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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  Love the Bunny - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By j.ho - November 2 - 7:23 am

  Ive owned this vehicle for about 2 months now and couldnt be happier. I traded in a Toyota Yaris, and Im not sure Ill ever go back from German engineering. Its a solidly built, small car that comes with a lot of features standard (a BIG difference from Toyotas at the very least). My old car felt like a toy compared to this one. Not sure about reliability just yet since its still new, but I have high expectations from VW.

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  Nimble and Fun! - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Jiten - October 31 - 12:23 pm

  Bought my Shadow Blue 08 Rabbit 2 months ago and driven it 3200 miles. Ive already done a 1000 mile road trip and driven my kids to school regularly. I look for reasons to hop in the Bunny and drive. Its really fun to drive and scoots through trafic like a knife through butter. Ive driven Toyotas, Mazdas, Hondas and Nissans and while theyve been decent cars, nothing comes close to the Rabbit in build quality, interior design, the plethora of features on a base model and best of all the sheer fun factor.

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  Best bang for the buck - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Steve - October 23 - 10:53 pm

  Highs: torquey engine, great interior design, amazing spec list standard, cost of ownership is very low. Gas mileage is pretty poor, but if youre concerned about gas mileage youre probably not even going to be considering this car anyway. The 170 ft-lbs of torque is apparent from very low in the rev range, and worth the trade with gas mileage as far as Im concerned. When compared to everything else $20k or less, the Rabbit shines through.

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  WoW - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By dave farviknugen - September 28 - 9:06 pm

  For sure will get speeding tickets cause its way fun, surprised havent been stopped. Yet. Should be the best selling car in America. Canoes and kayaks fit fine on roof rack. Lots of stuff in back. Back seat is better than previous years VWs. Did I say this is fun?

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  Rabbit is a sure-footed ride - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Gregory - September 28 - 8:46 am

  A reassuring, solid ride with all the peppiness youd expect from a car that calls itself a Rabbit. Ive been a long-time Civic driver and the ride quality of the Rabbit really impresses me. The Rabbit is a very refined car and an excellent value for the money. On the downside, fuel economy is not super.

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  RABBIT REDUX - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Phil - September 22 - 6:53 am

  We purchased a used 2008 VW Rabbit for my wife to drive. She went from a Jeep to a VW. We also own a 2001.5 VW Passat Wagon which we purchased new. Anyone who purchases a VW should be aware that owning a VW is an experience with potentially expensive upkeep and maintenance. Also, the service at some VW dealers has been horrendous at best. The Rabbit is a well thought out car with many creature comforts not found on other cars. It drives and rides like a German car should, is solidly built and has none of the "tinny" feel of other small cars. The doors feel solid and the 5 cylinder is strong. Just be prepared to pay for maintenance and upkeep.

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  The All German Rabbit - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Vanessa - September 16 - 12:03 pm

  I really like the fact that Volkswagen is building the Rabbit models in Germany. This is one of the major reasons I bought it. I previously owned a 1996 Volkswagen Golf that was built in Mexico and found the quality to be quite poor. And I know alot of people that had Jettas built in Mexico that traded their cars in within the first 5 years because they were constantly having problems with them. My father owns a 1989 and 1991 Volkwagen Jetta, in which it was built in Germany and its still on the road with 250,000+. I am glad they are sticking with the German roots and not building them in Mexico, sometimes cheaper labor doesnt always profit in the long run.

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  Iam in love - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By adam - August 18 - 10:30 pm

  What can I say this rabbit has been a great car Ive owned mine for 1 1/2 years and NO problem. People complain about mileage I average 24 city and 30 hwy . Maybe there are some really lead footed people out there to be getting less then 17 city . And the power is great for this type of car NO its not like a V8 camaro nor a V8 mustang but peppy enough ,if I wanted power I would have bought a V8 car. As far as price goes you cant get a better car for it. A friend just bought a 09 civic EXL great car but cost over $21,000 and mine has more room . My friends are impressed with the room this car has. The car I had before was a volvo960 wagon and the rabbit has more leg room.I will buy another one

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  Great Practical Value! - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By hpowders - August 13 - 1:03 pm

  Came from a BMW 545i; and while this is no BMW, it is pretty much fun to drive. Terrific value for what comes standard. Love the Satellite Radio. Drivers seat is more comfortable than the BMWs. Legroom is more generous too up front. Would love a bit more power. Could use larger side mirrors. These create blind spots. Adaptive steering should be optional. I dont care for it. Mileage could be a bit better too. A lot of room in back with back seats folded. My 68" road bike fits in completely when I push the front passenger seat down. I have the car for two weeks and everything works the way it should. My first two fill ups were 24 mpg. The last one was only 22.6. All in all, a steal at $20k.

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  Just Bought an 06 Rabbit Maual - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By eduright - July 31 - 2:10 am

  I was going to buy a Passat, but changed my mind at the last minute. Its too much car. Its noisy, jittery, and rough riding on all but nice smooth pavement. The Rabbit I got with 16" tires mounted on cast aluminum, is nicer riding and quieter than the 15s that I tried on a base 2-door. I am going to put magnets on the fuel line and a little turbo "cookine" cutter in the air intake hose. I may put some sound deadening coating on the wheel wells to quell road noise a bit. The Rabbit looks sleek, with nice simplicity, style and some earthy grace. Its sage green with the beige/black/brown interior. It handles well, in a bit of a bubbly bouncy (but controlled way). Plus it has a great interior!