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:

• 

  Excellent Car - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By brian1121 - March 16 - 4:39 pm

  Bought this car brand new when I was 16, for just under $16,000 and havent looked back since. Its pushing 7 years and over 100,000 miles now and no problems at all. Changing the oil every 10k miles and changing brakes as needed Im sure helped the quality remain top-notch. Quick enough for getting around town along with decent fuel economy, however I wish the mpg were a little better.

• 

  The perfect combination - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By chuck54633 - March 15 - 4:03 am

  This car is the perfect compromise of all the requirements I have for a vehicle. I wanted something more fuel efficient and smaller than the truck I was driving, it had to be comfortable, fun to drive, and have room for my dog. I looked at every 4 door hatch on the market, especially the fit, versa, and the Astra. The Rabbit is the only vehicle in that group that feels like a real car. It feels like a budget BMW with comfortable seats, an excellent driving position, and a wonderful 6spd automatic. OK like most other people I wish it got better mpg, but you do have to consider the solid safe car you are driving. Im seeing 25+ mpg in mixed spirited driving. You can do better with practice.

• 

  Great Car. Period. - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Paul - March 14 - 2:13 pm

  Ive always been a Japanese car fan, especially of Toyotas and Hondas, since they last soooo long. At first I was a little skeptical about the VW, but considering how theyve made a major come back within the recent years with their Passat, Jetta, and Golf, I thought I give them a chance. My first impression is amazing. The car is solid and well built. It has so many features for such great price. Think about it: a 5-cyl, 6-speed automatic, is super nimble, has good stereo, comes with all the power goodies, and can easily fix up with some wheels and springs to look great! Id take this over the Corolla or Civic any day. I love the 5-cyl. engine! Test drive it and youll see.. Its smooooth.

• 

  2006 VW Rabbit - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Ralph - March 7 - 8:56 am

  this is a very nice car. I looked at five other hatchbacks, this had the best features i.e. interior, four wheel disks, 6 cd changer, power moonroof, etc. It is has very good quality throughout the car. Everyone is impressed.

• 

  The Best Buy! - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Curt S. - March 5 - 9:10 pm

  More fun than an old 911. I have owned this new 08 Rabbit S automatic for a little over a month and 2500 miles of fun driving, some at altitude in CO. The look, the ride the cargo capacity and the performance is outstanding!If your in the market for a compact car buy the Rabbit. Having fun!

• 

  Love my Rabbit - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By alicia - February 4 - 7:16 am

  Ive owned VWs for years and I love my Rabbit.

• 

  Bounce into a Rabbit! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By MisterB - February 3 - 4:36 am

  I bought my Rabbit at the end of the MY, and having driven it for 2000+ miles so far, I find that its an amazing car. Responsive, nimble, roomy, and stylish. I cant say enough good things about this car. If I had to buy a car all over again, this would be the car.

• 

  Best vehicle owned- out of 6 VWs - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By joeynick - February 2 - 10:36 pm

  Ive only had this car for 6 weeks, but already it has shown me the build quality VW is capable of, but has eluded them for years. The fit and finish are unparalleled in any vehicle Ive seen under $20,000. Its FAST. You just barely tap the gas pedal and it seems to want to take off and fly. The 170 hp engine (only have 2,500 miles on it thus far) just begs you to wind it out. It seems to have a remarkable similarity in torque to old-school GTIs. I paid only $15,900 for this vehicle (only option added was the $450 ESP program). Looking forward to many pleasurable driving miles.

• 

  People wake up! - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Melon - January 21 - 10:13 pm

  Where do I start? Well,Ive owned plenty of vehicles in my life, GMs, Dodges, etc. Didnt like any of the American built vehicles. I was a lucky owner of a 1981 VW Rabbit diesel (250,000+ on it) and 1988 Cabriolet from the Karman factory (195,000). Best cars Ive ever owned absolutely were V-dubs. Only thing I can say is that the new Rabbit is awesome. Handles great. Fun to drive Fuel econ went up a bit but big deal the car handles/drives like a fairly powerful German sports car. No sissy engine here. Besides I couldnt afford the Audi A6 that Id wanted and the car is the closest my pocket would allow for me to have a completely enjoyable ride. Love it!!

• 

  Good Car several problems - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Sean Hunt - January 10 - 4:40 am

  Like most VWs the handling and feel is great. It is a heavy car with a large 5cyl engine. It is a loud engine and the Transmission is not properly tuned for the engine. We had the premium sound system that had the base flare problem...i found a service bulletin on the internet and contacted the dealership and they fixed it under the warranty. The transmission does not downshift until it is almost at a stop. So when the car is going 30mph its still in 5th or 6th gear. And it starts sputtering a bit. Also the tiptronic manual shift has a loss of RPM for a moment in second gear after the shift. And we are noticing a slip and clunk shifting move. I think VW will find a problem soon.