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:
Showing 31 through 40 of 331.00-
Gas mileage-not very good - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
By Sharon - March 26 - 8:43 amWhen it was time to get a new car, I was torn between 2 cars. 2008 Honda Civic and the 2008 VW Rabbit. I test drive these 2, and really liked both cars. But time to decide which to get is a pain!! Anyway, emotions got better of me, and so I picked the Rabbit. It has pickup, power and appeal. However, the gas mileage sucks. Literally. I drive on the highway at 60 mph (trying to save $$) everyday, but still get about 25-miles to the gallon. City mileage, forget it. It;s nowhere close to the sticker mileage. Its more like 9-20 mph. I am gypped and I am not enjoying this car at all. I AM DISAPPOINTED! So there, thats my honest opinion. I shouldve gotten the Civic. City mileage is 39 mph.
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Great Buy - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
By Matt - December 2 - 1:56 pmI get my rabbit as soon as I could order one. I drive through DC traffic on a daily basis and average 25mpg w/ a 5spd. It options that would be seen on cars over 25k.
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Love the Bunny - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
By j.ho - November 2 - 7:23 amIve owned this vehicle for about 2 months now and couldnt be happier. I traded in a Toyota Yaris, and Im not sure Ill ever go back from German engineering. Its a solidly built, small car that comes with a lot of features standard (a BIG difference from Toyotas at the very least). My old car felt like a toy compared to this one. Not sure about reliability just yet since its still new, but I have high expectations from VW.
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Best bang for the buck - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
By Steve - October 23 - 10:53 pmHighs: torquey engine, great interior design, amazing spec list standard, cost of ownership is very low. Gas mileage is pretty poor, but if youre concerned about gas mileage youre probably not even going to be considering this car anyway. The 170 ft-lbs of torque is apparent from very low in the rev range, and worth the trade with gas mileage as far as Im concerned. When compared to everything else $20k or less, the Rabbit shines through.
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Rabbit is a sure-footed ride - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
By Gregory - September 28 - 8:46 amA reassuring, solid ride with all the peppiness youd expect from a car that calls itself a Rabbit. Ive been a long-time Civic driver and the ride quality of the Rabbit really impresses me. The Rabbit is a very refined car and an excellent value for the money. On the downside, fuel economy is not super.
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Iam in love - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
By adam - August 18 - 10:30 pmWhat can I say this rabbit has been a great car Ive owned mine for 1 1/2 years and NO problem. People complain about mileage I average 24 city and 30 hwy . Maybe there are some really lead footed people out there to be getting less then 17 city . And the power is great for this type of car NO its not like a V8 camaro nor a V8 mustang but peppy enough ,if I wanted power I would have bought a V8 car. As far as price goes you cant get a better car for it. A friend just bought a 09 civic EXL great car but cost over $21,000 and mine has more room . My friends are impressed with the room this car has. The car I had before was a volvo960 wagon and the rabbit has more leg room.I will buy another one
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Great Practical Value! - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
By hpowders - August 13 - 1:03 pmCame from a BMW 545i; and while this is no BMW, it is pretty much fun to drive. Terrific value for what comes standard. Love the Satellite Radio. Drivers seat is more comfortable than the BMWs. Legroom is more generous too up front. Would love a bit more power. Could use larger side mirrors. These create blind spots. Adaptive steering should be optional. I dont care for it. Mileage could be a bit better too. A lot of room in back with back seats folded. My 68" road bike fits in completely when I push the front passenger seat down. I have the car for two weeks and everything works the way it should. My first two fill ups were 24 mpg. The last one was only 22.6. All in all, a steal at $20k.
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Reliable but Raucous - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
By neil - July 25 - 3:53 amI bought an 07 4-door right off the showroom floor, black with the 17" V-Vision wheels (I was hooked). This is my third VW, and the other two (78 Rabbit, 88 Fox) were bulletproof. I compared the Mazda3, and the Rabbit offers far more features, refinement, and power (the 2.5L has terrific torque) for the money. Since October 2006, Ive put 20,000 miles on it (18,000 miles in the first year). It feels like a budget Audi. What sinks it are the rattles (see Suggested Improvements). Ive had it to the dealer once; whatever they did only muted the rattles a little bit for a little while. No new car should rattle this much. Ive had numerous Fords (no paragons of quality) that were far quieter.
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Why cant I call this a GOLF? - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
By Steamtrain - December 26 - 12:36 amThis is my sixth VW, so, since I have survived VWs reliability problems, I must like them. This car is a good value for money, with features that competitors can only dream of. In Canada, heated seats are an essential; why dont more manufacturers make this available (and how about heated steering wheels?)
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overall, good car - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
By srihari - December 16 - 4:40 amFirst of all, I am six feet six inches, most of that legs! Given the fact that I prefer small and efficient cars, nothing that I tested came close to this VW in terms of leg room (lots!). When I first drove it, I was very impressed with the cars power and handling. Interior fit and finish is baby BMW style, gorgeous combination of black and beige. Not so good: the car is heavy! Feels almost like a an older American car: heavy, with a large displacement but uninteresting engine. Lots of torque but no fun to rev up. Nothing like a Mazda or Honda in terms of tossability. Getting about 24-25 mpg, mostly highway. If I floor it just a couple times per full tank, mileage drops to 21 mpg!
