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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  Mein Hare!!! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By berlin58 - January 29 - 5:40 am

  I searched a long time for a vehicle before I chose the Rabbit. I wanted something fun to drive, wasnt a gas guzzler, and foremost a car that I could be comfortable in. Being a rather large individual 65" tall and 245 lbs. basically eliminates me from about 90% of the cars in the market, and this includes a lot of trucks and suvs. However, the Rabbit has loads of room. I have more than enough leg room, headroom, and shoulder room. When are the Japanese and American car companies going to get it??? Kudos to VW for building a car that a variety of body types can fit in. I really love this car, its a blast to drive and I look forward to my daily commute where as before I did not.

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  Good performer - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By golfvet - January 28 - 2:13 pm

  The car handles great in city traffic and is very stable at highway speed. The fuel economy is not the best in its class but we cannot get good performance without using a little bit of fuel. There is no engine or wind noise at highway speed but road noise is very apparent on certain type of pavement. After 3000 miles, no problem encountered.

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  A dream machine for a student! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Andrew - January 26 - 1:46 pm

  I had never driven a VW two weeks ago. After the test drive, I was sold. Build quality is amazing. Driving it is a joy. The 2.5 PZEV 5M is no slouch. Much more than "acceptable," well beyond "competent." Not a racecar, but great torque, and amazing responsiveness in all the conditions its been through so far. For the price, I would say that my Rabbit is an amazing blend of performance, comfort, and quality. I cant even describe the feeling one gets while driving it. During the test drive, I just wanted to laugh maniacally. On paper, it doesnt look like much of an edge over the Versa, Yaris, Fit, or tC, other than performance. In person, it feels like a whole new class of vehicle.

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  Hip Hopper - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By JackRabbit - January 12 - 10:30 pm

  My push towards the Rabbit came from shopping around in its class. For what you get for your money there is not a better choice. Although my engine is far from broken in, the car handles fun roads like a dream. The manual transmission is seamless. Even though there is only 150 horses, the engine is torquey yet quiet.

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  Great Car - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Chris - December 27 - 3:06 am

  First, I didnt give any "10s" because something has to be literally perfect. That said, for the money, a great car. Its broken in and the last 3 fill ups have been right around the 30 mpg combined mark. I drive very conservatively and about 60/40 hwy/cty. 5 spd manual allows low rpm shifting as well. 5th gear could be taller for the highway, or a 6th gear would help out too. Car comes standard with a good number of things like remote entry. Fun to drive and well made. Im coming from a 2006 C-Class MB, so I had high expectations. Seems to have met them so far.

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  Couldnt Find a Better Hatchback - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Matt - December 23 - 1:13 pm

  I tried to find a better deal on a hatchback used and domestic (even went to car auctions). This two door appears to have more room than the four door Focus. What sold me was the vast range of features and powertrain. It is a huge improvement from the Mark IV Golf with its four wheel independent, five cylinder, and a very smooth shifting six speed Tiptronic transmission for only $17,000! The plastics on the exterior protect exactly where the car would get bumped in parking lots. Plus it has traction control, heated mirrors, ABS, cruise control, six airbags, laser wielded frame, and daytime running lights...the list goes on. I would love to sell these for a living.

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  Great for tons of driving - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By LongHairGuy240 - December 11 - 11:23 pm

  I deliver pizzas for a living. This car allows me to do that with ease. Its very fast. I can get from 0-90 in no time, on the freeway of course. It turns very easily, brakes just fine. I drive about 2500 miles a month, so the oil changes get expensive, but its more than worth it. I blew up two cars because of oil change issues, so Im being very careful with this one. Im sure Ill be keeping this car for a long, long time. Ill most likely buy another after this one is finally dead.

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  Rascally Rabbit - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By brucemip - December 6 - 4:46 am

  Bought this car used with 52K miles on it and a extended warranty for 20K mile, which was a waste. This car has been perfect and reliable since I bought it. I now have 105K miles on it and still running strong and drive the same as the first day I bought it. Regular oil changes every 5K. Went through 2 sets of tires. Added GTI 17s mags. Color is white, black trim and Yakima bike rack with air spoiler, clean, looks real sporty, turns heads all the time. Extremely happy with this car performance, ride & comfort.

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  Great Buy - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Matt - December 2 - 1:56 pm

  I get my rabbit as soon as I could order one. I drive through DC traffic on a daily basis and average 25mpg w/ a 5spd. It options that would be seen on cars over 25k.

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  Amazing car for the money - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Marco - November 9 - 4:33 am

  This car is absolutely the best buy. The GTI is over priced for the extra hp which, with less money, can be gained. The car is fast and handles amazingly. Although this car doesnt come with rims or the stereo controls on the steering wheel, it has the best handling and speed out of those cars Ive test driven and more airbags and crashtest ratings. Plus when you get a rabbit you get to join rabbit owners club.