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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Amazing car even after 60K miles - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
By Jiten - December 15 - 12:36 pmToday is the 2 year anniversary of my rabbit. I am in sales so Ive put a ton of miles on it already...try 60K. I still get excited getting into the car even 2 years later. This was my first german car after owning pontiacs, chevy (mini van), mercury (villager), honda (prelude and fit), Nissan Sentra, Geo Prizm, Daewoo Nubira and Mazda Protege. Honestly this little rabbit is a whole notch above any of my previous cars. It is so solid, buttoned down and feature rich that nothing else comes close for the price. I had considered the Mazda 3 and Scion Xb but the moment I test drove the Rabbit I was totally hooked. The Germans really know how to make fantastically engineered cars. BUY ONE!!
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Killer Rabbit - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
By Sam - November 29 - 6:36 pmI have 58,000 miles on my 07 Rabbit and I have not had to make a single repair. For its size, the car rides well. Engine noise is noticeable and often enjoyable. I find the 6 speed automatic quite smooth. No problems with brakes, bass flare, weird electronics or any of the stuff I read here. I have a 48 inch rack and put 4 kayaks on it! What a car!
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Musician VW Rabbit Choice! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
By MikeAcoustic - November 27 - 6:23 pmI overall love this vehicle. I perform as a one man show acoustic music all over within 150 mile radius and use this vehicle to get me and all my equipment safely there. I love taking this vehicle on road trips; it is reliable and easy to park anywhere and fully functional in maneuvering. I have taken several photos that hold the equipment in totality, amazing!
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Yeah! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
By sunni01134 - November 27 - 1:56 amI traded in a 2000 Golf for my new Rabbit, and although I technically "downsized" since I went from a "fully-loaded" Golf GLS to a "base-model" Rabbit, I do not feel like I am missing anything (except the sunroof, but oh well). The standard features on the Rabbit are great. I got the added ESP system and the 16" alloy wheels, but the features built in are awesome. The dash is redesigned and great, the passenger room is much more spacious, although the truck lost some space, but thats cool. The brushed chrome also looks awesome on black. Thanks to VW for bringing back the black on black interior. I was scared that I would end up with that stupid back on beige. Go buy yourself one :)
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This little car stole my heart - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
By GeorgiaRose - October 30 - 9:26 pmI am no stranger to European cars- I grew up on BMWs and Audis, and I drove a Volvo for many years- but the little VW Rabbit has stolen my heart and converted me to Vdubs. First of all, it is an incredible value and has a lot of the same features Ive seen in more expensive cars. The interior is top notch and surprisingly roomy for a compact car. Its also extremely comfortable on long trips; Ive taken many road trips in it and its just a pleasure to drive. This little Rabbit has a lot of get up and go- maybe its not as fast as a GTI but it has plenty of power- not to mention the great fuel mileage too!
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Amazing Value - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
By Atlanta Buyer - October 27 - 5:56 pmThe Rabbit is by far the best inexpensive compact car available. I tried them all, and nothing compares to the solid body, secure handling, safety equipment, and controlled ride. The 4 door is very well equipped for the price with 6 airbags, heated seats, 10-speaker CD-changer audio system, 4-wheel anti-lock disk brakes, and the quality interior materials. I added ESP and the 16" alloy wheels, both of which contribute to improved handling. I have not owned the car long, but there have been no problems. My last Golf went 4 years with nothing but routine maintenance, so Im hoping for the same with this one.
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07 Rabbit - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
By Fossa - September 18 - 12:40 pmVery nice car loaded with features. I just wish the 2.5 engine had a better performance overall. It could be quicker and more fuel efficient. However the car is still a lot of fun to drive. Put some 18"s on it and it will be the best looking hatchback around.
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Hmmm - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
By Richard Wagoner - August 30 - 6:58 pmGreat car for the money
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Worth the money when compared - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
By Cdog64 - August 23 - 12:26 pmIve had the Rabbit for 1600 miles and have enjoyed the drive. The fit of the car is good. The perfomance is great. The comfort is good. The 2.5 with the auto is a fantastic match. I have had plenty of go when needed. You have to watch your speed til you get used to the ride at speed (youll be doing 80 before you realize it). The Rabbits handling is very responsive with good road feel. When the weather is bad there is no problem either. The sound system is very good and easy to set up. Im 62 and 250 and fit in the seats comfortably. The car has more room than you think. All in all I have enjoyed this car a lot and find myself smiling when driving. Drive it and compare.
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Loving it! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
By Hopping happy! - August 1 - 4:46 amI absolutely love this car. The handling is great. The head room is spectacular, and I am 6 2. The amenities are unbeatable for the $15,000 price tag. Its highway gas mileage of 30 mpg is acceptable for a car that has this much pep. The 5-speed shifts smoothly. The car is a blast to drive, and corners superbly.
