why ads?

Popular at KBB.com

The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2011 Volkswagen CC

Please enter a valid mileage

Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Volkswagen CC

Overview

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2011 Volkswagen CC Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 6.8

Based on the popular Passat platform, the 2011 Volkswagen CC "four-door" coupe casts off the stoic styling of its older brother, adding a sporty yet elegant feel to a functional four-door sedan. Unlike the Passat, the CC can still be had with a choice of four or six-cylinder engines, a manual or automatic transmission and front or 4MOTION all-wheel-drive. Of course, traditional sedan buyers probably won't be happy with the un-sedan like rear seat accommodations, lack of a folding rear seat and four-passenger seating, but, as Billy Crystal once mused, "sometimes, darling, it's better to look good than to feel good." Bearing more than just a passing resemblance to the ultra-luxurious, ultra-expensive Mercedes-Benz CLS, the 2011 Volkswagen CC plays more in the same league as the Nissan Maxima, Acura TL and Buick Regal.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you sometimes need the versatility of four-doors, but don't mind sacrificing some interior accommodations in exchange for a stylish exterior that is super-car chic, the CC may be the right choice for you.

You May Not Like This Car If...

If you sometimes need to carry more than four passengers, have tall kids or require the added space afforded by a folding rear seat (the CC has only a small pass-through), the Volkswagen Passat may be a better choice.

What's New for 2011

The 2011 Volkswagen CC sees changes to its standard and optional equipment list, creating a more streamlined ordering experience. The Sport trim loses its fog lights, while the leather seating option is removed from all 2.0Ts. The Dynaudio system is now only available on the VR6, which also gains heated and ventilated front seats. Rear side thorax airbags and the two-tone beige leather interior are no longer offered.

Driving the CC

Driving Impressions The 2011 VW CC is a wonderful driver's car. The steering is precise without too much assist, the suspension strikes just the right balance between comfort and performance handling and...

the interior sound levels at speed are remarkably minimal. The standard six-speed manual seems in character with this sporty sedan, but it's the Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) automatic available only with the 2.0-liter turbo that really makes this car a delight to drive. For the money, the 200-horsepower turbocharged engine has plenty of power to move the CC, and its fuel economy figures rival some compact cars. Moving into the VR6 brings more low-end torque for faster starts and passing, but the six-speed Tiptronic automatic's slower response time just doesn't inspire the kind of fun-to-drive playfulness found with the DSG automatic.

Favorite Features

Six-Speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG)
Employing two clutches, one holding gears 1, 3 and 5, the other assigned to 2, 4 and 6, the DSG automatic can make instantaneous gear changes allowing it to outperform even the best manual (and its operator).

12-way Adjustable Seats
Seat comfort is paramount to long drives and the CC's 12-way power adjustable heated and ventilated driver's seat with four-way power lumbar support is among the best in the business.

2011 Volkswagen CC Details

Interior

The 2011 Volkswagen CC's interior is, in a word, gorgeous. Although the dash and console are typical VW fare, it's the distinctive seat sew pattern and elegant door panels that draw one in. Ribbed stitching on the seats, a choice of solid or perforated leather (leatherette is standard on all 2.0T trims) and a rear seat split in two by a roll-top center console and folding ski pass-through comprise the most striking design elements. Front seat passenger will feel completely comfortable, but rear passengers measuring six-foot or better will find headroom is anything but plentiful. The C-pillars also have such a prominent inward slant that our rear passengers reported them uncomfortably close to their head.

Exterior

Volkswagen calls the CC a "coupe" – despite its four doors and four-passenger capacity – because of its coupe-like profile and sharply tapered rear C-pillar. Although based on the Passat platform, the CC sits lower to the ground and is both longer and wider than the Passat; it is a handsome design that can definitely turns heads. Unique to the CC are its frameless doors (the window glass has no frame surrounding it), a feature that, with age, can sometimes lead to wind and moisture intrusion. Upper-end models are fitted with Bi-Xenon HID headlamps, while all models include standard alloy wheels.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The base 2011 VW CC Sport features a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and six-speed manual transmission. Standard equipment include 12-way power adjustable driver's seat with four-way power lumbar support, heated front seats, AM/FM stereo with MP3-compatible six-disc CD changer and auxiliary input, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, iPod integration cable, Bluetooth, automatic headlamps, heated side mirrors, tilt/telescopic steering wheel with audio controls and 17-inch alloy wheels. The Lux trim adds fog lights and navigation, Lux Plus gains a rearview camera and panoramic sunroof, while the Lux Limited adds Adaptive Bi-Xenon headlamps and 18-inch wheels. The VR6 adds a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission, 4MOTION all-wheel drive, leather seating surfaces, heated and ventilated front seats, power rear sunshade, dual-zone climate control, Park Distance Control and the 600-watt Dynaudio sound system. Standard safety equipment on all models includes front side and full-length side-curtain airbags, electronic traction and stability control and four-wheel anti-lock disc brakes (ABS).

Optional Equipment

Options for the Volkswagen CC are pared down to just a few packages and dealer-installed options. The Sport can be equipped with a six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG) automatic transmission (standard on Lux trims), and fog lights (part of the R-Line Package.) Stand alone options include larger wheels, chrome exhaust tips and a ground effects kit.

Under the Hood

2011 VW CC owners have a tough choice on their hands. The Sport and Luxury trims are outfitted with Volkswagen's award-winning 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine, while the VR6 4MOTION has the equally legendary 3.6-liter VR6 six-cylinder powerplant. With 200 horsepower, the 2.0-liter turbo provides plenty of go power with no sign of turbo lag or annoying vibration. The VR6, on the other hand, offers 80 more horsepower and a big boost in torque, making it well suited for the extra weight added to the 4MOTION setup.

2.0-liter in-line 4, Turbocharged
200 horsepower @ 5100-6000 rpm
207 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1700-5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/31 (manual), 22/31 (automatic)

3.6-liter V6
280 horsepower @ 6200 rpm
265 lb.-ft. of torque @ 2750 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 17/25

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Volkswagen CC vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

Buying this car?

2011 Volkswagen CC Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

9.2

Out of 10

Based on 121 Ratings for the 2009 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

9.3/10

Quality

9.4/10
Reliability

9.4/10

Performance

9.3/10
Comfort

9.3/10

Styling

9.6/10

Best Sporty Car...Best Comfort!

By Brat (FL) on Sunday, May 12, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 25,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Pure Class, Sporty, Reliability, Comfort, Mileage"

Cons: "None"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Was going to buy a Mercedes C Class...then compared the CC. CC beat the Mercedes hands down. Great German Engineering....Classy Sports Car....Great Mileage....Superior Comfort....! I have back problems and this car has both driver and passenger power lumbar seats that position right where you need it...up down & in and out. Always getting compliments wherever I go. Absolutely Think This Car is GREAT!"

3 people out of 5 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Great vehicle, great looks, good ride, comfortable

By BK (FL) on Wednesday, March 13, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 4,300

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Looks, ride and more standard features than others"

Cons: "Transmission, touchscreen more difficult than 2010"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Had a 2010 and loved it. 2010 got better highway milage (36 -37), 2013 gets 29 -30 mpg. We bought a Black 2013 CC Sport Plus which looks and handles better than the 2010. The 18 inch wheels and tires make a big difference, quieter and smoother. Both had 2.0 200 HP Turbo. Plenty of power in the city and highway. Love the new Bi-Xenon self leveling headlights and LED tail lights. Headlights turn up to 15 degrees with the steering. Wife drives it 22 miles each way to work daily and she loves it. She said it is the nicest car she has ever owned. The CC ride is a little stiffer than my 2000 BMW 5 Series but the handling is almost as good. It takes turns like a sportscar. Not real happy with the 6 speed DSG auto transmission w/ Tiptronic. Sometimes it seems not to know what to do. The car comes with everything including auto windshield wipers, self leveling Bi-Xenon headlights, anti slip, anti lock brakes, Electronic Stability Control, 18" alloy wheels, touchscreen nav sys. and audio sys. Heated front seats, heated mirrors, tire pressure monitoring, anti theft alarm with immobilizer theft deterrent and more. Only thing I wish it had is memory seats. Wife is 5'2" and I am 5'11". After she drives I cannot get into the car without adjusting the seats. The car has power front seats not like Japanese cars. Passenger seat adjusts as many positions as the driver seat does. A friend of mine has a CL Benz which I think the VW copied the shape. The front doors in the Benz are much smaller than the CC. I have trouble getting in and out of the Benz but not the CC. The car feels much more expensive than it is. It feels like a sister to the Audi A5 which costs about $12,000 more."

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Love the car?! I'm too short; difficult backing up

By Rider of the Black Stallion (RI) on Wednesday, February 20, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 9,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Engineering excellent! Super driving; comfortable"

Cons: "gas milagae; obstructed vision"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is one GREAT CAR! Could ride in it forever. I am short and have a lot of difficulty backing up. Sadly My Stallion has had 2 accidents: it was hit on the right side (no frame damage incurred) and I drove it into a flooded street and the engine seized. Each time the insurance company fixed it COMPLETELY. It's missing the rear cap to the tow hook. I plan on purchasing a 7 year extended warranty. Gas milage for city driving is OK. Approximately 30 mpg in highway. If you love the power of a turbo charged engine and have long daily commutes, this car is for you."

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

CC VR6 could be 'poor man's' A7

By Devils (NY) on Wednesday, February 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 1,500

10 7.0

overall rating 7 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 7/10
Value: 7/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Unique styling; Amazing in S mode; Great sound sys"

Cons: "Vibration fr gas pedal; need more supportive seats"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"PROS- Eye catching inside and out/ Great power in S mode/ Awesome sound system/ Impressive handling/ Good car for family with small kids/ Spacious trunk CONS- Vibration/feedback from gas pedal (had a BMW 330ci with 18" rims as well and didn't have that annoyance)/ Could use more side support on drivers seat/ Back up camera not as wide a visual zone as my previous 2009 Maxima/ No sliding sunroof (almost didn't buy car for this reason) (Previous cars Saab, BMW, Maxima as my basis of comparison)"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

2013 CC LUX--Euro Attitude & Road Feel

By LACarGuy (CA) on Sunday, January 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 800

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "DESIGN, ROAD FEEL, FIT & FINISH, INTERIOR QUALITY"

Cons: "NO REARVIEW CAMERA EXCEPT ON V6; TRICKY VISIBILITY"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I am a former owner of Audi and Subaru, and this is my first non-AWD car in a long time. After two test drives, the great road feel of the CC sold me. It feels like at Audi but costs thousands less! Unique exterior contours and styling, solid ride, quiet cabin, crisp acceleration, and a sporty drive feel with nicely tuned suspension and a taut German attitude give this car a unique personality. It has an elegant, simply designed interior, zero wind noise and it corners like a sport sedan costing thousands more. Superb looking Euro-designed two-tone upholstery (tan/black) with great back/lumbar support and bolsters, seat heaters and 12-way power seats...although they're not real leather. (At first, I was a little disappointed.) Well-thought out engineering and design features throughout, from the VW CarGo trunk organizer option to the chiller in the glove box and the mini glovebox to the left of the steering wheel (both standard). Simple but easy-to-use navi system, Bluetooth and a decent standard stereo system. I'm 6' feet tall with very long legs and there's no shortage of room for me. Rear a/c vents help cool/warm comfortable rear seats. One thing I wish I could have gotten but couldn't get without upgrading to the unnecessary V6 and that's a back-up camera. This car does present some visibility issues given its low roof line, high trunk, wide center pillar and steeply raked rear window. I've gotten used to it but it is a challenge until you do. I have absolutely no regrets about this purchase. I look for every reason to go for a drive...the longer, the better. Don't even think about buying an A4, a 3 series, a TSX or a G37 until you drive the CC for comparison's sake. (By the way, I didn't rate reliability because I haven't owned the car long enough to know...but so far, so good.)"

5 people out of 5 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Lovely affordable sport/luxury car and good on gas

By Rob (CT) on Sunday, January 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 15,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 6/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Great car! Best I've owned so far. Lovely affordable sport/luxury car and good on gas. The way it looks is sleek, dynamic and hot. The 2.0T motor mated to the 6-speed DSG tranny is really dynamic. Corners well, quiet inside, nice options. Truly a great car. Drawbacks: although the sound system is decent to good, I would've preferred the "Fender" sound system, but this is not offered as a separate option. Also, the 2 seats in the rear are sporty and has a nice console in the center, but should probably have 3 seats in the backseat(s)."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse