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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  Average Reliability But Fun to Drive - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By CT8799 - July 4 - 3:53 pm

  While I love the quality of the materials used both inside and out, I never know what might happen with the car, reliability-wise. Within the first month of ownership, I had at least 2 trips to the dealership as a result of smelling a burning smell from the rear brakes after driving. Since then, have had both headlights go out (within 2 days of one another), followed by another one going out again. Also have had exhaust system issues (under warranty) and car has stalled while stopped at light, but this was an exhaust issue as well and the repair seems to have fixed the issue. Not sure I would buy another one.

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  Good little car - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Mike - July 4 - 8:36 am

  After about a year with my Rabbit, I can finally write a review. The Rabbit is a fun little car to drive, with a lot of pep. The 6 speed tiptronic transmission is a lot of fun and very unexpected in such a low price car. The interior and build quality constantly amaze me after having Fords, Pontiacs, Chevys. The 2.5 engine doesnt mind being revved, and sounds pretty good when doing it. Although, it is a fairly thirsty little car, as I average 17 in city driving. It replaced a Crown Vic which was getting 12, so I cant complain that much. Not a bad car in winter either, never got stuck once with a good set of snow tires.

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  Fun little car - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Paul - June 27 - 11:56 pm

  I love driving this car. I went from a pickup truck to the Rabbit. I didnt realize what a dog my truck was until driving the Rabbit every day. Its quick, shifts great, handles tight, fast lane changes are easy and smooth. I wanted a Mini Cooper S and the Rabbit gives me that sporty agile ride. I would not trade hp for better mileage. The engine is Great. Took a road trip on Thanksgiving and enjoyed the car. The cruise controls and audio controls were very intuitive and after a couple hundred miles I didnt miss them not being in the steering wheel. Its a very nice wheel so dont not buy the car just because the controls are not in it. You will forget about it quickly enough!

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  Awesome Car!!! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Shaun - June 19 - 8:46 am

  Just got the rabbit yesterday, I did a lot of research into this and other models (i.e., toyota corolla, yaris, civic, mazda3) and found this to be the most impressive out of them. I have always owned japanese, mainly toyota, and when I drove this car, I was impressed with how much more solid, and responsive it felt. I didnt feel like I was driving a heap of recycled beer cans, and it has amazing get up and go due to the 170lb/ft of torque. I would recommend this car to anyone that seriously enjoys feeling safe, and enjoying a quiet ride, without wanting to spend a ton of cash. You will not be disappointed!

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  IML8 IML8 2009 - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Pat - June 18 - 10:13 pm

  I traded in a 2001 Outback and was afraid the Rabbit would feel so much smaller-- its not at all. The mpg is better than the Outback, even with 1 more cylinder. I was expecting entry level features and was surprised by the thought that was put into the design. I drive out to the mountains a lot and am pleasantly surprised at how my bunny scampers up a steep grade. I had a Rabbit diesel in the 80s and am so glad I thought to try a Rabbit again. I couldnt be more pleased.

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  hope its not a lemon - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By vin - June 15 - 4:30 pm

  Just purchased brand new rabbit 2009 5 min after leaving dealership check engine light goes on when trying to merge on the highway car lost power pressing gas & car actually slowing down lasted almost a minute not long but very scary just the same. Drove it back to dealership they gave a rented car while they diagnose the problem not a good start especially since its brand new Im hoping this is the first and last problem..

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  Wascally fun at a weasonable price - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By chromewheels - May 21 - 6:26 am

  After exhaustive research and test drives, I went with the Rabbit. I bought the 4-door with the manual transmission, which I hear is a combination that wont be available next year. Not to mention I really dont like the looks of the next generation Rabbit. I knew the gas mileage wasnt great before I bought the car, so Im not all that disappointed. I love the torque, this thing really pulls even from off-idle. The driving position and controls are top notch. I wish the diesel was available when I bought this, wouldve been a no-brainer. The inline-5 is a weird-sounding engine, not really worth revving up. All in all, Im happy with it.

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  The Rabbit Rocks - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By joe - May 7 - 5:13 am

  This is one sweet ride. It has a great build, great power, and a great price.

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  What a Wabbit! - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Phoenix Guy - May 2 - 1:33 am

  This car is great fun to drive. The build quality is excellent; it has plenty of power and torque, and the manual shifter is butter smooth. I was looking for an economical hatchback that would serve as a city car and also be comfortable on long trips. A hatchback made the most sense, since the most usual passenger is a 100lb. hound. He doesnt mind that the rear windows dont open. Still, with the back seat up, the car has plenty of room for the grandkids. My only complaint is, having found the ideal seat/steering wheel combo, I cant seem to adjust the seatbelt away from my neck.

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  I am in LOVE with this car. - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By MJude - April 15 - 11:30 pm

  Since the Volkswagen Rabbit will not be available in diesel until 08, I delayed purchasing one. However, once I test-drove the car, I fell in love; if not at first sight. The Rabbit is sturdy, unbelievably safe, comfortable and so amazingly fun to drive! The fuel economy is great, and it seems that I get much better then the EPA suggests. This car is in no way a let-down. Definitely check it out if you havent already! This car is the epitome of flawlessness.