TTAC Hates on the Eos
August 16, 2006 – 9:24 pm by Matt Radel
Filed under Volkswagen Eos
The fellas over at The Truth About Cars review the Eos…and it ain’t pretty.
Reviews on the new ‘dub hardtop convertible are starting to trickle in, and “impartial” critics aren’t saying the greatest things about it. As we ourselves here at VB don’t have access to test drive these vehicles personally(hint, hint dealers), we have to rely on certain trusted blogs and sites for information. The Truth About Cars is one such blog that I look to consistently. So I was pretty dismayed at thier thoughts of the Eos.
First off, they loved the hardtop. They say there’s “no way overstate the appeal of the new Volkswagen Eos’ folding hardtop.” But the kind words stop there. An all out attack is launched, with statements like this:
Of course, the Eos’ ponderousness steals more than the accelerative joy normally derived from this engine and transmission combination. The “I can’t believe this is a front driver” handling experience from the GTI is lost as well. Understeer is the party guest from Hell, arriving early and staying late. The props top also seems to unbalance the equation vertically; the Eos navigates curves like an ungainly and top heavy SUV. In addition to the nautical motions, you also get a maritime soundtrack: the top creaks and groans over rough patches like an old wooden schooner.
Ouch. And that’s pretty much the tone of the review. They conclude by saying “Anyway, the Eos is clearly another “lifestyle” Volkswagen aimed at the empty nest/trustafarian market.” Double ouch. Far be it for me to dispute TTAC (after all, they get their rep for telling the truth), but even after a scan of all the comments I found one key item that was never addressed: safety. Though I was unable to dig up any crash test stats (after 3 pages on Google, but I’m impatient) I’m guessing the Eos will crush (pardon the pun) other cars in it’s class. Let’s see…if I’m involved in a head-on collision, do I want to be in a VW or a Pontiac? People are quick to crucify the Eos for it’s weight, but they tend to overlook the value of a sturdier car. For example, I feel a helluva lot better in my Golf (5 star front collision rating) than I did in my Corolla (3 stars) even though both cars have been equal from a reliability standpoint.
At any rate, TTAC’s opinion is just that: an opinion. Just as the things we say are opinion. While I’m disappointed that the Eos didn’t fare better in their eyes, I won’t be losing any sleep over it. Though I do recommend that you read the comments - it’s always fun to see a war between brand loyalists and reviewers. TTAC as a great blog, worthy of a spot in your feedreader.
TTAC Hates on the Eos
August 16, 2006 – 9:24 pm by Matt Radel
I haven’t really looked into it too much, but isn’t the Eos just a renamed Cabriolet? How could you rip into the Eos as if it was a “new product” from VW if it’s just the same thing as before with a new rear badge?
Considering that, if you’re bagging on the Eos I’d take it as a direct attack on the Rabbit.
Eh, not quite. TTAC says that it’s actually sitting on the Passat platform, so it looks like it is a new beast. But that right there should tell you not to compare it to a GTI, which the reviewer did. It’s not a sports car, folks shouldn’t expect it to handle like one.
But if it really “creaked” as he said, that’s a problem.
I purchased a new 2007 EOS last week. It doesn’t “creak” and handles turns beautifully. It’s tight and sporty. The 2.0T engine shifts precisely and the Tiptronic is a six speed so that gives the feeling of sportiness as well. I’ve never owned a VW before but have owned BMW, Mercedes and Audi so I was due for a VW! I love this car!! It is most definitely solid, sporty and a real headturner. I’ve had at least a dozen people ask me about the car, one from a Volvo C70 driver who had his top down too. The EOS is a winner; I have absolutely no regrets about owning it. Oh yeah…the upgraded stereo is a must. Nothing like cruising along at 80 topless and hearing your favorite tunes! So sweet!
Right on Jim! And great to hear from someone who’s used to higher end cars. Thanks for writing. If you have pics or further reviews, feel free to share!
I purchased an Eos as well and traded in my 2003 Audi A4 Cabriolet. I had a deposit on a Volvo C70 that I cancelled after test driving in April. All around the EOS is a better car than the C70 and 10 grand less. The Eos drives and feels like my Audi. The quality of materials are just as upscale as the Audi. I got the dark blue with the sport package, 18″ wheels, and Navigation and I am always getting positive comments and always see people staring when I raise and lower the roof. Most say, wow, this is a VW? The car is very quiet and I do not hear any “creaking”. I would like to see an impartial review of the Eos, C70 and G6 and I firmly believe the Eos will come out on top.
That’s awesome Bruce! I suspect we’ll hear many more positve comments on the Eos as it gets into the market.
Here’s a thought: Could the TTAC reviewer have been driving a prototype, and not an actual production car? Prototypes are built by hand instead of on an assembly line, so there are bound to be rattles, groans, and other things wrong with the vehicle - things that, once diagnosed, are corrected so they won’t show up on the production version.
I guess that’s a possibility. I’d be a hair surprised if VW knowingly gave him a prototype though. But given the positive responses of folks here, I wouldn’t rule it out.
Has anyone heard about leaks in the retractable hardtop? I had read rumors on other sites and am trying to confirm or deny them. I’ve looked at the G6 and the EOS and prefer the EOS, but if there are mechanical hiccups in the first-model-year EOS, I’ll wait for VW to work it out.
I haven’t heard about any leaks with the hardtop, but I wouldn’t be all that surprised to be honest. I’d wait a year or so to make sure they’ve worked out the kinks.
Yeah, this “truth” from TTAC is more on the level of being sardonic than truthful. I never understood why someone would compare a hardtop convertable.. basically a car with a specific purpose which may handicap other features, with a golf which obviously has another purpose. I mean does the golf have a retractable hardtop?
Same goes with the design cues. Compare it to like cars… I mean a car that has to retract a metal roof, yet maintain some sort of usable trunkspace, is going to have to make some sacrifices in some of its design to account for the space needed.
I mean, its like reviewing a V8 pickup truck and complaining that its mileage sucks compared to a 4 banger…. forget that it can tow a mountain. . its like reviewing a ford focus and complaining that it doesn’t handle like a Lotus elise.
Show me a hardtop convertable, in this price range, who’s handling isn’t handicapped in some way by its having a hardtop, let alone with trunk space and seating for four!! even the mercedes SLK is a bit handicapped compared to its like.
I think the eos got more right than it did wrong. For starters, the 2.0T is a great value as it is. adding state-of-the-art DSG for just over a grand is a steal. the drivetrain makes this car fun to drive while the pontiac G6 just demonstrates its bean counter inspired driving with a 4 speed. the Eos may not be a canyon burner but its a fun car. And its base price in the 2.oT will leave very little lacking. Spend another $2500 on an aftermarket radio/navigation solution like the pioneer avic D3 + xmtraffic +ipod + bluetooth, and thats $2500 installed, and you will have a state of the art ipod sound system plus navigation.
I drove the car along canyons, and I see what they mean about its top heavy feel. But I didn’t get this car to cut canyon roads. thats what the 350 Z and the new audi TT are for… but can either of them provide a hardtop solution with luggage space and room for four for just over 30K? ..and a free windscreen to boot (usually a $400+ dealer accessory) ….yeah i didn’t think so.
So i think what the reviewers did miss is what you get: A unique car that offers a unique set of features: upscale interior, easy ergonomics (no i-duh-Drive hubris here…), sunroof/convertable, great base model feature vs pricing, clean styling even if its not everyone’s cup of tea (not to many creases or shark like gilles or anything), proven drivetrain that will never bore you, state of the art tranny that everyone can use.. you don’t have to be formula 1 driving to appreciate…. and also a sense of pride from the designers and builders.
I think this is one reason why you see so-so reviews from reviewers who aren’t happy unless it a ~4 second car, meanwhile customer reviews are on a scale of 9 and up (out of 10) because this car resonated with the everyday driver, not the elitist reviewer who just spent the previous week in an Masaratti, be-otching about the styling of the grille making it look like a fish! C’mon!
You go archiea! You bring up a good point - it is important to keep the target market in mind when reviewing a car, and not holding it against other vehicles out of it’s class.
Did you pull the trigger on one then? I’d like to hear more about what you have to say about it.
Love my EOS - got a 2.0T automatic since February - On one hand it is my second car, on the other hand it is the car I intend to keep for 10+ years - I sold my 1996 Cabrio to buy the EOS - One thing I love: Quiet Idle - handling, engine reaction time, oh and yes, the hard top!!! It is not just for adults with no kids by the way! I had no troubles fitting a child safety seat + a booster for my 2 kids (4 and 7) - They love the “little car” because they get to sit close together. I feel they are safer in the hard top than in the cabrio.
I do regret not buying the navigation system option - I am now thinking of going after market either through the dealer, or through a 3rd party.
I do get lots of comments on the car and the color (Eismeer blue) -
For the non-driving bit - Love my iPod integration - Was able to fit in Costco purchases in the trunk with the top already down -
No regrets so far, and you cannot beat the price for what you get.
Respectfully
archiea,
I’m debating adding the aftermarket Nav/XM to my 2008 Eos 2.0t. If you’ve done this, maybe you could contact me directly and let me know how it went? I’m at corey(nospam).lanum@gmail.com
Remove the obvious bit.
Thanks,
CL