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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  Awesome Car! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By savxms - March 25 - 6:03 pm

  Ive had the rabbit for just about a year and it has been awesome. Everything about the car is great. Have not had any problems and made a trip a long road trip and the ride was very comfortable and smooth. definitely prefer this car.

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  Super Safe - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Megan - March 1 - 1:40 pm

  After three months of driving my 5-speed, two door Rabbit I was in love with it. That is until last week when someone t-boned me at about 60 miles an hour. After the car spun 360 degrees, I got out and walked away. I work at a personal injury law firm and have seen plenty of similar accidents where people have permanent injuries, and all I ended up with was seatbelt burn. For the money, you cant get a better quality or safer car. I can guarantee when I get my settlement check from the insurance company Ill be buying myself another Rabbit.

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  Wundercar! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By sruczko - February 17 - 1:20 pm

  I knew I was going to buy this car as soon as I sat in it at a recent auto show. So far, I have not regretted trading my 2004 Element for this fun to drive and feature laden hatchback. It has an excellent Teutonic design inside and out, and it has every feature you really need for your daily drive. It has top notch build quality. It is an Audi for the masses.

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  Excellent all around car - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Zandzaver - January 28 - 2:50 am

  Ive had the car for almost a month now and have loved every minute of it. The interior layout is simple, sophisticated, and functional. It is deceptively large on the inside, and very comfortable. The drive is much like an entry level sports car, smooth, quick, and tight. Fuel economy could stand to be a bit better, but then again, you gotta pay to play. Also, Ive experienced better than advertised gas mileage on the highway in my car.

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  Good Value for the Price - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Matt - January 27 - 6:50 am

  Ive owned this car for about five months and since then Ive put on 8,000 trouble-free miles. Its a solid car with enough power for daily driving and its interior build quality is far nicer than many cars in its price class. The rear hatch is somewhat smaller than my previous generation Golf, but VW made up for it by providing a roomier backseat. For the price, the standard safety features, power/heated seats, sunroof, and electronic stabilization are hard to beat.

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  Very Disappointed! - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Paige - January 16 - 1:53 am

  First 3 years, I loved the car! It has 127K miles on it now & I have to have the transmission rebuilt. I am very disappointed in VW. I would have continued to purchase VW and drive them for the rest of my lift until now. There is absolutely no reason I should have to have the transmission rebuilt yet. It should last me to 250K or more with the proper service and believe me I have had it all done. I loved everything about the car but this has totally changed my mind on VW and Audi for that matter or probably anything foreign except Honda & Subaru. Such a huge disappointment. And on top of it all VW wanted to rebuild it for $5150.00. Didnt go that route, no way!

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  Highly Recommended - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By KellyOConnor - January 4 - 9:50 am

  The Rabbit is a very enjoyable car to drive. Ive put 8000+ miles on it so far and find it both comfortable and fun. The torque supplied in the low range is a great change from most newer cars that save the power to above 5000rpms. My wife and I fight over driving this car daily, rather than the SUV we have.

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  Ram 2 Rabbit - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Mike in PA - January 3 - 10:13 am

  I traded a Dodge Ram 4x4 for this Sage Green Rabbit. The other cars in my house are the 325xi and 525i. This is no BMW, but it is one heckuva fun way to get 30 mpg and decent urban transportation. It has tons of room for 6 2" me and even my 6 kid in the backseat. My first fill up was 28 mpg and thats with an automatic. It is a little noisy on the highway, but its a $16,000 car, not a $40,000 BMW. Its utility, mpg, maneuverability, and feel are great.

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  Mr. Rabbit is a funny bunny - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By sisterearth - December 5 - 12:40 am

  This car has a lot of pep to it! Passing is no problem, keeping it under the speed limit may be! I like the design, the interior is very comfortable. Good space even in the backseat, folded down my large dog stretches out nicely. Lots of cup holders, spots to put stuff, good air conditioner!

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  Ten Ten Ten Ten Ten. - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By irobert1989 - November 16 - 9:06 am

  I have had this cutie for a week and compared to every car I test drove in its price range you get the most bang for your buck on this one. with heated front seats, ABS, and traction control as standard equipment the rabbit comes out head of its class every time.