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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  3 months and 3000 miles - 2009 Volkswagen EOS
  By zrickety - January 25 - 5:03 am

  We bought this car a few months ago after looking at many cars. The EOS rocks!! She said, I never loved a car, but I love this one. High praise, believe me. Its a blast to drive. Dr Jekyl when you need to be conservative, Mr Hyde when you want to cut loose. Its early on, but the car has been consistently quick and solid. Future collectible here, would definitely buy again!

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  Funtastick - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By auctionking - January 22 - 4:23 am

  I recently purchased a VW Eos with nearly a thousand miles clocked. The car has outporfomed beyond my expectation. I have owned over 30 cars in my life. The excitment can only be compared when you first got your license and your father let you driwe. The Eos has personality. It is low key, not flashy. It has quality that you see touch. It is eager to please with its smooth ride. It saves you thousands of dollars over other cars. It has the spacious comfort of a four passanger car.

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  Made me a VW Fan! - 2009 Volkswagen EOS
  By Mariya - January 22 - 1:16 am

  I searched for a convertible for 6 months, researched endlessly an honestly barely considered the VW-then I drove it and fell in love! My husband had owned a Corrado & Jetta Wolfsburg yet I never thought much of them. I am now a VW convert. The hardtop is significantly quieter than every other convertible I drove. The turbo has amazing pick up and makes it incredible fun to drive (I have never thought any car was fun) Nice sound system and great interior.

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  Impossible to describe the fun! - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By AZEosLover - January 10 - 2:30 pm

  I drove this car as one of several I intended to consider when replacing a Honda Accord. One test drive and I was hooked. Couldnt wait to get my wife back in to see her reaction. she wasnt excited when I mentioned VW but she did give it a test. One test drive hooked her too. I cant explain to people how much fun this car is! The turbo power is great! Read up on the DSG transmission (Direct Shift Gearbox) and it truly feels like it shifts in 8 ms. Unbelievable! Oh, and the top! What a blast! Its designed so well its like a work of art (OK, Im sounding geeky now). 80 mph on the highway and hardly any major wind. I love it! Just drive one and see for yourself.

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  FUNTASTIC! - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By ED - December 31 - 5:53 pm

  I could not agree more with the two previous reviews. I test drove the Volvo C70 and there is no comparison. The EOS is much better looking, has more features, is a lot quicker, and costs $12,000 - $15,000 less! I picked up my car on Saturday. It is blue with cream interior and the luxury package. The WOW effect when you lower the top in unbelievable. There is no appreciable cowl shake with the top down and with the top up it is extremely quiet. The back seat is very suitable for two adults, I had a 6 8" person in the back and could raise and lower the top with no problem. The "feel" of this car when you are driving is unbelievably solid and safe. I own two Lexus models and the build quality of the EOS is outstanding. This car is FUNTASTIC!

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  The best - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By cc3323 - December 19 - 8:56 pm

  This VW is the best. I traded in a convertible beetle for something with a little bit more power and boy did I get it. The hard top is fun to use and the car drives great. Gas mileage is a plus also. The only down side is the use of premium gas, but it is worth it for the power.

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  EOS-My Goddess of Wind - 2010 Volkswagen EOS
  By tbell - December 19 - 3:06 am

  The VW Eos is not only a marvel of engineering but a really fun car to drive. While I was somewhat apprehensive at first about the 4 cyl, one drive on the highway removed any doubts at all about the " get up and go" of this 21 century vwdub. At 61 years of age I fill like a teen again, by the way the girls on college campus like it too.

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  Eismeer Blue - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By w - November 4 - 10:36 pm

  I just purchased and drove an Eos off the lot. I did my homework on this car (I spent hours reviewing forums and feedback from others - I even went to German website forums and translated them into english to learn more about the vehicle). I also read extensively about the 2.0T engine and DSG transmission from other cars including the Audi A3, A4 and VW R32, Jetta, Passat. Bottom line: this car has a lot of value for the money. More importantly, it performs well for a sports coupe regardless of cost and has the ability to be upgraded aftermarket for not much more money to be a true sports car. Finally, its a convertible - the best way to travel down the road!

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  It looks fun - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By MISHMISH - October 4 - 12:56 am

  This is my 9th VW. Traded my 04 R32 for my 08 Eos. My R32 was top of the line, 4motion with a V6. No other VW compares to it. I think thats why Im having a hard time falling in love with it. But with that aside, it is a great car. Its peppy for a four cylinder since it has a turbo (mine is a manual). Its a little light in windy conditions though. Oh, and did I mention it has a terrible blind spot! Its handling great in the snow. The sound system is great. The seats are comfy. I just adore the look. And when putting the roof down, all eyes on me. What a show!! Great car for the price!! A step up from the Cabrio of my past! Im learning to love it more every day.

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  Most fun car Ive ever owned - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By Lisa - October 3 - 3:36 pm

  Not only is this car sexy, but it is so fun to drive! My husband is always looking for reasons why he has to drive it because he loves it too. We even put two car seats in the back. The wind isnt too much, it doesnt even mess up my hair on the way to work. Plus Im always getting comments on how great it looks - its great!! My only complaint is the trunk is heavy and hard to close - not a big deal, just annoying. The trunk space is reasonable for a convertible. I love the sunroof - its not something I use because its way too loud when open, but its great to have the sunlight in the winter - convertibles can be dark when the top is closed - not this car!