2012 Volkswagen Eos Review
Price Range: $6,000 - $13,590
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Average price: $8,438
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Innovative retractable hardtop with integrated sunroof
- solid interior quality
- strong and efficient engine
- ample feature content.
Cons
- Tight backseat
- built for comfort, not speed.
What’s new
For 2012, the Volkswagen Eos front fascia more closely resembles the new Jetta's, while the interior receives VW's next-generation infotainment and climate controls. The DSG automated manual gearbox is now standard equipment, while keyless ignition/entry and HD radio are now available options.
Edmunds says
The Volkswagen Eos deserves more consideration than it gets. It offers the features and build quality of a more expensive luxury model, making it a smart choice for drop-top sun seekers.
For sale near Ashburn, VA
10 listings
- $6,499great price$2,168 below market
- 105,000 miles
- No accidents, 4 owners, personal use only
- 4cyl automated manual
- Town Auto (169 mi away)
- Bluetooth
- Navigation
- Leather Seats
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Power Driver Seat
Close
Located in Chesapeake, VA
2012 Volkswagen Eos 105K Miles Executive SULEV 2dr Convertible 2.0L I4 Turbocharger *No Accidents* TOWN AUTO 1447 S Military Hwy, Chesapeake, VA 23320...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
25 Combined MPG (22 City/30 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WVWFW7AH8CV002706
Stock: 002706
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 03-27-2025 - $5,250great price$3,018 below market
- 109,731 miles
- No accidents, 3 owners, personal use only
- 4cyl automated manual
- Auto Nation VA (166 mi away)
- Bluetooth
- Sunroof/Moonroof
- Power Driver Seat
- Tire Pressure Warnin...
- USB Inputs
Close
Located in Norfolk, VA
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
25 Combined MPG (22 City/30 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: WVWBW7AH3CV006662
Stock: 006662
Certified Pre-Owned: No
Listed since: 01-24-2026
Vehicle overview
Eos was the ancient Greek goddess of the dawn, known for her daily ritual of opening heaven's gates to welcome the sun. The 2012 Volkswagen Eos does much the same thing with its retractable hardtop convertible roof or unique built-in sunroof. Yet unlike its goddess namesake, the VW Eos doesn't get a lot of respect -- and we're not talking about offerings of wine and goat meat.
The Volkswagen Eos tends to be forgotten among the convertible ranks despite its many advantages. Besides its innovative roof, the Eos has a 2.0-liter turbo four-cylinder engine (shared with the GTI, among others) that delivers punchy power and high fuel economy, and a quick-shifting DSG automated manual transmission. The impeccable cabin is built to a standard that exceeds similarly priced convertibles, and offers abundant standard features that help justify its price premium over other competitors like the Chrysler 200, Ford Mustang and Mini Cooper.
With its size and front-wheel-drive layout, the Eos claims a middle ground between those cheaper models and luxury drop tops like the Audi A5 and BMW 3 Series, and is a must-look for buyers considering convertibles on either end of the price spectrum.
So why hasn't the Eos enjoyed better success? We can only think of a couple of reasons. For one, its backseat is small (although you weren't expecting palatial rear space in a convertible, were you?). And perhaps the Eos' pedestrian styling, which despite being updated for 2012, doesn't really stand out in a segment where looks are prized. Finally, the Eos doesn't move with any particular verve, although it's an adept and comfortable cruiser. Ultimately you'll decide whether these are deal-breakers, but we encourage you to give this little convertible a chance -- and maybe some needed respect.
Performance & mpg
Every 2012 VW Eos is powered by a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder that sends 200 horsepower and 207 pound-feet of torque to the front wheels through a six-speed automated manual gearbox known as DSG. Volkswagen estimates that the Eos will go from zero to 60 mph in 7.3 seconds. EPA-estimated fuel economy is 22 mpg city/30 mpg highway and 25 mpg combined.
Safety
The 2012 Volkswagen Eos comes standard with antilock disc brakes, traction and stability control, pop-up rollover bars and front side airbags that extend upward for head protection. In Insurance Institute for Highway Safety crash testing, the VW Eos earned the top rating of "Good" for both frontal-offset and side-impact tests.
Driving
The 2012 Volkswagen Eos is for drivers who want a relaxed touring convertible. On models without the sport suspension, there's too much body roll and vague steering for serious twisting fun. But on the boulevard or a coastal highway, the Eos is perfectly pleasant thanks to its soft yet composed ride. The Eos' turbo four-cylinder contends with more weight compared to VW's GTI, for example, but it's still torquey and capable. And when the weather prevents top-down motoring, the retractable hardtop provides coupelike isolation.
Interior
The chief attraction of the Eos is its five-piece retractable hardtop, which includes an integrated sunroof section that tilts and slides for times when you don't want full exposure. It's a pretty cool feature that is still surprisingly unique to the Eos. When you want the total sun-and-breeze experience, the top drops in a respectable 25 seconds and requires 16 inches of rear clearance to operate properly. Fortunately, rear sensors sound if you don't have enough room.
Interior materials are high-quality and overall fit and finish is excellent. The stereo is now controlled by VW's latest touchscreen interface, which deftly controls multiple navigation and stereo functions. The iPod interface is particularly well-designed.
Front passengers will find the Eos spacious enough, but adults in the backseat won't want to stay there long. There isn't much storage space either. The retractable top leaves a roadster-like 5.4 cubic feet in the trunk when stowed. With the top up, cargo space increases to 9.3 cubes.
2012 Volkswagen Eos models
The 2012 Volkswagen Eos is a five-passenger convertible with a retractable hardtop roof that features an integrated sunroof. There are three trim levels: Komfort, Lux and Executive.
The base Komfort comes standard with 17-inch alloy wheels, foglights, heated mirrors and windshield washer nozzles, a wind deflector, keyless entry, cruise control, heated eight-way power seats with four-way adjustable lumbar support, "leatherette" premium vinyl upholstery, a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter, and Bluetooth. The standard eight-speaker sound system features an auxiliary audio jack, an iPod interface, HD radio, satellite radio, a CD player and a touchscreen interface.
The Lux adds different 17-inch wheels, parking sensors, power-folding mirrors, keyless ignition/entry, automatic wipers, leather upholstery, an auto-dimming rearview mirror and a navigation system (HD radio is deleted). The Executive adds a sport-tuned suspension, 18-inch wheels and a 10-speaker Dynaudio sound system that restores HD radio. The Tech package available on the Lux and Executive adds adaptive bi-xenon headlights, LED running lights, headlight washers and a color trip computer display.

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Owners' Opinions
What Owners Like
Owners consistently appreciate the 2012 Volkswagen Eos for its enjoyable top-down driving experience and agile performance. The retractable hardtop is a crowd-pleaser, offering the unique benefit of a sunroof for added versatility, and it's often praised for its seamless operation. Drivers love the punchy turbocharged engine, which provides zippy acceleration that's particularly engaging on open roads, making it a standout feature for those who relish spirited driving. The Eos's sound system garners frequent accolades, noted for its impressive quality even when cruising with the top down. Inside, the high-quality materials and comfortable seats make for a pleasant cabin, and the clever interior layout, especially the touchscreen interface and iPod integration, adds convenience to the ride. Fuel efficiency is another highlight, with several owners reporting admirable mileage both in city and highway conditions, adding to its appeal as a practical yet fun vehicle. The tasteful styling, especially with the top down, turns heads and captures the attention of those who appreciate a convertible with a bit of flair.
Common Issues
The 2012 Volkswagen Eos has several recurring issues that owners find frustrating. One of the most common complaints is persistent coolant and oil leaks, which have led to some costly repairs. Reliability concerns extend to the convertible top, which some drivers have struggled to keep functional, especially with age. Instances of water leaks through the roof during heavy rain or car washes have also been reported, adding to maintenance woes. Many owners face interior wear and tear, with some reporting that the upholstery can peel, and various small components within the cabin are prone to breaking. The Eos’s electronic systems, including the navigation and keyless entry, sometimes trigger errors, adding to the inconvenience. Overall, the cumulative effect of these issues can detract from the convertible’s otherwise enjoyable driving experience.
Final Takeaways from Everyday Drivers
The 2012 Volkswagen Eos is undeniably a love-it-or-hate-it type of car among those who drive it daily. For many, the allure of its open-air experience and the pleasure of a smooth ride with the top down easily outweighs occasional niggles. The Eos is a charmer on scenic routes, delivering a genuinely satisfying drive that makes routine commutes feel special. However, day-to-day practicality can be compromised by limited trunk space, especially with the top stowed, and the tight rear seating isn't accommodating for more than two. Reliability is a recurring concern, with significant mechanical issues sometimes overshadowing the fun, which prompts some drivers to reconsider its long-term viability. Despite this, those who relish its convertible perks often find ways to embrace the quirks or look forward to upgrading, reflecting a complex ownership experience. It's a vehicle that elicits strong emotions and spurs debate over its true value, which.
Cost to Drive
Monthly estimates based on costs in Virginia
$211/mo for Eos Komfort SULEV
Eos Komfort SULEV
vs
$197/mo
Avg. Compact Car
Reliability
The 2012 Volkswagen Eos has a 3 years / 36,000 miles basic warranty and 4 recalls. RepairPal gives it a reliability rating of 3 out of 5, ranks it #45 out of 46 among Compact Cars. Below you’ll find our owner reviews.
Reliability Rating by RepairPal
3 out of 5 stars3/5Above Average
#45 out of 46 among Compact Cars
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
$577/yr
vs. $416/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Frequency
2.04x/yr
vs. 1.01x/yr
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
Severity
14.1%
vs. 10.4%
for Average Compact Car
for Average Compact Car
powered by RepairPal
Recalls
4 recalls foundChecking if a car has a recall is simple. Just type the car's VIN number into the NHTSA website (https://www.nhtsa.gov/recalls). If there's an unrepaired recall, you'll see it there.
If a recall shows up, just call your local car dealer. They'll know about the recall and will work with the car maker to fix it for free (if the recall happened within 10 years of the car being first sold).
- Recall Number:
- 18V329000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 01C5/01C6
- Manufactured from:
- 2011-02-16 to 2015-04-02
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 252
- Defect Description:
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2012-2016 Eos, 2012 Passat, 2012-2016 CC, 2015 e-Golf, 2011-2015 Touareg, 2012-2015 Tiguan, and 2011-2016 Golf and 2011-2013 GTI vehicles. Modifications made while the vehicles were in an internal evaluation period may cause the affected vehicles to not comply with all of the applicable regulatory requirements.
- Defect Consequence:
- If the vehicles do not meet all regulatory requirements, there could be an increased risk of a crash, fire, or injury.
- Corrective Action:
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will repair the vehicles to make them fully compliant or Volkswagen will repurchase them if necessary, free of charge. Interim notices informing owners of the safety risk were mailed July 13, 2018. Owners will receive a second notice when the remedy becomes available. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298.
- Recall Number:
- 18V148000
- Manufacturer Recall Number:
- 69Q9
- Manufactured from:
- 2006-11-02 to 2009-05-13
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 363713
- Defect Description:
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain 2009-2014 Volkswagen CC, 2010-2014 Golf, 2010-2014 Eos, 2007-2010 Passat Sedan and Wagon, and 2012-2014 Passat vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to explode.
- Defect Consequence:
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could explode with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- Corrective Action:
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflator with an alternative inflator, free of charge. The recall began March 16, 2018. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Volkswagen's number for this recall is 69Q9. Note: This recall partially supersedes recall 16V-078.
- Recall Number:
- 16V078000
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 659493
- Defect Description:
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Golf and Jetta SportWagen, 2007-2010 Passat sedans and wagon, 2012-2014 Passat sedan and Eos, 2009-2014 CC, 2009-2012 Audi Q5, and 2010-2011 Audi A5 Cabriolet vehicles. Upon deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, excessive internal pressure may cause the inflator to rupture.
- Defect Consequence:
- In the event of a crash necessitating deployment of the driver's frontal air bag, the inflator could rupture with metal fragments striking the vehicle occupants potentially resulting in serious injury or death.
- Corrective Action:
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will replace the driver's frontal air bag inflators, free of charge. Volkswagen issued an interim notification to owners on April 12, 2016. Volkswagen will notify owners again once parts are available. Volkswagen owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-893-5298. Audi owners may contact Audi customer service at 1-800-253-2834.
- Recall Number:
- 15V483000
- Manufactured from:
- 2011-02-28 to 2014-02-26
- Number of vehicles affected:
- 420000
- Defect Description:
- Volkswagen Group of America, Inc. (Volkswagen) is recalling certain model year 2010-2014 Volkswagen CC, and Passat, 2010-2013 Eos, 2011-2014 Golf, GTI, Jetta, and Tiguan, and 2012-2014 Jetta Sportwagen vehicles. In the affected vehicles, debris may contaminate the air bag clock spring, a spiral wound, flat cable that keeps the air bag powered while the steering wheel is being turned. This contamination may tear the cable and result in a loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag.
- Defect Consequence:
- A loss of electrical connection to the driver's frontal air bag will prevent the air bag from deploying in the event of a vehicle crash, increasing the risk of injury.
- Corrective Action:
- Volkswagen will notify owners, and dealers will install a protective cover over the steering wheel clock spring if the air bag light is off. If the airbag light is on and the steering wheel clock spring requires replacement, dealers will install a new steering wheel clock spring. These repairs will be performed free of charge. The recall began on January 15, 2016. Owners may contact Volkswagen customer service at 1-800-822-8987.
Warranty
3 years / 36,000 miles Basic Warranty- Basic Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Drivetrain Warranty
- 5 years / 60,000 miles
- Rust Warranty
- 12 years / unlimited miles
- Roadside assistance Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
- Free maintenance Warranty
- 3 years / 36,000 miles
Volkswagen Eos Reviews
Owner Reviews
5(64%)
4(14%)
3(7%)
2(11%)
1(4%)
Most Helpful Owner Reviews
Trending topics
Fun convertible to drive!
5 out of 5 starsedna2003, 05/02/2011
2012 Volkswagen Eos Lux SULEV 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
Owned a 2009 VW Eos that was totaled. Could not live without convertible.
Looked at used BMW & Mercedes but Eos was my top pick.
Fun car to drive and love updated body style on the 2012. Same engine as 2009 but 2012 seems smoother.
Ride is much better than 2009 - not as much road noise & don't feel all the bumps like 2009.
Love the push button start and keyless locking/opening of … doors. Upgrades in Lux are well worth the extra couple of thousands over the Komfort. Will keep this car forever and love the new color choices - bought rising blue metallic and have had many compliments on color
Finally, designers got it right!
5 out of 5 starsBrian McDermott, 03/27/2016
2012 Volkswagen Eos Lux SULEV 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
What's not to love? Beautiful coupe styling, quick disappearing roof (guaranteed awe factor with the transformer-like action).
Plus the extra wide sunroof! Nothing is more disappointing to an open-air seeker than having to spend the winter under the dark padded roof of other convertibles.
Heart pounding interactive audio system. Very ample boot space, even with the roof system … stored.
Highly responsive power and control. Tight turning radius and comfortable cruising. The turbo lag is just foreplay. Giving the driver just enough time to hang on tight before take off.
Absolutely LOVE this car!
A Solid Winner, 2012 VW Eos
5 out of 5 starssandboxkid, 06/17/2011
2012 Volkswagen Eos Komfort SULEV 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
This senior has been driving domestic cars for 50+ years and recently leased a 2012 Eos Komfort convertible. My prior lease was a Pontiac G6 hardtop convertible The Eos blows the G6 away in many aspects and I loved that car. Some words I use to describe the Eos are fun, quick, smooth, and beautiful. After 30 days and 1000 miles, I find the quality of workmanship and operation to be … excellent. My mixed driving habits net me 28.3 mpg overall. The rear seating is fine for grandkids but I usually do not use these seats. With the top in the trunk, you still have some room to go grocery shopping, not so with the G6. The wind screen behind the front seats is a welcome feature. The car gives just enough road presence that you think you're driving a sport's car.There is a moderate learning curve for all the gadgets facing the driver, so engage your dealer's knowledge at delivery. My VW professionals made me very comfortable. There is a vast array of exterior colors, I picked the Black Oak Brown with beige interior which has attracted many lookers. It was in the brochure and hooked me immediately. Now I can't stop finding reasons to drive my new Eos.
No complaints so far...
4 out of 5 starsMike W., 05/29/2018
2012 Volkswagen Eos Lux SULEV 2dr Convertible (2.0L 4cyl Turbo 6AM)
I bought my 2012 Eos Lux for $15K in November 2017. I was looking for a sharp convertible that was front-wheel drive (due to the snow in Ohio) and had rollover protection. As far as I know, only Audi and VW meet that criteria. I saw my black Eos with red leatherette seats online at a mom-and-pop dealership, and it looked extremely sharp. There are some scary reviews of the Eos out … there, but I haven't had any issues yet. The closest thing I've come to having an issue is that sometimes I will get a "Key not in range" message even though the key is with me and inside the car. I've discovered that if I hit the unlock button again, it fixes the issue. Other than that, the car has been completely reliable -- no issues starting, no funny noises, no problems putting the top up and down. As the professional reviewers have observed, the interior is high quality -- the dashboard is padded, the seats are sharp looking and reasonably comfortable, the controls are arranged well -- it's all good. I would say that the navigation system has no sound, and it's really a pain in the butt to use other than to just turn it on and see upcoming intersections, etc. Hence, other than looking pretty, it's essentially useless. I was also surprised to discover that trunk storage is about the size of a baseball glove. OK, I'm exaggerating a bit. But unless you want to take out the piece that enables the top to go up and down, there's very little storage -- certainly, not enough for a suitcase of any size. This isn't a family car, but if you're a single or a couple, you can always put the suitcases in the back seat. I've also found that opening just the sunroof is not a great idea; it's extremely noisy. However, it's nice to let the sunshine in by just opening the shade. Of course, the EOS is the ONLY car that has both a sunroof and a convertible top. Gas mileage has been great in the summer, especially on the highway. Overall average recently has been in the 26 mpg range. VW stopped making the Eos a few years ago, but this car still looks sharp -- especially the tail lights. The entire car looks better with the top down than it does when it's up. The car is a little short and stubby looking with the top up, and looks like pretty much any other coupe. Since these cars haven't held their value well, you should be able to grab one for $12K or $13K (2012).
We have a limited number of reviews for the 2012 Volkswagen Eos, so we've included reviews for other years of the Eos since its last redesign.
2012 Eos Features & Specs
Komfort SULEV
| MSRP (New) Excludes Destination Fee | $34,350 |
|---|---|
| Engine Type | Gas |
| Combined MPG | 25 MPG |
| Cost to Drive | $211/month |
| Seating | 4 seats |
| Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 10.5 cu.ft. |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
| Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Eos include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
- Post-collision safety system
IIHS Rating
The Insurance Institute of Highway Safety uses extensive crash tests to determine car safety.
- Small Overlap Front Driver-Side TestNot Tested
- Small Overlap Front Passenger-Side TestNot Tested
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – OriginalGood
- Moderate Overlap Front Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Side Impact Test – OriginalGood
- Side Impact Test – UpdatedNot Tested
- Roof Strength TestNot Tested
- Rear Crash Protection / Head RestraintGood
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