2007 Volkswagen Rabbit Review

What reviews like:
Most critics say the 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit is just fun to drive, with great handling, steering, on-road stability, suspension and comfort. Although the starting price of the Volkswagen Rabbit is higher than some of the compact-hatchback competition, lots of less-common standard features are included, such as an iPod jack, AC, power windows/locks, map lights and four airbags. Heated front seats and a sunroof are optional -- amenities which aren't even offered on the Honda Fit.

What reviews don't like:

As with most compact cars, the rear seat isn't that roomy, but the biggest difference when comparing the Volkswagen Rabbit to the competition may be fuel economy. While other compact hatchbacks are getting 30 mpg in mixed driving, the 2007 VW Rabbit gets between 20 and 25 mpg in real-world mixed driving. Based on the repair and reliability record of the Volkswagen Golf, predicted reliability for the Rabbit (which replaces the Golf) is questioned in reviews.

EPA fuel economy estimate: 22 mpg/city, 30 mpg/highway

2007 Volkswagen Rabbit review highlights

The 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit gets excellent reviews for handling, stability, a well designed interior and standard amenities. Reviewers also say the VW Rabbit is just fun to drive. Because of its higher starting price, it's at somewhat of a disadvantage compared to other highly rated compact hatchbacks like the Honda Fit (*est. $13,850 to $15,170), but critics say the Rabbit includes a number of less-common standard features and options, including some upscale amenities not even offered on the Fit, such as heated front seats (on the 4-door Rabbit) and a sunroof. Few reviews give the Volkswagen Rabbit a higher overall rating than the Honda Fit, Honda Civic or Mazda 3, but if you want a more upscale hatchback, the Rabbit is worth a look. One downside is its low fuel economy compared to the competition.

The Volkswagen Rabbit replaced the Golf in the VW lineup for the 2006 model year. Critics say the 2007 VW Rabbit has more in common with the VW Jetta than the outgoing Golf, however. The best review we found for the Volkswagen Rabbit is a six-way comparison in Car and Driver magazine, which pits the VW Rabbit against other compact hatchbacks like the Honda Fit and Nissan Versa. We also found some detailed road tests for the VW Rabbit, but reviews at CarCritic.com, Canadian Driver, Edmunds.com and Cars.com don't really compare the Volkswagen Rabbit to the competition.

Also see full report: Economy Cars

*In order of credibility (see our Ratings Criteria).

1. Car and Driver
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Sensible Shoes
Patrick Bedard
Dec. 2006

In this head-to-head test of six economy cars, the Volkswagen Rabbit take first place over the Honda Fit, Nissan Versa and others. Editors say the VW Rabbit is fun to drive; it's comfortable, and zippy, with great controls. The ride is confident, with excellent suspension. Editors say the Volkswagen Rabbit is overpriced compared to the competition, but it still has the best blend of features.

2. Edmunds.com
2007 Volkswagen Rabbit review
Editors of Edmunds.com

The 2007 VW Rabbit has a lot of competition in the economy car segment, but editors say the Rabbit is a "charmer" with a "solid feel on the road." The Rabbit is a practical car, with a comfortable ride and nice standard amenities. The only major downside, say editors, is fuel economy. While other compact hatchbacks are getting a good 30 mph, the 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit can barely achieve 20 mph in the city.

3. Canadian Driver
First Drive: 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit
Paul Williams
June 2006

This hands-on review at Canadian Driver is a fun read. Editors are impressed with the Volkswagen Rabbit overall. Handling, steering and suspension are very stable. The interior is well organized and comfortable, plus it’s a little larger than the VW Golf it replaces. Editors say that although the starting price is higher than some of the competition, there are a lot of standard features for the money.

4. Consumer Reports
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2007 Volkswagen Rabbit review
Editors of Consumer Reports

Editors of Consumer Reports test the 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit, basically a hatchback version of the VW Jetta. One unique aspect of Consumer Reports is its data on historical reliability, as compiled in large owner surveys. You must be a subscriber to read this report.

5. CarCritic.com
2007 Volkswagen Rabbit review
Don Vorderman

This website is interesting in that Editor Don Vorderman doesn't spend a lot of time on features or other details. Rather, Vorderman offers a quick assessment based on historical repair data and owner satisfaction. The 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit is loaded with "character" and has a nice look and options. Reliability in past Volkswagen Rabbit and Golf (replaced by the Rabbit) models has been spotty.

6. Consumer Guide.com
2007 Volkswagen Rabbit review
Editors of ConsumerGuide.com

Consumer Guide evaluates cars, including the 2007 Volkswagen Rabbit, according to established criteria, and each car gets ratings in about twelve areas. Consumer Guide chooses several cars each year as Best Buy or Recommended picks, but this year, the Volkswagen Rabbit doesn't make the cut, even though its scores are above average overall. Highlights include steering, cargo room and the control panel, as well as the acceleration of the turbocharged Rabbit GLI. Rear-seat space is tight.

7. Cars.com
2007 Volkswagen Rabbit review
Kelsey Mays
June 2006

Cars.com is a nice website. Editors create their own reviews, but they also post reviews from other sources, especially newspapers, so the site is a handy place to find reviews. This particular review, however, is more of an overview of features and improvements rather than a performance critique.

8. Autobytel.com
2007 Volkswagen Rabbit Preview
Brian Chee

This write-up compares the new Volkswagen Rabbit to the outgoing VW Golf. This is a features article -- with no road test or evaluation.

Also see full report: Economy Cars