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2009 Volkswagen Eos

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Volkswagen Eos

Overview

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2009 Volkswagen Eos Review

By KBB.com Editors

While the cloth-top convertible won't be going away anytime soon (the New Beetle being a perfect example), the recent proliferation of retractable hardtops shows no sign of slowing. Volkswagen has taken the trend a step further by integrating a glass sunroof into the top of its latest four-seat convertible, the 2009 Volkswagen Eos. Hardtop advantages include a more finished, more coupe-like look and feel inside and out, while the downside is generally limited to a reduction in cargo volume when the top is stowed. Named after the Greek goddess of dawn, the Eos is helping to usher in a new era of versatile and practical convertibles.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you'd like the freedom of a convertible but need a practical, comfortable daily driver, you'll be happy to know that you can also have an excellent powertrain, athletic handling and even a sunroof in the 2009 Volkswagen Eos.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The Eos' attractive but understated styling might not deliver the look-at-me factor some convertible buyers seek. And, as with most four-seat convertibles, the rear seating area is narrow.

What's New for 2009

The V6 is dropped from the line for 2009, leaving only two trims (Komfort and Lux), both powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged engine.

Driving the Eos

Driving Impressions The 2009 Volkswagen Eos is one of the sturdiest four-seat convertibles we've ever driven, with ride and handling characteristics closer to those of a fixed-roof coupe than a typical longer-wheelbase...

drop-top. We most appreciated the Eos' chassis rigidity in the curvy sections of our test drive, through which our Eos 2.0T test vehicle carved with more confidence and enthusiasm than we expected. Out on the open highway the ride was controlled but comfortable, and the 2.0T engine was so smooth that on more than one occasion we were surprised to find ourselves cruising along with the six-speed transmission in fourth gear. Front-seat passengers are well protected from wind thanks in large part to a tall front deflector that deploys manually from the top of the windshield frame.

Favorite Features

Dynaudio Sound System
The optional 10-speaker, 600-watt audio system produces a full, natural sound that's among the best we've heard.

DSG Transmission
The Eos' handling characteristics make it easy to utilize and appreciate VW's quick- and smooth-shifting dual-clutch transmission.

2009 Volkswagen Eos Details

Interior

The Eos' interior is more attractively designed and better put together than those of some cars we've driven with sticker prices twice as much. With the top stowed away – after a 25-second mechanical ballet – luggage space shrinks from 10.5 cubic feet to 6.6 cubic feet. For something between top-up and top-down, the Eos' wide sunroof is just the ticket. Typical of four-seat convertibles, the rear seat is somewhat narrow as a result of having to accommodate the top's mechanicals. Interesting features include an adjustable, cooled glove box and dual-zone climate control that maintains separate settings for top-up and top-down driving.

Exterior

The front of the 2009 Volkswagen Eos is dominated by Volkswagen's now-familiar, U-shaped grille flanked by large, expressive headlamps. Viewed from the side with the top up, a handful of cut lines give away what might otherwise pass as a fixed-roof coupe. Other exterior points of interest include turn signals integrated into the side mirrors, a wheel lineup that ranges in size from 16 to 17 inches and dual exhaust outlets. Adaptive, swiveling bi-xenon headlamps are optional, while trunk-integrated antennae add to the Eos' clean look. In a potential rollover situation, an active roll bar pops up from behind the rear-seat head restraints.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2009 Volkswagen Eos comes equipped with electronically controlled air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors, heated front leatherette seats (dubbed V-Tex) and an eight-speaker six-disc CD/MP3 audio system with an auxiliary input jack. Standard safety equipment includes electronic stability controls, auto-dimming driver's side mirror, front airbags and combination head/thorax side airbags. Lux models add power folding mirrors, 17-inch wheels, rain-sensing wipers, 12-way power adjustable front seats with four-way power lumbar and leather seating surfaces.

Optional Equipment

Available features include a navigation system, Dynaudio Premium Sound System, iPod adapter, Park Distance Control, front armrest, rear wind blocker, power-folding side mirrors and trip computer.

Under the Hood

The Eos' 2.0T engine and DSG transmission comprise one of the most highly regarded powertrains on the road. With FSI direct fuel injection mitigating turbo lag, the 2.0T is unusually responsive. The innovative DSG transmission functions as a no-touch automatic in traffic and a quick-shifting, no-pedal manual when you're feeling more enthusiastic.)

2.0-liter in-line 4 Turbocharged
200 horsepower @ 5100-6000 rpm
207 lb.-ft. of torque @ 1800-5000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/31 (manual), 22/29 (automatic)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Volkswagen Eos vehicles for sale near you.

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2009 Volkswagen Eos Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.4

Out of 10

Based on 130 Ratings for the 2007 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

8.6/10

Quality

8.7/10
Reliability

8.6/10

Performance

8.9/10
Comfort

8.9/10

Styling

9.0/10

Often overlooked and I'm glad

By Zuzu's dad (MA) on Friday, May 03, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 27,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "turbo fun, great looks, high quality interior"

Cons: "small trunk when roof is down"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This car has all the sports car fun of a GTI with the same turbo engine and dual clutch automatic, big grippy tires, sexy good looks, great gas mileage AND the top goes down when its warm out! Great comfortable seats, nice touchscreen stereo, rich, quality good looks inside. Why you don't see a lot of them on the road is strange. Maybe the price is a little high but that means exclusivity for me when I get the stares driving along the beach!"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Hardtop great; turbo terrrific

By KF (MN) on Thursday, March 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 65,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 8/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "great price; gotta love the hardtop; great turbo"

Cons: "it's not summer year round here."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The convertible hardtop is hard to beat; with the supplied noise baffles, it's surprisingly quiet on the highway. And with the turbo, the pick up and handling is terrific. It's what you'd expect from a more expensive sports car."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Great for all seasons

By Pam (NY) on Thursday, March 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 6,421

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "beautiful, fun car"

Cons: "small space to climb in and out of the back seat"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"Love the Eos. I live in the wintery hilly country of NY and drive it thru all seasons. It is very good on the hills in snow and ice. The comfort is great for shorter people (I am 5'1"), but not for you who are tall. Large people would have difficulty getting into the back seat with the top up. The trunk area is limited, but still very usable.That said, love this car! It drives very well and great visability even with the top up. It definately feels like a "me" car. The handling is smooth and the stereo rocks! Definately glad I purchased this car"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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great car for the $$$

By Drew (SC) on Friday, January 04, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 93,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 7/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Great Price, The Opening and Closing of the top is"

Cons: "power"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"It is a great buy for the money. The hardtop/convertible attracts stares everytime it opens or closes, especially when you are at a traffic light and it starts to rain. It's a great solid little car thats fun to drive, could use about double the HP it has. Either way I'd reccommend it."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Great Fun Car and value

By sslady (MD) on Friday, November 30, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 12,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "great price - best deal $$ for a hardtop c."

Cons: "I didn't buy sooner."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"The Eos has proven an excellent car and great value. The VW service and attention is fantastic. Absolutely no problems with my car....lots of positive comments from friends and general observers. The trunk room is adequate and more than what you think...able to run with the top down to the beach with a cooler in the back seat etc. -- even gave our 60" TV a ride home with the top down (can't do with most cars!). Lots of fun and the handling is fantastic. You have great response when driving highways (speed/pickup) or neighborhoods (reaction time). Love the heated seats!"

3 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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FUN in the Summer - Solid in the Winter

By ILGrammy (IL) on Thursday, November 29, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 32,500

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 5/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "FUN, FUN, FUN to drive."

Cons: "Rear vision is not the best but better than most."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I've owned my 2008 Eos since 2008. It's everything I want. There's back seat for my grand daughter, convertible top that goes up/down in 20 seconds, sunroof, hard top for winter weather and to hold the heat. It's heavy enough for highway driving and light enough for easy manuvering. I've looked at trading but can't find anything to compare with the features that are important to me. Rear vision is not the best but better than most convertibles."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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