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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  Theres no other car like it! - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By solarflare - December 1 - 4:06 am

  You don’t have to give up a sunroof or front wheel drive with this baby! I get 35-42 mpg highway and with 200 horses under the hood! The DSG transmission is smooth and responsive and I love the fact that the car sounds much like a manual when accelerating. My EOS has the luxury package with rear park assist, two options that I highly recommend. The interior trim, mine has the cornsilk beige, is top notch and very elegant. The car is beautiful inside and out! Handling with the top down is a bit awkward but the car is a blast to drive. The leather seats are a bit hard but not uncomfortable. The EOS has style and class and I think VW has a winner here!

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  DEFECTIVE TRANSMISSION - 2009 Volkswagen EOS
  By BOCA LEN - November 29 - 2:00 am

  Overall my EOS is a reasonably priced convertible with generally good quality. I bought the car new. I drive to work and never abuse the car - just basic transportation However, at 1400 miles the transmission blew and had to be replaced with what I now know is a refurbished unit. Last week at 10,000 miles the refurbished transmission blew again. The dealer wants to replace with a refurbished unit again. VW extended the warranty, the dealer has been pleasant to work with and provides a loaner car. The point is, this transmission is too complex. I thing that anyone considering buying a VW with this transmission needs to be aware of the problems that are inherent with this unit. Beware!

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  Great Car - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By EOS1 - November 25 - 4:43 pm

  This car is excellent. It is peppy and fun to drive. It is comfortable when pushed.

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  A great car! - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By jlb - November 20 - 5:46 am

  I agree with other owners: this car is really, really fun, and the hardtop convertible is just great. I learned to drive in Italy, and you can really throw this car around corners. My only regret is that I didnt get a stick. For an automatic, the DSG gearbox is good, but I tried a friends Audi with the same 2.0 Turbo and a stick, and -- well, the stick is just more fun.

• 

  Good choice - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By injuryexpert - November 17 - 5:30 am

  My 08 Eos has had almost no problems in the first month. No leaks, no big wind noise, no build problems. Great power and the DSG is awesome. Of course, this car is about the top - real showoff moves. Its also practical because of this top, even in the midwest. If youre looking for fun with enough room for some friends or a golf bag in the back seat, the Eos is the best choice out there.

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  I wouldnt buy an Eos again - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By ljs - November 4 - 9:13 am

  I have had all the common problems since new. Window gears, window sensors, top malfunctions, top leaks, fuel pressure unit, lumbar bladder, etc. I am done with this car, 36,500 miles and it is gone. Service is terrible at any VW dealer. I wish this car was built as well as my wifes Passat. We were loyal VW customers until the Eos. No more VW for us, at all.

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  Wow! - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By bjahil47 - October 30 - 4:20 am

  I have had my Eos for 3 months now and I love it. It is so much fun to drive and I have people staring at me all the time. Only problem I have had is the strap which holds the seat belt is already worn out. I have not told the dealer yet.

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  This is a keeper - 2009 Volkswagen EOS
  By VWFANS - September 27 - 5:40 am

  Very cool car. No other has a hard top, a drop top, and a sunroof. It is fun to drive, pretty comfy,everything is layed nicely and to be able to go through the car wash is an added plus. VW builds quality! Gas miles ....WOW like 30 in the city! Buy one you will be so happy you did.

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  4th VW, wont buy another one - 2007 Volkswagen EOS
  By ericnjodie - September 16 - 10:18 am

  ive owned 3 Jettas and have always liked VW. that is until i traded in my 2008 Jetta for an 07 EOS. ive had the car only a year and have had 3 different services for leaks and window switches, etc. now that it is cold outside, the water is now freezing in the inside of the windows because of the water leaks. it seems no matter how many times i get the "windows adjusted" it keeps leaking. im taking it back and will not be buying another VW unless the dealership takes care of me. thank god i bought the extended warranty when i got the car. i would recommend anyone brave enough to buy one of these to get the extended warranty.

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  Transmission problems right off the lot - 2008 Volkswagen EOS
  By Krista - September 6 - 10:00 am

  I am frustrated typing this because I really do love my car, aside from the fact that it very well may be a lemon. Soon after purchasing it started puttering and having trouble shifting gears. When releasing the brake it jumped. I took it in only to find out the computer chip to my transmission was faulty and it needed to be replaced. They replaced it and literally within a few hundered miles of driving it the transmission is acting up again. I tried to take it in to get it fixed and Volkwagen claims there is no issue. I dont know where else to go with this! I am very frustrated. The transmission should not be an inssue for a brand new car! Sensors were off for the hard top too.