#14

in Upscale Midsize Cars

Based on analysis of 10 CC reviews and test drives.

MSRP: $27,550 - $40,115
Invoice: $25,669 - $37,565
MPG: 21 City / 31 Hwy
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U.S.News Scores

Overall:7.7
Performance:8.6
Exterior:8.7
Interior:8.3
Safety:8.3
Reliability:6.0
Pros and Cons
  • Sleek, attractive profile
  • Handsome two-tone interior with high-quality materials
  • Higher trims are priced like luxury sport sedans
  • Not as sporty as it looks

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Volkswagen CC - What the Auto Press Says

The 2010 Volkswagen CC ranks 14 out of 17 Upscale Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 10 published reviews and test drives of the Volkswagen CC, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

Volkswagen calls the CC a "four-door coupe," designed for those who need some of the practicality of a family sedan, but want something more exciting.  Reviewers agree that it is a sharp-looking car inside and out, but say its performance doesn't equal its appearance, and higher trims are very expensive.

Introduced just last year, the CC shares much of its architecture with the successful Volkswagen Passat - in fact, VW sells this car as the Passat CC in some countries.  It is available with a choice of engines -- a well-liked turbocharged four-cylinder model and a more powerful V6 that few reviewers think is worth its price.  Available all-wheel drive sets it apart from many competitors. 

Inside, the CC's attractive two-tone color scheme and upscale materials make it a near-luxury car, but reviewers struggle with the CC's price. In its lowest trims, the CC competes with affordable midsize cars like the Honda Accord and Chevy Malibu.  In its highest trims, however, the CC is more expensive than some editions of the BMW 3-Series or Infiniti G37 - cars that run circles around VW's effort on the track and carry luxury car cachet. 

The CC is available in four trim levels.  The basic Sport edition carries a turbocharged four-cylinder engine, a front-wheel-drive layout and an entry price around $27,000.  A Luxury model is available with the same drivetrain, but more upscale features.  A VR6 Sport edition adds a more powerful V6 engine.  Finally, a VR6 4Motion adds all-wheel-drive to the V6, and carries a price tag of nearly $40,000. 

  • "We must conclude that despite its similarity to the far pricier CLS, the $42,630 CC is too expensive to be considered a value-even against a Benz." -- Car and Driver
  • "If you're willing to sacrifice five-passenger capacity and pay a small price premium over traditional Passat models for the sake of style, check out CC. Otherwise, its Passat sibling may better suit your need." -- Consumer Guide
  • "The 2009 Volkswagen CC is a stylish alternative to mainstream midsize sedans. Steer clear of the VR6 model, though, as it is pricey and not much quicker than the base CC." -- Edmunds
  • "Volkswagen blurs the semantic distinction between coupe and sedan, but at $42,650 (almost) fully equipped, we call it overpriced...For the kind of money you could spend on a V6-powered CC, you could haggle your way into a pretty decent BMW, for instance, or drive off in a platinum-plated, mink-upholstered Cadillac CTS with enough left over to buy a Vespa." -- Los Angeles Times
  • "A VW that looks this good and matches the driving dynamics of a directly competing Audi earns our respect, especially when it delivers Mercedes CLS looks on a middle-management budget. Well done, Volkswagen." -- Motor Trend
  • "Not only one expensive Volkswagen, but an expensive sedan among its peers. The 6-cylinder model is priced well above a comparably equipped Mazda 6 or Nissan Maxima, and within sight of rear- or all-wheel-drive competitors from the market's most highfalutin brands." -- New York Times

CC Performance - 8.6 (Very Good)

When compared to front-wheel-drive affordable midsize cars, the Volkswagen CC is a decent performer.  Its price, however, can pit it against rear-wheel drive sport sedans - a class where the CC can't hold its own.  Automobile Magazine says, "The CC's competent performance and jaw-dropping looks should attract plenty of buyers. But I would prefer to see VW bake in a bit more of that German engineering they've been advertising as of late." Reviewers say the turbocharged four-cylinder engine is the best choice.  Read More

CC Exterior - 8.7 (Very Good)

Volkswagen didn't build the CC to be a practical midsize sedan - the Passat already has that role filled. The CC is meant to be beautiful.  It's aimed at buyers who are willing to sacrifice some practicality in order to have a midsize sedan they like to look at.  It works, in the eyes of most reviewers. Edmunds says the CC "could actually be described as sexy. You can't say that about most midsize sedans." A few, however, say the appeal of the "four-door coupe" fades over time. Read More

CC Interior - 8.3 (Very Good)

The passenger cabin of the 2010 VW CC has a style many similarly priced cars lack.  A sharp two-tone color scheme feels more expensive than it is, and reviewers like the thoughtful ergonomic layout of the controls.  Motor Trend  writes, "Our CC's interior trim drew unanimous raves for its rich materials and four Italianate leather buckets with roll-stitched inserts." Read More

CC Safety - 8.3 (Very Good)

The 2010 Volkswagen CC does well in federal government crash tests, earning four out of five stars in most tests.  Stability and traction control are standard equipment on the CC. Read More

CC Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)

The 2010 Volkswagen CC reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The CC, like all Volkswagens, is covered by a three-year/36,000-mile warranty. Scheduled maintenance is complimentary for the warranty period. Read More

Review Last Updated: 7/15/09