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 Value - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Atlanta Buyer - October 27 - 5:56 pm

  The 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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  And now the negitives - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By will not buy another - October 27 - 1:00 pm

  I have posted when I first bought this car. Mostly all positive. Still a good car, but I will not buy another. I drive hard (80 to 85 mph) on the highway as my commute is 70 miles round trip to work. My mileage is average 28 mpg which is ok. Things that disappoint me.. 1-a/c in glovebox, but no light. 2-can not open drivers door and lock from inside (without key). 3-can not sit in the dark with only radio lights on. All lights including bright driving lights will be on. 4-hatch lock locks on its own free will (when your not ready) 5-outlet and mp3 jack in glovebox (useless location) 6-no quick release to let seat down. The twist knob is poor choice, as I like to lean back. 7-expensive maintenance.

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  07 Rabbit - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Fossa - September 18 - 12:40 pm

  Very 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 pm

  Great car for the money

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  Worth the money when compared - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Cdog64 - August 23 - 12:26 pm

  Ive 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 am

  I 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.

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  A car with character - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By emseearr - July 26 - 2:46 pm

  Very briefly, Ive owned this car for two weeks and I am very happy with it so far. This is my second car, a big step up from my first, a 2003 Hyundai Elantra sedan. Overall, I feel this is a very well-designed and well-engineered car with some quirks, endearing and otherwise. I think its style, performance and overall charming character more than make up for its few, unfortunate, shortcomings.

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  My Bunny - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Lexcord - July 24 - 2:06 am

  When we drove the Rabbit, we knew that this was the one. It is a drivers car. Our first tank of gave gave us 27 MPG (mixed driving 85% highway). The engine is smooth and its acceleration is great at lower RPMs probably because the torque curve peaks at around 3,000 RPMs. I gave build quality a 9 because the lumbar control knob was broken upon delivery. We were going to buy a Honda Fit but decided to try out a Rabbit after seeing the comercial. It is such a nice car to drive and FUN! It feels safe and solid. I am so happy with our new car, the only way we would get rid of it would be if VW came out with a TDI model.

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  Grieving owner - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Jorge Provenzali - July 18 - 5:20 pm

  I learn to drive in a 1954 bug and owned 1995 Golf that was a great car. The end of my VW loving history came with my purchase 10 months ago of a 2007 Rabbit. The car is a nightmare, the fuel consumption equal that of a midsize SUV and the repertoire of sounds and noises has only improved with time (the comment I got at the dealership was, if I thought I had bought a Bentley). In any case, my major complaint is with the clutch, at the dealership they maintain that there is no possibility of adjustment as some genius devised a self adjusting system that can not be altered in any way. So the fun that used to be driving a manual transmission has turn into dreadful event with this car.

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  Rabbit is Right - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By 2intwenty - July 16 - 3:06 pm

  I purchased the Rabbit a week ago, and am enjoying the well-designed interior and great drive very much. I find the car very well-named as it feels very much like a quick and nimble little rabbit. My only caution is the engine noise, and I feel the 2.5 to be quite thrashy-rattling around 2,000-2,500 RPM under acceleration. I am sincerely hoping that this is not due to a developing engine problem. Time will tell and I will update periodically.