Best economy car, hatchback 2011 Honda Fit *Est. $15100
Best economy car, sedan 2011 Hyundai Elantra *Est. $14830
Best sporty compact car 2011 Volkswagen GTI *Est. $23695
Best nonhybrid fuel economy 2011 Volkswagen Golf TDI *Est. $23225
Best cheap compact car 2011 Nissan Versa *Est. $9990

See All Economy Cars

2008 Volkswagen Rabbit

(*est. $15,600 to $18,650)

Pros

Fun to drive
Impressive handling, steering, on-road stability
Comfortable
Lots of less-common standard features

Cons

Low fuel-economy averages
Questionable predicted reliability
Overpriced

Our Analysis

Among the best reviews we found for the 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit is a report from Consumer Reports magazine, where the results of comprehensive road tests are combined with other data to review each car and rank it within its class. Car and Driver magazine includes the 2008 VW Rabbit in head-to-head testing of eight fuel-efficient cars, while a six-way comparison by the same magazine pits the essentially identical 2007 VW Rabbit against class-leading economy cars like the Mazda3 and Honda Civic. Editors at Edmunds.com provide a well-balanced single-vehicle review of the 2008 Rabbit with informal comparisons to its rivals. Cars.com's expert reviewer puts the Volkswagen Rabbit on his list of 2008 Best Bets, and a brief overview from CarCritic.com examines less-publicized aspects of the Rabbit's performance.

The 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit compact hatchback receives praise for its handling, stability and generous list of standard features. Reviewers also say the VW Rabbit scores well on intangibles, noting that it's comfortable, well-designed and reasonably fun to drive. The Rabbit is available as a two- or four-door hatchback with a single ""S"" trim level. Its higher starting price and below-average fuel efficiency put the Rabbit at a disadvantage compared with the highly rated Honda Fit (*est. $13,950 to $16,070) and Mazda3 (*est. $13,995 to $20,295). Critics concede, however, that the Rabbit includes a number of less-common standard features and options, including some amenities that aren't available on the Fit. If you want a more-upscale hatchback, critics say, the 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit is worth a look.

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2008 Volkswagen Rabbit

Our Sources

1. ConsumerReports.orgDetails/Subscribe

The 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit receives a full evaluation from Consumer Reports. Most cars on the North American market are assessed and compared using ratings for predicted reliability, owner satisfaction and safety.

Review: 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit, Editors of Consumer Reports

2. Car and Driver Details/Subscribe

Eight cars with 35 mpg federal Corporate Average Fuel Economy ratings are compared in a comprehensive road evaluation. Bedard says the 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit S's subjective advantages - excellent driving position, precise steering, powerful engine, and logical controls - make it the champ.

Review: Little Feet: Eight Ways to Shrink Your Carbon Footprint, Patrick Bedard, May 2008

3. Edmunds Inside Line

Editors describe the 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit as a satisfying car, with a comfortable ride and nice standard amenities. Below-average fuel economy is one downside, however, and they classify the four-door hatchback's base price as high.

Review: 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit Review, Editors of Edmunds.com

4. Car and Driver Details/Subscribe

In this head-to-head test of six 2007 economy cars, the Volkswagen Rabbit takes the top spot. Editors call the Rabbit (little changed for 2008) fun to drive, comfortable and eager, but pricier than the competition.

Review: Sensible Shoes, Patrick Bedard, Dec. 2006

5. CarCritic.comDetails/Subscribe

In a brief assessment based largely on historical repair data and owner satisfaction, Vorderman says the 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit has nice styling and options, but a spotty reliability history diminishes its appeal somewhat.

Review: 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit/GTI, Don Vorderman

6. Cars.com

Cars.com's list of Best Bets includes links to brief overviews, as well as expert and consumer reviews and a comparison tool. Editors like the 2008 Volkswagen Rabbit's interior size and versatility, but they criticize its fuel economy and price.

Review: New Best Bets, Editors of Cars.com

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