2007 Volkswagen Eos Review
The 2007 Eos is a brand-new convertible from Volkswagen. What sets the Eos apart is its five-piece hard top that folds at the touch of a button. Not only that, but the roof incorporates a panoramic sunroof and heated rear window when in place.
The BuyingAdvice Team Says:
The Volkswagen Eos brings the retractable hard top to a much lower price range. Offering better sound damping and winter comfort than its cloth-topped rivals, the Eos is worth a look for the roof alone. The top is ingenious, but limits cargo space when down. The rear seat gives enough room for children but is tight for adults. Overall, the Eos is designed as a touring rather than a performance vehicle. The suspension is soft, opting for a comfortable ride rather than tight handling, and the power is adequate but not spectacular. All in all, the Eos is an exciting new option into the mid-priced convertible market.
What’s New For 2007:
What is the Predicted Reliability:
Long term reliability data is not yet available and J.D. Power does not yet have initial reliability ratings. Driver impressions have been positive so far. However, Volkswagen has a history of electrical reliability problems. The Eos has no recalls yet. Expect average to above-average reliability. The standard warranty lasts for four years or 50,000 miles.
Analysis of Safety Ratings and Features:
Neither the government nor the IIHS have safety ratings available. Standard safety equipment includes side airbags, anti-lock brakes, and stability and traction control.
Pros and Cons:
Pros
+ Great hard top
+ Typically cool VW features, like turning headlights
+ Way cheaper than competitors
Cons
– Requires premium fuel
– Unknown crash-worthiness
– Neither particularly practical nor powerful
Head-To-Head Competition:
The Eos costs $8,000 less than the Audi TT, and although it doesn’t have leather seats, it does have side airbags and slightly better gas mileage. It costs $7,500 less than the BMW Z4, but has a smaller, four-cylinder engine. However, if you can live without the hard top, the Chrysler Sebring Touring Convertible makes an excellent alternative. For the same price as a four-cylinder Eos, you get a six-cylinder engine, DVD player, and a CD changer. But, the Sebring doesn’t have traction control and gets five fewer miles to the gallon.
What Others Are Saying:
“It obviously can’t be the car for everyone, but the all-new Volkswagen Eos may just have an enticing combination of form, function and fun for lots of singles, young couples and empty nesters.” – The Family Car
“The 2007 Volkswagen Eos’s odd looks will probably keep it from having the success of the New Beetle, but looks aside, the Eos offers a lot of practicality and some real tech niceties. The hardtop protects the car in harsh weather and can quickly become a fun-in-the-sun machine. The V-6 combined with the DSG gearbox is a great combination, and we usually don’t see tech, such as navigation and cornering headlights, even offered in this segment.” – C|Net
“As a top-down environment, the interior is as calm as a spring day, and it gets almost balmy once you deploy the pop-up wind blocker integrated into the windshield header and then erect the detachable windscreen behind the front seats. It’s also easy to take a seat, thanks to wide doors and a short, upright A-pillar that won’t poke your eye out. And if you’re carrying rear-seat passengers, a touch of a button returns the front seats into place electrically once your friends are loaded.” – Automobile Magazine
Read more about the 2007 Volkswagen Eos at the Volkswagen manufacturer web site.
