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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  Good car, high operating costs - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By christauph - March 30 - 6:36 am

  Almost to 15k miles, awesome handling, awesome braking, decent acceleration (its a heavy car). The clutch and shifter feel great. Overall my experience with this car has been good, but a few build quality issues have arisen. The sheet metal seems to ding easily, I tend to park carefully but have received a disproportionate number of dings in the past year. Rattle started coming from the center HVAC stack at about 8k miles, dealer fixed. The plug for the spare tire compartment came loose and I had standing water , but luckily no rust, dealer replaced. Rear windshield sprayer is cheap, popped off once, dealer replaced. Routine service is EXPENSIVE (syn oil), and difficult to do yourself.

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  Good Car several problems - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Sean Hunt - January 10 - 4:40 am

  Like most VWs the handling and feel is great. It is a heavy car with a large 5cyl engine. It is a loud engine and the Transmission is not properly tuned for the engine. We had the premium sound system that had the base flare problem...i found a service bulletin on the internet and contacted the dealership and they fixed it under the warranty. The transmission does not downshift until it is almost at a stop. So when the car is going 30mph its still in 5th or 6th gear. And it starts sputtering a bit. Also the tiptronic manual shift has a loss of RPM for a moment in second gear after the shift. And we are noticing a slip and clunk shifting move. I think VW will find a problem soon.

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  Little bargain monster - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Dell_Boy - December 17 - 2:00 am

  If you want a cool looking fun to drive cheap to run runabout then this is it!! I actually traded down from a 2009 GTI with DSG to my VW Rabbit with the standard automatic and I actually prefer the drive of the Rabbit than I did to the GTI. Power delivery is obviously less but not a huge difference as it has 170bhp which has plenty up and go for me. The car is very versatile, comfortable on long journeys, love the 60/40 split rear seats to give HUGE cargo space for such a little car, 4 doors makes it a good family car with kids and cheap enough to buy out right so I have no car payments :-) I love it!!! You cannot go wrong with this well built European styling little rocket.

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  Nice Bunny - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By VW family - September 23 - 12:56 pm

  Bought a black 4-door Rabbit for my son the other day. We now have 3 VWs and an old Audi in the family. Theyre great cars. This car rides well. Power is more than adequate from the 170 hp motor. It even sounds good. Handling is good. Tiptronic is the tranmission (not the engine) and the 6 sp. auto is is very nice. It even has a sport mode. This car is not nearly as sporty as my GTI, but is a better freeway car by far and is easy to drive with the auto. trans. Black looks great and there is extra tint on the windows so it looks like a mini-limo to me - very cool.

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  Hip to the Hizot - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By eldaino - September 21 - 9:23 pm

  The Volkswagen Rabbit is wonderful. It has such a solid feel to it, you wont be able to find a more solid feeling car in its price range or even a bit above. The gas mileage may not be amazing in this class, but most other cars on this class dont have five cylinders either. I wish the redline was higher but other than that power is fine. This car is very peppy, if it was any lighter it would be too fast! It has great interior ergonomics and quality materials are used throughout. It is better than my 06 Civic. It is not as futuristic, but the build quality actually feels nicer. It has nice handling, not too harsh and sporty but no wimp either. It is very pleasant, fun, and a great buy plus it comes with a great warranty. I love my Rabbit!

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  Great, Sensible Car - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Steve - September 8 - 8:03 am

  I have long wanted a VW and finally purchased a slightly used 2008 model this year. I wanted a GTI, but it was out of my price range. Ive test driven both and can say that the 5 cylinder Rabbit has enough power for most drivers and pretty much all driving situations. The suspension isnt as sporty (read: body lean) in the corners, but overall very fun to drive. Interior isnt as unique/special as the GTIs but still full of features and very comfortable. Great car with great fuel economy. I get 28mpg with approx 80% highway driving.

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  DISSAPPOINTED - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By BUNNY - August 19 - 11:20 am

  I loved this car... Now I just cant wait to give it back! Seems like the problems just get worse. Air bag light is always on ... Got tired of getting it fixed. Electric Windows seem to have a mind of their own. Then the wipers, lets just say I had to change the motor. Now I have a epc starting problems... That no one seems to be able to figure it out. After reading all these reviews has me worrying able my brake pads... I guess it will never end until I get rid of this car :(

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  Great until something happens - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Marissa - July 31 - 6:56 am

  I have had my Rabbit for 2 years and have loved driving it. The problem with this car is that, when something happens to it (or even when you need an oil change), youll be put in the poor house. Beware, the Rabbit is very high-maintenance and pricey once off-the-lot. I was lightly rear-ended, small dent: $900. I drove a dirt road leading to a mountain hiking trail and hit a bump, transmission needs to be replaced: $7000. Even an oil change: $90. I will be saving the $7000 needed to put in a new transmission and choosing a reliable, low-maintenance Japanese car, like I had before.

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  Re Knock Sensor issue - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By derblederb - July 6 - 10:00 pm

  I was looking for a little hatchback. I picked the Rabbit over the Mazda 3 and Imprezza because it was more fun driving, cost less, and is supposed to get a little better mileage. It also got great CR ratings. Ive had four people in it a few times and there seems to be enough room. The car reminds me of the civic hatchbacks from the early 90s.

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  2007 VW Rabbit - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Coder157 - May 21 - 5:23 am

  Overall I enjoy my VW Rabbit. I love driving it. The only thing I dislike about it is its gas mileage.