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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  Simply outstanding! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Nateg - December 18 - 6:53 am

  I bought my rabbit on 28 Feb 08 and I now have 5,000 miles and its ready for its first oil change. In my opinion, VW didnt just change the badge name, but the entire car altogether. Ride is very comfortable. I could ride cross country and not feel stiff. The performance is just right and I feel like Im in a tank with its safety features. I plan on starting a family soon and I think the rabbit is our new baby carrier. :-) Fuel Economy isnt so wonderful(a 150 hp car should get at least 30-32 mpg not just 25 mpg). Im also getting some rattle right at the air vent above the radio on the dash and by the drivers side rear speaker.

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  Thousands spent for New transmission @ 79K - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By milkman128 - August 20 - 9:49 pm

  The fuel economy and quality of the drive train are the biggest downer for me. It has good pep to its step and handles incredibly well. Although with my Transmission failing so early I worry about the power train quality. It looks pretty inside and out, handles very well but doesnt appear to have the longevity dynamic.

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  Almost perfect - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Schwe1nhund - August 19 - 5:03 pm

  Excellent car that handles extremely well on the road. Negotiates curves like a charm. I got this after wrecking my 07 Mazda 3 (through no fault of my own). The Mazda was a good car, but this one blows it out of the water. The Rabbit offers a smoother ride, a tighter turn radius, and generally a better grip on the road. Also, the Mazda is more expensive if you add all the features that is standard in the Rabbit. Its worth mentioning that because of this cars higher safety rating, my insurance went down significantly. From the outside, the car looks simple, but in my opinion that simplicity gives it a more distinguished look. The laser welded body is a big plus.

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  Good Car, but Traded it in Two Months Later - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By A. Kaplan - July 1 - 5:40 am

  I fell in love with the Rabbit when I first saw it, and probably bought it too quickly (especially with the great trade-in offer and the deal I got). After about 3,500 miles, I decided the car wasnt for me. I lost about $2,500 on the car but bought a fantastic 2004 Saab 9-3 lightly used for roughly the same price (what Rabbits are retailing for). I just didnt enjoy the ride, everything "makes sense," and on paper the Rabbit is a technical marvel, but its also not very fun to drive. Also, the gas mileage leaves A LOT to be desired. My new car gets 35 miles to the gallon on the highway and is faster, while the rabbit averaged 27 mpg on a 1,500 mile all-highway trip.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Mike M - May 16 - 3:33 pm

  This car is a very good buy. I bought this car in July 06 , had to wait some time because I purchased a 2007, not 06. I upgraded from 15 stock wheels to 16 inch alloy mag wheels, much better ride. Make sure you get ASR and stability control. 6 speed automatic tiptronic transmission is really cool! Seats are a little budget, but the car stops on a dime! Handles great!! Gas mileage is not too bad. Safety cage of vehicle is like one you would get on 35k or more vehicle. Transmission is a little tight between 20 mph and 40 mph, after that it takes off! Road noise not bad. Oil is synthetic from factory, car is made in Wolfsburg.

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  The Thunder Bunny Lives - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By conroypaw - May 8 - 2:23 pm

  I purchased a 2009 VW Rabbit, after looking at other cars in its class, including the Mitsubish Lancer GTS, Mazda 3, and Subaru Impreza. While I think I could have been happy with any of the other cars mentioned, I truly love my Rabbit. I could not justify the additional price of the GTI for a few fractions of a second faster from 0-60 mph, and the added costs for premium fuel and insurance. The Rabbit will satisfy all but the most power hungry. Fuel economy is mediocre, but a fair trade off for power and performance. The Rabbit has the best build quality, not just in intelligent design, but in the material used. It does not feel like a sub $20,000 car, nor does it drive like one.

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  Great Looking Car, Terrible Gas Mileage - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By LosAngelesBunny - May 3 - 2:23 am

  My experience is a lot like Sharons. My decision was between the Honda Civic and VW Rabbit, and I ultimately decided on the Rabbit as I preferred the look and it seemed more fun to drive. I really should have put more stock into the gas mileage. I mostly do all my driving in the city - pure stop lights and traffic the whole way to work and back. Im seriously averaging between 10-17 MPG in the city. I cant tell you how stressed out I am about this. Instead of enjoying this gorgeous little car I loathe having to drive anywhere because all I can think about is the gas mileage. Ive been told there is a break in period but if I could do it again Id get something else.

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  Good Value for the Price - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Matt - January 27 - 6:50 am

  Ive owned this car for about five months and since then Ive put on 8,000 trouble-free miles. Its a solid car with enough power for daily driving and its interior build quality is far nicer than many cars in its price class. The rear hatch is somewhat smaller than my previous generation Golf, but VW made up for it by providing a roomier backseat. For the price, the standard safety features, power/heated seats, sunroof, and electronic stabilization are hard to beat.

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  Great Car!! - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By rabbity - November 6 - 10:00 am

  This is a great car for anyone who enjoys driving. The way it corners is beyond impressive. The triptonic engine is amazing especially while climbing steep grades, but youll pay for it in gas consumption. Be sure to get the 16" wheels and the ESP. The interior is well lit and European styled. Arm rests would be nice. The iPod adapter doesnt come standard. Overall its the perfect car. Id highly recommend it to anyone. Very solid car.

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  Basic Wheels - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By tomato - October 28 - 10:13 am

  Ok, little set of wheels. People comment its "cute". Nothing special, a bit noisy, some interior design/ergonomic issues. Centre console lacks lid or armrest, stereo terrible, front seats uncomfortable (no lumbar), A/C and defrost controls too small/awkward location, sunroof rattles, wipers stop when vehicle is stopped (very dangerous as you need to see at all times), wiper controls cumbersome, front seats get stuck in forward position (have to pull hard to move back), standard wheels ugly, rear wiper makes sticks to window, ventilation poor (windows steam up quickly), no cargo net.