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2009 Volkswagen Eos Bottom Line

July 13, 2009

By Bengt Halvorson's avatar Bengt Halvorson, EditorBengt Halvorson

TheCarConnection.com's editors have driven the Volkswagen Eos and sum up their most useful impressions and advice in this Bottom Line. TheCarConnection.com has also surveyed reviews from across the Web to bring you this inclusive review of the 2009 Volkswagen Eos.

Likes:

  • Real space for four adults
  • Smooth, solid folding hardtop
  • Brilliant dual-clutch automatic gearbox
  • Crisp handling
  • High-quality interior

Dislikes:

  • Styling isn't sexy
  • Wind blocker makes its own noise
  • Smallish trunk

Buying Tips:


If you'd rather have the VR6 engine offered on the Eos, it's been dropped for 2009. You might be able to find a spare 2008 model quite easily, though.

The 2009 Volkswagen Eos is a four-seat, folding-hardtop convertible that's named for the Greek goddess of the dawn. We wouldn't quite call the Eos a goddess in the looks department—especially with the top up—but it seems all right with the top down. Inside, though, the Eos's cabin sports GTI style, enviable Volkswagen materials, and room enough even for adult males in back.

Two engine choices are available in the 2009 Volkswagen Eos: a 2.0-liter, 200-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder with plenty of available torque, ample thrust, and a 0-60 mph time of 6.4 seconds with a choice of six-speed manual or dual-clutch transmissions. Volkswagen's brilliant dual-clutch automatic can be shifted like a manual without the clutch pedal. Handling is one of the Eos's best features; it's relaxed enough so that you enjoy the convertible experience, but firm enough to charge around your favorite roads. Fuel economy is strong at 21 mpg city, 30 highway.

The cargo area is a manageable 6.6 cubic feet with the top stowed, larger than that in the Pontiac G6 and Volvo C70 hardtop convertibles, but it's still kind of small. The convertible roof also has a setting that opens the front section like a sunroof. It uses eight electric motors to unlatch from the windshield header and flip and fold under the metal trunklid in 25 seconds.

Stability and traction control are standard on all Eos convertibles, as are head/thorax airbags that deploy from the front seats. A pop-up roll bar is also standard. The 2009 Volkswagen Eos gets a rating of "good" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for front and for side impacts.

Options include a navigation system and an upmarket audio system. Sixteen-inch wheels are a standard feature on the 2009 Volkswagen Eos. Park Distance Control is optional, and 2009 brings a new Technology Package that boasts adaptive front lighting, bi-xenon headlamps, and PDC.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2009 Volkswagen Eos, also consider:

Reason Why:

The Volvo C70 is tighter and more handsomely built than the Eos, but its high-strung turbo engines aren't as relaxed. The Saab 9-3 is also another good, practical choice—with an especially roomy trunk—and due to its soft top, its top-up driving experience includes a bit more road noise. Other four-seat convertibles like the Pontiac G6 and Chrysler Sebring offer folding hardtops, but their fit and finish fall far below the standard set by the Eos.

The Bottom Line:

The 2009 Volkswagen Eos isn't sexy, and it's one of the most practical choices among convertibles and there's a lot to like.

TheCarConnection.com's editors have driven the Volkswagen Eos and sum up their most useful impressions and advice in this Bottom Line. TheCarConnection.com has also surveyed reviews from across the Web to bring you this inclusive review of the 2009 Volkswagen Eos. Likes:Real space for four adultsSmooth, solid folding hardtopBrilliant dual-clutch automatic gearboxCrisp handlingHigh-quality interiorDislikes:Styling isn't sexyWind blocker makes its own noiseSmallish trunkBuying Tips: If you'd rather have the VR6 engine offered on the Eos, it's been dropped for 2009. You might be able to find a spare 2008 model quite easily, though. The 2009 Volkswagen Eos is a four-seat, folding-hardtop convertible that's named for the Greek goddess of the dawn. We wouldn't quite call the Eos a goddess in the looks department—especially with the top up—but it seems all right with the top down. Inside, though, the Eos's cabin sports GTI style, enviable Volkswagen materials, and room enough even for adult males in back. Two engine choices are available in the 2009 Volkswagen Eos: a 2.0-liter, 200-horsepower turbocharged four-cylinder with plenty of available torque, ample thrust, and a 0-60 mph time of 6.4 seconds with a choice of six-speed manual or dual-clutch transmissions. Volkswagen's brilliant dual-clutch automatic can be shifted like a manual without the clutch pedal. Handling is one of the Eos's best features; it's relaxed enough so that you enjoy the convertible experience, but firm enough to charge around your favorite roads. Fuel economy is strong at 21 mpg city, 30 highway. The cargo area is a manageable 6.6 cubic feet with the top stowed, larger than that in the Pontiac G6 and Volvo C70 hardtop convertibles, but it's still kind of small. The convertible roof also has a setting that opens the front section like a sunroof. It uses eight electric motors to unlatch from the windshield header and flip and fold under the metal trunklid in 25 seconds. Stability and traction control are standard on all Eos convertibles, as are head/thorax airbags that deploy from the front seats. A pop-up roll bar is also standard. The 2009 Volkswagen Eos gets a rating of "good" from the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) for front and for side impacts. Options include a navigation system and an upmarket audio system. Sixteen-inch wheels are a standard feature on the 2009 Volkswagen Eos. Park Distance Control is optional, and 2009 brings a new Technology Package that boasts adaptive front lighting, bi-xenon headlamps, and PDC. Other Choices:If you like the 2009 Volkswagen Eos, also consider:Volvo C70Saab 9-3 ConvertiblePontiac G6 ConvertibleChrysler Sebring ConvertibleReason Why:The Volvo C70 is tighter and more handsomely built than the Eos, but its high-strung turbo engines aren't as relaxed. The Saab 9-3 is also another good, practical choice—with an especially roomy trunk—and due to its soft top, its top-up driving experience includes a bit more road noise. Other four-seat convertibles like the Pontiac G6 and Chrysler Sebring offer folding hardtops, but their fit and finish fall far below the standard set by the Eos. The Bottom Line:The 2009 Volkswagen Eos isn't sexy, and it's one of the most practical choices among convertibles and there's a lot to like. TheCarConnection.com's editors have driven the Volkswagen Eos and sum up their most useful impressions and advice in this Bottom Line. TheCarConnection.com has also surveyed reviews from across the Web to bring you this inclusive review of the 2009 Volkswagen Eos. Likes Real space for ...

Other Choices:

The Volvo C70 is tighter and more handsomely built than the Eos, but its high-strung turbo engines aren't as relaxed. The Saab 9-3 is also another good, practical choice—with an especially roomy trunk—and due to its soft top, its top-up driving experience includes a bit more road noise. Other four-seat convertibles like the Pontiac G6 and Chrysler Sebring offer folding hardtops, but their fit and finish fall far below the standard set by the Eos.

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See the Volkswagen Eos in Other Years:

2010 | 2009 | 2008 | 2007

Comments (1 total)

  1. By gretchen e ganas #1, Posted: 9/16/2009

    on 5/5/09 purchased new EOS and found leaks which were repaired 3 times. Last repair was told that i could not take car through car wash. When i asked if there was a disclaimer regarding this in owners manual (i can't find one) nor was i told by dealership this car has to be handwashed i would not have bought it. previously had mercedes slk 230 which has same retractable parts and it never leaked. was told by dealer ship my problem. have since contacted headquarters for VW and hope they will resolve. love the car love the performance hate taking a shower to get car cleaned so for this reason WILL never recommend this car - this is my first experience with VW

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