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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  Transmission Nightmare! - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By R Ives - August 26 - 9:56 pm

  I loved this car when I first purchased it. At about 500 miles, the transmission started to buck and loose power accelerating into traffic. Dealer could not find the problem. The problems started getting worse until it was jerking an shaking when backing or proceeding slowly. After numerous complaints they finally replaced the Mechtronic unit. That fixed it for about another 100 miles. Now its starting all over again. Ive had 3 situations where the car lost transmission power while proceeding into traffic. I wouldnt recommend the automatic to anyone.

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  Love it with some reservations - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By love it but - August 24 - 2:50 am

  I bought my EOS used, it had around 8,000 miles on it. It has been a blast to drive. I have had an issue with the top. The sunroof will periodically stay open when I close the top. The dealer had a very difficult time diagnosing. They think they have fixed it but not so sure. The back seat is too small for adults to travel comfortably but I did not buy it for passengers. This is my main transportation on a daily basis and I love it. I get approx 28mpg with combo of highway/city commute so cant complain.

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  Great so Far - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By Brent - August 13 - 2:03 pm

  Ive owned my Eos for about 2 months now. I have NEVER enjoyed driving a car as much as this one. Im disappointed everywhere I go that the trip didnt take longer. I think about driving it all day. Yes, it has a couple of weirdnesses, a faint thumping sound sometimes when shifting, and the shifting isnt smooth when its cold. But litterally other than this, its the perfect car. It is honestly therapeutic to drive, and I find myself thinking up reasons to go places just to have more time behind the wheel. The top is totally sweet. When its closed, you can see the sky. When its open you can feel the sky and the moonroof is great for quick little breaks in the rain. Thanks VW

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  Classy and FUN - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By ILGrammy - July 21 - 2:56 am

  Ive had my 2008 Eos for about a month. The exterior design is classy and it s FUN to drive. The back seat is perfect for my 4 year old grand daughters car seat plus groceries/shopping purchases. Rear visibility is good. Seats are comfortable. With the turbo its impossible to know youre driving a 4c. I drive to work with the top down and put it up in the parking lot for the day. Then, put it down for my return drive home in the evening. It only takes about 25 seconds to put the top up/down. So far its the absolutely perfect "classy and FUN" car for me. One drawback. Its hard to get out of the car. At 56", I need to pull the seat forward to use the clutch.

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  Run..... from EOS - 2009 Volkswagen EOS
  By nstallent - June 21 - 2:20 am

  My Eos, that I loved, is sitting in Al Johnson Volkswagen repair shop and is going to stay there. I have 12 sheets of repairs. Volkswagen has tried to be very accommodating, but now lets see when I get to settle. I traded my 2000 Camaro Convertible with 22,000 miles, I am really upset that I traded my car for that piece of junk!!!! Nancy

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  My third convertible - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By my car - June 20 - 4:06 am

  This is my third convertible. I live in California and I must have a convertible. I have always been a "muscle" car girl so I was thinking of my third mustang when I saw the Eos. My college boys were test driving a VW Rabbit on a rainy day and I stayed behind in the showroom. I noticed this cute car with a line down the back of the top. I asked if it was a hard top convertible and the salesman said "yes" and showed it to me. By the time the boys got back I made them a deal. They could have my 2001 GT convertible, 5 speed V8 because I had found my car. The turbo is plenty zippy, the fit and finish are great and the gas mileage was the deal maker.

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  Joy Ride - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By suzy - May 31 - 12:43 pm

  It is so fun to drive and the turbo is much more zippy than the 6 cylinder model that I test drove. My only apprehension was the small trunk space (coming from a Murano) when the top was down. I have managed to stuff 10 shopping bags into the trunk and what I cant get into the trunk I just put in the car. Its a little gem and my little secret. Its rather unassuming from the outside, especially when the top is up, but I know all of its secrets! Its a beautiful car and much bigger on the inside than it looks from the outside.

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  Fun and high quality - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By Coastal - May 11 - 1:53 pm

  After four months and 5,000 miles Im delighted with the Eos. Its quick and tight and I get 30+ mpg on the highway. Its exactly what I was looking for. The seats are comfortable and every feature seems well-thought out. The six-speed manual shifts crisply.

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  Loving It - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By Lisa - April 4 - 1:16 am

  I was truly surprised at the power of this 4-cylinder turbo. My husband told me I had become the proud owner of his Lexus after he took it out for the day. I didnt think I would ever be able to go back to a 4 cylinder again, and was surprised that I didnt have to compromise anything in driving power. I was looking for something that would be fun to drive, get good gas mileage, and was hoping for a convertible as well. This matched all my criteria. I fall in love with it more and more each day.

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  Just What I Was Looking For - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By Pepino - April 3 - 5:26 am

  This vehicle is everything its comparable rivals are plus more. The hard top is obviously the biggie, however the additional sunroof (huge) is the extra. Closed, the outside noise is low and youd never know it is a convertible. The bells and whistles are abundant and you get a great bang for your buck. The base is more than what the other can even touch for the price. Yes it can be expensive, but it is a great built vehicle and a blast to drive.