Vehicle History Report
Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.
- • New Cars
2008 Volkswagen Eos Full Review
Date Published: 4/15/08
Also in the 2008 Volkswagen Eos Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Volkswagen Eos Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Volkswagen Eos Review
The 2008 Volkswagen Eos introduces some new trim levels. This four-passenger convertible has a power retractable hardtop that includes an integrated sunroof. Instead of 2.0T and 3.2 L trims, the 2008 Eos now comes in Turbo, Komfort, Lux, and VR6 versions. The former three have a turbocharged 200-hp 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine. The VR6 has a 250-hp 3.2-liter V6. A 6-speed manual transmission is standard on Turbo and Komfort. Optional on those and standard on Lux and VR6 is a 6-speed automatic. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, and front side airbags that provide head and torso protection. Also standard are automatic rollover bars designed to deploy from behind the rear seats in the event of a tip or collision. A navigation system and rear obstacle detection are also offered.
Competition
Consumer Guide Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Offering more power and style than typical Sporty/Performance vehicles, Premium Sporty/Performance Cars usually cost much more and have more comfort and convenience equipment. Two-passenger convertibles and four-seat coupes rule the roost in this class.
Our Best Buys are the BMW Z4 and Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks are the Jaguar XK Series, Porsche Boxster, and Porsche Cayman.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Audi A5, Audi R8, and Audi TT.
Our Best Buys are the BMW Z4 and Chevrolet Corvette. Our Recommended picks are the Jaguar XK Series, Porsche Boxster, and Porsche Cayman.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Audi A5, Audi R8, and Audi TT.
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Volkswagen Eos Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Acceleration | Cargo room |
| Steering/handling | Wind noise |
| Interior materials | |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
Turbocharged Eos models are satisfyingly quick, particularly in the 45-65-mph range. The engine runs out of steam at high rpm, so judicious shifting with the manual transmission is required during passing. VR6 versions have ample passing power but are plagued by low-speed throttle lag. With either engine, the automatic can be slow to downshift in standard drive mode but is alert in its sport setting.
| Turbo, manual | Lux | VR6 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 8.3 |
Turbocharged Eos models are satisfyingly quick, particularly in the 45-65-mph range. The engine runs out of steam at high rpm, so judicious shifting with the manual transmission is required during passing. VR6 versions have ample passing power but are plagued by low-speed throttle lag. With either engine, the automatic can be slow to downshift in standard drive mode but is alert in its sport setting.
Fuel Economy
In Consumer Guide testing, a manual-transmission Turbo averaged 21.0 mpg in mostly city driving. A test Lux averaged 21.2 mpg in city/highway driving. A VR6 averaged 15.3 mpg in mostly city driving. VW recommends premium-grade gas for both engines.
| Turbo, manual | Lux | VR6 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 4 | 4 |
In Consumer Guide testing, a manual-transmission Turbo averaged 21.0 mpg in mostly city driving. A test Lux averaged 21.2 mpg in city/highway driving. A VR6 averaged 15.3 mpg in mostly city driving. VW recommends premium-grade gas for both engines.
Ride Quality
Stable and composed with no float or wallow. The suspension is generally compliant, even on rough pavement. Sharp bumps can pound through, particularly on the VR6 with its 18-inch wheels.
| Turbo, manual | Lux | VR6 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 6 | 4.4 |
Stable and composed with no float or wallow. The suspension is generally compliant, even on rough pavement. Sharp bumps can pound through, particularly on the VR6 with its 18-inch wheels.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Communicative steering. Eos corners with grippy assurance and little body lean. Cowl shake is minimal with the top up and only slightly worse with the top down, indicating solid structure. VR6 is slightly sharper all around.
| Turbo, manual | Lux | VR6 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 7 | 8.8 |
Communicative steering. Eos corners with grippy assurance and little body lean. Cowl shake is minimal with the top up and only slightly worse with the top down, indicating solid structure. VR6 is slightly sharper all around.
Quietness
Both engines are smooth and subdued. Some testers complain of rear-tire roar on coarse pavement. Top up, test cars suffered from noticeable wind noise. Top down, wind rush is the usual convertible fare, though the windshield header screen helps direct air over front occupants.
| Turbo, manual | Lux | VR6 | Class Average |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.2 |
Both engines are smooth and subdued. Some testers complain of rear-tire roar on coarse pavement. Top up, test cars suffered from noticeable wind noise. Top down, wind rush is the usual convertible fare, though the windshield header screen helps direct air over front occupants.
Controls
Clear gauges complement mostly handy, intuitive controls. Navigation system absorbs some audio controls, complicating their use, but climate controls are separate. Easy-to-use top raises, lowers in about 20 seconds at the push of a button; it includes a heated glass rear window. The large integrated power-opening sunroof is a unique touch.
| Turbo, manual | Lux | VR6 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 5.6 |
Clear gauges complement mostly handy, intuitive controls. Navigation system absorbs some audio controls, complicating their use, but climate controls are separate. Easy-to-use top raises, lowers in about 20 seconds at the push of a button; it includes a heated glass rear window. The large integrated power-opening sunroof is a unique touch.
Details
High-quality interior has many soft-touch surfaces. Some test examples suffered from a few squeaks near where the top connects to the windshield.
| Turbo, manual | Lux | VR6 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 7.1 |
High-quality interior has many soft-touch surfaces. Some test examples suffered from a few squeaks near where the top connects to the windshield.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Good headroom and legroom, but some testers say high door sills, low seat position contribute to a tub-like feel. The seats are supportive with firm side bolstering for lateral stability. The standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel aids driver comfort. Aft visibility is hindered by the head rests and a small rear window with the top up.
| Turbo, manual | Lux | VR6 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 6 | 5.8 |
Good headroom and legroom, but some testers say high door sills, low seat position contribute to a tub-like feel. The seats are supportive with firm side bolstering for lateral stability. The standard tilt and telescopic steering wheel aids driver comfort. Aft visibility is hindered by the head rests and a small rear window with the top up.
Room/Comfort (rear)
Decent legroom with the front seats well forward, but headroom is very cramped even for shorter adults with top up. Seats slide quickly forward to ease entry and exit, but getting in or out with the top up requires the usual coupe contortions.
| Turbo, manual | Lux | VR6 | Class Average |
| 2 | 2 | 2 | .6 |
Decent legroom with the front seats well forward, but headroom is very cramped even for shorter adults with top up. Seats slide quickly forward to ease entry and exit, but getting in or out with the top up requires the usual coupe contortions.
Cargo Room
Trunk volume is small to begin with, and the hardtop folds into the trunk, cutting space even more. There's enough room with the top down 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.
| Turbo, manual | Lux | VR6 | Class Average |
| 3 | 3 | 3 | 2.5 |
Trunk volume is small to begin with, and the hardtop folds into the trunk, cutting space even more. There's enough room with the top down 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.
Value within Class
Eos's 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 two main retractable-hardtop convertible competitors. It starts at around $8000 less than the Volvo C70 but delivers comparable performance, and it's more solid and fun to drive than the similarly priced Pontiac G6 convertible.
| Turbo, manual | Lux | VR6 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6 | 5 | 5.3 |
Eos's 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 two main retractable-hardtop convertible competitors. It starts at around $8000 less than the Volvo C70 but delivers comparable performance, and it's more solid and fun to drive than the similarly priced Pontiac G6 convertible.
Total Score
| Turbo, manual | Lux | VR6 | Class Average |
| 61 | 61 | 58 | 56.6 |
Scores for all Premium Sporty/performance Cars
| Low Score | 40 | |
| Average Score | 56 | |
| High Score | 64 |
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Volkswagen Eos Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 03/14/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
|
|
|||
| Turbo 2-door convertible, manual | $28,990 | $27,003 | $690 |
|
|
|||
| Turbo 2-door convertible, automatic | $30,065 | $28,076 | $690 |
|
|
|||
| Komfort 2-door convertible, manual | $30,700 | $28,586 | $690 |
|
|
|||
| Komfort 2-door convertible, automatic | $31,775 | $29,659 | $690 |
|
|
|||
| Lux 2-door convertible, automatic | $35,100 | $32,733 | $690 |
|
|
|||
| VR6 2-door convertible, automatic | $38,100 | $35,517 | $690 |
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's
manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker.
Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are
what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options.
The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price
and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently
throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's
window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national
manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings
may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Turbo
Powertrain
2.0-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine, 6-speed manual or 6-speed automatic transmission, traction control, limited-slip differential.
Safety
Dual front airbags, front side airbags, automatic roll bars, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, brake assist, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor, daytime running lights.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning, interior air filter, tilt/telescopic leather-wrapped steering wheel, cruise control, vinyl upholstery, height-adjustable front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment, center console, trunk pass-through, heated power mirrors w/turn signals, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, power-retractable hardtop w/power sunroof, AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, tachometer, compass, variable-intermittent wipers, cooled glovebox, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, wind deflector, fog lights, 215/55HR16 tires, alloy wheels.
Komfort adds to Turbo:
Comfort and Convenience Features
Dual-zone automatic climate controls, heated front seats, 12-way power driver seat, AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, trip computer.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Heated washer nozzles.
Lux adds to Komfort:
Safety
Rear-obstacle-detection system.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Leather upholstery, 12-way power passenger seat, wood interior trim, steering wheel radio controls, trip computer, rain-sensing wipers, automatic day/night rearview mirror, automatic headlights.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
235/45R17 tires.
VR6 adds to Lux:
Powertrain
3.2-liter V6 engine.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Aluminum interior trim, automatic day/night driver-side mirror, universal garage door opener.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Deletes: wood interior trim.
Sport suspension, 235/40HR18 tires.
Optional Equipment
Comfort and Convenience Features |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
|
Navigation system
|
||
|
Lux, VR6
|
$1,800
|
$1,589
|
|
Deletes in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer. Deletes MP3 capability. Includes console-mounted 6-disc CD changer or iPod adapter.
|
||
|
Heated front seats
|
||
|
Turbo
|
$225
|
$199
|
|
Upgraded sound system
|
||
|
Lux, VR6
|
$1,000
|
$883
|
|
iPod adapter
|
||
|
Komfort, Lux, Turbo, VR6
|
$199
|
$176
|
|
Satellite radio delete
|
||
|
Komfort (credit)
|
$-550
|
$-486
|
|
Rubber floormats
|
||
|
Komfort, Lux, Turbo, VR6
|
$99
|
$64
|
|
|
||
Appearance and Miscellaneous |
||
|
Bi-xenon headlights
|
||
|
VR6
|
$950
|
$839
|
|
Mud guards
|
||
|
Komfort, Lux, Turbo, VR6
|
$160
|
$120
|
|
235/45R17 tires
|
||
|
Komfort
|
$450
|
$398
|
|
|
||
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 Volkswagen Eos Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
| Specification | Volkswagen Eos 2-door convertible |
| Wheelbase, in. | 101.5 |
| Overall Length, in. | 173.5 |
| Overall Width, in. | 70.5 |
| Overall Height, in. | 56.8 |
| Curb Weight, lbs. | 3505 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 10.5 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| Fuel Capacity, gals. | 14.5 |
| Seating Capacity | 4 |
| Front Head Room, in. | 37.5 |
| Max. Front Leg Room, in. | 41.7 |
| Rear Head Room, in. | 35.8 |
| Max. Rear Leg Room, in. | 32.5 |
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
| Turbocharged dohc I4 | dohc V6 | |
| Size, liters/cu. in. | 2.0 /121 | 3.2 /195 |
| Horsepower @ rpm. | 200 @ 5100 | 250 @ 6300 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 207 @ 1800 | 235 @ 2500 |
| Availability | Standard | Standard |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 6-speed manual | 21/29 | --/-- |
| 6-speed automatic | 21/30 | 19/26 |
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft;
dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders;
V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions
per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--"
= measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System |
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags |
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
| Test | Volkswagen Eos 2-door convertible |
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's
worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to
rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury:
5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact
crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%;
1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover
when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%;
2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
| Class | Years/Miles | Comments |
| Powertrain | 5/60,000 | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4/50,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 12/unlimited | -- |
| Free roadside assistance | 4/unlimited | -- |
| Free scheduled maintenance | None/-- | -- |
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive.
There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two
other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for
2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any
on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts
and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in:
Portugal
Drivewheels:
front-wheel drive
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Volkswagen Eos Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Volkswagen Eos Full Review
7.
8.
9.
Car Buying Resources
Vehicle History Report
Locate a Dealer
Sell Your Car
Powered by:
-
MAKE -
CATEGORY
Subcompact Car
Compact Car
Midsize Car
Large Car
Premium Midsize Car
Premium Large Car
Sporty/performance Car
Premium Sporty/performance Car
Minivan
Full-size Van
Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Compact Pickup Truck
Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicle
Premium Compact Sport-utility Vehicle
Large Pickup Truck
Premium Compact Car
Premium Large Sport-utility Vehicle
Exotic Car
