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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  FunBunny2Love - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By BunnyLover - February 9 - 8:00 am

  I have owned a LOT of cars in my day and this is most definitely at the top of my list. Solid(a very comfortable tank), stable, superb handling with 16-inch tires, 6-speed auto shifts effortlessly and almost imperceptibly, great acceleration, and a genuinely fun driving experience. Fuel economy is in keeping with what the vehicle offers in the way of horsepower and performance. I drive mostly highway and get about 30 mpg with a spirited driving style. As to my ratings, I would be hesitant to give anything a 10, which would mean it was perfect.

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  This VW is in a class of its own! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By J. Hall - January 23 - 4:13 am

  First of all, let me start by saying how much I love this car! People have complained about fuel economy, but you have to realize it is a 5 cylinder engine! It is right in line with other 5s. Just look at the Volvo 5cyl and you find the same gas mpg rating! If youre coming from an SUV youre likely to love the mpg, but if not, youll be somewhat disappointed, but you get the extra cylinder and it makes a big difference! There is nothing really bad about this car other than you will want to drive it fast which may cause you grief! It does seem to get a lot of attention and impresses everyone who sits in it! Its a step up in class from Honda!

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  I Like It a Lot - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By kjonim32 - January 20 - 9:26 am

  Well, this is my wifes car who used to drive an SUV. So, when I offered her to test drive a Rabbit she got really mad. But 15 minutes into the test drive she told me that we were getting it. Well, now we have it and we LOVE it. Im trying to talk her in to switching cars for a week, but so far Ive had no luck. I do have a nice car by the way, a Chrysler Crossfire.

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  Great Car - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Simon - January 13 - 7:56 am

  Ive had this car for 9 month and I am very impressed. I used to have a Mazda 3 and it was nothing but trouble... I wasnt expecting much from VW after all their reliability problems but the car has been starting every morning without complaining; even in -20 temperatures... The car is fun to drive, plenty of power and very well built.

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  Great Car Greater Engine - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Pat - December 29 - 6:43 pm

  I have the car over here in Germany and it is great, the 2.5 engine is a dream, strong and smooth. Gas mileage is fine and it uses regular gas. The engine to me is better than the German Twin Charger 1.4L (drove one, while my car was being serviced)If the 2010 Rabbit has this engine, I will buy that.

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  Why cant I call this a GOLF? - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Steamtrain - December 26 - 12:36 am

  This is my sixth VW, so, since I have survived VWs reliability problems, I must like them. This car is a good value for money, with features that competitors can only dream of. In Canada, heated seats are an essential; why dont more manufacturers make this available (and how about heated steering wheels?)

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  overall, good car - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By srihari - December 16 - 4:40 am

  First of all, I am six feet six inches, most of that legs! Given the fact that I prefer small and efficient cars, nothing that I tested came close to this VW in terms of leg room (lots!). When I first drove it, I was very impressed with the cars power and handling. Interior fit and finish is baby BMW style, gorgeous combination of black and beige. Not so good: the car is heavy! Feels almost like a an older American car: heavy, with a large displacement but uninteresting engine. Lots of torque but no fun to rev up. Nothing like a Mazda or Honda in terms of tossability. Getting about 24-25 mpg, mostly highway. If I floor it just a couple times per full tank, mileage drops to 21 mpg!

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  Had to Have It - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By vagentlemanjon - December 9 - 3:26 pm

  I just bought my first new car at 45 years of age yesterday, a 4-door 07 Rabbit, fully loaded with new alloys to boot. It has 153 miles on it, so I am in the honeymoon phase for sure. After looking carefully around, I decided the Rabbit was the best value around for about $20,000. It is quiet, peppy, and tight as a drum, with a fab interior -- which is so much nicer than a Japanese interior it is a little hard to believe the price is comparable. My Dad had a 77 Champagne Edition Rabbit when I was in HS, and it was also tight and fast. He was horrible at maintenance, and got 220,000 out of it.

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  Run Rabbit Run - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By red07vdub - November 25 - 11:50 am

  At first I didnt know if I liked the new Rabbit, then I went on a test drive in one. I never thought that the 5-cylinder engine would have that much pep to it. They also did the trick with having a lot of features in the standard base priced model. Not only is the car affordable, it gives you more than you moneys worth in fuel economy and the options. I love my new Rabbit.

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  I love my car - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By AIMSTER - October 31 - 7:00 am

  I never thought I would buy a VW again, but this time it was a gift. I love it! Its zippy and really reliable and fun to drive. I could use a little bit of pick up. My friends love it and my brother comes up with any excuse to borrow my car.