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:

• 

  Looks great, built like crap - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By njpixie - April 14 - 12:50 am

  I have owned this car since March. I live in Florida, loved the design and the way it drove. Started having problems in the first week with the wheel bearings, then the conv. top made a rattling noise, now I have water coming in from the weather stripping around the top. Also, the paint quality on volkswagens isnt good. Chips occur during driving very easily. Not very satisfied. Will not buy another volkswagen ever!!

• 

  Cant Beat It! - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By Jerry - April 12 - 1:26 pm

  This is an absolutely amazing vehicle! It has a much better ride and more interior room than the Lexus SC430. The top retracts QUICKLY! Also, it is a very quick car - surprisingly so. It has an amazing transmission with smooth power delivery. WOW!

• 

  Great Quality - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By Bill - Boston - March 27 - 11:56 am

  We have had our Eos for seven months with virtually no issues. Has plenty of power, with the 6 speed transmission it is incredible. No issues with water leaks. The top is a mechanical marvel and having the sun roof too makes it a car for all seasons

• 

  This car is really fun - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By herb - March 4 - 7:40 am

  I have only had my new 08 VW Eos for 3 weeks now but it has been a blast!! The 200 hp turbo is powerful, the 6 sp auto trans is smooth, can not feel the shifts, and of course, the top. What fun it is to open or close the top and watch everyone around the car just stare.

• 

  Couldnt be more pleased... - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By Eos Lvr - February 18 - 3:46 pm

  So, Ive been driving my new white Eos with the corn silk beige interior for a few weeks now. I have been wanting a convertible for quite some time and this was the perfect fit for me, 27 and just broke up with my boyfriend. Perfect timing. ;) Every time I get into the car I love it even more. Rain or shine, day or night, you get the best of all three worlds in driving this car, a convertible, a sunroof and a coupe. I really like the power and the many features it has. I researched this car for awhile before purchasing it and really couldnt find any reason not to buy it. So, if you’re looking to purchase one, you won’t go wrong!

• 

  Love this car - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By kristin - January 14 - 12:43 am

  I absolutely love this car!! It is so fun to drive and I get tons of compliments on it. I love the way people get so excited when they see it go from hard top to convertible. Everyone starts to hum the Transformers tune!

• 

  Best bang for your buck! - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By noodles - January 13 - 8:06 am

  I love this car! After searching and driving everything convertible priced at $35k and below, this is by far the best. A Mustang GT cant touch the handling and gas mileage, its overall shorter than a Chrysler Sebring but somehow roomier in the back. Better craftsman ship than ANY American made car in this price range and holds its resale! I got the auto/manual transmission with manual controls on the steering wheel. I feel like Im flying a plane! Do your homework and test drive everything else before driving an Eos, because once you test drive you to will be hooked on the Eos!

• 

  A Hoot - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By Steve Myers - January 9 - 6:06 am

  SUPER car! Glad I waited 60 years to have one come along. Exceptional craftsmanship everywhere. Eye candy for onlookers. DSG tranny captured this stick shift perfectionist. It FEELS safe. Gas mileage runs from ca. 26 in town to 34.5 on the road. Snazzy and snappy. Survives car washes without a leak. Thunderstorms, too! Local cop follows me around, licking its chops. I behave. Only negative: no Autobahn nearby. Oh, for about 50 km of German road and no speed limits. (Might be worth a trip someday....)

• 

  I was doubtful - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By crysqo - December 25 - 10:13 am

  So I really wanted a new car and after looking forever, and at numerous cars, I bought the Eos. My car is beautiful! It constantly grabs attention. I got black on black. Its the luxury I want, the utility needed, and fits the budget. And it seals it in a "young" looking package. Im only 23 and when looking at the Volvos, or the Lexus and BMWs and Cadillacs, they all had about everything but are just old feeling to me. Its very true that the car will grow on you. I was unsure of my purchase at first, but after looking through more cars, I fell in love. This truly is an amazing car. And VW is right - it does get into you. The car seems to have its own personality. Very youthful and fun.

• 

  Best of Both Worlds - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By antonio - December 11 - 8:30 am

  I just bought a VW Eos 2.0T with an automatic transmission and it has far exceeded my expectations. It is a great car. It has a surprisingly comfortable interior that is very quiet, even with the top down. It has plenty of leg room in the front seats (I am 63" and I have plenty of room in the front) and the back seats are "tolerable" for short trips. It is also very agile and quick. The upgraded audio system is superb! The best feature of this car is the fact that when the top is up it has all the characteristics of a coupe (without the downfalls of typical convertible) and with the touch of a button (and waiting 25 seconds) the car "transforms" into a beautiful convertible.