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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  Might Be A Lemon... Or It Might Just Be The Brand - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By jen86 - March 17 - 3:22 am

  I bought my rabbit used from a Volkswagen dealership in 09, its an 07 model and it only had 12,000 miles on it when I drove it off the lot. Its now got about 77,000 miles on it, & its had problems since I got it. This car has had the wheel well fill up with water and seep through my seats ($4-500 fix) a bolt fall out of the engine mount (covered by warranty), the alternator failed at 50,000 miles ($500 at the dealer), the airbag light & the brake pads are worn light (electrical issue) are both on ($1000 to repair those 2 things at the dealer), and the CV joints are shot ($670 at the dealer). I would caution people against buying a Volkswagen if they want longevity in an automobile.

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  Ugh, was nice until...... - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By murkman - February 19 - 2:06 am

  Picked this car up in the summer of 07. Was a great car from the start until the first 10,000 miles, after that the the cash started flying out the windows. Oil changes every 5k miles cost around $80, every 10k miles major maintenance is recommended for around $300 - $500, headlights and taillights go out every 10K miles (especially after visiting the dealership), the airbag harness in the steering wheel snapped that was $600 (fought with VW corporate and explained that it was a safety issue not caused by me), Rear brakes had to be fixed at 35K miles for $400+, O2 sensor went out before 40K miles for around $400, Fuel additive maintenance $250, Front brakes just went at 65K for $400+....