2012 Volkswagen Eos Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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In spring, the robins appear and the convertible tops go down. For the safety and sportiness of a hardtop coupe, with the option to feel the wind in your hair, there’s the 2012 Volkswagen Eos. All refreshed and ready for good weather, Volkswagen has modified the Eos exterior slightly, with a new headlight shape and standard front foglights now integrating cornering lights. This year’s front grille sports three black louvers with chrome detail. Newly designed LED rear lights, as well as a revamped rear bumper (now with a rear diffuser), change the appearance slightly from behind. The Eos continues to boast that it is the only hardtop convertible with a built-in sunroof. When retracted (which VW claims can be accomplished in 25 seconds), a wind deflector integrated above the sun visors helps to direct air and reduce wind noise.
All of the Eos trims (the base Komfort, midrange Lux and high-end Executive) carry forward a single engine for 2012: a 2.0-liter, 16-valve DOHC turbocharged 4-cylinder, producing 200 hp and 207 lb-ft of torque. A big change for this year, however, is the elimination of a manual transmission option for the four-seater. Instead, the front-wheel-drive convertible uses an automatic Direct-Shift Gearbox, employing an automatic dual-clutch system with computer-controlled shifting of the 6-speed transmission. The standard transmission comes with Tiptronic and Sport modes to gain greater control of the shifting and improved acceleration power. VW reports fuel economy numbers of 29 mpg highway/22 city for the Eos with a 0-60 mph time of 7.3 seconds.
The Eos’s three trim levels begin with the base Komfort, which rides on 17-inch wheels. The Komfort includes power, heated side mirrors with integrated turn signals and optional bi-Xenon headlights with an adaptive front lighting system that moves the headlights in the direction of a turn. Inside, the base trim provides standard Climatronic dual-zone automatic climate control, which not only automatically increases air flow when the top is down, but saves preferred settings for “top down” or “top up” mode. The V-Tex leatherette covered seats in the base include 12-way power adjustment for the driver’s seat (including lumbar support) as well as an 8-way manually adjustable front passenger seat—both with heat.
The audio system in the Komfort features a touchscreen Premium VIII system with a 6-disc CD changer, 8 speakers, HD radio and a 3-month trial subscription to Sirius satellite radio. External music players can be integrated with an auxiliary jack and a media device interface that includes an iPod cable. As with the higher-end Lux and Executive trims, the Komfort also provides standard Bluetooth for hands-free phone use.
The midrange Lux trim adds a few features to the base Komfort, including keyless access combined with push-button start. Upgrades to the interior of the Lux include an RNS navigation system with a 5-inch color touchscreen and SD memory card reader, as well as leather seats with 12-way power adjustment for the passenger front seat and real wood interior trim. The Lux also provides standard self-dimming rear-view and driver’s side-view mirrors, a park distance control system to detect objects behind the vehicle and automatic headlights with the VW Coming Home feature, allowing the driver to leave the headlights on for a short amount of time for better visibility.
The high-end Executive trim adds larger, 18-inch wheels and a sport suspension with sport front and rear stabilizers. The navigation system gets a larger screen (6.5 inches) with a 30GB hard drive and a 3-month trial subscription to Sirius Traffic. The audio system gets a boost with the Dynaudio premium system with 10 speakers, a 600-watt amplifier and a digital signal processor.
Standard safety features abound across all three Eos trim levels for 2012, including four airbags and steel beams—hidden behind the rear head restraints—that deploy during a rollover. Other standard protections include electronic stability control, anti-slip regulation, electronic differential lock and engine braking assist. The standard antilock brakes come with electronic brake pressure distribution and hydraulic brake assist. An Intelligent Crash Response system automatically unlocks all doors, turns off power to the fuel pump and turns on the hazard lights when the airbags have been deployed.
The 2012 Eos is designed to offer upscale convertible fun at a price less than competitors such as the Volvo C70 or the Saab 9-3. The Eos’s fun seems to be found mostly in the front seats, however, with tight headroom in the rear when the top is up and minimal cargo room in the trunk (10.5 cubic feet with the top up and 6.6 cubic feet with the top down). But for those looking for a comfortable luxury driving experience al fresco, the Eos may fit the bill nicely.
Published May 31, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2012 Volkswagen Eos
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Sandee K
Jun 18, 2024
The vehicle has serious issues. Rack and pinion steering and a destroyed sunroof protector inside. Needs rotors etc. Test drove vehicle. Sales woman and manager nice and honest people and I was pleased with being able to tell them about the issues with the car. I would highly recommend the dealership. Vehicle was really well kept cosmetically for the most part. Will not recommend purchasing. No warranty and high mileage and problems on test drive. Jun 18, 2024
by David D
Jun 14, 2024
Want another, mine was totaled by a deer! Best mileage best poJun 14, 2024
by Anonymous
Apr 26, 2024
Its a great vehicle. I love driving it. Third car for summer pleasure.Apr 26, 2024
User rating:
by Sandee K
Jun 18, 2024
The vehicle has serious issues. Rack and pinion steering and a destroyed sunroof protector inside. Needs rotors etc. Test drove vehicle. Sales woman and manager nice and honest people and I was pleased with being able to tell them about the issues with the car. I would highly recommend the dealership. Vehicle was really well kept cosmetically for the most part. Will not recommend purchasing. No warranty and high mileage and problems on test drive. Jun 18, 2024
by David D
Jun 14, 2024
Want another, mine was totaled by a deer! Best mileage best poJun 14, 2024
by Anonymous
Apr 26, 2024
Its a great vehicle. I love driving it. Third car for summer pleasure.Apr 26, 2024
by Jerry W
Apr 12, 2024
It has the options/equipment I want, especially the sun roof and retractable top. Also, the 4 cyl is right for me. Sorry to say, the car I inquired about has more miles on it than I would likeApr 12, 2024
by Raelan D
Oct 16, 2023
I love having a cute little car that responds to the lightest touch of the pedals. The convertible top is fantastic for a warm, sunny day drive. It’s easy to operate (just hold the switch and everything is automatic). The only downside I’ve noticed in the few days I’ve had it, is that the headlights aren’t automatic, even though it’s a 2012 model and in the owner’s manual they’re shown as automatic. (I found it odd, because my last vehicle is nearly 25 years old and has automatic headlights). Honestly not a huge downside, just something I have to adjust to. It looks similar to the Volkswagen Jetta, but it’s a coupe. Definitely a good value for the price. All I’m unsure of is how it’ll handle in PA’s winter weather, but I’ll find out soon enough!Oct 16, 2023
by Krystal C
Sep 11, 2023
The car itself its nice but what I didnt like was the transformation it very mechanical. If it breaks down the cost of repairs its expensive Sep 11, 2023
by Marcella W
Aug 22, 2023
Love the hard top convertible/ sunroof combo. Not very much room in the trunk or leg space for passengers in the back but that works for me. Very fun zippy car.Aug 22, 2023
by Ebonie J
Aug 21, 2023
Mold in the side of seat and slow moving rooftopAug 21, 2023
by Timothy H
Mar 08, 2023
Better to understate. We think the EOS is exceptional. Mar 08, 2023
by Have C
Jun 15, 2022
Totalled Car. Resurrect Ed title.
No good. Do not buy. Jun 15, 2022
by Mary B
Apr 16, 2022
The car looks lile it been hit fromm an accident,he said no. Offered cash lower price . No wayApr 16, 2022
by Greg A
Jan 24, 2022
Engine has a timing belt that needs replacing every 6 years regardless of mileage. Consequently looking for a 2014 model or newer. Jan 24, 2022
by Maria K
Oct 09, 2021
The car wasnt the best value, compared to mini- cooperOct 09, 2021
by Anonymous
Jun 04, 2021
Love my Eos , just what I wanted, would have preferred red!
Jun 04, 2021
by James H
Jan 20, 2021
It is still a bit overpriced according to CarGuru-they label it a Fair Deal. Mileage is too high for me. Features are good-its a top of the line car. Jan 20, 2021
by Mike C
Dec 13, 2020
Very comfortable, lots of power, and an incredible hard top convertible roof.Dec 13, 2020
by Para D
Aug 28, 2020
Is at good price. a lot of features.navegation system is missingAug 28, 2020
by Anonymous
Jul 04, 2020
All of the interior was buckling up, line of convertible was thin and cracking and interior was dirty! Definitely not COVID cleaned either. Minor scratches on exterior and light in trunk is cracked. The price is entirely to high for all the issues of wear and tear etc. Jul 04, 2020
by jim v
Jul 03, 2020
Ive been driving cars for over fifty years and this one is the slickist one Ive ever come across. Hard top convertible in a nice size with good gas mileage with all the bells and whistles anyone could wantJul 03, 2020
by Gerard A
Jun 01, 2020
Quite impressed by the VW/ EOS/ KOMFORT and LUX models. Im seriously considering a purchase. Jun 01, 2020
by Anonymous
Apr 28, 2020
This car is the fun weekend car or the daily commute car (if you dont live far from work). Mileage is average for a sedan/convertible at 21/29.
That said, Its jam packed with standard options and offers three trim options to go crazy if you want. The unique hardtop convertible and how this works is amazing and will turn heads for sure during its transformation. It has major get up and go with the turbo and handles fabulously on the road. Anything 2009 or after is highly recommended by many as VW fixed the repeat issues they were having with the top in 2009.
One struggle - those who have these love them and keep them - and since they stopped making them they are hard to come by.
When our lease runs out in our F150 (in another year), we will be purchasing this little unknown gem if we can find one. :-)Apr 28, 2020
by Charlie J
Mar 27, 2015
Great car and is fun to drive and loaded with high-end features. The wind deflectors allow you to drive 70 mph without the wind in your hair. If your looking for a great convertible, Lexus has nothing on this model!Mar 27, 2015
by Anonymous
Aug 15, 2014
The EOS gets pretty good mileage at about 30 on the highway. The turbo is really powerful, which makes this drive super fun. And if it's raining or you need to wash, you just put the hard top up and away you go.Aug 15, 2014
What users have asked
Timing chain recall
I have the 2012 VW EOS LUX SULEV I just purchased last weekend. I saw earlier in this group that someone had said there was a Timing chain recall How do I find out if my vehicle is included in this? Also, How do I find out what month my car was made by the vin number? Thank you.
70 views
Do dealers pay you based on the selling price and agree to honor your pricing?
I bought a car and it decreased the day I bought it by $500. I got an email from you saying the price had dropped moments after I signed the deal and had not yet taken delivery. Do they have an agreement to honor your prices?
31 views
remote start install disaster
I installed an after-market remote start on my daughter's Eos. It appears to work. I thought I did a GREAT job. But now, periodically, I have an external lights problem. Periodically, half the lights do not work. The warning light appears on the dash, indicating a light problem--> the passenger front lights do not work (headlight, hi/lo beam, running light, fog), and at the same time, the driver rear lights do not work. I checked all fuses. It goes away, and comes back without notice. Thanks for anyone's help. Please let me be the hero to my daughter.
132 views
Brake light switch
2012 Volkswagen Eos. Where is the brake light switch? I swear it is not on the brake pedal
178 views
Top Comparisons
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2012 Volkswagen Eos Pricing
Original MSRP
$34,350 to $39,585Price range
$7,914 to $8,756Average price on CG
$7,944YoY price change
$8,756 to $7,944Trims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Door trim: leatherette · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cupholders: front · Easy entry: power driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 5 in.
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: turn off headlights
Lights
Headlights: Halogen · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: with wind blocker · Moonroof: sliding sunshade
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: door unlock
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leatherette
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · HD radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 8
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cupholders: rear · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power passenger · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: multi-function screen controls · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 5 in.
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: turn off headlights
Lights
Headlights: auto delay off · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: hard top · Moonroof: sliding sunshade
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: post-collision safety system · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy · Wheels: alloy
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: variable intermittent · Power windows: with safety reverse
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Passenger airbag deactivation: occupant sensing deactivation · Front side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
Antenna Type: diversity · Auxiliary audio input: jack · Single disc in-Dash CD · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · Dynaudio premium brand · AM/FM radio · Satellite Radio: SiriusXM · Total Number of Speakers: 10 · 600 watts
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel · Braking assist: hill start assist · Front brake diameter: 12.3 · Front brakes: ventilated disc · Rear brake diameter: 11.0 · Rear brakes: disc
Comfort Features
Armrests: rear center folding with storage and pass-thru · Center console trim: wood · Dash trim: wood · Door trim: wood · Floor Mat Material: carpet · Floor Mats: front · Parking brake trim: leather · Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Cupholders: front · Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Easy entry: power driver seat · Memorized settings: side mirrors · Multi-function remote: trunk release · One-touch windows: 1 · Power outlet(s): 12V front · Power steering: speed-proportional · Power windows: lockout button · Reading lights: front · Rear power outlet: 12V · Steering wheel: tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: paddle shifter · Storage: door pockets · Vanity mirrors: dual illuminating
Driver Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: 4-way power · Power adjustments: 12
Exterior Features
Body side moldings: body-color · Door handle color: body-color · Exhaust: dual exhaust tips · Front bumper color: body-color · Grille color: black with chrome accents · Mirror color: body-color · Rear bumper color: body-color
Headrests
Front headrests: adjustable · Number of front headrests: 2 · Number of rear headrests: 2
In Car Entertainment
Infotainment screen size: 6.5 in.
Instrumentation
Warnings and reminders: turn off headlights
Lights
Headlights: Halogen · Tail and brake lights: LED
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: power
Passenger Seat
Adjustable lumbar support: power · Power adjustments: 12
Rear Seats
Type: bucket
Roof
Convertible rear window: glass · Convertible roof: hard top · Moonroof: sliding sunshade
Safety
Child seat anchors: LATCH system · Impact sensor: door unlock · Parking sensors: rear
Seatbelts
Emergency locking retractors: front and rear · Front seatbelts: 3-point · Seatbelt pretensioners: front · Seatbelt warning sensor: driver and passenger · Second row seatbelts: 3-point
Seats
Driver seat power adjustments: height · Front seat type: bucket · Passenger seat power adjustments: height · Rear headrests: adjustable · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Front Arm Type: lower control arms · Front Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Front Spring Type: coil springs · Front Suspension Classification: independent · Front Suspension Type: MacPherson struts · Rear Shock Type: gas shock absorbers · Rear Spring Type: coil springs · Rear Suspension Classification: independent · Rear Suspension Type: multi-link · Stabilizer bar(s): rear
Telematics
Phone: voice activated · Phone wireless data link: Bluetooth
Tires
Type: all season
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Wheels
Wheel covers: full
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing · Power windows: with safety reverse