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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  You Gotta Get One!! - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By EosToni - May 24 - 8:00 pm

  I have never driven a car that has sparked more conversations or more compliments! Anytime I put the top up or down in public I hear "Aww cool" and "Wow!" and "Where can I get one of those!" Its been amazing. Everyone from every walk of life cant help but smile when they see it drive by. My kids love it as well. Its so great that all 3 can sit comfortably and still enjoy a convertible. The back seats are the most spacious of any Ive test driven and believe me thats a lot of cars.

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  A Steal in 2016 - 2016 Volkswagen EOS
  By Becca Petrin - April 29 - 6:02 pm

  Everyone says this car isnt sporty, but I think it is. My wife has an Audi Q4 and that car wants to speed, its engine is always hungry for faster. The Eos is also hungry for speed. Not quite as hungry as the Audi, luckily, but its not for racing (and Id argue the Audi is too fast to the point of being dangerous.) I love the Eos. The hard top means I can actually leave a car seat in there in the city and not worry about it getting stolen. My Wrangler soft top was constantly robbed. The car will fit me, the wife, the baby, the dog, and a weekend getaways luggage with the top up, so we fill it up, go to the coast, unload, and were set for top down cruising. The Eos is fun to drive, comfortable, sporty, and I feel like I got way more features than the price tag suggests. I got it in black and it looks a little like the Batmobile with the top up. The interior finishes are gorgeous. The handling is tight and responsive. The sound system is great and with Spotify streaming to the speakers, perfect. The nav doesnt show traffic, I wish it were Google maps - but I just use my phone for navigating heavy traffic. This leaves my Wrangler in the dust in every way. Ease of dropping the top, handling, mileage, safety, trunk space, and comfort. The Audi is comparable but not a convertible! Ive driven their soft tops but I love the Eos hard top. Anyways, I think the discounted Eos is a steal and recommend driving one and if you like it, get it while you can!

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  My 1st VW and my LAST - 2009 Volkswagen EOS
  By louloulane - April 17 - 1:26 am

  Beautiful eye catching car. Too bad its not reliable. I have had to have it towed 3 times in 3 months back to the dealership. We bought 2 VWs on the same day, an Eos & a CC. The Eos has been such an unpleasant experience it will be the last time a VW is owned in our family. 1st time and last time for a VW for us. Ignition, electrical,turbo problems.

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  Dont buy this car! - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By Sotouboy - April 8 - 6:10 pm

  Anyone who reads any reviews about this car would NEVER buy one! We had two, both leaked within hours of my bringing them home. The only good part was that my dealer stood behind their 100% satisfaction guarantee and gave me my money back. Its one of the coolest, quickest cars Ive driven. Unfortunately, no one wants to buy a car that leaks, all the time, even when brand new. Pass on this one and wait until they figure it out.

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  The Best Car Ever - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By Happy Redhead - April 5 - 12:56 am

  I have finally got the car Ive always wanted!!! Sassy, powerful and hot. The best is when Im at a stop light and put the top down, boy does it get raves!!!

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  Leaks and radio problems - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By docbob - March 24 - 10:16 am

  Absolutely do not buy this car. There are at least two inherent design flaws that will make the car unacceptable. 1. When you remove your key from the ignition the window drops slightly to let you out. When it is raining the rain follows the track of the roof into the car along the seal and actually POURS into your lap before you can move. You get rained on in the car! 2. The radio antenna is in the trunk. Not on top of the trunk or up front but inside so radio stations do not hold, satellite reception comes and goes abruptly and am is an almost total wash out of static. I addressed both these issues and some others with the dealership and was informed there is nothing they can do.

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  Fantastic, sporty little car! - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By jules - February 16 - 5:30 pm

  I adore this car. Its so fun to drive! And obviously the hard top is GREAT! Its like watching a transformer!! I would highly recommend this car to anyone. I live in the Northeast, and it did really well in the snow this past winter, and we got tons of it! Its got a lot of pep, and it looks so sleek... I get a ton of compliments on the car. Surprisingly you can fit quite a bit in the trunk. I have had this car for 9 months now, and its the best car. Im on my 7th VW, but this is the sportiest and most fun!

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  Versatile - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By John - February 2 - 6:00 pm

  Great acceleration, but must use a light foot, very easy to "burn rubber". I cannot understand why anyone would need the V6. Auto is solid; the interior controls are easy to use. It takes a while to get used to the narrow seats (I also have a Toyota Avalon), but they break in and are quite comfortable. I considered a Volvo C70, but could not justify the price when compared to the Eos.

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  Very Happy - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By Mike Moore - January 14 - 12:13 am

  I have had my Eos since the end of December and have enjoyed every minute with the car. It is an attractive vehicle that garners many looks and questions from people. It is enjoyable and comfortable during my 35 mile daily round trip on a misture of highway and surface streets. Its jack of all trades character in regard to coupe, convertible or open sunroof auto, its performance and its comfort reassure me each and every day that I made a good decision in investing into the VW Eos. Im a happy, sun tanned disciple of the Goddess Eos! :-)

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  18 Times and still counting - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By texlittlebear - December 27 - 9:06 am

  So the public will know my 2008 Eos has been in the shop 18 times and I did buy it new. This is not encluding the 2 times the dealership wrecked my car. VWOA will do nothing and in your hand bood it tells you to go through the BBB so that is what I am doing. I love my car but this is just to much for me. I think if you are having problem with your Eos let it be heard.