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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  Runs Like A Bunny - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By og4itg - April 11 - 2:20 pm

  Unlike past VWs, this Rabbit with 48,000 miles, has been totally trouble- free and rock solid. No problems or rattles and still as enjoyable to drive now as on day one. Spirited driving has yielded average 25.8 mpg. (range 19.8 to 32.2) Reliability problems are in the past so I have no choice but to stay in the VW family

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  Great Little Car! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By iRobert1989 - April 10 - 10:40 pm

  Have owned the car for about a month now and it is GREAT! Not a single problem with it whatsoever. Has PLENTY of pickup on the highway. The brakes are perfect! I love the Euro-styling. Great radio system. Love the 10 speakers and the satellite radio and the ipod aux and the 6 disk in-dash changer. The 6 Speed Automatic is perfect especially in sport or tiptronic mode. The car comes standard with a whole lot which is nice.

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  Falling in love... again. - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By vwlogansrun - April 4 - 6:27 pm

  Im now the daily driver of our 2007 4-Door Rabbit and just absolutely blown-away by it. Weve had no major mechanical issues with it, ever. I just had spark plugs and a few things replaced and suddenly it is driving like new. For a car under $19k, the handling and acceleration is fantastic. It is bigger than our previous Golf and more solid overall. The engine, Im told, borrows from a Lamborghini design. Im not a racer but this is a quick car. Also room enough for groceries and two kids. A bit tight for a long road trip, but doable.

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  Volkswagen hits the mark - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By JTC - March 24 - 11:26 pm

  I bought my 07 Rabbit 2dr in July and the car is incredibly comfortable, roomy, the engine is incredibly powerful and the overall quality is impressive. I test drove the Mazda3 Honda civic, and Scion and the Rabbits engineering and quality are definitely outstanding compared to its competitors. At 2000 miles I have had no problems whatsoever and I thoroughly enjoy driving it. Definitely best car purchase Ive made in a while.

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  Great Car - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By liu - March 19 - 8:06 pm

  I bought the Rabbit about two weeks ago and I love it more and more. Ive always been a Japanese car fan in the past but this car definitely changed my perception about European car makers. The 2.5 V5 engine definitely gives you more power than you will need especially if you live in a big city. The first day I got it I took it up to high speeds on the highway and its SMOOTH, thanks to its great power to weight ratio. This is only an entry level European car, I can only imagine what the top of the line car will drive like. Great car, GET IT!!!

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  Knock Sensor issue - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By scoutandhuck - March 8 - 3:30 am

  I just got my 2009 Rabbit 3 weeks ago and I mostly love it. It has a cozy feel, the dash is easy to use, the lights are distinct and easy to read, and it handles nicely, even in snow (which weve had about every day since I got it). It has a jaunty overall feel and I am quite pleased overall. The sales staff was also really informed and helpful.

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  What fun! - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Wheeler - February 15 - 2:53 am

  Just bought the 2008 Rabbit. This car drives and handles like a much more expensive sports sedan. Corners flat and has super good brakes. The 6 speed tiptronic trans is flawless and will provide excellent highway miles. The Rabbit has to be one of the best performance buys for a small sedan on the earth today. Typical excellent VW fit and finish on par with BMW and Audi.

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  I beat VW in court! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By kill the rabbit - February 10 - 10:13 am

  The first week I got the car, it was in the shop 2 times. The radio never worked, widows always dysfunctional. The brakes were going to kill me. AC never got cold. The hatch back broke 2 times. No one can change the oil but the dealership. The back brakes wore out before 30k miles. Things randomly broke in the car. For example, the sun glass holder broke, I forgot it was there until it fell down. It was INSANE! VW kept telling me that I did not know how to use their "special" brakes. I almost got into 2 accidents because my car decided to drive off the road during braking. In the End, VW stormed out of the court room and I am buying a Honda. I had a Golf for 2 years, loved it

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  Update for 2intwenty - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By 2intwenty - January 26 - 5:40 am

  This review is an update from my initial review 2/1/07. I now have 14,000 miles on the car and still like it. I was concerned about engine noise at first, but this seemed to lessen with the break-in. I like the growl! A few issues: on a couple occasions Ive stalled after being in my heated office garage and then driving 5 mins in 40-50 degree temp. outside - stalled 2dif. times - exact same location each time. I have a rattle in the right vent. The drivers side window switches are peeling but dealer is replacing. My upper strut towers/bearing were replaced proactively by my dealer after I mentioned a slight steering noise - this fixed it.

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  Love it! - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By alena - January 24 - 2:56 am

  I have always been a VW fan, so I was heart broken when my 97 Jetta was totalled, and I had to make a new purchase. The 08 2dr Rabbit is perfect for me. I find the car suits all of my needs. Its perfect for getting to school and work in the Metro area (great for those small parking spots downtown). I love the interior decor, and am a fan of the change in cupholder size.