why ads?

Popular at KBB.com

The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2013 Volkswagen Eos

Please enter a valid mileage

View all 53 photos

Want to save money? Check out the 2012 Volkswagen Eos

Overview

Get Your Fair Purchase Price See actual transaction prices, explore total cost to own, projected resale value and more. See what you should pay

2013 Volkswagen Eos Review

By KBB.com Editors

KBB Expert Rating: 6.4

The dream of owning a convertible versus the reality of owning a convertible is often as far removed from one another as red states are from blue. Leaks, wind noise and the lack of security are the major headaches, which is why VW created its 2013 Eos convertible with a retractable hardtop. The design offers all the safety and security of a fixed roof – with a built-in sunroof no less – in a fully automated design that stows beneath a solid cover for a clean, uncluttered look. With room for four, the Eos has a leg up on the popular Mazda Miata. And, although it can't deliver the same type of driving experience as the Miata, the Eos is still a VW meaning it has a healthy dose of fun-to-drive attitude.

You'll Like This Car If...

If the perfect collection for you would include a small, agile convertible, a car big enough for four, a fuel-efficient car and a car that pampers you with luxury and style, but you have room in your garage for only one vehicle, make it the 2013 Volkswagen Eos.

You May Not Like This Car If...

While we find the 2013 VW Eos convertible attractive, it does lacks the athletic looks found on more sport-oriented convertibles, and its retractable hardtop takes up space in both the rear-seat area and the trunk.

KBB Expert Ratings

Overall Rating

6.4
Driving Dynamics

6.5
Comfort & Convenience

6.5
Design: Interior & Exterior

6.5
Value

5.9
Safety

N/A

How It Ranks

#3

out of 5

MPG

#5

out of 5

Horsepower

View all rankings

Consumer Rating

8.5 out of 10

View all
consumer ratings

2013 Volkswagen Eos Low/wide front photo

What's New for 2013

The 2013 Volkswagen Eos convertible gains a new Sport trim that includes all the features found in the Komfort trim and adds 18-inch wheels, a lowered sport suspension, a rear spoiler, steering-wheel-mounted paddle shifter and adaptive bi-xenon headlights.

Driving the Eos

2013 Volkswagen Eos Front angle view photo

Driving Impressions Displaying ride and handling characteristics that approach some of the best fixed-roof coupes we've tested, the 2013 Volkswagen Eos qualifies as one of the sturdiest 4-seat convertibles on the market....

The 2.0-liter turbo in our Eos proved so smooth and powerful that on more than one occasion we were shocked to look down and see our 6-speed automatic cruising along without complaint in just fourth gear. The Eos' rigid chassis and adept suspension made short work out of the twisting mountain roads of Southern California and, on our return trip, provided the most comfortable highway driving experience of any small Volkswagen. Thanks in part to the tall front deflector that can be manually deployed from the windshield's edge, wind buffeting in the passenger cabin is kept to a minimum.

Favorite Features

DYNAUDIO SOUND SYSTEM
The available 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.

2013 Volkswagen Eos Details

2013 Volkswagen Eos Dashboard, center console, gear shifter view photo

Interior

The interior of the 2013 VW Eos is more intelligently designed and better assembled than cars we've driven costing twice as much. The Lux and Executive trims' premium leather seating and 12-way power-adjustable front seats (including 4-way power-adjustable lumbar) are supremely comfortable, and the new touch-screen audio head unit is among the most intuitive we've tested. As it has to accommodate much of the retractable top's mechanicals, the Eos' rear seat is understandably narrow and not much use for grown adults. With the top in place, the Eos offers a modest 10.5 cubic feet of trunk space, but once the top is retracted – a feat that takes a mere 25 seconds – that space shrinks to just 6.6 cubic feet.

Exterior

Although, when viewed from the side, the Eos could easily be mistaken for a hardtop coupe, a handful of cut-lines gives away its true identity. Along with new LED taillights, the 2013 Eos is covered in more vivid paint choices and rides atop 17- and 18-inch wheels. Integrated side-mirror turn signals give the Eos a premium-car appearance, as do the chrome dual exhaust outlets and large black-glass sunroof built into the 3-piece retractable hardtop. Safety features above and beyond the obligatory airbags include available swiveling bi-xenon headlights and an active rollbar that, in the event of a potential roll-over situation, pops up from behind the rear-seat head restraints.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

The 2013 Volkswagen Eos comes equipped with electronically controlled air conditioning, 6-speed DSG automatic transmission, 17-inch wheels, power windows/locks/mirrors, 12-way power-adjustable front driver's seat with 4-way power lumbar, heated front Leatherette seats (dubbed V-Tex), Bluetooth connectivity and the Premium touch-screen HD Radio with CD player, auxiliary audio input jack, iPod integration and eight speakers.

Optional Equipment

Options for 2013 are few and built into the standard features specific to each trim. Lux and Executive models add power-folding and heated side mirrors, auto-dimming interior mirror, a sport suspension, rain-sensing wipers, Park Distance Control, 12-way power passenger seat with 4-way power lumbar support, adaptive bi-xenon headlights and leather seating surfaces. The Executive trim features a 600-watt Dynaudio upgrade and navigation radio. All trims can be fitted with larger wheels, a rear lip spoiler and all-weather floor mats.

Under the Hood

The 2013 VW Eos' 2.0-liter turbocharged engine and DSG transmission comprise one of the most highly regarded powertrains on the road. With FSI direct fuel injection mitigating turbo lag, the engine 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 turbocharged inline-4
200 horsepower @ 5,100-6,000 rpm
207 lb-ft of torque @ 1,800-5,000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 22/30 mpg

Pricing Notes

The 2013 Volkswagen Eos Komfort's Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) starts close to $35,000, jumps to around $38,000 for the nicely equipped Sport or Lux model, and tops out around $42,000 for a loaded Executive. Kelley Blue Book's Fair Purchase Price reflects real-world transaction prices close to these sticker prices. The Volvo C70 is the Eos' most kindred competitor in spirit, but it starts over $40,000 and, fully equipped, can approach $50,000. Smaller and less expensive is the Mazda Miata MX-5 Hardtop, with the only other 4-passenger hardtop in this price range being the Chrysler 200 Convertible. In terms of resale value, we expect the Eos to perform nominally on par with the C70 and MX-5 Miata and much better than the 200 Convertible.

To find out what consumers are really paying for this vehicle, first select a style to see the Fair Purchase Price| Calculate payments for this vehicle

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.

Get Your Fair Purchase Price See actual transaction prices, explore total cost to own, projected resale value and more.

See what you should pay

2013 Volkswagen Eos Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

8.5

Out of 10

Based on 133 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

2009 Eos Convertible

By Tripljz (NC) on Saturday, July 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 5,000

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: 9/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "Fun to drive with the top down or up!"

Cons: "None!"

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

"I'm a big person who had to stop working after an accident at work ruptured 2 discs at the same time. After 4 surgeries and a hip replacement, my back finally requires a larger vehicle. Otherwise I would not even entertain the thought of selling the Eos. It has been a joy driving it, and I get 30+ mph. Everything works perfectly. I had one accident in my garage after my weed eater fell off the ground which slightly dented the passenger side and left a scratch as well. All maintenance receipts from dealer service. My 60K mile tuneup is due to my back injury and was performed at 4,000 mi. Due to such low mileage driving. Lots of tech...headlights steer with you (adaptive), auto lock after 30 sec., Nav, Sirius has 12 mo. Left as of 6"

2 people out of 3 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

fun car

By myrye on Thursday, June 27, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 70,000

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: 10/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "looks good, great on gas, reliable, and fun"

Cons: "small backseat"

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

"This is my second eos, and it is hard to beat! A fantastic looking hard top convertible with a sunroof."

3 people out of 4 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

Keeper

By stub (SC) on Thursday, May 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 75,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

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

Pros: "Great gas mileage and fun to drive."

Cons: "None"

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

"I love this car. I even find myself looking for an excuse to take it out for a spin (see mileage). I plan on purchasing a VW for my wife when she wants to get a new car."

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

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!"

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

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."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

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"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

Was this review helpful to you? yes | no | report abuse

See all 133 reviews