Overview & Reviews

The Volkswagen Eos is a four-seat, two-door convertible. Its retractable hardtop design combines the open-air experience of a traditional ragtop with the security and all-season comfort of a coupe's fixed roof. According to Greek mythology, Eos was the goddess of the sunrise, and it's an appropriate name for this smart-looking convertible.

As a new car, the Eos' price can seem hard to justify, as it's typically higher than other mainstream convertibles. But the Eos does come with a lot of standard equipment, a hardtop design and a high-quality interior. Used models may be somewhat hard to find, and you'll want to pay extra attention to model years, as VW has altered content over the years in hopes of broadening the Eos' appeal.

Current Volkswagen Eos
There are three trim levels in the Eos family: Komfort, Sport and Executive. All have front-wheel drive and are powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that produces 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque. The sole transmission is VW's excellent six-speed Direct Shift Gearbox (DSG), which offers the ease of an automatic along with most of the advantages of a manual transmission.

The highlight of the Volkswagen Eos is its retractable hardtop. VW calls it the CSC (coupe-sunroof-convertible) and it employs a unique five-panel roof that transforms the coupe's hardtop into an open-air convertible in just 25 seconds. If you don't want the full top-down experience but still want a little wind in your hair, you can leave it up and just power back the built-in sunroof.

Intended more as a boulevard cruiser than a sports car, the Volkswagen Eos excels when it comes to occupant comfort and amenities. Even the base Komfort comes with 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, a sunroof, dual-zone automatic climate control, leatherette (vinyl) upholstery, a power driver seat, heated front seats, Bluetooth phone and audio connectivity, an eight-speaker sound system with an iPod interface and a CD changer, a navigation system and VW's Car-Net telematics service. Highlights of the Sport include 18-inch wheels, a sport-tuned suspension, bi-xenon headlights, a rear spoiler, keyless ignition and entry, and paddle shifters. The Executive model features automatic wipers, parking sensors, a power passenger seat, leather upholstery, an upgraded navigation system with larger display, a rearview camera and an upgraded sound system.

In road tests, our editors have cited the retractable roof, classy styling and high-quality cockpit furnishings as the Eos' key strengths. Downsides include mediocre handling and a tight backseat. As long as you don't expect the Eos to perform like a roadster, it should make for one of the most satisfying convertible experiences at this price point.

Used Volkswagen Eos Models
The Eos debuted for the 2007 model year, and it was initially available with either the turbocharged four or a narrow-angle 3.2-liter V6 engine good for 250 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque. Trim levels then included the base Eos, the 2.0T and 3.2L. The base Eos and more luxurious 2.0T had the turbocharged four, matched to either a six-speed manual or the DSG, while the 3.2L sported the V6 matched to the DSG as well as a full array of accoutrements.

For the following year, the trim levels were Turbo, Komfort, Lux and VR6. The Turbo and Komfort were roughly analogous to the previous year's base and 2.0T, respectively, with the Lux adding extra feature content while sticking with the turbocharged-4 under the hood. The VR6 mostly mirrored the previous 3.2L model but added 18-inch wheels and sport seats. On these 2007 and '08 models, a navigation system was optional, but unlike in newer models it was DVD-based. The Turbo and VR6 trims were discontinued for '09 and that year also brought an updated touchscreen navigation system with multimedia inputs.

Things in the Eos world stood pat for a few years until 2012, when the car adopted the Jetta's front-end styling, gained the DSG transmission as standard, received a few new features (such as keyless ignition/entry) and saw updated infotainment and climate controls. The Executive trim level also debuted this year. The following year brought the Sport trim level as well as a shuffling of equipment. These latter Eos models are similar to the current lineup apart from the discontinuation of the Lux trim and the unavailability of the telematics system.

User Reviews:

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  Fun to drive - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By Nancy - October 2 - 5:16 pm

  Initially the DSG transmission took some getting used. Its a fun car to drive and surprisingly quiet even on the worst roads. Ive had my car for over a year and am having a few problems with the convertible top. It doesnt seem to go thru the down process all the way. Then when I try to put the top up, I have to press the button down to complete the cycle and then pull the button up for the top to close. Im working with my dealer to get it squared away because the hard top convertible is the main reason I bought this car. All that said, I still love my EOS!!

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  BUYER BEWARE - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By PJ - September 30 - 3:23 pm

  I was very excited when first purchasing this car.That changed quickly.This car has always burned 3 quarts of oil between changes.Volks says "that is normal".I have had the ac condenser and compressor replaced.The typical water leak issues are insane.The ac still can not be used because the air has a horrible smell to it.I have had the car towed 2x due to the car shaking and shutting down.This is supposed to be a luxury vehicle.I have had nothing but aggravation.I will be trading this vehicle,selling private is not an option.I will accept my loss and be happy to be rid of it.Very disappointing.

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  Nice car with a few hiccups - 2009 Volkswagen EOS
  By drspoon - September 21 - 11:36 am

  This fun car is a dream to drive. The turbo engine really gets up and goes. We have taken the car on long trips and it is really very comfortable. Now after having it for a year we find out the hard way that the engine is an oil burner after total 20k mileage. Just got it back from the dealer where the oil consumption is one half quart per 1000 miles-- an amount that Volks says is acceptable. I asked how I can make the 10,000 mile factory suggested oil change interval and the dealership simply says I cannot. For the price of this car and the supposed quality of Volks engineering this is simply unacceptable. No more Volkswagens for me!!!!!!!

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  Compare to WHAT?? - 2009 Volkswagen EOS
  By 50something - September 14 - 10:23 am

  We wanted a convertible for years. We considered and drove the BMW 128i, Porsche Boxster, and Mercedes 350 CLK. On vacations we rented Sebring and Mustang Shelby convertibles. When we discovered the EOS on a trip to Arkansas, we bought it on the spot and left our Acura RDX at the dealer. We continued our vacation in our brand new EOS and had a blast. Consider it a 1200 mile test drive! The person who wrote Edmunds review saying the car could not handle the twisties must be faking his reviews in my opinion. I also own a 1985 Porsche 911; the new EOS driven in Sport mode with the DSG handled every bit as well as my Porsche. The car definitely has German DNA and was FUN, FUN, FUN!!

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  Love my Eos - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By RB - September 8 - 4:43 pm

  After a few months of researching convertibles and not finding a hard top reasonably priced, there was an article on the EOS in our local paper. After going online to Edmunds and VW website for more information, I went to the dealership and bought it that day. Going from a mid-size SUV to small convertible, I thought it would take some adjustment. However, it is so much fun to drive and feels like a solid car around me. It has excellent pick up, especially getting on the freeway. The hardtop easily retracts and amazes me with the technology. I love driving with the top down, even it is chilly out, I just turn the heated seat up. Im thrilled with my purchase.

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  Wish I hadnt... - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By the1lion - August 12 - 6:42 pm

  At first we loved the car but theres been way too many build quality issues to be accepted - its like we bought a first year Kia. We had to replace the passenger window motor, but in doing so the interior material starting coming up from the door and the dealer said it was due to the sun drying up the adhesive. Then we had another place look at it and they said when the door panel was put back on it was incorrect and pointed out the broken sections. We took it back to the dealer and they replaced it again saying the problem was the rail that held it in place became loose because the adhesive - again. Recently the sun visor came out on the drivers side - literally came out of the roof.

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  Best value for the money and A+ design - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By Prashanth - July 15 - 4:06 pm

  This is the first coupe-convertible with a hardtop. Getting this car is definitely my best choice ever. I had to wait some time before I could get a deal on the price, but what do you expect from a best-selling car in Europe? The car as a coupe is exceptionally quiet inside, compared to the conventional canvas-top convertibles. The interior is very classy and the dashboard colors are pleasing to the eye, and not at all a distraction. While driving it as a convertible, the ride is very smooth and with very minimal jerks. The wheels hug the road beautifully while turning and making quick curves, and I was in fact prodded by the test-drive guy to turn it at 60 mph to see that it had no effect on the cars handling.

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  2007 Eos - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By Ted - July 10 - 5:06 pm

  I love my Eos. Ive had it since last April and it hasnt been back to the shop since. The interior is roomy and stylish yet simple. Im very impressed with the gas mileage, getting 28 miles to the gallon on average so far, despite living in the city. The steering is tight and you can really feel the road. Its fun to drive, even if only down the block. The top is simple to use and when its up its hard to believe its a convertible. The only bad thing is the top-down trunk space, but its big enough to fit small luggage or a couple suitcases. But Ive found the back seat makes a good place to put stuff, too. And you dont look like Mr. Moneybags, having a flashy exterior.

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  this is the one! - 2009 Volkswagen EOS
  By atlanticdave - July 7 - 2:04 am

  unlike so many other folks who seem to have owned nothing but foreign cars, i have only ever driving u.s.-made cars...and, although i know that american cars are essentially now the best theyve ever been the quality theyve ever been, i have to say i have never owned or driven anything as nice as this car...i am saddened that not all of us have had positive experiences...i purchased it three years old, with 14,000 miles on it...and i just want to say, so far, so GREAT! nice ride, nice interior comfort, great sound system, very head-turning and eye-catching, plenty of acceleration, i recommend this car without hesitation! i have driven it 6,000 miles, and have nothing but positive things

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  DO NOT BUY VW - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By minimono00 - May 24 - 11:51 pm

  I bought the 2008 Lux Eos. I enjoyed driving my car for about three years until I started having rook leaking issues. At that time I started to deal with the dealer on a consistent basis and have never have such poor service with a car company before. I brought in my car a total of 4 times and i still had issues with leaking after that. I couldnt believe a 3 year old car would be so difficult for the dealer to fix. Additionally their corporate representatives were miserable to work with. They were not courteous or willing to help beyond telling me to continually bring my car back to the dealer. Its unfortunate that I spent so much on a vehicle and was treated so poorly. I had heard b