2009 Volkswagen Rabbit

March 2009. Reviewers are enthusiastic about the Volkswagen Rabbit as a versatile hatchback with a solid European feel, excellent driving dynamics and an upscale, comfortable interior. The 170-horsepower 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine is bigger and more powerful than most rivals' four-cylinder base powerplants. A five-speed manual is standard on the three-door Volkswagen Rabbit, with an optional six-speed automatic available -- an unusual transmission in the economy class, where many rivals have only four speeds. The automatic is standard on the five-door Volkswagen hatchback, although some reviewers lament the loss of the manual combined with the more practical body style. Critics like the five-cylinder's power and throttle response, but it comes at the expense of fuel economy. Environmental Protection Agency ratings for the Volkswagen Rabbit are 19 mpg city and 28 mpg highway with the automatic and 21 mpg city and 30 mpg highway with the manual, numbers that sit at the low end of the small-car class. Real-life fuel economy ranges from about 20 to 24 mpg on average.

The Volkswagen Rabbit's interior gets credit from reviewers for its quality and classy appearance, but some have reservations over VW's spotty reputation for reliability and higher base price compared to other economy cars. Critics say the 2009 Honda Fit (*est. $14,750 to $16,260) offers similar utility, an engaging driving feel, much higher fuel economy and better reliability than the Volkswagen Rabbit. However, the Fit's less powerful engine is not as energetic. The 2009 Mazda3 (*est. $14,690 to $20,895) is another lower-priced, sporty alternative to the Rabbit, reviews say. For those who want stronger performance, reviews suggest paying a bit more money for the 2009 VW GTI (*est. $23,230 to $23,830), a turbocharged, sport version of the Volkswagen Rabbit with 200 horsepower. Another worthy hatchback with an emphasis on driving enjoyment is the more premium-priced Mini Cooper (*est. $18,550 to $23,900), although it has less interior space and a harsher ride than the Volkswagen Rabbit.

We looked at reviews of both 2008 and 2009 VW Rabbits, as there are few changes between the models, and relatively few sources have reviewed the 2009 Rabbit. Car and Driver conducts an economy-car comparison test with eight vehicles and chooses the Rabbit as the winner. Edmunds.com and ConsumerGuide.com each have comprehensive descriptive reviews featuring pros, cons and brief comparisons to rival models. Consumer Reports provides a road-test evaluation along with its unique reliability ratings. Five editors at Automobile Magazine each give their general impressions of the Volkswagen Rabbit in an "Editors' Notebook." The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety gives the four-door Volkswagen Rabbit its Top Safety Pick award. Cars.com's VW Rabbit review is shorter than its usual evaluations, but includes pros and cons.