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 - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By lcs_miller - November 29 - 12:20 pm

  i got this car a few days ago and its great! i bought it from carmax. It has 2 slight dents in it. Its jet black and is so amazing to drive. The fuel econmy is lower then most cars like the rabbit but its great!

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  Fun to Drive - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Fun to Drive - November 7 - 10:40 pm

  What a great car. Great fuel economy, comfortable for the driver and her dog. Great leg and head room, sun roof adds extra light, and great visibility. A couple of squeaks in the dash, but that is to be expected from a (my 3rd) VW. For the price, warranty, the standard extras, and fun...you cant go wrong with this car.

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  Wonderful Car - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By fajardog - October 27 - 12:23 pm

  Having driven the wheels off my 1991 Toyota Tercel (200k miles) I really wanted a new car. I cant believe what you get for the money. Features that would be extra on any other car are standard on my Rabbit. The only option I got was the i-pod adapter. Everything else, cruise, power windows/locks, air-con and more were standard. I love the sound of the engine and I think it has plenty of power. I wish it got a little better gas mileage, but its not too bad. Im leasing the car now, but I think that when the lease is up and the new version comes out Im going to buy it. As long as they keep this up Ill be a VW customer from now on.

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  Awsome Rabbit - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By bpeachee - October 24 - 4:50 pm

  The Golf MK-V is finally here! This car is TOP NOTCH! I shopped it against the Fit, Yaris, and Fusion...and there is no comparrison. This has standard features you cant even get on the others. If you are tall (66") this is the most comfortable car (not just compacts) that I have driven. Its seats adjust and travel more that any car...and some SUVs that I have been in ! It drives fantastic, I highly recommend the 5-speed manual. It is a crisp, fantastic box, and the engine is just torquey as all get out. This car is FUN! It comes with great standard equipment, and the fit and finish is second to none. Plus, its built in Germany, as are the engine and transmission (manuals). This car is more than worth the price. The 4 door has more stuff...but the 2 door is a real bargain, and has everything you need.

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  I knew I made the right choice. - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Steve Rego - October 16 - 1:20 am

  Well, I havent owned it for too long, but I sure bought it for a reason. I wanted a car that was a good combination of looks, quality, performance, practicality, and comfort. This car executes all of these criterion very well. I was concerned with its fuel economy but I read on ways to increase my fuel economy (cruising in the highest gear possible, and being light on the gas, with the exception of my starts, driving 60 on the highway with cruise control enabled), I have been getting 28-30 in the city and about 35 on the highway at 60 mph. Ive been getting a combined 32 mpg... good for 464 miles on a tank. It can get good economy if you want it too.

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  Great car, a step backward for fuel econ - 2006 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By bluebunny - October 3 - 2:30 am

  Great car, fun car, very solid and yet very nimble on all kinds of roads. The only problem is the fuel economy. We are averaging 17-18 mpg for 100% city driving, which is atrocious for VW historically. Though I really like the feel and the energy the engine gives the car, I think it was a mistake to put the larger engine in this car instead of keeping the old 4-cyl 1.8L standard from the Golf.

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  I love my bunny! - 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Muddy Shores - July 31 - 4:50 pm

  The best way to describe the Rabbit is: solid. The steering and braking are nicely weighted; the doors and hatch make a nice "thunk" when closed; acceleration is smooth and strong. Spacious for a compact car.

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  Great Car! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By ralfo - June 15 - 6:26 pm

  The Rabbit is a great car in this price range. I drove some of the Japanese imports and this car beats them all as far as power, handling and ride are concerned. Its very solid and well planted as most German cars are. Its not "tinny." For the options you get, the price is right! I bought this car as a commuter car and have not been disappointed. It fits you like a glove when you drive it! Some are complaining about the gas mileage...but you cant compare it to Civics, Mazda3s, and the Yaris...etc as the horsepower and torque blow those all away. They are not in same class! You want to drive a lawnmower....then buy a Yaris or Fit!

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  ROCKS! - 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Kuya - May 1 - 7:50 am

  I do not know why this people are saying bad thinks about this car!!! i was reading the reviews and ohh man.. i have never seen anything like that on my car. Good Performance, the Torque is great for this car. It handles pretty good. not problems with this car at all. Also, the oil change, you can do it in several places, like Goodyear, good people, good price for a synthetic oil. the brakes are really good, it could be better, but i cant complain. even i have driven my Stock Rabbit into a track race and it performs really good in corners. If you really take care of your car, and drive it responsible, you will receive response back from it!!! Love it!

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  Great Ride - 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
  By Kamehamehagirl - April 8 - 5:33 am

  I just recently bought this and traded my 1990 Firebird because of the gas prices. I have to say I am impressed with the get up and go it has, and smooth handling. The only complaint I can think of is the gas mileage is not as great as I thought it would be, and there is quite a bit of road noise. Overall nice ride and at a great price to.