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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  Best purchase - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Christina - June 29 - 6:16 am

  This is my third car and by far my favorite. I enjoy everything about this car. You can still fit 5 adults in the car even though from the outside wouldnt think so. I havent had any issues with the car at all. I take it to the dealership and Im treated like a princess every time I go there for whatever reason it is. Volkswagen overall has impressed with me with their product and service.

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  The Rabbit is a Wonderful Car! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By k8er07 - June 11 - 2:30 pm

  The Rabbit is not only an attractive car, it is very safe. I was in an accident, and it saved my life. The Rabbit is very affordable, and is the perfect car for the city, a student, or especially someone directly out of school.

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  I Courted a GTI, but Married a Rabbit - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Leo Gioia - May 30 - 7:56 am

  I had never been satisfied with the drivability of our 2005 Passat wagon. It had the 1.9T engine. Lets just say I was disappointed by extra engine load and the often unresponsive delivery of power. I had test driven the GTI and loved it but bought the wagon because I needed the four doors and it was on sale! After owning the wagon for less than a year. I was back in the dealership courting a four door GTI. The Rabbit caught my eye and it was love at first sight. I was compelled to take a test drive. Well I was so pleasantly surprised at how nimble and smooth the Rabbit drove that I dropped the GTI and traded the wagon in for a Rabbit. I am very happy, driving is fun every day. I have no regrets.

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  Fantastic Car overall - I love my Rabbit - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By admission - May 23 - 3:53 am

  I drive mostly city in San Francisco, and it handles the bumps just fine. Zips in and out of traffic. 5sp manual is much easier to manage vs. my old 2000 passat 6cyl. Lacking torque just a bit at the very low end, but you can start from 2mph in 2nd if its flat terrain. Interior materials are fantastic. On mostly city driving with hills, Im getting 17mpg (but its San Francisco). I estimate pure hwy at 29, but I got 30 in my Passat V6. Same passenger volume as in B5 Passat! This is ingenious! On reliability: had valve problem - dealer replaced entire cylinder head, and car was in shop for 3 weeks.

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  this car is perfect until.... - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By hippo1105 - May 22 - 8:29 pm

  I wonder if anyone has this problem. This car worked perfect until last year. The car will suddenly shut down with no reason. It has happened for serveral times now. Since my extended warrenty is still good, they suggest me to bring it back to the dealers. However, the dealers cant find any problem, plus charge me $100 for checking it. I tried to call VW customer couples time and told them the problem. They keep asking me to go to the dealer. Sure I have already paid $100 for it, why would I keep paying VW for their faults. I bought it new from the dealer in 2007. Now they just cant provide any service. What is the point to buy the extented warrenty? No more VW for me!

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  Shoddy CD Player Paint Blisters and Flak - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By sprint350ss - April 22 - 12:40 am

  This vehicle comes equipped with a shoddy cd player radio. The paint has blistered off the buttons and the face of the device. Still under warrant however, VW USA does not want to remedy the situation for hundreds of VW owners. The device is considered wear and tear item. how do you wear the face of the radio. Shoddy materials is really what it is.

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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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  Love my new Bunny - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Redbox - April 1 - 3:30 am

  I just got my new bunny a week ago, I love it. It got its baptism, not by fire, but 8 inches of snow. My previous vehicle was an 00 Tracker, 4WD, and I was concerned about not having the 4WD. I was pleased with the traction control, having not driven FWD for years. Very pleased with everything. I currently have 242 miles on a little less than 3/4 of a tank gas. I think the mileage will be fine. In summary, Farfegnugen!! I never thought I would own a VW.

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  love my Rabbit - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Becki - March 9 - 9:56 pm

  This is my 2nd VW. We drove one in Europe and loved it. The Rabbit has a huge fun factor; only thing I really miss is a sunroof. The gas mileage is good but could be better Im sure.