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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  No More VWs - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By real_kadini - July 29 - 9:06 pm

  This 2008 Rabbit is the 2nd Golf/Rabbit in the family since 2003. The 1st was a 1999 Golf which nickeled and dimed us to death, mostly with lightbulbs, but also other sometimes unbelievable electrical failures. The reliability ratings on the 2006 and up VWs were vastly improved over the previous years, so I took a chance and bought this one in 2010, certified, from a VW dealer with 50K miles, as a graduation gift to my daughter. She couldnt afford to operate it so I bought it back from her with 59K miles thinking it would be a good work car for 3-4 years. WRONG! (continued below)

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  2007 Rabbit 2.5 - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By kendall - March 28 - 4:46 pm

  I have owned my Rabbit for one month now. Ive put just over 1,100 miles on it and have loved every minute of it. The car is responsive and fun to drive. Im really happy with my Rabbit. I just wish it got better gas mileage. I drive 30 miles one way to work every day. So far I have been getting around 25 MPG average.

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  Comments on the Rabbit - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By blas - March 25 - 2:16 pm

  The VW Rabbit is a fun little car. For the price that you pay and the options you get, it is amazing. The downside I found is that the manual gets fewer MPG then the automatic (must be because they want you to spend the extra $1075 for the auto) but the manual is a lot more fun. The ride is very bumpy but I have come to expect that from smaller cars. Other then that I highly recommend to any one this car. The price is right and the options (for base models) beat out any other car of the same size.

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  Wish I had stepped up to a GTI - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By jordan23 - February 5 - 10:20 am

  In general, Im pretty happy with this car. I had a problem with a rattle at the top of the dash, but the dealership fixed it without charge. Quite a bit of tire noise-probably the 17" wheels. The door mirrors are quite small so you have to adjust them perfectly-used to hate this but not anymore. No reliability issues at all. Handling is very solid-buckled down generally, but a bump in a turn will upset the chassis. Great safety with all the airbags and traction/stability. The cabin feels very open with high roofline-very nice visibility. Comfortable even for the long haul. Generally a joy to drive. At this price point the Rabbit cant be beat. Would like power/DSG/handling of a GTI though

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  Gas Leak...Anybody - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Gina - November 4 - 11:36 pm

  I just bought the 2dr manual, sage green Rabbit. I absolutely loved it until yesterday when suddenly the car left me in the middle of an intersection and gas started leaking from underneath the passengers seat. I have 788 miles on the car. So much for German quality control? Anybody out there has experienced the same thing?

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  More Car for Your Money! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Mauri Trevino - October 11 - 1:46 pm

  Civic? Mazda3? Rabbit? I too looked at each, but in the end the Rabbit was simply better. Feel the solid laser-welded construction of the Rabbit over a rough road. No goofy-fad interior either, clean, functional design with everything in clear view and reach. The most underrated: the engine. Some say 2.5L should have more horsepower, but then they havent felt the Rabbits torque. It pulls strong without winding revs. The 2.5L engine allows torque on tap and makes the driving experience something the others cant touch. Who wants to rev to 7,000 every time you want to pass? Not the people driving Rabbits! Oh, about the weight, yes its a little high but check out the crash test ratings. More metal is safer!

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  Never Again - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Jason Reid - August 22 - 9:23 pm

  This is my second VW. Now after I sold my first Golf I missed that car for over 5 years so it was apparent that i would buy another VW when I could. The car rides and handles great but my buddy gets better fuel mileage in his 2002 Toyota 4Runner. My Rabbit has stalled 9 times since ownership after a cold start in the middle of a busy highway, tell me thats safe. VW says that its not throwing any codes and it seems to be working fine. Oh yeah it also has an automatic transmission, go figure. Yesterday I test drove a Nissan Versa which had more interior space but 28 less horsepower which I didnt even notice and better gas mileage. Just stay away from this car.

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  Rabbit Power - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By OnceHareless - July 15 - 3:06 am

  Just went from an 07 Corolla to the 09 Rabbit. Couldnt be happier. Great performing and sounding engine, nice handling with perfect body roll, extremely solid feel on the highway, fun to drive, roomy, excellent safety features, decent (but not great) stereo, nice transmission, and generally good looks make it a winner. The Corolla is a good, but very pedestrian car. The Rabbit literally blows it away in the "fun to drive" category and comes with all the standard safety features that make the difference.

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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.