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:

• 

  Great But Flawed - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By David Stieg - April 2 - 3:16 am

  I love the EOS since the day I have purchased it. Get great gas mileage, normal is 33 to 35 mpg. Compared to other hard top convertibles this is the best buy fo the price. Only issue is the top fails all the time, I have to take it to the dealership and have them do an adjustment to the cable to make it go down. Dealer says after 12,000 miles i have to pay to get it fixed which is silly for a convertible. the first time i get it but the third time is a pain. If you buy this car make sure your dealer cover this for at least the full length of the warranty. No bluetooth on this vehicle was a poor design and need to have the factory reset the engine light with every 5000 mile oil change is bad

• 

  Eos - A Great, Fun Car - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By vwjonathan - March 31 - 2:30 pm

  I waited until the car had been out 6 months and got a 2.0 T in May 2007. The car is a head-turner, fun to drive, and gets better than 30 mpg on the highway. The "wow" factor on this car is a 10 - no other car in the world has a sunroof (panoramic) built into the convertible top. The completely hands-free operation of the top turns this stunning coupe into a sleek, topless car in about 20 seocnds. Even with the top down, there is pleny of room for overnight bags and a laptop. And believe it or not, you really get a back seat that fits adults. The car handles like a true sports car, has a great 50K mile warranty, and will make your neighbors jealous.

• 

  Who knew VW had a 10 year warranty on the paint - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By Andy - March 29 - 7:41 am

  Let me tell you that VW has a transferable body paint warranty that can be used to buff out scratches and winterize the cars exterior paint job (this is great in Ohio winters.) This EOS has not given me much problems and has never left me stranded. I bought the car used in March 2013 and aside from one issue (the panel on the hard top not opening all the way) I have never had to bring the EOS to the shop. Oil changes every 5,000 miles. The top is so versatile and fun to drive. I have gotten as high as 35 MPG when I used 93 octane gas. Average about 27-30 MPG per tank. This car is great! All the features still work, but the roof is squeaky. To solve that problem I have ordered Krytox from amazon, albeit expensive I will lubricate the seals this fall.

• 

  Its worth it! - 2009 Volkswagen EOS
  By EOSEJIL - March 27 - 6:56 pm

  I purchased my Black on Black fully loaded EOS in October and gave it much thought, it was totally the right choice. I have read a TON of reviews on the 07-09 and here are tips for those who have had issues. You need an excellent dealer with VW fans in service, the prep work needed on this car is extensive. I test drove several and only two dealers seemed to have it prepped right. My car has no issues at all. Also you cannot wash this car under 40 degrees or you will mess up the seals, plain and simple. If you do not have a garage I would not buy an EOS. You have to be patient with the car, the window move to get in and out be gentle. 09 DVD Nav is worth it too if you drive a

• 

  Wish I would have bought it sooner! - 2010 Volkswagen EOS
  By beachintanj - March 25 - 12:05 pm

  I love my car. I have had all different sorts of vehicles, but for what I was looking for it was right on the money. The only issue I have had with the vehicle since I have gotten it, is that the top leaked a little bit when going through the car wash. VW is happy to take care of it. Other than that the top goes down amazingly and thanks to the turbo it really has a lot of get up and go for a four cyl. Also I live above 4500 feet and it cruises right through it with out any dogging out that other cars have. Couldnt have asked for anything more!

• 

  Best Car Ever - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By EosTRS - March 20 - 8:20 am

  If you want a fun, cheap and hot car, then the Eos is for you. I urge you to go out to you VW dealership and at least test drive one. This car is excellent. Buy one, if your wife will let you.

• 

  Great functionality, poor driving - 2009 Volkswagen EOS
  By swissre - March 15 - 11:26 am

  After almost 3 months of owning a new EOS I am still happy with the functionality of the sunroof, it has good torque throughout the RPM range even compared with other turbo engines, it has very good speakers but lousy sound unit (premium) but the worst for me is how it drives. You have to be really delicate to avoid the car spinning like crazy when you start. I have the upgraded 17 wheels with Continental tires and that has helped little. So at the end it dissapoints because the engine is great and the DSG gearbox is amazingly smooth but the car is not sitting on the road as it should and can become dangerous because of the big torque it has for its size.

• 

  Best Convertible Ever - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By VWenthusiast - February 24 - 5:20 am

  I just purchased an Eos. I was comparing it to the Pontiac G6 Convertible and the Chrysler Sebring. I must say, this is the best Convertible I have ever seen. It has great craftsmanship, is super fun to drive, and all at a price that is more than fair. I would have bought the car even if the dealership would had charged me $5,000 over sticker, which is common for the G6 Convertible. This is the best car I have ever had and I recommend it to anyone.

• 

  The Best Choice Ive Made - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By Prashanth - February 17 - 3:20 am

  I drove a Honda before this and though I loved it, I was always dreaming of a convertible, and VW came out with a winner. Ive had this car for three months now and havent found anything bad about it. The handling is exceptional, while making turns and on bumpy roads. And it runs very much like a sports car. With the top down its a complete adventure, and with the top up, its dead quiet inside, as a regular coupe. This car is an out and out winner. Even though the price might seem a little upscale but Id prefer this over a Mustang any day, which hardly holds its value after a couple of years. The Eos has given me complete satisfaction and a bang for the buck.

• 

  Love That Eos - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By R.Graves - February 16 - 10:56 pm

  I absolutely love my 2007 VW Eos. I ordered and patiently waited for it. I got it in December 2006 and I have not put the top up yet. And I live in NJ. If you use the windshield with the top down, you get the luxury of having the convertible style and fun with the warmth of a sedan. This is truly a phenomenal car. I love my VW.