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:

• 

  Bang for your buck - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By dsmtuner - February 15 - 3:56 am

  This car is an amazing car to get. I paid 17,325 and got a lot of excellent features. This car feels good to drive in, and when your already tired from driving, the car wont get you more tired. 10 speaker German sound, will wake you up. For a 2009, this is more likely the best car to get. Gas is the issue, but for the performance and comfort, its well worth it. I am a mechanic and it seems to that this car is excellent for every day driver. Engine temp stays at 190*f and even on 12 hour drives it does. Highest mpg was 28 so far. This car has the same concept of the VW golf. But way better

• 

  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.

• 

  I Love My Bunny - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By dragonlips - December 30 - 5:06 am

  My only complaint really is that they seem to feel drivers of the 4 door model should be more comfortable than those of the 2 door model. The seat in the two door Rabbit is not as adjustable and it is missing the front middle arm rest. Otherwise, I love the car. I have had it for four weeks now and already need to get it in for its 5,000 mile check-up! Oh and of course the dealership had no clue (anyone) about the stereo input.

• 

  Great Little Car! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By troy - December 26 - 12:30 am

  We have been looking into getting a new car for a while now and we were blown away by the Rabbit. The look of the interior and exterior are great and it has way more standard features than expected. There are so many little features and neat things about this car that I feel like a salesperson every time I tell someone about it! The ride is comfortable and smooth for a car its size. It has a ton of room inside to fit four people comfortably. It handles really nicely and has a lot of power. It shifts really smoothly and quickly for being an automatic and the Tiptronic is fun to have (even though I dont really use it all that often). Seriously, this is an incredibly fun car to drive!

• 

  Awesome - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By melissa - December 15 - 4:20 pm

  Well I guess I have to say that I will never own anything other than a VW, so I am a little biased, but my new Rabbit is awesome. I just love it. The only downside is that they dont come as a diesel or have a good input plug for an iPod. I would recommend this car to anyone who wants a great car for a low cost.

• 

  Amazing car even after 60K miles - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Jiten - December 15 - 12:36 pm

  Today is the 2 year anniversary of my rabbit. I am in sales so Ive put a ton of miles on it already...try 60K. I still get excited getting into the car even 2 years later. This was my first german car after owning pontiacs, chevy (mini van), mercury (villager), honda (prelude and fit), Nissan Sentra, Geo Prizm, Daewoo Nubira and Mazda Protege. Honestly this little rabbit is a whole notch above any of my previous cars. It is so solid, buttoned down and feature rich that nothing else comes close for the price. I had considered the Mazda 3 and Scion Xb but the moment I test drove the Rabbit I was totally hooked. The Germans really know how to make fantastically engineered cars. BUY ONE!!

• 

  Killer Rabbit - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Sam - November 29 - 6:36 pm

  I have 58,000 miles on my 07 Rabbit and I have not had to make a single repair. For its size, the car rides well. Engine noise is noticeable and often enjoyable. I find the 6 speed automatic quite smooth. No problems with brakes, bass flare, weird electronics or any of the stuff I read here. I have a 48 inch rack and put 4 kayaks on it! What a car!

• 

  Musician VW Rabbit Choice! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By MikeAcoustic - November 27 - 6:23 pm

  I overall love this vehicle. I perform as a one man show acoustic music all over within 150 mile radius and use this vehicle to get me and all my equipment safely there. I love taking this vehicle on road trips; it is reliable and easy to park anywhere and fully functional in maneuvering. I have taken several photos that hold the equipment in totality, amazing!

• 

  Yeah! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By sunni01134 - November 27 - 1:56 am

  I traded in a 2000 Golf for my new Rabbit, and although I technically "downsized" since I went from a "fully-loaded" Golf GLS to a "base-model" Rabbit, I do not feel like I am missing anything (except the sunroof, but oh well). The standard features on the Rabbit are great. I got the added ESP system and the 16" alloy wheels, but the features built in are awesome. The dash is redesigned and great, the passenger room is much more spacious, although the truck lost some space, but thats cool. The brushed chrome also looks awesome on black. Thanks to VW for bringing back the black on black interior. I was scared that I would end up with that stupid back on beige. Go buy yourself one :)

• 

  This little car stole my heart - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By GeorgiaRose - October 30 - 9:26 pm

  I am no stranger to European cars- I grew up on BMWs and Audis, and I drove a Volvo for many years- but the little VW Rabbit has stolen my heart and converted me to Vdubs. First of all, it is an incredible value and has a lot of the same features Ive seen in more expensive cars. The interior is top notch and surprisingly roomy for a compact car. Its also extremely comfortable on long trips; Ive taken many road trips in it and its just a pleasure to drive. This little Rabbit has a lot of get up and go- maybe its not as fast as a GTI but it has plenty of power- not to mention the great fuel mileage too!