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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  Love the car but lots of issues - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By Greg - December 20 - 9:00 am

  I bought my 2008 Eos and it has really been an enjoyable car to drive, when it is not at the dealership. So far I have taken it in at least 4 times, 3 of which for the same issues. Small leakage in the drivers window during a heavy rain, auto roll up windows do not always go back up, and breaks squeal despite the dealership telling me they are fine, it is just the way VW made them. The other issue I had recently was the battery needing to be replaced at about 30K miles (this was causing the trunk latch in the car to not pop the trunk completely open).

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  I Love My Eos! - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By Nancy - December 18 - 4:33 am

  I am so happy with my Eos. It is fun to drive, beautiful, and has lots of power for a small car. Having the hardtop fold into the trunk is a wonderful feature. I get comments daily on the beautiful blue color. I really am happy with my car, and so is my husband!

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  Gotta Luv It - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By Mickey - December 17 - 9:50 pm

  I was pleasantly surprised by the interior roominess for such a small car. Im 5 10" and like to stretch out my legs, but theres still leg room behind my drivers seat for a passenger for short distances. The hardtop roof is awesome and makes this convertible much more solid and stable than a rag top. This car is spunky, but has very good fuel economy. It has got all the toys of a pricier car. I am very pleased with it so far even though I have had it only one week. Its not my recently sold 911 Carerra Cabriolet, but it doesnt have the price tag or the maintenance costs either and its a lot more practicable. I hope it holds up.

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  Simply The Best - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By sapphirexae - December 16 - 5:30 pm

  I sure have read my fair share of scathing EOS reviews here. I am happy to report that for three years, my EOS hasnt had one single issue! No oil issues, no power window issues, not one leak. It has been flawless! It is dead quiet (no rattles or squeaks). The design is stunning and the interior trumps my BMW! Every day my love grows and grows for this amazing car. I dont even know if the word "car" is appropriate. Perhaps heaven on wheels works better.

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  Very pleased - 2009 Volkswagen EOS
  By CCP - December 11 - 4:46 am

  Sorry there are "lemons" . Fortunately, I am one of the lucky ones. I have been in search of a convertible for close to a year. I knew I wanted German technology, retractable hard top, front wheel drive if not all wheel,and some updated technology like a navigation system and ipod adapter. What you can get loaded in this car is a just a starter price in BMW or Audi. Audi does not yet make a hard top and BMW does not have front wheel drive in the class. The retractable hardtop has a panoramic sunroof that opens..the only convertible with this feature. They have corrected the "whirring"with small windscreen above he windshield. Technology of top closure:priceless. Gas OK.

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  FUN LITTLE CONVERTIBLE - 2009 Volkswagen EOS
  By FLORIDA LEN - December 1 - 8:20 am

  I was concerned about buying a hardtop convertible, but I bought the EOS knowing how well VW builds cars. So far, early on in ownership, the car is solid and exhibiting no leaks. The car is a good value for the money. It is not a styling standout, but the design is nice looking. The interior is typically German, all business. What is great about the car is that is overall very solid, handles well and has decent mileage from a very peppy engine. Although, a small car, it feels very safe and secure and I am glad I bought it.

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  AWESOME - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By khuckabee - November 24 - 8:03 am

  We have been looking at these cars for quite some time. I recently bought an 09 with low miles. The car lot gave me the story that some little old lady drove the car and just traded it in on a new one. I believe they tell that story to all buyers. I found an old insurance card in the car and found a number for the name on the card. When I called, it was an old lady and she was very nice. She loved the car and the only reason to get rid of it was she traded in on a brand new one that was the exact same model and color. She said no problems with leaks or oil and it was very dependable. I bought the car for my 17 year old daughter and I really like it.

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  The Eos is Awesome! - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By Yama - November 24 - 1:03 am

  I craved this vehicle for about 7 months, then finally bought one, 3.2, technology and sport package. I could not be more pleased! It is a sure crowd pleaser, and the styling looks "European". There is nothing I would change, nothing lacking for me with this vehicle. Ive had 6-footers in the back for short trips, and they didnt squawk. But then again, I didnt purchase it to carry folks in the back (I have a van for that!), I bought it to have a vehicle with style, good safety features, and a hardtop convertible.

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  LOVE MY EOS!! - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By volkswagen07 - November 6 - 8:29 pm

  I have been readuing reviews that have concerns about the window leaking. I bought my 2007 Eos in June of 2007...trading in my 2003 Passat. First let me say, I live in the desert along the Colorado River, where in the summer it reaches 120 degrees, adn I drive my Eos with the top down for 9 months out of the year. Here is what I have found... If you look in you manual, you will see that if you go thru the automated care washes, it voids the warrenty on the top. The rubber seals on the roof will start to leak due to the high pressure sprayers in automated care washes, and also if you do not oil the rubber seals, the same thing can happen. I bought the oil from the dealership, and do it

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  Eos - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By Larson - October 26 - 1:16 pm

  Very nice convertible. Handles extremely well, just as one would expect with a sports car. For a 4 cyl.2.0 liter turbo engine it has a lot of go and then some. More than enough power. It is extremely quiet with the top down. Very easy for people to talk, meaning marginal wind noise.