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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  My Opinion is the EOS is Junk - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By Ecartman1964 - June 22 - 6:53 am

  The EOS is a beautiful car and it has great performance and outstanding gas mileage. It ends there. Serious problems with engine, it burns oil, and leaks a little. I would not suggest this vehicle because I had it break down twice (only driven it 8,000 miles in the last year) and towed. Service is horrible because one must wait for a few days before they can even look at it and start the repairs. Ill never buy another VW again and will migrate over to Lexus, Infinity, or Acura.

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  WOW! - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By JERRY - June 6 - 10:33 am

  Ive waited five years for a VW Hardtop Convertible that looks like a "guy" car. Mine is Black with 18" wheels and has a really aggressive look to it. The car is flawless. Every time I retract the roof it draws a crowd. The roof, as I understand is not designed by VW, but by another company who specailizes in the Hard-top market, making roofs for Audi, Volvo and Mercedes. VWs is the only hard-top convertible that has a sunroof. This car is fast, numble, and most importantly - safe! I love this car. By the way, get the Sport Package. Being able to shift the gears with paddles on the steering wheel really makes this car drive like a sports car.

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  I love this car - 2009 Volkswagen EOS
  By Cindy - May 13 - 8:30 pm

  I love this car. I have a new 2009 color-gold/silver, not the official name, it is beautiful. Everything works well, very quiet and I get lots of looks. I love having the moon roof so I have a great sun-overs car all year. The only thing I dont like, is the movement of the windows after you turn the car off- they go down a little before rolling all the way back up. This is bad in a rain storm. I would recommend this car to anyone who had considered buying a convertible. It is better than a convertible with the sun roof! It gets great gas mileage so I dont mind the premium gas.

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  A Very Nice Surprise!! - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By Fatboy - May 3 - 1:20 pm

  We just purchased our new Eos and I must admit that I was very pleasantly surprised at the room inside such a small and sporty car. Im 6-04" and 340 lbs and usually just have to walk right past the "sports cars". Not this one - I fit in it with room to spare, yet my petite wife also can adjust it to meet her requirements. The car is sporty, peppy, and very nice. It is not without its drawbacks, but they are minor and it is a blast to drive. Fit and finish are superb and the 3-in-1 top is "tops"! Lots of neat features and its still a very "green machine" with over 30 mpg it you baby it. All in all, top marks for this new V-dub! Gotta hand it to those Germans - sporty with room!

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  I never give 10s - 2010 Volkswagen EOS
  By Rick - April 20 - 2:33 pm

  First: Reliability is for those cars at least over a year old. I wanted practical for a single man, so convertible was out of the question? Im a cautious driver so cornering like a sports car wasnt necessary. So, for me, cornering, acceleration and stopping is more than adequate. It is a pleasure to drive. I noticed the front wheel drive has potential for squealing on hard acceleration when the top is down. Probably a weight distribution issue. There is a huge blind side on the passenger side, logically with the top up. But seriously, who wants the top up unless you need to use those nice heated seats. Think Ill sit back and read the owners manual. Let you know more next year.

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  Intuitive Controls - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By hedgehog - April 15 - 8:56 am

  I love my EOS! Traded in a Mustang V8 conv and dont regret it at all. Dealer did not have time to demonstrate control locations but they were all exactly where I reached for them. Some great planning to make them so intuitive. Handles like a sports car on winding roads. First VW since 76, glad I found this great little car.

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  Best Car Ever! - 2009 Volkswagen EOS
  By My favorite! - March 31 - 10:13 pm

  I was a little worried getting into this car because of the reviews about the not so sporty steering, I disagree a whole lot! Its so much more fun then then the chrysler sebring hardtop or Pontiac G6 hartop! My favorite features are the great sound system and the HUGE sunroof with pop up wind blocker. For the money its worth it! I live in Michigan and i must say it turns heads, i love seeing the people in awe when i bold off the line! Also i get 25 mpg in mixed driving! The other day i had the sunroof open and i was doing 100 on the highway and it felt and sounded like 65! If you can live without 5 seats and a smaller trunk this car is perfect for You.

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  Love the Goddess - 2009 Volkswagen EOS
  By BW in Wash DC - March 25 - 7:46 am

  Bought myself a b-day gift w/a Komfort 6M. Brings a smile every time I have the top down. It is the perfect combination in size, handling, and fun. Not a speedy coupe but come on, it is a convertible, relax, ease back, and feel the sun on your back. No problem yet w/seal leak as some others reported in earlier models.

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  Its been a very satisfactory vehicle. - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By richardb3 - March 14 - 2:50 am

  After 17 months, this 2008 VW Eos has performed reliably and has been very satisfactory overall. The top has worked as promised, with but one instance of stalling in mid-operation. In that instance I was able to retract the top normally. The dealer lubricated the roof seals and the problem has not recurred. The fit and finish are great and the styling both inside and outside is pleasing. Engine performance has been fine. The car has plenty of zip in D mode and exceptional zip -- really like a sports car -- in Sport mode. I have had to add oil twice in addition to regular maintenance oil changes and that is disappointing. However, I actually get highway mileage greater than 36 mpg.

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  Very Satiisfied Eos Owner - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By Tony D. - February 23 - 6:43 am

  My wife and I drive this car on long trips (165 miles) and short jaunts (10 miles). The only repair issues we have had was a recall to replace 4-ignition over-plug coils. (No charge). Driver side door needed new window switches (no charge - under warranty). Our dealer is fine, but, I am very watchful! Battery went dead once due to me unlocking trunk overnight when I put the key fob in my pocket. No engine, roof seal, door and window operating problems. Car rides smooth, dependable and fast Mpg average between 28-31 on trips (70-75 mph top up or down) and 23-25 around town. I use mainly 89 Octane and mix 93 Octane from time to time.