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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  Not an economy car - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By paul - July 15 - 1:53 am

  The Rabbit is fun to drive and inexpensive to purchase. Handling is very good. Acceleration from the 170 horse 5 cylinder is vastly better than the approx 120 horsepower and 4 cylinders of most cars at this price point. Interior space is good compared to the small exterior. From its price and size you might think it is an economy car but it is not. Gas mileage is poor (pathetic 22 MPH after 4 tanks). Dependability ratings are not nearly as good as an Asian car either. If you think of it as an inexpensive sports car you will be happy, if you think of it as something in the class of a bullet proof Honda or Toyota you may be disappointed. Overall I am neither very happy or unhappy with it.

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  Re Knock Sensor issue - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By derblederb - July 6 - 10:00 pm

  I was looking for a little hatchback. I picked the Rabbit over the Mazda 3 and Imprezza because it was more fun driving, cost less, and is supposed to get a little better mileage. It also got great CR ratings. Ive had four people in it a few times and there seems to be enough room. The car reminds me of the civic hatchbacks from the early 90s.

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  2007 VW Rabbit - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Coder157 - May 21 - 5:23 am

  Overall I enjoy my VW Rabbit. I love driving it. The only thing I dislike about it is its gas mileage.

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  Solid, powerful, great styling - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By DM - April 6 - 10:53 pm

  Great little car, it feels very solid compared to other small cars in class. Independent suspension, great 6 speed transmission, 5 cylinder engine, add up to a lot of value for about 18K. Uncluttered instrument panel. Drivers seat great for taller drivers. Gets up and goes when it needs to.

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  Gas mileage-not very good - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Sharon - March 26 - 8:43 am

  When it was time to get a new car, I was torn between 2 cars. 2008 Honda Civic and the 2008 VW Rabbit. I test drive these 2, and really liked both cars. But time to decide which to get is a pain!! Anyway, emotions got better of me, and so I picked the Rabbit. It has pickup, power and appeal. However, the gas mileage sucks. Literally. I drive on the highway at 60 mph (trying to save $$) everyday, but still get about 25-miles to the gallon. City mileage, forget it. It;s nowhere close to the sticker mileage. Its more like 9-20 mph. I am gypped and I am not enjoying this car at all. I AM DISAPPOINTED! So there, thats my honest opinion. I shouldve gotten the Civic. City mileage is 39 mph.

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  Great Value! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Hawk8485 - March 19 - 5:56 pm

  I have owned more than 25 cars, mostly Audis, Infinitis or BMWs, but this is the best purchase I have ever made. Not perfect, but for less than $16K, I bought a car that is fun to drive, solid, well built, and comfortable. Only options were the auto and the ESP. This car replaced my wifes Infiniti FX35 (rode very rough) as a stopgap until she decided what she wanted, then we would give it to our daughter. 2.5 years later, my daughter is still waiting b/c my wife will not give it up.

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  Wow, What a Fun Car! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By garyeaston - March 13 - 6:10 pm

  I test drove other cars in the same class (Corolla, Civic, etc.). Boy, are those cars "Mom and Pop" compared to the Rabbit! Lets start with the cars performance - it is simply hard to drive this car "normally", especially with the shiftable auto trans and Sport Mode! If I drive it fast and hard, gas mileage stays to the low end of what the sticker says (22), no big deal. If I drive "normally", I get 25 city/30 hwy MPG consistently. The car is incredibly fun to drive and has tight build quality. This is my second VW (Passat previously). Very happy with the car.

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  Vunderbar - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By JDub - February 12 - 11:20 am

  I have had the car for about 3 months, and can not say enough praise about it. Very versatile, peppy and an overall amazing car. I have a slightly above average commute, and the mileage isnt bad at all, even in the city. Inside, ample space and comfort makes it a great alternative to an SUV or "Crossover" (whatever that is). Fun little "easter eggs" inside and out make me say, "Well, thats smart".

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  I love my rabbit - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By My rabbit is BA - February 11 - 12:36 am

  I love my rabbit. It sold itself to me on the test drive. No other car came close to that. I hit 95 mph without even noticing. Could be trouble but its a smooth ride I havent found a single thing to complain about yet. Only 23 mpg on first tank of gas though with lots of highway driving. I think Im just being heavy on the gas though.

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  Awesome little car - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By ludwig930 - February 8 - 5:30 am

  Overall this car is awesome. Great car for the price. This is my 2nd VW (1998 Jetta TDI ) and I enjoy driving it. Not a long distance driver, but has all the essentials for city driving. Great tuner car for those small little quirks, i.e. braking, body roll. Basic model looks a little bland but add some sport springs, nice wheels and some window tint and it takes a little step closer to GTI appeal. Could save a little more money on gas with a 6th gear.