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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  Not as good as I expected - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By tacalin - December 28 - 5:13 am

  Bad points that I found up until now: Seats too rigid. In a trip Montreal – Toronto (about 500 Km) it is really difficult to be comfortable. Auto-volume control makes the lower frequency go very high if I brake. Making this option OFF solve the problem. Too much gas consumption in town, about 18.1 miles for a gallon, or 13 liters for 100 Km. On the highway, it was about 23.52 miles for a gallon, or 10 liters for 100 Km. - A constant difference of 5 Km/h between the speedometer and a GPS (at 55 real, it shows 50, at 125 it shows 120). The same GPS gadget was used on several Americans and Japanese cars and the error was about 1 Km/h, more or less.

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  My First Car, LONG AWAITED! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Hop-A-Long - December 20 - 11:03 pm

  I had been waiting for VW to launch this NEW GOLF V for the past three years. I researched the car for a very long time. Being built in Germany at the Wolfsburg plant, she really is a IMPORT! I have the 4dr auto with Tiptronic, and I LOVE IT. Now that it has arrived it has been dubbed the Rabbit! Even better, the legendary car IS BACK! And with this car, the legacy lives on. The look, the feel, this car has it all. VW has hit a big home run with the new Rabbit. The 4-door version has LOTS of room. When people get inside they just look around puzzled that though small on the outside, it is very vast on the inside! The Tiptronic 6-speed transmission is fun, fun, fun! The new 150 hp engine also kicks hard. Dont let this lil car fool ya. Hop, Hop.

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  Simply outstanding! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Nateg - December 18 - 6:53 am

  I bought my rabbit on 28 Feb 08 and I now have 5,000 miles and its ready for its first oil change. In my opinion, VW didnt just change the badge name, but the entire car altogether. Ride is very comfortable. I could ride cross country and not feel stiff. The performance is just right and I feel like Im in a tank with its safety features. I plan on starting a family soon and I think the rabbit is our new baby carrier. :-) Fuel Economy isnt so wonderful(a 150 hp car should get at least 30-32 mpg not just 25 mpg). Im also getting some rattle right at the air vent above the radio on the dash and by the drivers side rear speaker.

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  Better than Zoom Zoom - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Better than Zoom2 - November 24 - 8:10 pm

  I read everything there was in Edmunds and then I compared and drove with Mazda3, Scion,Civic and Corolla. No comparisons when it comes to the interior volume as I am tall. I get a respectable 28mpg and I drive speed limits cause I know the sheriff is out for me in my red car. The car wants to go fast all the time. The dealer says it is built to cruise 100mph all day. I believe it! In the flat open highways of my western state this car is a dream and head turner. Make sure your car comes with the Arm rest as it conforms to different positions of the drivers arm. my wife drives with the seat forward and we can slide the arm rest to suit her.

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  Hop Hop Hop - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Felz - November 12 - 9:16 pm

  Had the car 6 months now and still love everything about it. Great stereo and picks up speed very fast.

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  Auotbahn Bunny - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By roymich - November 5 - 12:53 pm

  This bunny is a fun and comfortable ride even at German autobahn speeds (+100mph). The bunny is just as roomy as my 03 Passat and easier to park in Europes tight parking garages. I had one rough start on a chilly morning (+5F), maybe that Knock sensor acting up, dont know for sure because it cleared itself up in a few seconds. I was soaked getting in once by water pooled on the roof, run-off made it too my arm and leg before I could close the door. Need to be mindful of passenger side rear blind spot.

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  07 Rabbit 4dr auto - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By steve - October 22 - 2:40 pm

  I have had my 07 Rabbit for over a month now and its been great. I test drove many cars in this segment such as the Mazda3, Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, and Hyundai Elantra just to name a few. The rabbit was by far the best value as far as safety and standard features for the money are concerned. This is a car that I actually look forward to driving. It feels and drives like I spent twice as much as I did. It feels like a BMW 3-Series at half the cost. This is my first German car and I am very impressed. This really is a drivers car. Its a very well built, solid, fun to drive car with every safety feature in the book and a great warranty to match. What more can you ask for? I think VW has begun to turn things around with Rabbit.

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  The Perfect Car - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By i9er9er - October 13 - 3:40 pm

  My Volkswagen Rabbit is awesome! I have had it for awhile now and I love it!

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  Simply Amazing - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By wedgedgravy - September 19 - 9:23 am

  You can read all the other reviews for how drivers like this car. They are correct, its sporty, fun, quick, and comfortable. Mass production is not art very often but the styling of this vehicle is beautiful. It is a total expression of minimalism. Everything is understated. The lines are beautiful from any angle. The interior is incredibly simple, yet amazingly feature rich. The controls are very simple to operate, basically allowing for full operation using two dials and two levers. The grace and nimbleness this car exudes while exhibiting its prowess are unbelievably sexy. If you are in the hatchback market, save yourself time and purchase this vehicle.

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  2009 VW Rabbit with Manual Trans - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By HP - September 9 - 10:13 pm

  Quiet, competent, handles well, and is fun to drive. Great quality, fit, and finish.