DecodedCars2008 Volkswagen Eos
Trims, performance, features, fuel economy, safety and known problems — with the pros and cons against similar 2008 models.
- Class
- Subcompact Cars
- Body styles
- 4dr Convertible FWD
- Engines
- 2.0L 4-cyl turbo, 3.2L 6-cyl
- Drivetrain
- Front-Wheel Drive
- Fuel
- Premium Gasoline
- MPG (best)
- 24 combined · 21 city / 30 hwy
- Length
- 173.6 in
- Curb weight
- 3,505 lb
- NHTSA rating
- Not rated
- Recalls
- 0 campaigns
Pros & cons
What's good
- Few owner complaints15 complaints filed with NHTSA versus about 75 for similar models.
- No recalls so far
Watch out for
- Premium fuel requiredEvery gasoline version is rated for premium, which raises running costs.
Calculated from EPA, NHTSA and vPIC data against 24 similar 2008 models — not a review. How we calculate this →
Overview
The 2008 Volkswagen Eos is a subcompact car offered with 2 engines (2.0L 4-cyl turbo and 3.2L 6-cyl) and front-wheel drive.
It measures about 174 inches long and 71 inches wide on a 102-inch wheelbase, with a curb weight of roughly 3,505 lb.
EPA rates its most efficient version at 24 MPG combined (21 city / 30 highway), 14% better than the 2008 subcompact car average of 21.1 MPG, for an estimated $3,400 a year in fuel.
It has 0 recall campaigns on file and owners have filed 15 complaints with NHTSA since 2015, most often about the power train.
What changed for 2008
No changes to engines, powertrains, drivetrains, size, EPA ratings or NHTSA crash rating compared with the 2007 Eos — a carry-over year in the data.
Compared with 2007; trim, feature and price changes aren't covered. See the 2007 Eos →
Dimensions & weight
| Body | Length | Width | Height | Wheelbase | Track F / R | Curb weight | Weight F/R |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4dr Convertible FWD | 173.6 in | 70.5 in | 56.7 in | 101.6 in | 61 / 60.2 in | 3,505 lb | 58/42 |
Transport Canada CVS (Open Government Licence – Canada), Canadian-market figures.
Will it fit your garage? Check with your measurements →Engines, MPG & running costs
| Version | Engine | Transmission | Drive | City / Hwy / Comb | vs. class | Fuel / yr | CO₂ g/mi |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Eos | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 21 / 30 / 24 | +14% | $3,400 | 370 |
| Eos | 2.0L 4-cyl turbo | Manual 6-spd | Front-Wheel Drive | 20 / 29 / 24 | +14% | $3,400 | 370 |
| Eos | 3.2L 6-cyl | Automatic (S6) | Front-Wheel Drive | 19 / 26 / 22 | +4% | $3,750 | 404 |
EPA estimates; "vs. class" is combined MPG against the 2008 EPA class average. How we calculate this →
Safety ratings & technology
NHTSA has not published 5-Star ratings for the 2008 Volkswagen Eos under the current (2011+) test program.
Similar 2008 subcompact cars
| Model | Best MPG / range | NHTSA overall | Recalls |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 Volkswagen Eos (this car) | 24 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Toyota Corolla | 31 MPG | Not rated | 7 |
| 2008 Honda Civic | 42 MPG | Not rated | 6 |
| 2008 Toyota Prius | 46 MPG | Not rated | 3 |
| 2008 Hyundai Elantra | 28 MPG | Not rated | 5 |
| 2008 Ford Focus | 28 MPG | Not rated | 0 |
| 2008 Mitsubishi Lancer | 24 MPG | Not rated | 4 |
Recalls (0)
No vehicle recalls on file with NHTSA for the 2008 Volkswagen Eos.
Check your VIN for open recalls at NHTSA ↗Not every 2008 Volkswagen Eos is affected — only a VIN check confirms your car.
Owner-reported problems
Unverified owner reports; best-sellers collect more.
Used 2008 Volkswagen Eos buyer's checklist
- Run the VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls. No recalls on file, but check anyway.
- Power Train — 6 owner reports. Test-drive through all gears, including reverse; note slipping, harsh or delayed shifts.
- Engine — 5 owner reports. Cold-start the engine, listen for knocking, and watch for warning lights or hesitation on acceleration.
- Electrical System — 4 owner reports. Test every window, lock, light, screen and USB port; check the battery age.
- Mileage to watch. Owners typically reported problems around 80,000 miles; ask what was repaired near that point.
- Before you pay: service records, a history report and an independent inspection.
Generated by DecodedCars from NHTSA recalls and owner complaints for the 2008 Volkswagen Eos. Not a substitute for a professional inspection.
Other Eos years
Compare all years →| Year | MPG (best) | Length | Overall | Recalls | Complaints |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2016 Eos | 25 | 174 in | Not rated | 2 | 4 |
| 2015 Eos | 25 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 3 |
| 2014 Eos | 25 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 3 | 40 |
| 2013 Eos | 25 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 4 | 26 |
| 2012 Eos | 25 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 4 | 91 |
| 2011 Eos | 25 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 16 |
| 2010 Eos | 25 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 2 | 64 |
| 2009 Eos | 25 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 1 | 67 |
| 2007 Eos | 24 | 173.6 in | Not rated | 0 | 23 |
Sources: EPA, NHTSA, Transport Canada, Wikimedia Commons. Not affiliated with NHTSA, the EPA or Volkswagen. How we calculate this →