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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The Wait is Finaly Over! Gotcha! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
By Kqwen Plasencia - July 30 - 6:30 pmI remember the earlier GTI Rabbit and dreamed of its return. I went from an 02 Golf GLS to an 05 Jetta GLS (prior to march 05) waiting for more horsepower at an affordable price. I was able to opt out of my current lease and purchase the 2007 Rabbit. The car handles like a dream. It pounces on command, zips when needed and delivers a smooth transition into cruise control, an upgrade in my eyes.
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A Lot of Pep in the Engine - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
By chadfoo - July 22 - 9:40 amThe Rabbit is an oustanding vehicle that is built solidly. It has great engine performance, a suspension that absorbs most road bumps, and it glides on the highway at high speeds. You get many standard features that are optional in most cars at this price. The hatchback is very versatile and spacious. I negotiated the price down to $16,000 with auto trans only. Consumer Reports bottom line price was $15,760, so use that as a reference. Its power steering is something else, its turning radius perfect. The gas mileage could be better, but with the engine they have included that is shared with the Jetta and Passat, it might worth the extra money spent on gas. The 6-speed transmission automaticly shifts smoothly. I highly recommend this car.
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More Car for the Money - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
By jim - July 17 - 8:40 pmI am very impressed by this vehicles performance capabilities. It picks up quick when you need the power. It was between the Matrix and the Rabbit. Both were similarly priced, but the Rabbit came in a bit less expensive and it is more fun to drive. This is my second Golf (Rabbit). My first Golf was purchased new in 1987. I had that car for over ten years. I finally sold it to a friend. We are still friends, haha.
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Rabbit Power - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
By OnceHareless - July 15 - 3:06 amJust went from an 07 Corolla to the 09 Rabbit. Couldnt be happier. Great performing and sounding engine, nice handling with perfect body roll, extremely solid feel on the highway, fun to drive, roomy, excellent safety features, decent (but not great) stereo, nice transmission, and generally good looks make it a winner. The Corolla is a good, but very pedestrian car. The Rabbit literally blows it away in the "fun to drive" category and comes with all the standard safety features that make the difference.
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Best Buy Rabbit - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
By FloridaMax - June 23 - 6:33 pmThis new 2007 Rabbit 2dr is the perfect car for city driving. Great quality feel, good handling, good acceleration and excellent braking. I feel like I am driving a $35k luxury car! Very tight body, good vision, and great German engineering (attention to detail). The car seems well planted to the ground. You do sacrifice some fuel economy, but in return, get a very safe and stable vehicle that comes in a small package. I am very impressed with this vehicle and the many features that come standard on this car. I am on my 4th day of ownership. Everything seems to be screwed together well. I cannot comment on the reliability of my new Rabbit.
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Mega Bang for Buck - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
By KC SLY - June 21 - 6:10 pmThe car is loaded with stock features. Options for once are just for personalization instead of need (traction contral, integrated turn signals in the mirrors,t elescopic wheel). I am 6 2" and fit in the front and in the back. My other car is a Mercedes as is my girlfriends, and we both are amazed at what we got for the money.
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The Bunny Is Back - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
By Billy - June 15 - 2:50 pmThe VW Rabbis is very practical, fun, and has an easy ride. It feels lighter than the Jetta. While it has a relatively spartan interior, the fit and finish is excellent and it comes standard with all the necessities and then some. This car is very solid, with its German engineering and feel. I am very impressed.
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Pleasantly Surprized - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
By Greg - May 8 - 4:50 amThis is truly an amazing vehicle for the price - outstanding performance. The 2008 Rabbit handles better than my 528i BMW - you never feel like you are losing control. Tight going into and coming out of turns. And acceleration; this car responds. Im 6 1" and fit comfortably. Controls are easy to reach and intuitive - well designed interior. Yes, it is very enjoyable to drive and exceeds my expectations for a car under $20k! When driving conservatively, the car averages around 27-28 MPG - highway gets 30 MPG easy.
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Great quality, price and reliability - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
By fuel4thesoul - May 2 - 6:03 pmI have 90,000 miles on my car and it has been by far one of the best purchases I have ever made. The car starts without hesitation, stops on a dime, and has great pick up. VW offers a fairly comprehensive warranty and tends to repair certain items out of "goodwill" even when out of warranty. I never take my car to the dealer(unless it a recall) and have learned how to do every maintenance or repair on my own through the various forums that VW enthusiast keep up to date. This has helped keep my costs down while being able to own a safe German designed foreign car. For those without the ability to work on their own VW I would recommend checking out the prices for services in your local area.
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Jack Rabbit - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
By noodles - April 30 - 11:26 pmThis is an awesome little car, thats fun to drive. It has some pep to it. It has good cargo space and can haul 2 6 tall guys in the backseat comfortably.
