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 in Sun and Snow - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By abbieshuler - July 11 - 7:53 am

  Great gas mileage - average combined 29.5 city/hwy. Handles EXCELLENT in snow - I live in Michigan so I have had lots of it. No problems and so fun to drive. I get stopped all the time for people to admire.

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  Interior/Build Problems - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By TyAlyson - June 20 - 3:33 am

  Although my 2008 EOS is fun to drive and is reliable in ride/drive, Im very upset about the constant attention my interior mechanisms need. The emergency brake sleeve was not attached at purchase, sunroof was lubricated for squeak noise, leak repaired on driverside A Pillar, driverside seatbelt keeps twisting inside panel (dealer fixed once but refuse to fix under warranty in future), passenger seat sliding mechanism doesnt work when seat is pushed forward for passenger access (dealer refuses to fix under warranty), passenger side seat recliner knob broke off due to poor design (dealer refuses to fix under warranty), LCD monitor fades on left side when temps reach 100+ degrees...

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  07 Volkswagon Eos - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By cindy - June 14 - 5:30 pm

  Overall, this car is satisfactory. I had an 06 Toyota Solara and traded it in for this car since it had a hard top. The sunroof, when open, is deafening even with the wind shield. Also, my car has an air leak in the window on the drivers side, but Volkswagen wont address it since it is a convertible.

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  DO NOT BUY AN EOS!....DO NOT BUY A VOLKSWAGEN! - 2016 Volkswagen EOS
  By Rich - May 15 - 6:06 pm

  If youre thinking of buying a Volkswagen, DONT! Do yourself a HUGE favor and go look at other manufactures. THE WORST car Ive ever had. Between personal cars and company cars Ive driven Pontiac, Chevy, Oldsmobile, Ford, Chrysler and Mazda. And NEVER had problems with them. Enter Volkswagen. Were talking about an EOS Lux. The rear view mirror fell off the windshield shortly after purchasing the car. If only I had recognized the omen. The clear coat started peeling off the hood of the car. Have to replace a headlight bulb every 3 months. They constantly burn out. The passenger seat will not move forward or backwards in cold weather. The passenger side window stopped working and the motor had to be replaced. The car alarm went off and could not stop it. The door lock cylinder, ignition switch and battery were replaced. 2 days later the car alarm went off again and could not stop it. Was told that the drivers side window motor would have to be replaced for the problem because of a "module" thats attached for the alarm system. The intake manifold on the engine got a hole in it and had to be replaced. I was told that while the intake manifold was off the valves should be cleaned of carbon buildup. The convertible top leaks. The convertible top stopped working. Was told the entire roof would have to removed in order to find out what was going on. The car was in the shop for 3 days and a technical expert was called in. I was told the roof was just "out of sync" and there was no real problem with it. And then was charged $1,400 for no problem found. Since they removed the top, the top does nothing but creak. The "exchanger" on the engine had to be replaced. The car started leaking oil. They found not ONE or TWO but THREE places where oil was leaking from. The gasket between the engine and transmission has to be replaced. The gasket for the timing cover has to be replaced. And some part for the turbocharger has to be replaced. I was told by the service manager that the oil leaks are a COMMON problem. But they normally dont all happen at once. So, oil leaks ARE TO BE EXPECTED. Its NORMAL for a Volkswagen. A control arm has a crack in it. One of the rear shocks has a leak. The windshield washer reservoir leaks. I probably forgot some things. I was hoping that the car would burst into flames and Id watch it burn to the ground with a huge smile on my face. No such luck. The car is in the shop having the oil leaks taken care of. ONLY $1,800 more dollars put into the piece of garbage. A total of $5,832 have been put into it since 2/2014. I told them to fix the oil leaks and Im DONE WITH VOLKSWAGEN. The car will be GONE as soon as I get it back. DO NOT BUY A VOLKSWAGEN!

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  The best hard top convertible ever!! - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By Kaitar - May 4 - 7:00 am

  I have had this car for almost a month now and I just love it to pieces! Definitely a head-turner, and I get asked all the time about the car! I live in a place where we get a lot of wind storms and that was my concern with the hard top convertible, but its absolutely no problem - unlike whats said about other hard top convertibles that have no idea what a huge wind sail they put up. This is my first convertible, and although this is my first new car, I feel comfortable saying that this is the car that will be my "forever ride"!!

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  We love this car - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By Trackula - April 28 - 1:00 am

  Initial quality of this car is flawless. From the paint, fit, quality of materials and craftsmanship, we cannot find flaw. The engine and manual transmission are perfectly mated. The short-throw 6 speed is a joy. Power delivery is a rush. Fuel economy is 27+ combined city/highway. The seats and interior materials appear to be of very high quality. Reported top leaks are non-existent in this one, of course the seals were lubed immediately after delivery, which is critical to maintaining water/air seal. We researched this car for weeks before buying and determined that proper maintenance of the roof seals is a must.

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  Great Car Fun Car 4 the Money - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By Richard - April 26 - 9:23 am

  This car has been great no problems with anything Local Dealer is great for oil changes

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  Maintenance Nighmare! - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By Mandy - April 25 - 6:40 pm

  In the year and 3 months Ive had this car Ive been at the dealership with problems once or twice a month. So much that they know me by sight! Falling quickly out of love. Trunk failed 4 times, suspension and brakes squeak constantly, wheel bearings broken in exactly a year. Horrible experience for such a beautiful car. Truly broken hearted that Im probably going to get rid of this beautiful car!

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  Sadly Disappointed - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By KZigg - April 25 - 5:06 am

  I have a 2008 2Turbo Eos for just over 1 year I had to bring into the dealership for service a few times: hard top would not go down, coolant system leak. My car would run low on oil not long after a scheduled maintenance oil change. I was told that I must frequently check the oil in- between recommended oil changes because the car will burn oil fast. This should not be with a "high line car" just over one year old. A recall was recently done "What"? The trunk latch would close back soon after unlocking. Too many problems.

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  Your Search is officially over! - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By Car Enthusiast - April 20 - 2:13 am

  Having owned an array of cars in the past and having searched the market many times over for the perfect convertible, I can say that I hit the jackpot with the Eos. Great performance, amazing build quality, head-turning styling, affordable maintenance, good gas milage, versitile top styling, and all around fun car to drive. This is a must for both convertible enthusiast and those wanting a more practical coupe. The design of the front and rear wind screen is ingenious and in combination with the windows up and top down, you barely feel or hear wind noise. Drive it, experience it, and please dont wait to buy it!