2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
- Used Volkswagen Rabbit
Volkswagen Rabbit - What the Auto Press Says
The Rabbit is a great performer with plenty of standard features and a high index of class and comfort.
Reviewers find the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit a great combination of practical and spirited in both design and performance, and say the car's top attributes include its agile performance, individual styling and high-class cabin. Although it doesn't have the perceived reliability or value of the class-leading Honda Fit, most insist that this two-door or four-door hatchback is a strong and quirky alternative. Plus the Rabbit offers standard electronic stability control, whereas the Fit does not. Both the Fit and Rabbit were selected as one of Kelley Blue Book's Top 10 Coolest New Cars Under $18,000, thanks to their safety features, comfort, technology and fun-to-drive index.
However, the Rabbit does have some shortcomings that could send you shopping elsewhere. As an example, its EPA ratings are low compared to other subcompacts, and it's priced higher than expected of the segment. If these things worry you, consider the similar style and more attractive MSRP of the Toyota Yaris.
It's been several years since the Rabbit's last redesign and the folks at VW still find no reason to mess with a good thing. Both the two-door and four-door models come with a 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine with your choice of a five-speed manual or a six-speed automatic transmission. For 2010, Volkswagen will do away with the Rabbit nameplate, and switch back to calling the car the VW Golf. The renamed 2010 VW Golf should also come with a 140 horsepower diesel engine, the same engine used in the VW Jetta.
- "If you're willing to sacrifice some fuel economy and a few bucks, the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit is a wonderful little car that boasts a polished interior, comfortable ride, solid German engineering and strong power. It's a hoot to drive, too." -- Edmunds
- "Essentially a hatchback version of the Jetta sedan, it's solid, roomy, versatile, and responsive." -- Car and Driver
- "I'm in love with this Volkswagen for its handsome styling, its practical design, its build quality, and because it is genuinely fun to drive." -- About.com
- "The Rabbit is a quick and perky vehicle with enough power to make it fun to drive." -- New Car Test Drive
- "Like the related Jetta, VW's Rabibt sets the class standard for overall refinement and solidity. It also comes with many laudable standard safety features and boasts a high-quality interior." -- Consumer Guide
- "When we go small, the Rabbit is bound to be at the top of our shopping list. We won't even mind if they stick a rabbit's foot on the key chain, either." -- Detroit News
Rabbit Performance - 8.1 (Very Good)
As Edmunds says, "For those looking for that certain je ne sais quoi that sets European cars apart from the pack in terms of driving feel and interior quality, the Rabbit has it in spades." Reviewers tend to agree with that statement, especially praising the car's five-cylinder engine and stable ride quality. But there is one drawback to all this driving fun -- gas mileage. Read More
Rabbit Exterior - 8.0 (Very Good)
Our analysis finds that the Volkswagen Rabbit's quirky but classy style should appeal to hatchback lovers. Kelley Blue Book says, "Functional, practical and sporty design cues identify the ... Rabbit has a German hatchback that wastes no sheetmetal or bodywork." Read More
Rabbit Interior - 8.4 (Very Good)
The 2009 Rabbit's interior is comfortable and well put-together. According to MSN, the cabin "shows how good plastic can look and feel when it's worked right." But the Rabbit's optional features can really elevate the final price above similar small cars. Read More
Rabbit Safety - 9.4 (Excellent)
The 2009 VW Rabbit does very well in federal government and insurance industry crash tests, in fact it receives IIHS' "Top Safety Pick" distinction for its performance in front, side and rear crash tests. Read More
Rabbit Reliability - 5.0 (Mediocre)
The 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit reliability score shown is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates. This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS). The Rabbit is supported by a three-year or 36,000-mile basic limited warranty and five years or 60,000 miles for powertrain coverage. Read More
