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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  Rattle, Rattle, Rattle - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Michael Berry - April 30 - 8:40 pm

  I bought an 07 Rabbit in Oct. 06. The car was great for the first 500 miles, after that a rattle started coming from the vents. I took it to the dealer and they said that the rattle was normal, they would glue the vents, but never fixed the problem. My model had the sunroof, the area with the controls would rattle. I took it to the dealer again and they never fixed it. The seat belts would rattle. The rear seat, drivers left was built in the factory with a latch that was to big. It would make a popping sound that drove me nuts. I took it to the dealer and they had my car for three days before telling me that they couldnt fix it. After about 2,000 miles, the fan blower would make random grinding noise. The moonroof would rattle and it makes a weird noise inside the car at 25-35 mph.

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  Just Love It - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Brandon - April 16 - 5:10 pm

  Out new Rabbit Black 2 Door Manual is only three weeks old. I traded in my 06 Ford Focus ZX4 for it. I was very disappointed with the Focus. I have 1,350 miles on the Rabbit and I drove from NYC to Montreal and I never have a better driving experience. The seats are great and the car was smooth. Also, it was great on gas. I just spent $50 for the round trip. This car has great handling and a quick aceleration. In my opinion it is the best car I have owned so far. I just love it!

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  The Car or Me - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By V WE - April 14 - 9:20 pm

  I have only had it for 5 days and wish I would have got an automatic. The motor seems lazy between idle and 1200 r.p.m.s , so I stall it quite often on takeoff. I have owned quite a few sticks in my life and never had such a problem. I love everything else about the car though. once I am moving it drives great and has plenty of power. I have owned some beetles over the years, a 63, 65, two 66s,a 68 and a 74. I always told my friends, If you cant drive a vw stick you will never be able to drive a stick period. So, is it the car or me ?

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  Rabbit 06 - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Chris Gorham - April 14 - 9:13 pm

  Excellent performance and economy at super price vs. Audi or BMW.

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  Great Hatchback - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Great Hatch - April 5 - 4:36 am

  For $15,000 how can you go wrong? I sell cars and I learn a lot in the business when it comes down to the fit and finish of a car. Besides the Honda Fit, this is the best bang for your buck. The power is untouched by any of the competition. Most cars in this segment have 110 HP. When it comes down to the interior quality build, you have a car with high quality material and of course a lot of features you would have to pay more for in other cars. This is the best $15,000 brand new car you can have. The only downside is the gas mileage, but who really cars when you compare the fun factor of a 150 hp car to a 110 hp car. Get one.

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  The Drivers Car - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By trepidity - March 14 - 6:26 am

  I hated driving before I drove this. My previous car had no power and I didnt feel safe driving my children in it. When shopping for a new vehicle I had the following demands: good pick up, a hatchback, 4 doors, and a manual trans. In hops the Rabbit. One test drive and I was sold. The torque is what got me. Like I said, I hated driving before this car. Now I find any excuse. I have to drive a lot as well so I didnt want to spend money on a car that I didnt like driving. The Rabbit has plenty of room for two child seats. It has sporty looks for a great price.

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  First German Car, Love It - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By calpolyrabbit - March 11 - 5:43 am

  I was excited to own my first very own car a few months ago when I bought a Scion xA in automatic. After being rear ended and having the car declared totaled, I ended up buying the Rabbit in manual 2 door paying about a grand more than I did for my xA. I think this car drives and feels much more luxrious and upscale to the xA and 01 Civic LX of my past. Though it is harder when trying to fit people in the back only having 2 doors, Then have plenty of room back there. I am one who likes buying cars from manufacturers who builds cars in their country as my xA was made in Japan (Toyota). The Rabbits are currently made in Wolfsberg, Germany. I am sincerely impressed with my purchase.

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  Ugh, was nice until...... - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By murkman - February 19 - 2:06 am

  Picked this car up in the summer of 07. Was a great car from the start until the first 10,000 miles, after that the the cash started flying out the windows. Oil changes every 5k miles cost around $80, every 10k miles major maintenance is recommended for around $300 - $500, headlights and taillights go out every 10K miles (especially after visiting the dealership), the airbag harness in the steering wheel snapped that was $600 (fought with VW corporate and explained that it was a safety issue not caused by me), Rear brakes had to be fixed at 35K miles for $400+, O2 sensor went out before 40K miles for around $400, Fuel additive maintenance $250, Front brakes just went at 65K for $400+....

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  New Owner - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Rabbit Driver - February 9 - 3:20 pm

  This is my 5th VW, and I have to say Im quite impressed with this generation, especially the 2008-2009 with the 170hp engine. The Rabbit offers a GREAT value when compared to its competitors. Where else do you get 170hp, a slick interior, climate control, power everything, alarm, etc, starting at $16K!? The answer is nowhere. Its no wonder the Rabbit, and its high performance brother the GTI win nearly every compact car comparison. People who complain about the gas mileage are comparing it to 4 cyl cars making 100-130hp and very little torque. This is a 5 cyl making 170 hp and 177 ft/lbs. The MPG is really on par with its power output and price range.

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  Awesome Car, High Performance Potential - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By BlackRabbit - January 24 - 12:16 am

  Not only are the 2006 Volkswagen Rabbits looks appealing but also the engine size and the power it delivers are great. Turbo charge this car and the GTI / R32 will be left in the dust.