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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  Little bargain monster - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Dell_Boy - December 17 - 2:00 am

  If you want a cool looking fun to drive cheap to run runabout then this is it!! I actually traded down from a 2009 GTI with DSG to my VW Rabbit with the standard automatic and I actually prefer the drive of the Rabbit than I did to the GTI. Power delivery is obviously less but not a huge difference as it has 170bhp which has plenty up and go for me. The car is very versatile, comfortable on long journeys, love the 60/40 split rear seats to give HUGE cargo space for such a little car, 4 doors makes it a good family car with kids and cheap enough to buy out right so I have no car payments :-) I love it!!! You cannot go wrong with this well built European styling little rocket.

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  VW fun car - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By bill - December 12 - 12:43 pm

  Car handles and rides with the european style that I can only afford with the rabbit. Some day hope to purchase a diesel version, but with my current low 10000 miles a year, it is hard to justify the cost.

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  A Budget BMW - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By umfxc20 - November 26 - 10:36 pm

  This car is incredible for the money. It has great power, and its built like a rock (meaning there are NO rattles). The quality of this car is better than any other car you will find for under $20,000 (except for other VWs). The manual transmission is the smoothest shifting transmission I have ever used. I drove 60 mph on my way to college in Maine and got 35 mpg for highway driving, which was much better than I expected. Just a great car, and more VWs will be purchased in my future.

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  The Best Car to Buy and Fun, Too! - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By skippey96 - October 23 - 6:40 am

  I have only owned American cars in the past. Now I have a new love, let me tell ya. The Rabbit is a pleasure to drive and is sporty looking. The only problem is people love to look at it and ask questions about it. Not that that is a bad thing, but well get one of your own and youll love it to. Did I forget to tell ya it is fast (great on gas to). I hope that more people get them, you wont be sorry.

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  FARFEGNUGEN - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Prams - October 10 - 3:56 pm

  Great car! Very few problems since off the lot new, now 30K miles. Way fun to drive, starts fine at -30F, load the big dogs, the bikes, the stuff, and go. Get about 30mpg highway, mid 20s city. Havent gone thru any brake pads yet and am overdue for speeding tickets.

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  Not suitable for short passengers - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By candle27 - October 5 - 5:00 pm

  I am 53 and too short to reach the headrest even in its lowest position. According to the Users Manual and a phone call to VW Americas head office, a cushion must never be placed on the passenger seat as this interferes with the airbag systems proper functioning. This only becomes clear after the car has been purchased one has read the manual.Therefore I am at risk in case of an accident and VW says that neither they nor I can do anything about it.

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  Nothing but Problems - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By gobills - October 1 - 9:33 pm

  It started out being a nice car, but since then it has been nothing but headaches. It seems like one thing after another something goes wrong. 1st off the power windows quit working, and now the check engine light keeps coming on and VW doesnt no how to fix it. All in all this is my 1st VW and it will be my last.

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  Nice Bunny - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By VW family - September 23 - 12:56 pm

  Bought a black 4-door Rabbit for my son the other day. We now have 3 VWs and an old Audi in the family. Theyre great cars. This car rides well. Power is more than adequate from the 170 hp motor. It even sounds good. Handling is good. Tiptronic is the tranmission (not the engine) and the 6 sp. auto is is very nice. It even has a sport mode. This car is not nearly as sporty as my GTI, but is a better freeway car by far and is easy to drive with the auto. trans. Black looks great and there is extra tint on the windows so it looks like a mini-limo to me - very cool.

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  Hip to the Hizot - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By eldaino - September 21 - 9:23 pm

  The Volkswagen Rabbit is wonderful. It has such a solid feel to it, you wont be able to find a more solid feeling car in its price range or even a bit above. The gas mileage may not be amazing in this class, but most other cars on this class dont have five cylinders either. I wish the redline was higher but other than that power is fine. This car is very peppy, if it was any lighter it would be too fast! It has great interior ergonomics and quality materials are used throughout. It is better than my 06 Civic. It is not as futuristic, but the build quality actually feels nicer. It has nice handling, not too harsh and sporty but no wimp either. It is very pleasant, fun, and a great buy plus it comes with a great warranty. I love my Rabbit!

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  Great, Sensible Car - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Steve - September 8 - 8:03 am

  I have long wanted a VW and finally purchased a slightly used 2008 model this year. I wanted a GTI, but it was out of my price range. Ive test driven both and can say that the 5 cylinder Rabbit has enough power for most drivers and pretty much all driving situations. The suspension isnt as sporty (read: body lean) in the corners, but overall very fun to drive. Interior isnt as unique/special as the GTIs but still full of features and very comfortable. Great car with great fuel economy. I get 28mpg with approx 80% highway driving.