2009 APEAL: Premium Cars

Entry Premium Vehicle Segment


Highest Ranked: 2009 Volkswagen CC
The 2009 Volkswagen CC is the most appealing entry premium vehicle according to the results of the J.D. Power and Associates 2009 APEAL Study, ranking ahead of the No. 2-ranked 2009 Cadillac CTS and the No. 3-ranked 2009 Audi A4/A5, in its first year of inclusion in the study. Last year, the top-ranked entry premium vehicle was the Lexus IS.

The CC is marketed as a 4-door coupe, essentially a sedan with a swept roofline and rear bucket seats that limit passenger capacity to 4 people. The CC is equipped with a turbocharged 4-cylinder or a normally aspirated 6-cylinder engine. Power is sent to the front or all four wheels through a manual or automatic transmission. EPA fuel-economy ratings range from a low of 17 mpg city to a high of 31 mpg highway. Available in Sport, Luxury, VR6 Sport and VR6 trim levels, the CC can be equipped with features such as leather, a panoramic glass roof, automatic climate control, navigation, premium Dynaudio sound system, and bi-Xenon headlights with active cornering, among others.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the CC receives 4-star crash-test ratings for frontal-impact protection, and in side-impact tests receives 5 stars for front-seat occupants and 4 stars for rear-seat occupants. The CC also receives a 4-star rollover rating with front- or all-wheel drive. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) calls the CC a “Top Safety Pick.”

In the 2009 APEAL Study, the CC performed particularly well in the Exterior, Interior and Engine/Transmission categories. Owners say the CC’s top three attributes are the amount of cargo space, the driving range between fuel stops, and the effectiveness of the center console storage.

Learn More About the 2009 Volkswagen CC
See 2009 Volkswagen CC Pictures
View 2009 Volkswagen CC Ratings
View a Photo Gallery of the Most Appealing Luxury Cars and SUVs
Browse Other Volkswagen Models


Ranked No. 2: 2009 Cadillac CTS
Ranked No. 3: 2009 Audi A4/A5