2007 Volkswagen Eos [ 2008 ]
Volkswagen Eos
Overall Score - 7.9 (Good)
The Eos delivers the versatility of a retractable hardtop and a conservatively stylish exterior, but can't match the sporty dynamics or interior comfort of others in its class. If you're in the market for an affordable sports car, also consider the Honda S2000.
The 2007 Volkswagen Eos, according to most reviewers, is a good-looking, practical car with the added appeal and versatility of a retractable hardtop. "The Eos is the model of what every convertible should be," claims Automobile Magazine. "It's a useful, well-engineered automobile, so it makes fashion practical as well as fun." Edmunds calls it "a good all-around car, adaptable to different climates and situations." The Eos' innovative optional automatic transmission, stylish lines and reassuring array of safety features impress many reviewers. Road and Track determines, "the Eos is probably one of the smartest choices for any prospective retractable-hardtop buyer."
Introduced for 2007, the Eos delivers good value, in the opinion of many reviewers. Kelley Blue Book argues, "The all-new VW Eos delivers a combination of performance, refinement and livability never before seen in a sub-$30,000 drop-top." While options and upgrades can quickly inflate the sticker price, the base-model Eos offers enough features to satisfy most reviewers. As such, BusinessWeek counsels: "If you're looking for a speedy, versatile sporty car that won't break the bank, the new Eos should be at the top of your shopping list. With the smaller of the two available engines, it's relatively low-priced but still extremely quick." IntelliChoice rates manual-transmission models "Above Average" and automatic-transmission models "Average" for their predicted five-year total cost of ownership, compared to other vehicles in their class.
The Eos is available in base, 2.0 TFSI and 3.2L trim levels.
Eos Performance - 7.9 (Good)
Reviewers find the 2007 Volkswagen Eos fun to drive, though its power and handling dynamics deliver performance that's more practical than sporty. Car and Driver says, "Most buyers will have no performance complaints," but "the passionate driver will be less satisfied." continue
Eos Exterior - 7.8 (Good)
The Volkswagen Eos, with its retractable hardtop, is both versatile and conservatively stylish, but reviewers don't agree if it looks better with the top up or down. Edmunds reports, "Whether we had the steel top in place, powered it back to a top-down and wind-in-your-hair convertible, or were kicking it with the open sunroof, its 'CSC' coupe-sunroof-convertible design adapts to any situation with style." continue
Eos Interior - 7.6 (Good)
The interior of the Eos is stylish, though somewhat cramped in the back seats with the hardtop up. "The Eos is billed as a two-plus-two but the 'two' in back had better be children or very small adults (and not claustrophobic)," explains Newsday before concluding, "Mostly, the upscale interior is as functional as it is beautiful." continue
Eos Safety - 9.4 (Excellent)
The Detroit News writes, "Volkswagen doesn't skimp on the things that make for peace-of-mind." That peace-of-mind is warranted, at least according to crash tests conducted by the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, in which the Eos receives a rating of "Good" -- the highest possible -- for frontal and side-impact crash tests. The federal government has not crash tested the Eos. continue
Eos Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2007 Volkswagen Eos reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). Volkswagen supports the Eos with a four-year/50,000-mile basic warranty. continue