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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  Fantastic Car overall - I love my Rabbit - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By admission - May 23 - 3:53 am

  I drive mostly city in San Francisco, and it handles the bumps just fine. Zips in and out of traffic. 5sp manual is much easier to manage vs. my old 2000 passat 6cyl. Lacking torque just a bit at the very low end, but you can start from 2mph in 2nd if its flat terrain. Interior materials are fantastic. On mostly city driving with hills, Im getting 17mpg (but its San Francisco). I estimate pure hwy at 29, but I got 30 in my Passat V6. Same passenger volume as in B5 Passat! This is ingenious! On reliability: had valve problem - dealer replaced entire cylinder head, and car was in shop for 3 weeks.

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  Love my new Bunny - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Redbox - April 1 - 3:30 am

  I just got my new bunny a week ago, I love it. It got its baptism, not by fire, but 8 inches of snow. My previous vehicle was an 00 Tracker, 4WD, and I was concerned about not having the 4WD. I was pleased with the traction control, having not driven FWD for years. Very pleased with everything. I currently have 242 miles on a little less than 3/4 of a tank gas. I think the mileage will be fine. In summary, Farfegnugen!! I never thought I would own a VW.

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  love my Rabbit - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Becki - March 9 - 9:56 pm

  This is my 2nd VW. We drove one in Europe and loved it. The Rabbit has a huge fun factor; only thing I really miss is a sunroof. The gas mileage is good but could be better Im sure.

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  Love it! So cute! - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By u2dan - March 9 - 10:00 am

  I am over 6 feet 1 inches tall. Everyone laughed because I am so big in a small car, but there is a ton of room. I sat in the back seat and could easily move around and had leg room! The car is super fun to drive on the highway and great for weaving in and out of traffic. The ride is so smooth and SO quiet, i couldnt believe it. The pick up is great too, very powerful little car. I feel like I am driving around in a nightclub when I got some good music going on.

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  Zippy Rabbit - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Kyle - March 9 - 6:13 am

  Ive been researching cars for months and when VW finally came out with specs for the new Rabbit I was very excited. The test drive sealed the deal. This car has a lot of pep, handles extremely well, and is just an overall blast to drive. The car is very solid -- pretty much every aspect of the car gives that impression clearly. You get a lot of car for your money in this model, theres no question.

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  Love my 08 Bunny - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Sarah S. - February 25 - 12:36 pm

  Absolutely fantastic car. Fun to drive, great styling, and really great features for the price.

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  Great Car - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By jdilly - February 24 - 8:00 pm

  This is my 7th VW since I started driving. My Rabbit is fun to drive and so far has been very reliable.Gas mileage isnt as good as my 96 but the power is much better. Handles very well and is powerful enough to get me out of the way of large trucks and SUVs. Would highly recommend this car.

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  Just about perfect! - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Eric - February 19 - 10:43 am

  In my family we own an 09 Rabbit and 08 Mazda 3. They are truly both fantastic cars. Both are equipped pretty much the same and they both cost the same (just about 17K). My wife drives the Mazda and she loves it however I am a good size guy and I find the Rabbits seat goes back further and has more thigh support (and overall room). The Mazda gets better gas mileage but the Rabbit has better acceleration so in my opinion the lower MPG is a fair trade. Both handle extremely well and are a lot of fun to drive however the Rabbit is a little more quiet overall. The Mazda has one of the nicest stearing wheels I have ever seen on any car.

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  Robust economical car - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By well - February 19 - 4:50 am

  This car has proved to be a sound reliable car with good quality amenities such as CD player, power windows, mirriors, doors, etc. Additionally, this car has good low end torque and it cruises and handles very well at high speeds. The car could use a little more horsepower to compliment the torque, but all in all, the car is really good.

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  A Blast to Drive - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Chicago VW Fan - January 3 - 2:20 am

  I just purchased a 2007 Rabbit 2.5 5-door on 8-5-06. I went to a great dealer with great salespeople. This is our fifth VW. This cars fit and finish are superior. I am impressed with its numerous safety features - see IIHS for crash test results. Its 5-speed manual transmission is smooth and slick. Its handling is awesome - it really hugs the roads. Its accelleration very pleasing as well - especially with the 5-speed. The interior materials are first class. The rear seat leg room comfy for a 6-footer. Its cargo area spacious. I use this vehicle to drive to work - 40 miles round-trip. So far it is averaging about 28/29 mpg mix city/hwy. This is one well-built-fun to drive-good looking automobile. Hats off to VW.