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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  DONT BUY AB EOS - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By jws6 - November 17 - 12:43 pm

  I bought the eos for my wife for mothers day! What a mistake! My wife likes the concept but the car burns a ton of oil. They have been doing the weight test and claims its within vw specs but we have to add oil every week its crazy and a very common problem with all of these cars! The other MAJOR issue is water. The car leaks water badly and smells like MOLD all the time. I have brought it back 3 times now and they have replaced all the carpet and it is still a problem. last weekend my wife took her sneakers out of the trunk and they were soaked and her gym shorts we could ring the water out of them and the car smells like mold AGAIN. Ive contacted my lawyer!

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  Its the greatest Car I owned - 2009 Volkswagen EOS
  By mac - November 10 - 3:20 pm

  I have owned Fords and Hondas all of my 50 plus years. Last year I went to look at a VW Passat and left with a fully equiped EOS. I and my kids are thrilled. I have a hard time keeping my car keys in my hand my four boys take it every chance they get. It by far is the best car I ever had not a lot of back seat leg room nor storage but runs great with nice get up. Would recommend this car to anyone who doesnt have to load their family in their car anymore.

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  Great Car, but Watch the Options - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By Marshall - October 12 - 1:26 am

  I love my new EOS, but the dealer charged list for it. AND, be warned, VW will not let you order Navigation ($1,800) without also ordering Turbo ($2,000) and the Luxury or Sport Package ($3,490 / $3,690). Therefore, Navigation actually costs a minimum of $7,290! And if, for example, you dont want to be part of the animal trade, and prefer the "leatherette" upholstery to leather, you cant have Nav at all. Get lost! (iterally..).

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  Fun & versatile; but some flaws - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By David - September 19 - 3:30 am

  Good sporty drive feel but not a true sport car feel. Back seat big enough for 1 small adult. Great top; easy, quick, plus sunroof. Flaws: Poor traction or excessive torque on start up - front wheels easily spin. Bad tires (Goodyear Eagle LS-2) on my 17" wheels. Tires easily ruined by normal potholes (at $200 each)and have poor traction. I replaced mine with a different and vastly better brand for $175 each. Rough transmission with lag on acceleration and when automatically upshifting. Noticeable surge when transmission downshifts. Recall on my 2.0T engine which VW didnt inform me of and wont provide info on. Ugly exterior rear end. Cheap looking interior plastic wood.

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  Happy Eos owner - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By seakay - September 11 - 5:06 am

  I just took a trip to Virginia from Miami and the back seat was a little small for an adult. When driving on the interstate with the top down, and the screen up, you really dont get much wind, and you can still hear the sound from the stereo, which is not the norm.

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  Too many issues - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By Cheryl K. - July 31 - 3:26 am

  My car is in the shop as I type this. Ive had it in 3 or 4 times now for leaks on passenger and drivers side. The door panels are bubbled up on both sides, my sunroof closure on the inside is separating and my back passengers side window has a problem and MY BRAKES also squeak. How many times does it take on the same repair to fall under the "Lemon Law"? Very disappointed customer.

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  Lots of irritating issues - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By Steven Scholla - July 28 - 8:50 pm

  Gas lid broke, fuel sensors, folding top mishaps, windows go up & down repeatedly for no reason. paint scrapped up on rear folding roof, roof wont fully set on car body, sounds like a rattle trap, gas & brake peddle to close

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  LOVE IT! - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By NEW VW EOS owner - July 28 - 9:26 am

  Ive just got my new EOS and I absolutely love it. Coming from the VW Beetle to a hardtop convertible with sunroof is such a luxury. It handles well. I have the sport pkg. with paddle gears...nice convenience. It certainly attracts a lot of looks. This is a car for both male and female drivers. It has nice style and nice pep. It is just a great convertible!

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  Quality and fun for the price - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By Matthew - July 11 - 3:00 pm

  This car is a blast, love the six speed manual. Window snug up feature sticks in cold weather and can be a pain during frezing rain trying to warm up the vehicle as the interior gets wet. I test drove the BMW 3 convertible and was sold on the Eos due to the year round drivability and the difference of 12k in price for less features than the Eos. I got the iPod adaptor and 17 inch wheels, both worth the upgrade charge. Needs blue tooth capability and HD radio, cruise control is hard to see while driving making it hard to use. But I do love this car.

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  An AMAZING car! - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By JazzyL8y - July 10 - 8:43 am

  Been trying to get a new EOS, but they fly out of the dealership. I bought one a few years old and am just thrilled with the car. I have always owned converts, and at 50, can say this is THE BEST convertible I have ever owned! Higher cost cars cant hold a candle to a hard top car with a built in sunroof in the hardtop. And fun?? Omg, this is one fun car to drive!