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2012 Volkswagen Eos
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2012 Volkswagen Eos Review
Scorecard
| Overall: | 7.9 |
| Critics' Rating: | 7.9 |
| Performance: | 8.2 |
| Interior: | 7.2 |
| Safety: | 9.9 |
| Reliability: |
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Reviewers say the 2012 Volkswagen Eos isn’t the best convertible on the market, but it shouldn’t be overlooked because its quality is on par with convertibles costing much more.
The 2012 Volkswagen Eos is practical yet fun to drive, thanks to its power-retractable hardtop. Test drivers like the Eos’ hardtop because it protects passengers from bad weather when the top is up, and love that it even has a power tilt and sliding sunroof built into the top panel when you don’t feel like putting the entire top down.
The VW Eos has other strengths, including its powerful turbocharged four-cylinder engine, smooth six-speed automatic transmission, high-quality interior and three-year free maintenance plan, which covers oil changes and tire rotations.
The Volkswagen Eos has its downsides too. Reviewers say its back seat is tight and its trunk is mostly unusable, but these are common complaints among convertibles. A few test drivers say that with the top down, the Eos’ body flexes and shakes a little because there is no fixed roof that makes the body more rigid. They also add that the Eos has weak headlights and limited visibility with the roof up. Several auto critics also think the Eos is expensive compared with other affordable convertibles, but is cheaper than many upscale rivals. A few say that it’s worth it to spend a little more money to get a convertible from an established luxury brand.
Other Cars to Consider
Convertibles are known for having tiny back seats and trunks. If you don’t mind these traits and have more money to spend, you should test drive the Infiniti G Convertible. Although it costs significantly more than the Eos, and also has a small back seat and trunk, reviewers say the G Convertible is extremely fun to drive. The Volkswagen Eos is good for those who want a comfortable cruiser, but the Infiniti G Convertible is a car for drivers who want a powerful, performance-oriented convertible they can fling around corners.
If your budget isn’t big enough for the Infiniti G Convertible, check out the Chevrolet Camaro Convertible. It costs a few thousand dollars less than the VW Eos, and has a more masculine look. The Camaro Convertible has more power than the Eos, but reviewers dislike its cheap interior materials. Another thing to keep in mind is that both the G Convertible and Camaro Convertible are rear-wheel drive cars, while the Eos is front-wheel drive. If you plan on driving in inclement weather, the Eos might handle snowy roads better.
VW Eos: The Details
The 2012 Volkswagen Eos convertible has a power-retractable hardtop and is available in three trims: Komfort, Lux and a new trim level, Executive. Volkswagen took away the Eos’ six-speed manual transmission for 2012, so now it only has a six-speed automatic. See the full list of 2012 Volkswagen Eos specs.
- "The Volkswagen Eos deserves more consideration than it gets. It offers the features and build quality of a more expensive luxury model, making it a smart choice for drop-top sun seekers." -- Edmunds
- "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. Overall, Eos bests its main 4-seat retractable-hardtop-convertible competitors." -- Consumer Guide
- "The redesigned 2012 Volkswagen Eos is a small convertible that mixes good materials with a pleasant driving experience, but its price rubs up against some established luxury competitors." -- Cars.com
- "The Eos feels more grown-up and more refined. It seats four comfortably and serves as a coupe or convertible in equal capacity. For those looking for that younger car, the Beetle Convertible is still a definite possibility in the next year or two. But for going to a business lunch one day, and beach cruising the next, the Eos is tough to beat." -- Motor Trend
- "If you're looking for a comfortable and fuel-efficient daily driver that can also be a blast to drive on the weekends (or whenever the sun comes out), you'll find much to like in the 2012 Volkswagen Eos." -- Kelley Blue Book
- "At first glance, the 2012 Volkswagen Eos looks like a reasonable car, a mild two-door with the advantage of a retractable hardtop. But a look at the price tag is bound to cause jaws to drop. Volkswagen treads far from its people's-car roots with the Eos." -- CNET
- "Yet it remains what it has been since its introduction: a good compromise between practical daily transportation and sporty, emotion-fueled sun worship." -- New Car Test Drive
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