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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  2007 Rabbit Coupe - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By S. A. Sherman - November 15 - 8:26 pm

  Near luxury quality interior and build. Fun to drive. Good city car. No problems to date. Fine economical transport.

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  Fun Little dar - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By kd0agv - November 11 - 4:23 pm

  I just bought this little car in order to make little trips into town. I needed something that was easy on gas. After looking at whats on the market in the 19 to 22 thousand dollar range there was only one choice. The Rabbit is very well built, fun and easy to drive. I was really impressed by the quality and the number of options that came standard. This is a powerful little machine. It tops the market, in other words you get more for your dollar with the VW rabbit than any other car in the price range and above.

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  Geat Car - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Cbrown888 - November 11 - 10:30 am

  Rented a Golf MKV in Budapest to drive down to Vienna and enjoyed the car so much that we bought one soon after we got back to NJ. The car has not been in the shop once since weve owned it since I do my own service work. The car is great on long trips and handles like a car twice its price. Bought the Rabbit over the GTI since it doesnt need premium fuel like the turbo charged 2.0 motors. The interior space is excellent and really like the positioning of controls. The overall fit and finish is excellent and typical of a good European car. Overall well be keeping this car for a while since I usually get tired of cars pretty quickly

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  Great Car!! - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By rabbity - November 6 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car for anyone who enjoys driving. The way it corners is beyond impressive. The triptonic engine is amazing especially while climbing steep grades, but youll pay for it in gas consumption. Be sure to get the 16" wheels and the ESP. The interior is well lit and European styled. Arm rests would be nice. The iPod adapter doesnt come standard. Overall its the perfect car. Id highly recommend it to anyone. Very solid car.

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  Basic Wheels - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By tomato - October 28 - 10:13 am

  Ok, little set of wheels. People comment its "cute". Nothing special, a bit noisy, some interior design/ergonomic issues. Centre console lacks lid or armrest, stereo terrible, front seats uncomfortable (no lumbar), A/C and defrost controls too small/awkward location, sunroof rattles, wipers stop when vehicle is stopped (very dangerous as you need to see at all times), wiper controls cumbersome, front seats get stuck in forward position (have to pull hard to move back), standard wheels ugly, rear wiper makes sticks to window, ventilation poor (windows steam up quickly), no cargo net.

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  VW Convert - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By SunsFan - October 22 - 10:00 am

  I never thought that I would own a small car, as I was an suv owner for several years and loved my vehicle. However, after being prodded, I gave in and agreed to test drive this little guy. I am a changed woman. I love how it handles, and its get up and go is truly rabbit style- this little guy zips me through traffic and gets me where I need to be. I love how solid it feels- it has none of the shakiness that small cars traditional have and I really forget that Im in a small car until I get out of it. It has quite a bit of power, and seems to say Relax, Ive got this. I also like that I dont feel confined; lots of space for me and my guy during errands.

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  Love It! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By budderfly - October 4 - 7:10 pm

  I am one of those uncommon Americans that loves hatchbacks! I love the engine they put in these cars as well. It is very speedy, smooth and quiet. It has a nice interior, beautiful paint (United Gray in my case), and it is overall practical and classy. Nothing seems garish or cheesy about this car. I decided on the Rabbit over a Mini Cooper. I seriously inquired and test drove both cars. The Cooper was cool, but the engine lacked, and the styling struck me as over the top (semi-tacky). I also felt cramped and bit frightened for my safety. Traded in my 2005 Jetta. I get 25-30 mpg mostly highway driving. To me that is fairly decent, especially since the car is a 5 cylinder 2.5L.

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  Finally, a BMW hatchback available here - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Remsen - October 4 - 4:03 pm

  I can not believe that VW can make a car with this much substance and performance and sell it profitably for the $15,500 I paid. This car has a similar driving dynamic to the BMW I used to own (thats a high compliment). You look at this car from the outside and think "nice little economy car" and you drive it and think "holy cow, this is a BMW hatchback."

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  VW Rabbit 06 4 Door Manual - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Moss - September 21 - 5:00 pm

  This is a great car overall! It handles great and you could feel the high quality German build. I test Drove a Civic and a Mazda3, and Mazda6. Test driving this car sold me right away. It has a great sound system and great drivng performance

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  Achtung! - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By KD - September 18 - 9:00 pm

  Very nice! I love my 2009 Rabbit. Its fun, its swift and surprisingly roomy. It fits 2 adults in the back quite nicely. I dont know who the previous reviewer was trying to fit in his 2 door! I have had 3 girlfriends squeeze in the back! I wanted all the standard safety features. Mazda 3 does not offer ESP standard. Even after reading all the bad reviews of the previous models with electronic breakdowns, i still got the Bunny and I love it!