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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  phat rabbit - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Jae Hyun Park - June 20 - 2:33 pm

  This car brings out the true meaning of peoples car. The quality, the performance and the PRICE! Makes me want to drive more.

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  Mines named Thumper! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Musikfaery - June 4 - 1:43 am

  I got my Rabbit a few months ago and absolutely LOVE it! My family has always driven Volkswagens and Im no exception. It has great torque, super spacious insides for a two door, and it ultra sleek in design on the outside as well as in. My boyfriend is 62" and fits in the passenger seat comfortably, where as on the opposite spectrum, I am 54" and the seat and wheel adjust well for smaller build too. Recently took it on a 1,000 mile road trip and loved every minute of it! Great storage in the hatch, and all the options are wonderful, specially the mp3 hookup in the arm rest. The sparkly blue paint is great, and didnt cost a cent extra. Absolutely love my Thumper!!

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  Unlimited Smiles per Mile - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By davepete - May 20 - 7:03 am

  Ive owned my Rabbit now for a little over a month. Each and every day I look forward to the commute to work because the Rabbit is so much fun to drive. No problem merging onto the highway, or passing slower traffic. The ride is firm but smooth, and engine response is immediate. I test drove the Scion tC, Mazda-3, Toyota Matrix, Ford Focus, Subaru Impreza, and Chevy Cobalt. None of them could touch the Rabbit in terms of overall feel, and build quality. If youre looking for an inexpensive "fun" car, dont pass up test driving the Rabbit.

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  HOT Hare !!! - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By mf - May 16 - 5:26 pm

  Quick, even at a 6500ft Colorado altitude. Precise handling. Precise- shifting 5-speed gearbox. Typical excellent German craftsmanship -- inside and outside -- with obvious attention to detail. Roomy. Lots of features that are "package upgrages" on other brands. Airbags everywhere, traction/stability management, and other safety features. Good MPGs for the HP/torque. On top of all that, driving-thrill-for-the-investment cant be beaten.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Mike M - May 16 - 3:33 pm

  This car is a very good buy. I bought this car in July 06 , had to wait some time because I purchased a 2007, not 06. I upgraded from 15 stock wheels to 16 inch alloy mag wheels, much better ride. Make sure you get ASR and stability control. 6 speed automatic tiptronic transmission is really cool! Seats are a little budget, but the car stops on a dime! Handles great!! Gas mileage is not too bad. Safety cage of vehicle is like one you would get on 35k or more vehicle. Transmission is a little tight between 20 mph and 40 mph, after that it takes off! Road noise not bad. Oil is synthetic from factory, car is made in Wolfsburg.

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  The Thunder Bunny Lives - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By conroypaw - May 8 - 2:23 pm

  I purchased a 2009 VW Rabbit, after looking at other cars in its class, including the Mitsubish Lancer GTS, Mazda 3, and Subaru Impreza. While I think I could have been happy with any of the other cars mentioned, I truly love my Rabbit. I could not justify the additional price of the GTI for a few fractions of a second faster from 0-60 mph, and the added costs for premium fuel and insurance. The Rabbit will satisfy all but the most power hungry. Fuel economy is mediocre, but a fair trade off for power and performance. The Rabbit has the best build quality, not just in intelligent design, but in the material used. It does not feel like a sub $20,000 car, nor does it drive like one.

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  fantastic car - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By radouane - May 3 - 10:43 am

  Its a lovely car. I had one for the past 2 years and I cant say anything disappointing about it. Very fun to drive. I love the interior, especially the at night when I turn on the lights and see the blue and red well designed dashboard. I think its the best in its class!

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  Great Looking Car, Terrible Gas Mileage - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By LosAngelesBunny - May 3 - 2:23 am

  My experience is a lot like Sharons. My decision was between the Honda Civic and VW Rabbit, and I ultimately decided on the Rabbit as I preferred the look and it seemed more fun to drive. I really should have put more stock into the gas mileage. I mostly do all my driving in the city - pure stop lights and traffic the whole way to work and back. Im seriously averaging between 10-17 MPG in the city. I cant tell you how stressed out I am about this. Instead of enjoying this gorgeous little car I loathe having to drive anywhere because all I can think about is the gas mileage. Ive been told there is a break in period but if I could do it again Id get something else.

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  An underrated gem!! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Karl Muggenburg - May 1 - 4:16 pm

  As a 6 4" enthusiast, my requirements are elbow room and fun to drive. This car fills the bill! I have had several VWs,and many others in the compact class since 1955, and this 2007 2.5 is the best overall! Solid and secure at ANY SPEED. By far the best overall combination of features and useful sophistication per dollar. This car is better than the maker says it is. Brakes and handling as delivered are outstanding, the engine and driveline give performance well ahead of its price class. If this 2.5 were available with the 6-speed manual, it would be a best buy by far!

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  Great Car - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By portagekix - April 14 - 1:10 pm

  This car is absolutely great. I bought it last week, and I have just crossed over 100 miles. I have a manual tranny, and it is simply a blast. to drive I cant wait for the break-in period to end. The stereo is loud with the stock ten speakers (the Honda Civic I drove had six, and its not even close). This vehicle comes with every safety feature you could want, and it is the base model. I would suggest getting rims. Mine came with 16 inch rims, and it just gives the car a better finish. This is my first new car. Anyone considering it against a Honda, Toyota, or Nissan needs to know the choice isnt even close. VWs feel more finished and polished. They are also much more fun to drive.