some other posters of reviews, I had the badging taken off the rear to keep that element of mystery as people wonder what type of car it is when they see it. Blue tooth, touchscreen Nav, both great.

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  One year later, my CC still rocks! - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Mark - January 6 - 5:00 pm

  Just a follow up after a year of ownership. Bought the CC new in July 09, and have loved it ever since. I changed jobs, and now commute 50 miles on back roads every day. One thing that I have noticed is that the blind spots are pretty bad on this car. You really have to pay attention to what the other cars around you are doing. Otherwise, this car is very fast and has excellent handling. The low center of gravity means that you go faster without realizing it. The interior has held up well, despite the best efforts of my 2 year old. Ive averaged 30+ mpg on typical drives. No noticeable oil consumption. Overall, it has been the best VW Ive owned (out of 4 since 98)

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  CC Gets an A - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By CC Rider - December 24 - 2:00 am

  I purchased a used 2009 CC and love it. The short-throw manual shift makes every drive fun, and the 4 cylinder turbo has plenty of power. I had my selection narrowed down to a Honda Accord 2-door coupe or Nissan Altima 2-door coupe, and then drove the CC and bought it on the spot. Handling is excellent. Theres something exceptionally solid about German engineering that you just dont find in most other makes. My only mistake may have been installing splash guards. The car sits low to begin with, and now the front splash guards only have 2.5 inches of clearance. It doesnt take much of a bump for them to scrape the highway. Oh well.

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  Best buy youll ever make - 2010 Volkswagen CC
  By Rohit Agrawal - November 21 - 5:06 pm

  I used to own a Jetta and wanted to test drive as many cars before I made the purchase. I test drove everything from a Camaro 2SS, 370Z to BMW 1- and 3- series. My budget was $40k approx. The top contenders were BMW 335, MB C300 and the CC. I think the BMW is on the sporty end and MB on the luxury end and the CC is smack in the middle. Have had it for three months and love everything about it...still looking for excuses to drive. The short throw clutch is taking a while to get used to but the transmission is super smooth. The styling is top notch and I often find myself checking my own car out in the parking lot. Love how the back end looks at night with the "floating" tail lights.

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  As Good as it Looks - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By Brian - November 14 - 6:20 am

  Car has exceeded expectations, even for a VW buff. Great handling, acceleration along with economy (25-34 mpg). Quality is evident everywhere. Heated seats are wonderbar. Absolutely no flaws to date.

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  still in love after 1 year - 2009 Volkswagen CC
  By ed - November 12 - 2:00 am

  Purchased the vehicle 1 year ago and drove 16000 miles without any problems. I bought it with a 9300 usd discount brandnew! So I spend 33000 usd for a car that I still love.. Great performance, love the awd system in every condition, great looks. Wished they could offer tdi versions in the US with the 4motion. Overall very satisfied!!!!!