2008 Volkswagen Eos [ 2007 ]
in Affordable Four-Seat Convertibles
Based on analysis of 48 Eos reviews and test drives.
Volkswagen Eos - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Volkswagen Eos ranks 6 out of 9 Affordable Four-Seat Convertibles. This ranking is based on our analysis of 48 published reviews and test drives of the Volkswagen Eos, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The 2008 Volkswagen Eos is a solid all-around performer that doesn't excel at anything. It offers one of the least expensive retractable hardtops available. However, serious questions about the reliability of Volkswagen products mean buyers should consider alternatives before settling on an Eos.
The 2008 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," says Automobile Magazine. "It's a useful, well-engineered automobile, so it makes fashion practical as well as fun." The Eos' innovative optional automatic transmission, stylish lines, and reassuring array of safety features impress many reviewers. Volkswagen has been plagued by quality problems for several years, however, and the Eos is a mechanically complex car. Many reviewers make a point of saying that there are a lot of ways for something to go wrong with this car.
The Eos, for 2008, comes in four different trim levels. All Eos models, except for the top trim level, are powered by a turbocharged inline four-cylinder engine putting out 200 horsepower. The VR6 edition uses a more powerful 3.2-liter V6 making 250 horsepower. While the larger engine does offer more zip, it adds so much to the price that many publications recommend against buying it. Options and upgrades can quickly inflate the sticker price, but the base-model Eos offers enough features to satisfy most reviewers.
- "The Eos is probably one of the smartest choices for any prospective retractable-hardtop buyer." -- Road and Track
- "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." -- BusinessWeek
- "There are plenty of…trade-offs in the Eos. As with most convertibles, there's a premium on space, both in the 'back seat,' which is really suitable only for kids, and in the trunk, which is largely given over to stowing the roof. While its performance is perky, don't be fooled -- the Eos is a lamb compared with the ferocious GTI, and even the economical Rabbit feels tighter on curves." -- U.S. News
- "Most buyers will have no performance complaints," but, "As a runabout for the passionate driver, we'll give the Eos only a 'fair.'" -- Car and Driver
- "For those who feel they've outgrown their cute New Beetle convertibles, the Eos is just the tanning machine you've been waiting for--and can now afford." -- Motor Trend
- "Volkswagen has a "dodgy reputation for quality and reliability in recent years, particularly for its new models." -- New York Times
Eos Performance - 7.7 (Good)
Reviewers find the 2008 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." Though many convertibles suffer from body shake at highway speeds, many reviewers make a point to say that the Eos is quite stable. Our full Eos Performance Review gives details on the unique design that makes this possible. continue
Eos Exterior - 7.5 (Good)
The 2008 VW Eos was designed as a convertible, and has no coupe or sedan counterpart. As such, most reviewers find the car's body attractive, with clean lines and well-balanced angles. The three-part, automatically retractable hardtop gets a lot of attention in reviews. Road and Track reports, "The roof, operated by eight hydraulic cylinders and a multitude of mechanical linkages, stows away in about 25 sec. with the push of a button." Our Volkswagen Eos Photo Gallery shows the look with the top up and down, while our full Exterior Review offers reviewer commentary. continue
Eos Interior - 7.6 (Good)
The interior of the Eos is stylish, though somewhat cramped in the back seats when the hardtop is 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." Our Volkswagen Eos Photo Gallery shows the cabin in detail, while our full Interior Review runs down the list of equipment. continue
Eos Safety - 9.4 (Excellent)
The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the Eos a rating of "good" -- the highest possible -- for frontal and side-impact crash tests. The federal government has not crash tested the Eos. Continue with our full Safety Review to read about available safety features. continue
Eos Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2008 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). The Eos is covered by a four-year, 50,000-mile basic warranty. continue
