2006 Volkswagen Rabbit Research & Reviews

Overview & Reviews

Average Score

4.69/5 Average
51 Total Reviews
This Year's Model Updates:

VW releases the 2006 Rabbit hatchback very late in the model year. This is the next-generation Golf but with the nostalgic, U.S.-only name last used in 1984. Compared to the outgoing Golf, the Rabbit features new styling, a more sophisticated rear suspension design, more interior room and a new powertrain.

Pros:
  • Comfortable ride, rich interior materials, many safety features, roomy interior, solid build quality.
Cons:
  • Can get pricey with options, handling and styling might not be sporty enough for younger buyers.

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 51.00
  • Loved My Rabbit! - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
    By -

    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.

  • I Love My Rabbit! - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
    By -

    I love my new VW Rabbit! There was only one two door left in the state so there was no choice in color, but they found the car quickly and got it shipped in a day and a half. The black stripe on the side of my car wasnt aligned correctly (off by less than an inch) and they fixed it quickly. The customer service was really great. Its fun to drive and I like the radio. Overall the Rabbit is a great car and really is affordable!

  • VW - The Rabbit formerly know as "Golf" - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
    By -

    Well, Ive only had the car for 2 days. But I can tell you that it is great. The quality has gone up to an even higher standard with this car. Volkswagen has clearly decided to make your money worth it. I had a 2003 Golf. It was a love hate relationship. It was weak-sauce when it came to acceleration, as could be expected. But it was rediculously fun when it came to getting through traffic and going through curvy 76 through Escondido in the San Diego mountains to Julian. As for this one, its freaking sweet. It accelerates like no other N/A sub 3.0L car Ive ever driven and handles like Steve Nash...left..right..left...left again..go go go! And thats with the automatic! Imagine if I got the manual!

  • 2006 VW Rabbit - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
    By -

    I think VW came out with a winner! I test drove and had the car located in my area. I am pleased with the great seating and standard features. I love the whole car and do not regret buying it at all like some of my other cars even in this span of time. I totally recommend it. Its roomier than you think and it has a nice firm ride and great pick up when you need it

  • More Than Expected - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
    By -

    The Rabbit is a well built car with great handling and a good price. The hatchback makes this small car practical. The safety features and performance sold me on this, my second VW. So far I have been getting 25 mpg in city and 32 in mixed mostly highway driving. The car is fun to drive and I am glad that I bought it.

  • Silver Rabbit - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
    By -

    Have 500 miles on my Rabbit. Have owned it for two week and like it more and more. My last car was an 02 Passat, but I feel the Rabbit has more pep and is more fun to drive. I decided on the Rabbit after test driving the Honda Civic, Dodge Caliber, Chevrolet HHR, Mazda3, and Toyota Matrix...and picked it because it was quicker, had confortable seats, had a quiet interior, safety features, build quality and better visibility and I liked its good looks. I did not give the Rabbit total 10 because the gas milage is rated lower, but did get 28.36 on my first tank of mixed driving and it will improve after first 3,000 miles.

  • Great Daily Driver - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
    By -

    I started looking at the Rabbits because of the ads and because I used to own a 87 Golf. When I started checking out the standard features I was shocked at how much car you get for under $20,000. I thought there had to be a compromise in quality somewhere. But after driving the Rabbit I was impressed. The car has a very solid feel and grips the road well. My previous vehicle had a 2.5L V6 (5M) and was nowhere near as quick as this car. The visibility is good in this car with a slight difficulty in seeing past the "b" beam. One of my favorite points about this car is how safe I feel driving it. Beside the eight airbags, it has four wheel ABS and ESP optional(which I got). Buy the Rabbit.

  • I Courted a GTI, but Married a Rabbit - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
    By -

    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.

  • Shoddy CD Player Paint Blisters and Flak - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
    By -

    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.

  • Zippy Rabbit - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
    By -

    Ive been researching cars for months and when VW finally came out with specs for the new Rabbit I was very excited. The test drive sealed the deal. This car has a lot of pep, handles extremely well, and is just an overall blast to drive. The car is very solid -- pretty much every aspect of the car gives that impression clearly. You get a lot of car for your money in this model, theres no question.

Volkswagen Rabbit Reviews By Year:
Great Deals Near You
  • Loading cars...

Selected Edmunds.com visitor vehicle reviews

Edmunds.com Visitor Vehicle Ratings and Reviews are the property of Edmunds.com, and may not be reproduced or distributed without the consent of Edmunds.com. Edmunds© is a trademark of Edmunds.com, Inc. Edmunds.com, Inc. is not affiliated with this website or app.

Powered By Edmunds

× Estimated monthly payments based on 3.9% APR, 60 month financing, and 20% down payment. Tax, tags, title, administration fees, and license fees are not included in price or payment. Subject to approved buyer credit. Actual purchase terms may vary.

Payment calculations are sourced by EveryAuto.com and may not reflect actual dealer financing terms.

Send Us Feedback ×


Locating Vehicles In Your Area