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Premium sporty/performance car; Built in Portugal
  • 2-door convertible
  • transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $5,500 – $30,600*


2007 Volkswagen Eos


2007 Volkswagen Eos


2007 Volkswagen Eos


2007 Volkswagen Eos

Pros:
  • Acceleration
  • hardtop all-weather security
  • Control layout
  • Interior materials
  • Ride (except VR6)
  • Steering/handling
Cons:
  • Cargo room
  • Fuel economy (V6)
  • Rear-seat comfort
  • Wind noise

Eos’s strengths are its comfortable ride, fine handling, and the choice of open-air driving or hardtop security. Weaknesses include a tight rear seat and minimal cargo space. Overall, Eos bests its two main retractable-hardtop convertible competitors. When new, it started around $8,000 less than the Volvo C70, but delivers comparable performance. Eos is more solid and fun to drive than the similarly priced Pontiac G6 convertible. VW’s retractable hardtop has been holding its value rather well, so used-car prices aren’t likely to be bargains.

Overview

Volkswagen introduced a new four-passenger convertible for 2007, with a power retractable hardtop that included an integral sunroof. Based on the front-wheel-drive Jetta/Passat sedan architecture, the Eos shared the Jetta’s wheelbase but was almost 6 inches shorter, had two doors rather than four, and weighed almost 300 pounds more. Eos came in base, 2.0T, and 3.2 L models. Base and 2.0T models held a turbocharged 200-horsepower four-cylinder engine, while the 3.2 L got a 250-hp V6. A six-speed manual transmission was standard with the four-cylinder. A six-speed sequential manual transmission (SMT), called the Direct Shift Gearbox, was optional. Operating similar to an automatic, the SMT was the only transmission offered with the 3.2 L model.

Antilock braking, traction/antiskid control, and front side airbags were standard. Also standard were automatic rollover bars designed to deploy from behind the rear seats in the event of a tip over or collision. Available Luxury and Sport Packages added leather upholstery, upgraded trim, and larger wheels/tires. Sport Packages included a firmer suspension. A navigation system and rear obstacle detection also were offered. Primary rivals were the Pontiac G6 convertible and Volvo C70–both retractable hardtop coupes.

Yearly Updates

2008 Eos
New trim levels were offered for 2008. Instead of 2.0T and 3.2 L models, the 2008 group included a Turbo, Komfort, Lux, and VR6. The first three had turbocharged 2.0-liter four-cylinder engines, while the VR6 used VW’s 250-hp V6. A six-speed manual transmission was standard in Turbo and Komfort models. Optional for those and standard in the Lux and VR6 was Volkswagen’s six-speed sequential manual transmission (SMT).
2009 Eos
Eos lost the VR6 version with its V6 engine, meaning all models now carried a 200-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder. Otherwise, this sporty convertible was unchanged.
2010 Eos
The 2010 Volkswagen Eos was largely unchanged.
2011 Eos
The 2011 Volkswagen Eos was virtually unchanged.
2012 Eos
Freshened styling and the addition of a top-line Executive trim level were the only changes of note to the 2012 Volkswagen Eos.
2013 Eos
The 2013 Eos was available in four trim levels: Komfort, Sport, Lux, and Executive. All except the base Komfort now came standard with the LED daytime running lights, color multifunction display screen, and steering-linked adaptive bi-xenon headlights with washers that were included in the previously optional Technology Package.
2014 Eos
The 2014 Eos saw few changes. The Lux trim level was discontinued and all Eos models were now offered with Volkswagen’s Car-Net communications system/smartphone app.

Engines

transverse front-engine/front-wheel drive

When equipped with the turbocharged 200-horsepower four-cylinder engine, an Eos could have either a six-speed manual or six-speed sequential manual transmission (SMT). Only the SMT was offered with Volkswagen’s 3.2-liter V6 engine, which produced 250 horsepower. For 2009, Eos lost the VR6 version with its V6 engine, meaning all models now carried a 200-hp turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder.

Turbocharged dohc I41
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 2.0/121
Engine HP 200
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 207
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed manual
6-speed automatic 		21/29
21/30 		21.2
dohc V61
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 3.2/195
Engine HP 250
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 235
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
6-speed automatic

 19/26

1. EPA Note: Figures shown are for 2008 models. The Environmental Protection Agency changed its procedure for 2008 to yield more realistic estimates. Therefore, estimated mileage is lower than for prior years.

Road Test

Turbocharged models are satisfyingly quick, particularly in the 45-65 mph range. However, that engine runs out of steam at high rpm, so judicious shifting with the manual transmission is required during passing. With the V6, an Eos has ample passing power, but is plagued by low-speed throttle lag. Working with either engine, the SMT can be slow to downshift in standard drive mode, but is alert in Sport setting.

Fuel economy is satisfying with the turbo. A test manual-shift turbo model averaged 21.0 mpg in mostly city driving. Another, with the SMT, averaged 21.2 mpg in city/highway driving. A test Eos with V6 power averaged only 15.3 mpg, in mostly highway driving. Volkswagen recommends premium-grade gasoline for both engines.

On the road, an Eos is stable and composed, with no float or wallow. Even on rough pavement, the suspension is generally compliant. Sharp bumps can pound through if 17- or 18-inch tires are mounted.

Communicative steering helps give the Eos a high score for handling. This retractable-hardtop corners with grippy assurance and little body lean. Cowl shake is nonexistent with the top up, and only slightly worse with the top down, indicating a solid structure. Models with a sport suspension, and the VR6, have slightly sharper moves.

Both engines are smooth and subdued. Some testers have complained of rear-tire roar on coarse pavement, especially with either Sport Package. Top-up, test cars have suffered from a few minor squeaks and noticeable wind noise. Top-down, wind rush is the usual convertible irritant, though the windshield header screen helps direct air over front occupants.

Clear gauges complement mostly handy, intuitive controls. Eos’s high-quality interior has many soft-touch surfaces. The available navigation system absorbs some audio controls, complicating their use; but climate controls are separate. VW’s easy-to-use top raises and lowers in about 20 seconds at the push of a button; it includes a heated-glass rear window. The large integral power-opening sunroof is a unique touch. Some test models have suffered a few squeaks where the top connects to the windshield.

Front occupants get good headroom and legroom, though some testers have said high doorsills and low seat position contribute to a tub-like feel. Seats are supportive with firm side bolstering for lateral stability–especially those included with a Sport Package. The standard tilt/telescoping steering wheel helps with driver comfort. With the top up, rearward visibility is hindered by headrests and the small rear window.

Rear occupants can expect decent legroom if front seats are well forward, but with the top raised, headroom is minimal even for shorter adults. Front seats slide quickly forward to ease entry/exit, but getting in or out of the backseat with the top up requires the usual coupe contortions.

Trunk volume is small with the top raised, and the hardtop folds into the trunk, cutting space even more. With the top down, there’s enough room for a couple of duffel bags, but thicker suitcases and golf bags won’t fit. Eos’s cabin would benefit from more small-item storage–especially the base models and cars equipped with the navigation system. Base models have lacked a center console, and installing a navigation system moved the six-disc CD changer to the console, eliminating its storage capacity.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2007 Eos 2.0T w/Luxury Pkg., SMT

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 7
70%
Fuel Economy - 6
60%
Ride Quality - 7
70%
Steering/Handling - 6
60%
Quietness - 4
40%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 8
80%
Room/Comfort Front - 6
60%
Room/Comfort Rear - 2
20%
Cargo Room - 2
20%

Other

Value - 6
60%

Total: 54

Specifications

2-door convertible
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
101.5 173.5 70.5 56.8
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
10.5 14.5 4
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
37.5 35.8 41.7 32.5
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2007 Not tested 2-door convertible

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Front Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Rear Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Air conditioner
Description: The A/C may gradually get warmer while driving due to a bad temperature sensor allowing the evaporator to freeze up. (2007)
Engine misfire
Description: Engine may misfire and the check engine light may illuminate due to moisture getting into the coil-over-plug ignition coils unless improved COP units have been installed. (2005-07)
Audio system
Description: The navigation system may develop several faults (no map, inaudible voice, radio locks up, etc.) requiring software upgrade. (2007-08)
Rear axle noise
Description: Noises may come from the rear springs, which are eliminated by replacing the galvanized spring plate with a rubber-coated plate. (2007-08)
Seat
Description: The heated seat(s) may quit working. (2007-08)
Water leak
Description: Water may leak into the interior from the upper part of the windshield along the seal or from the sunroof due to a detached drain hose. (2007)
Convertible top
Description: The retractable hard top leaks from one or more places. (2007-13)
Software problems
Description: Engine may misfire and the check engine light may illuminate due to moisture getting into the coil-over-plug ignition coils unless improved COP units have been installed. (2005-07)
Navigation system
Description: The compass on vehicles without a navigation system, may point in the wrong direction requiring a software update. (2007-09)

Recall History

2010-13 Eos
Description: Debris may contaminate the air bag’s clock spring, a flat cable that maintains power to the air bag when the steering wheel is being turned. The contamination may cause the cable to tear, which prevents the air bag from deploying in a crash.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on April 21, 2016.
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