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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  Reliable but Raucous - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By neil - July 25 - 3:53 am

  I bought an 07 4-door right off the showroom floor, black with the 17" V-Vision wheels (I was hooked). This is my third VW, and the other two (78 Rabbit, 88 Fox) were bulletproof. I compared the Mazda3, and the Rabbit offers far more features, refinement, and power (the 2.5L has terrific torque) for the money. Since October 2006, Ive put 20,000 miles on it (18,000 miles in the first year). It feels like a budget Audi. What sinks it are the rattles (see Suggested Improvements). Ive had it to the dealer once; whatever they did only muted the rattles a little bit for a little while. No new car should rattle this much. Ive had numerous Fords (no paragons of quality) that were far quieter.

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  Fun! - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By skid - July 6 - 3:10 pm

  I was looking for a hatchback (big change from my pickup). I tested several cars and settled on the VW. The ride and quality impressed me over the competition. The handling and pick up of the manual transimission make this car very fun to drive.

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  vw convert - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By remingtone - July 5 - 4:53 am

  I have owned a lot of cars. I used to love rwd cars and trucks and hated fwd. I love my rabbit. The interior is way better than what my friends have. It looks great, especially with my optional 5 spoke Gray wheels which sets off the look of the car. The drivers door came off set and scratched the paint, warenty fixed that in 2 days. I dont understand the brakes, every car I have owned gets brake dust all over the front wheels but on this car it gets dust on the rear wheels. I was really hard on them a couple times to see what they are capable of and the rear brakes got so hot I could light a cigarette off it. I dont understand it but I havent had a problem with them yet.

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  best thing i have ever bought - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By rabbitfan - June 25 - 10:46 am

  I went from a 4 door Tacoma to the rabbit. Never again will I buy a truck. Fits my 6,3 self, wife, and newborn perfectly. Awesome display, speakers, ride is sooo quite and smooth. All these complaints on the mph, I have had no such issues. Nor have I had any issues with blind spots. A blast to drive slow or fast. Aux hook up for the ipod is always a plus, satellite radio is an option on some. Auto door locks after 30 seconds is a great for safety.

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  Best Car Ive Ever Owned - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By mattia76 - June 13 - 4:56 pm

  It was love at first drive for the Rabbit and me. Love that it was one of the first ones off the boat. Love that it was made in Germany. Love the way it looks. Ive been agonizing for months now at the prospect of selling it since we have a baby on the way. Test drove a lot of used cars that would have cheaper payments, and nothing even comes close. But weve decided to sell the wifes Versa instead. Woo-hoo! Ill drive this thing till I die or until I can trade it in for a diesel version.

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  Rabbit - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Knight - June 6 - 3:00 am

  I owned just over a week now and love driving my Rabbit everywhere. I drove a variety of cars before I bought this one and I am very happy. I have a wide back and the seats fit excellent for that. The power decline is great, and love the sunroof. Also came with heated seats and windshield washer nozzles which will be great for Minnesota winters. Traction control for 2008 is an option and I read 2009 will be a standard in all VWs. The manual transmission will not be available for 4 door next year. I am very happy with my new car and will drive it for many years. Thank you.

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  quick feet - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By vdubber - June 2 - 6:03 pm

  I could not be more pleased with the bang for buck total. Its quick, fast, quiet, comfortable and stable fit and finish are way above price point. For me there is no comparable car in this class also not many on road that is dominated by Asian vehicles.

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  2009 VW Rabbit 2dr - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By 2009 Rabbit - May 3 - 6:23 pm

  Well built with more than expected standard features. Excellent performance and safety features. Interior of car feels like a much larger car. Average mileage has been 27 mpg in all around driving. Very quiet interior and smooth 6 spd tiptronic auto trans. I am extremely happy after 2 months with this gem.

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  Put it in Sport mode and fly! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By SBC - April 24 - 10:06 am

  Initially, I was drawn to the Rabbit coupes styling, but its performance has been whats impressed me most since leasing it. In Drive mode, its gutsy, in a small car kind of way, but in Sport mode, its a different car! Ive had cars with Sport modes before and have noticed little difference. When I put the Rabbit in Sport mode, its performance is similar to the Honda S2000 I used to drive, with better low end torque than the S2000. I have kept up with Porsches off the line in Sport mode, granted they could roast the Rabbit over the long haul, but the point was to see if the Rabbit was a gamer. It is up for any challenge. Good, and powerful, things come in small packages!

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  What a Great Car - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Marty - March 8 - 11:53 pm

  This is a wonderful car. I am 62" tall, and the drivers seat goes back too far. It is a great ride, with just the right amount of road feedback. Its A/C works great.