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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First Review - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
By Greyman99 - June 13 - 1:43 amI have only owned my Rabbit for a couple of weeks, but already know I will not regret the purchase. It is sensible for an in-city driver like me (3-5 miles/day most days). You get a lot of car for a little price, without throwing the extra $6,000 down for the GTI version. This car is very stylish and remarkably roomy inside (my parents are jealous--they have a new Beetle). Plus, unlike a lot of the 2-door Hatchbacks coming out (the Yaris at $11,000--ha--only if you barely have air-conditioning), the Rabbit comes pretty loaded at the base package. It has power everything, cruise control, etc. I am looking forward to the accessories packages to outfit the base model (be warned: floor mats are not standard, for some reason).
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Love my rabbit - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
By DBLASVEGAS - May 13 - 2:03 pmThe first thing you need to understand about this car is. Its not the most fuel efficient hatchback out there. However it is fun fun fun to drive. If youre like me and performance is important to you, for the price you cant beat it. Drove the Civic lx, ex and Nissan Sentra. Boring by comparison. Nice cars but no power. Suspension is a little soft for me (it rides well though) but what do you want for 16,800 dollars? I have alloy wheels and iPod adapter built in the armrest (with rear seat air vents) trip computer 10 speaker stereo. The 4 door jumps in price to around 20,000 dollars. The Honda dealership wanted around 20,000 out the door for an lx Civic coupe. Rabbit was 18.
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Experience "Echtes Fahrvergnügen" - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
By Liz Wolf - May 4 - 2:26 pmI have driven many cars in my 50 years; my Rabbit tops them all! Zip, zip, zippedy zip, in and out of parking spaces, in and out of traffic in a jiffy. Rabbit loves curves. One day I will get a traffic ticket for speeding, since Rabbit does not want to go slow or follow anyone and I just cant control it. Maybe Cesar Millan can help make it calm and assertive, not mildly aggressive :)
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Pleasently Surprised with the Rabbit - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
By dieter bausch - April 1 - 1:06 pmThis car is roomy, has comfortable seats and is a pleasure to drive. The workmanship in the interior is excellent and the ski bag and hatchback are features, I dont want to miss.
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Best small car ever! - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
By vntgdave - March 22 - 2:53 pmThis is by far the best small car Ive ever driven. Im 61" and 200 lbs. and I fit in it perfectly. It drives like a full size sedan and gets great gas mileage for the horsepower that it has. Ive put 60K on her in 2 years and Ive had no problems. I have long commutes for work (3-6 hours) and I rarely ever feel the fatigue from sitting in my car that long. When I have to drive compact to midsize rentals for my job (I hate most of them) I cant wait to get home to my rabbit. It feels safe too...especially with all of the airbags.
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Luv My Bunny - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
By Lori - March 6 - 5:10 amIve always driven old Volvos, but last year after spending a month in Munich I became a fan of German engineering. I have not been disappointed in my new Rabbit. I am in LOVE. It hugs the road and scoots around like a high performance sports car! Everyone that drives it adores it. It fits like a glove when driving. Its a real drivers car. It great in the snowy Vermont winters (get Nokian tires).
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Bang for your buck - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
By dsmtuner - February 15 - 3:56 amThis car is an amazing car to get. I paid 17,325 and got a lot of excellent features. This car feels good to drive in, and when your already tired from driving, the car wont get you more tired. 10 speaker German sound, will wake you up. For a 2009, this is more likely the best car to get. Gas is the issue, but for the performance and comfort, its well worth it. I am a mechanic and it seems to that this car is excellent for every day driver. Engine temp stays at 190*f and even on 12 hour drives it does. Highest mpg was 28 so far. This car has the same concept of the VW golf. But way better
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I Love My Bunny - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
By dragonlips - December 30 - 5:06 amMy only complaint really is that they seem to feel drivers of the 4 door model should be more comfortable than those of the 2 door model. The seat in the two door Rabbit is not as adjustable and it is missing the front middle arm rest. Otherwise, I love the car. I have had it for four weeks now and already need to get it in for its 5,000 mile check-up! Oh and of course the dealership had no clue (anyone) about the stereo input.
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Great Little Car! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
By troy - December 26 - 12:30 amWe have been looking into getting a new car for a while now and we were blown away by the Rabbit. The look of the interior and exterior are great and it has way more standard features than expected. There are so many little features and neat things about this car that I feel like a salesperson every time I tell someone about it! The ride is comfortable and smooth for a car its size. It has a ton of room inside to fit four people comfortably. It handles really nicely and has a lot of power. It shifts really smoothly and quickly for being an automatic and the Tiptronic is fun to have (even though I dont really use it all that often). Seriously, this is an incredibly fun car to drive!
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Awesome - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
By melissa - December 15 - 4:20 pmWell I guess I have to say that I will never own anything other than a VW, so I am a little biased, but my new Rabbit is awesome. I just love it. The only downside is that they dont come as a diesel or have a good input plug for an iPod. I would recommend this car to anyone who wants a great car for a low cost.
