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Volkswagen Eos - What the Auto Press Says

The 2009 Volkswagen Eos ranks 13 out of 17 Upscale Midsize Cars. This ranking is based on our analysis of 51 published reviews and test drives of the Volkswagen Eos, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.

For those looking for a convertible that can function well as a daily driver, the Volkswagen Eos is worth a look. The automotive press says that it's a solid all-around performer that doesn't excel at anything.  It's a good-looking, practical car with the added appeal and versatility of a retractable hardtop.

Automobile Magazine says "The Eos is the model of what every convertible should be. It's a useful, well-engineered automobile, so it makes fashion practical as well as fun."  As one of the least expensive retractable hardtops available and a car with solid fuel economy ratings, it's a good value for those who want top-down driving fun but don't want to pay luxury car prices.

The Eos, however, can intrude on luxury car prices in higher trim levels.  A fully optioned Eos can cost nearly as much as larger hardtop convertibles like the BMW 3-Series and Volvo C70.  An Infiniti G37 Convertible and a Lexus IS convertible, both due to hit showrooms in the second half of 2009 might also become Eos competitors.  It makes sense to shop around before deciding on this car. 

The Eos was introduced in 2007. For 2009, VW has simplified the trim options available.  Komfort and Lux models are offered. A more powerful VR6 edition has been dropped from the lineup, and its V6 engine is no longer available.

• "In the end, you'll have to decide how much you want to pay for top-down motoring and how important it is for top-up motoring to include a roof made of metal and glass. If your budget is fixed somewhere in the low $30K range, the 2009 Volkswagen Eos is an excellent choice. However, when fully optioned, the Eos makes less sense as its price nears that of BMW's superb 3 Series convertible, a vehicle that combines a hardtop, driving fun and prestige."-- Edmunds
• "The Eos represents a good compromise between a sports car and a sedan. It's sporty and practical, and yet offers opportunities for top-down worship of the sun, the moon and the stars." -- New Car Test Drive
• "Eos' strengths are a comfortable ride, fine handling, and the choice of open-air driving or hardtop security. Its weaknesses include a tight rear seat and minimal cargo room." -- Consumer Guide
• "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." -- 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
• Volkswagen has a "dodgy reputation for quality and reliability in recent years, particularly for its new models." -- New York Times

Eos Performance - 8.1 (Very Good)

The 2009 Volkswagen Eos is engineered to be practical, not necessarily sporty. Car and Driver says, "Most buyers will have no performance complaints," but "the passionate driver will be less satisfied." One complaint common to convertibles -- body shake at highway speeds -- seems to be absent from the Eos. continue

Eos Exterior - 7.7 (Good)

The 2009 VW is one of the few cars on the market designed solely as a convertible -- there is no Eos sedan or coupe. Reviewers say it offers a clean, simple look. The Detroit News says "the coupe-style body looks very substantial without being bulky." . continue

Eos Interior - 7.6 (Good)

The interior of the Eos is luxurious for its price, but the car is not a functional four-seater. "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 - 10.0 (Excellent)

The 2009 Eos is an Insurance Institute for Highway Safety "Top Safety Pick" among convertibles because of its excellent crash test scores and standard stability control.  The federal government has not crash tested the Eos.  The car comes with a full list of standard safety equipment, none of it optional. continue

Eos Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)

The 2009 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 three-year/36,000-mile basic warranty. Volkswagen provides the first 36,000-miles of scheduled maintenance free of charge.  continue