Overview & Reviews

When the Volkswagen Golf was introduced in 1974, it came to the U.S. in 1975 as the Volkswagen Rabbit, a hop-away hit. Initially available as either a two- or four-door hatchback and later on as a convertible and even a pickup truck, the diminutive Rabbit combined a nimble, front-wheel-drive chassis with high-quality German construction and incredible space efficiency. This successor to the beloved Beetle easily embarrassed American economy cars in terms of performance, fuel-efficiency and cabin space. In 1985, the Rabbit nameplate was replaced by the Golf moniker (meant to recall the Gulf of Mexico, not a golf ball), which was what the car had always been called in Europe.

More than two decades later, the Rabbit name returned. In a reversal of the 1980s name swap, VW replaced the Golf name with the Rabbit badge on U.S.-bound hatchbacks in mid-2006. This Rabbit ran with an inline-5 rather than a four-cylinder engine, and it retained the characteristic boxy but very functional hatchback architecture, although it was larger and heavier than before. It also offered some upscale features (such as heated seats) not usually seen in its segment, as well as that solid feel on the road that seems to be a birthright of German-engineered cars.

Sadly, the rascally Rabbit died once again following the 2009 model year as Volkswagen reverted to the Golf name once again when it redesigned the car. However, despite the different name, you'll still find the same well-engineered hatchback, though it's made in Mexico these days

Most Recent Volkswagen Rabbit
The most recent VW Rabbit was introduced for 2006, replacing the Golf. It was offered as a two- or four-door hatchback in just one trim level and with only one engine choice. Two-door Rabbits came with a number of standard niceties such as air-conditioning and full power accessories, while the four-door version upped the ante with heated front seats, a fold-down rear armrest and an upgraded stereo.

During its brief, three-year life, the Rabbit changed little. It originally featured a 150-horsepower five-cylinder engine, but it was upgraded to 170 hp for 2008. Transmission choices included a five-speed manual and a six-speed automatic, though for 2009 the four-door was only available with the automatic.

In reviews, we lauded the Rabbit's high-quality cabin trim, which imparted a richness that's rare in the compact class. Additionally, the Rabbit's comfortable ride and competent (if not overly sporty) handling dynamics made it a well-rounded and practical economy car. Below-average fuel economy is our only major gripe about the Volkswagen Rabbit, as this economy hatchback struggled to average 24 mpg during combined city and highway driving.

Shoppers interested in an older or newer model than this will want to examine the Golf. It has much of the same characteristics of the Volkswagen Rabbit. It was available from 1985-2006, then reintroduced for 2010. There was also the original Rabbit sold from 1975-'84. From a used-vehicle standpoint, however, the odds of finding one fit for general use are quite low.

User Reviews:

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  Loved My Rabbit! - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Chandler M. - March 14 - 1:03 pm

  I bought a 2006 VW Rabbit with 63k miles in 2016 after immediately falling in love on a test drive. This car is so fun to drive; it’s fast, maneuvers effortlessly due to its size, handles smoothly, and gets decent gas mileage even when driving like a race car. I live in a snowy state and in spite of being a relatively light vehicle, it handled amazingly well in inclement weather - I always felt safe if I had to drive in a snowstorm. I was also impressed with the durability when hit by a semi on the freeway and the car only suffered minor dents in the doors. It’s a car that was built to last. The interior is surprisingly spacious and bright. The exterior is sleek and sexy. I did have various mechanical issues over the years, including a check engine light that never once went away despite dumping thousands into the vehicle, the heat/AC failing, and the latch on the hatchback failing. Now in 2021, I’m unfortunately shopping for a new vehicle as the front driver side suspension unexpectedly failed and repair costs aren’t worth it. As sad as I am to part with it, I got about 120,000 miles out of my Rabbit and loved it every single time I got in the car.

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  Rabbit high cost maintenance - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Jeff - November 4 - 10:13 pm

  I bought this car after owning a Subaru Forester for 4 years. I decided that I no longer needed all wheel drive and wanted something a bit smaller and economical to own/drive. I take the car in for routine maintenance as required. I was a bit disappointed when at my last service of 19,400 miles I was told I needed new rear brakes. This is before fronts. VW tells me this is common to use rears that fast. Cost to replace $465 at dealer (did not have it done there, instead opted for local repair garage). If you had to do this every 19,000 miles it does not make this care economical to drive. I am told all VWs go through brakes that fast.

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  Never a boring car to drive... - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By marusik - June 29 - 9:50 am

  Although I dont drive as much as I used to, its always fun to drive the Rabbit under any driving conditions, rain or shine, either city or highway for long trips or short ones, but especially on twisty roads. The ride is always quite and comfortable... After reading some of the negative reviews about reliability issues on this model, Ive got a little bit concern, especially about the life of the brake pads, so I decided to check them out at 20000 miles and I was told that will probably last another 20K miles. Of course brakes life as well as gas mileage are subjective to every drivers attitude and driving styles...

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  VW could have done better - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Hudi - April 21 - 10:00 am

  The exterior of this car is quite nice, following the the line of the Golf. The interior is very well designed and finished much better than other cars in the class. The car is much roomier than it seems, the legroom and headroom in the back is great. The seats are poorly designed without proper lumber support thats why Im rating it low. The ride is very nice, the suspension is just right. Thanks to the multilink suspension in the back, the car corners like no others. The engine is the biggest flaw of this car, its not powerful enough but the gas millage is not that great. I wonder why they didnt install a better European engine with similar power but better fuel millage.

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  2007 Rabbit - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Uncle B - April 3 - 2:23 am

  I like it so far. Ive only had it for a few weeks. It doesnt get the gas mileage stated but I was also told that it would take a few thousand miles for the engine to break in and then I would get the good gas mileage. Its getting about 23-24 mpg and I drive mostly around town. I noted some of my dislikes below but for the most part VW really did it right and most of it is all standard. That is what I love most is that all the "extra" features are already standard on this vehicle!! I show mine off to friends and they all ask how much this or that cost me extra and I say "Nothing!"

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  Feels exspensive - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By shawn - March 5 - 5:26 pm

  I am completely satisfied with my choice of the VW auto. This car feels and rides just as awesome as it looks. Great passing power, even at 70 mph. Handles the local twisties with pleasant agility. I bought mine with the ground effects and it is worth the money, looks really cool and sporty. I also upgraded to 16" wheels for better ride. Just remember this changes the speedometer accuracy. I cant figure out how to sit inside with the interior dash lights on, without the driving lights blinding away at the same time (kind of irritating). Also it seems there is no glovebox light. Cruise control on the blinkers is less than desirable. The seat adjustments are poorly designed. I recommend this car.

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  Fun to Drive, not your Grandmas Corolla - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By dean-l - December 5 - 1:16 am

  I wanted a small sedan. One test drive of Civic and Corolla and they were out. Those sheep need to look around a little. Mazda3 is a good car and better value, but this one just "felt" like it was built better. I picked the Rabbit over the Jetta because of the chrome on the front and the fake leather seats, I just couldnt do it. The real stuff is better, why bother? Also Rabbits are unusual around here. Ive enjoyed the car so far. It really IS fun to drive. Plenty of power. NO exterior "loud & obnoxious" things about it. A real knock out in red. I cant believe this car is not more popular.

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  2008 Black Rabbit - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Brian - July 15 - 8:33 pm

  I bought this 08 Rabbit in June and now 8 months later have no performance or build quality complains. Broke it in easy for 1500 mi. My son is the primary driver who uses it to commute back and forth to college and to work. Weve taken it on 600+ miles trips to NJ and Pittsburgh and mpg has been excellent at 31 highway. The only recurring issue has been the crummy head unit for the stereo. Twice the cd player has failed. Dealer overnighted a replacement the first time, and I expect same replacement this time, but really why the cheapo stereo? Ive thrown Walmart stereo/cd players into vehicles that have lasted for years with no issue. No other problems with this West Virginia Bunny.

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  Really fun car. - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By billbolduc - June 21 - 3:06 pm

  I love my new Rabbit. The lease on my 2004 Passat was up, and I was tired of paying for premium gas, so I tried the Rabbit and loved the way it felt. Although it is in a different class (economy vs. midsize), I find it sportier and more agile than my 04 Passat, but it doesnt ride quite as well. The new boost in horsepower gives it plenty of power to get out of the way. It has enough interior room for most needs, although the family would probably be more comfortable in my wifes minivan. The build quality appears to be very good. Overall, another great product from Volkswagen.

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  08 Rabbit Habit - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By LuvVeeDub - January 20 - 10:40 pm

  had it only 2 weeks, but driving A LOT. my first experience in a rabbit made a terribly disconcerting metallic rubbing whine when i test drove one initially (with alloy wheels pkg.), but the one i bought had the steel wheels and no such noises. still have quite a bit of clutch pedal travel compared to my subaru outback and am still trying to get used to launching without excessive revving (maybe im just a retard) and while in 1st/2nd gears, torque dies around 3500 rpm. i expected more torque since due to 177 lb./ft. rating. shoulda bought the DSG auto trans in retrospect. wished leather seats were available. almost dislocated my left shoulder reaching back for the safety belt.