3
0
Premium midsize car; Built in Germany
  • 4-door sedan
  • transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $6,700 – $31,400*


2009 Volkswagen CC Front


2009 Volkswagen CC Rear


2009 Volkswagen CC Interior


2009 Volkswagen CC Profile

Pros:
  • Acceleration
  • Interior materials
  • Small-item storage
  • Passenger room/comfort
  • Roadholding
Cons:
  • Cargo room
  • Rear visibility
  • Road noise

Volkswagen’s CC appeals for its strong and refined turbocharged four-cylinder engine, impressive ride and handling, top-notch interior design, and standout styling. Good four-cylinder fuel economy is an added bonus. If you’re willing to sacrifice five-passenger capacity and pay a price premium over traditional Passat models for the sake of style, check out the Best Buy CC. Otherwise, its Passat sibling may better suit your needs. If you prefer a VR6 model and live in the snowbelt, the 4Motion edition would be a sensible choice. Four-cylinder CCs have been holding their value a bit better than V6 models, and may therefore be comparatively higher-priced as used cars.

Overview

For 2009, Volkswagen introduced a new premium midsize sedan that shared its basic design with the German automaker’s Passat. Unlike that traditional-styled sibling, the four-door CC had a sleeker, coupe-like roofline and seated four occupants instead of the usual five. CC sedans came in four trim levels: Sport, Luxury, VR6 Sport, and VR6 4Motion. Two engines were available. Standard on Sport and Luxury models was a 200-horsepower 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder. In Sport versions, that engine teamed with a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. Luxury CCs were automatic-only. Powering VR6 Sport and VR6 4Motion versions was a 280-horsepower 3.6-liter V6, paired solely with a six-speed automatic. Volkswagen’s automatic transmission could be manually operated using the floor shifter in four-cylinder models, or via steering-wheel paddles in V6 versions.

Four-cylinder models and the VR6 Sport came only with front-wheel drive; the VR6 4Motion sedan had all-wheel drive. Standard safety features included antilock brakes, traction control, an antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Rear side airbags were optional. Leather upholstery, a power pop-up-only sunroof, and front and rear obstacle detection were standard on all models except the four-cylinder Sport. An optional Technology Package, available for all except that four-cylinder Sport, included a navigation system with a rearview camera. Rivals included the Nissan Maxima, Pontiac G8, and Volvo S60, along with the Cadillac CTS.

Yearly Updates

2010 CC
Little changed for the 2010 model year, other than the substitution of a six-speed automated-manual transmission-VW’s Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG)-for the previous conventional automatic. DSG was an option for the four-cylinder Sport model, but standard on the four-cylinder Luxury sedan. Bluetooth hands-free phone capability now was standard in all models. Leather upholstery, dual-zone automatic climate control, and a sunroof were standard on all models except the four-cylinder Sport.
2011 CC
The 2011 Volkswagen CC got a revised feature and model lineup. CC was available in Sport, Lux, and AWD Executive 4Motion trim levels. The latter two replaced the Luxury, VR6 Sport, and VR6 4Motion trims.
2012 CC
The model lineup for the 2012 Volkswagen CC added three trim levels: sporty R-Line, and luxury-oriented Lux Plus and Lux Limited. There were few other changes aside from a freshened interior.
2013 CC
The 2013 Volkswagen CC received updated exterior styling with new front and rear fascias. Interior tweaks included a reworked rear seat which now allowed for three rear passengers rather than the previous two. New features included standard bi-xenon headlamps and a driver-seat massage function for the top-line VR6 4Motion Executive model. Finally, there were new Sport Plus and VR6 Lux trim levels.
2014 CC
The 2014 Volkswagen CC gained a new 2.0T Executive trim level. Sport and R-Line models now came with a rearview camera, and the top-line VR6 Executive model now included keyless access, push-button start, new 18-inch alloy wheels, and a motion-activated trunk opener. Volkswagen’s Car-Net communications system/smart phone app was newly available too.

Engines

transverse front-engine/front- or all-wheel drive

Two engines have been available for Volkswagen’s CC. The turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder develops 200 horsepower, working with either a six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. For 2010, an automated-manual six-speed gearbox replaced the prior conventional automatic. VW’s 3.6-liter VR6 (V6) engine makes 280 horsepower, driving a six-speed automatic transmission. Most CCs have front-wheel drive, but the VR6 4Motion model has all-wheel drive.

Turbocharged dohc I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.0/121
Engine HP 200
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 207
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed manual

 21/31

 26.7
Turbocharged dohc I4
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.0/121
Engine HP 200
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 207
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 19/29

 24.5
dohc V6
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.6/219
Engine HP 280
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 266
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 18/27

Road Test

Acceleration excels with either engine. Following a brief delay, the turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine moves the CC with impressive pep from a stop and delivers decent mid-range and highway-passing power. The manual transmission has a crisp, sporty feel. Delay in power delivery is more pronounced with the automated-manual transmission, which also lacks smoothness compared to most premium-midsize rivals. Shifts are prompt, but sometimes lurchy. With the effortlessly responsive V6 engine, performance is abundant when it’s most needed: to pass or merge.

Fuel economy is thrifty for the class. With manual shift, a 2.0T sedan averaged 26.7 mpg. Another 2.0T model with the automated-manual transmission averaged 24.5 mpg. Volkswagen recommends premium-grade gasoline for all CCs.

A CC is very solid and stable at highway speeds. Though the ride errs on the firm side, only sharp pavement imperfections come through as overly harsh.

Steering feels a bit light and almost constantly requires adjustments at higher speeds. Otherwise, a CC feels generally well composed, with good grip and minimal body lean in turns. Brakes deliver smooth, strong stopping action. One particular VR6 4Motion sedan demonstrated exceptional ability to steer clear of trouble on a snowy, icy stretch of highway when other cars were going off the road and spinning across the slick pavement. That CC also needed little correction on straightaways.

Wind rush is well isolated, but road roar and tire thrum are evident at higher speeds.

The four-cylinder engine growls appropriately under brisk acceleration, but is nearly silent at all other times. Volkswagen’s VR6 engine is quite refined, though the 4Motion all-wheel-drive powertrain is more noticeably heard than some other AWD systems.

The Sport model’s climate dials are large, clear, and simple to operate. Luxury models have dual-zone climate controls that are well-lit and also intuitive to use. The available navigation system works well, but could have been set higher for easier reading. Volkswagen’s navigation system absorbs some audio functions, but does not overly complicate them. Padded surfaces abound inside each CC. Top-quality materials create an attractive, comfortable, well-made cabin. The Sport’s leatherette seats and faux-metal plastic trim are credible imitations and still feel class-appropriate. The Luxury model’s leather surfaces, brushed metal trim, and chrome accents convey a classy, up-market look and feel.

Front occupants get generous headroom and legroom. The supportive, bolstered seats are road-trip pleasant. Comfort is further enhanced by a standard manual tilt-and-telescopic steering wheel, and the Luxury model’s power driver and passenger seats. Visibility to the rear is impeded by a steeply raked rear window and high rear deck.

The CC’s back seat provides decent legroom for the average-sized rider and has space for two in nicely-supportive seats. Taller passengers may need more headroom-a concession to CC’s rakish roofline. For 2013, the rear seat now sat three rather than two previously. Trouble was, accommodations for that extra person are marginal. The center section of the seat is harder and less comfortable than the other seats, a hump in the floor cuts into legroom, and the overhead console further compromises the already limited headroom.

The trunk’s load height is low enough for easy loading, but the opening is small and its hinges intrude into cargo space. For more cargo room, the 60/40 rear seat folds almost flat with ease. The cabin is filled with small-item storage cubbies that include a deep front center console, a smaller rear center console, and a large latched bin to the left of the steering wheel.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2010 Volkswagen CC Sport w/auto

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 6
60%
Fuel Economy - 6
60%
Ride Quality - 7
70%
Steering/Handling - 7
70%
Quietness - 7
70%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Front - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Rear - 6
60%
Cargo Room - 3
30%

Other

Value - 9
90%

Total: 65

Specifications

4-door sedan
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
106.7 188.9 73.0 55.8
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
13.0 18.5 4
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
37.4 36.6 41.6 37.3
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2009 CC 4-door sedan

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 4
80%
Front Passenger Injury - 4
80%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Rear Passenger Injury - 4
80%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Brakes
Description: Brake pedal vibration or steering wheel shake is likely due to lateral runout of the brake discs (rotors) which must be machined or replaced. (2009-10)
Heater core
Description: Heater output may be inadequate if cooling system sealer additives have been used. (2009-10)
Keyless entry
Description: The remote keyless entry fob may quit working and if a new battery does not restore functionality, the unit must be replaced. (2009)
Software problems
Description: The compass in the center of the instrument panel may quit working, requiring reprogramming with updated software. (2009-10)

Recall History

2009
Description: Some vehicles may have an incorrectly routed right front passenger seatbelt buckle wiring harness, creating potential for wires to become damaged when seat is moved fully up or down, or back and forth; if damage occurs, airbag control module may deactivate front passenger airbag.
2009
Description: Some vehicles may have an electromechanical steering gear control unit that can malfunction due to a damaged capacitor. If malfunction occurs, the steering wheel may vibrate, a warning light may appear, and the car might not adequately respond to the driver’s steering inputs. Dealers will replace the steering gear in the affected vehicles.
2010-14 CC
Description: Debris may contaminate the air bag’s clock spring, a flat cable that maintains power to the air bag when the steering wheel is being turned. The contamination may cause the cable to tear, which prevents the air bag from deploying in a crash.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on April 21, 2016.
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