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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  A Solid Ride - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Icon_Daemon - January 18 - 7:00 pm

  I purchased the 2 dr Sage Green, ABS/ESP only, w/15" steel wheels: the basic model. The ride is smooth and competent in the corners at all speeds. The engine puts out a throaty growl during accel. The pickup is superb (150 hp, 170fp of tq.), and highway cruising is excellent, with plenty of power reserve for quick escapes or conversely, with surefooted 4-wheel disk brakes to slow you down on a dime. The interior is well thought out, with drivers controls well-placed. The console lighting is especially stylish at night. Seating adjustments for a variety of driver sizes is excellent, the headroom being the most obvious. Passengers do not miss out. Folding rear seats increase cargo space.

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  Great car, but starting to fall apart... - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By hzahn - January 9 - 3:10 pm

  I bought my 07 Rabbit from the dealer and it has driven pretty well for the most part. Ive had a few problems but nothing too major that I can think of until recently. Within the past couple months Ive noticed my check engine light, tail light is out, headliner is peeling off, and the car only has 45k miles on it. It also would randomly stop running during the winter but hasnt happened in a while. I got the battery replaced and it happened once since then. I was hoping to drive this car to the end but I dont think its worth keeping now.

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  Big Blue - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Big Bubba - December 22 - 5:53 pm

  We bought our Rabbit as an around town car and really like it. It was made in Germany with expensive car precision. It even has A/C and heating ducts in the console for the backseats.

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  Vee Dub In Da Haus - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By eldaino - December 8 - 1:30 am

  What a wonderful car. I have n complaints. It provides great bang for the buck. Its fun to drive and delivers unparalleled luxury and comfort for its price range. It has not let me down and I plan to run her into the ground.

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  Amazing car - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By lcs_miller - November 29 - 12:20 pm

  i got this car a few days ago and its great! i bought it from carmax. It has 2 slight dents in it. Its jet black and is so amazing to drive. The fuel econmy is lower then most cars like the rabbit but its great!

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  Fun to Drive - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Fun to Drive - November 7 - 10:40 pm

  What a great car. Great fuel economy, comfortable for the driver and her dog. Great leg and head room, sun roof adds extra light, and great visibility. A couple of squeaks in the dash, but that is to be expected from a (my 3rd) VW. For the price, warranty, the standard extras, and fun...you cant go wrong with this car.

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  Wonderful Car - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By fajardog - October 27 - 12:23 pm

  Having driven the wheels off my 1991 Toyota Tercel (200k miles) I really wanted a new car. I cant believe what you get for the money. Features that would be extra on any other car are standard on my Rabbit. The only option I got was the i-pod adapter. Everything else, cruise, power windows/locks, air-con and more were standard. I love the sound of the engine and I think it has plenty of power. I wish it got a little better gas mileage, but its not too bad. Im leasing the car now, but I think that when the lease is up and the new version comes out Im going to buy it. As long as they keep this up Ill be a VW customer from now on.

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  Awsome Rabbit - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By bpeachee - October 24 - 4:50 pm

  The Golf MK-V is finally here! This car is TOP NOTCH! I shopped it against the Fit, Yaris, and Fusion...and there is no comparrison. This has standard features you cant even get on the others. If you are tall (66") this is the most comfortable car (not just compacts) that I have driven. Its seats adjust and travel more that any car...and some SUVs that I have been in ! It drives fantastic, I highly recommend the 5-speed manual. It is a crisp, fantastic box, and the engine is just torquey as all get out. This car is FUN! It comes with great standard equipment, and the fit and finish is second to none. Plus, its built in Germany, as are the engine and transmission (manuals). This car is more than worth the price. The 4 door has more stuff...but the 2 door is a real bargain, and has everything you need.

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  I knew I made the right choice. - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Steve Rego - October 16 - 1:20 am

  Well, I havent owned it for too long, but I sure bought it for a reason. I wanted a car that was a good combination of looks, quality, performance, practicality, and comfort. This car executes all of these criterion very well. I was concerned with its fuel economy but I read on ways to increase my fuel economy (cruising in the highest gear possible, and being light on the gas, with the exception of my starts, driving 60 on the highway with cruise control enabled), I have been getting 28-30 in the city and about 35 on the highway at 60 mph. Ive been getting a combined 32 mpg... good for 464 miles on a tank. It can get good economy if you want it too.

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  Great Start - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By the king - October 6 - 7:36 am

  The car definitely out shines all other cars in this price range. Performance is the name of the game on the highway. Most cars today lack handling features that are standard on the Rabbit. I test drove the competitors with fuel efficiency atop my requirements. After driving the 30+ mi/gal cars I started noticing a trend toward thinning out the suspension to ensure fluidity of movement. The difference with these fuel efficient cars and the Rabbit is severe. The Rabbit feels solid and grounded where its competitors want to go flying. A majority of my driving occurs on LAs horribly unkept roads with major obstacles every 100 yards including poor drivers with cellphones. I must be nimble.