2009 Volkswagen Rabbit Consumer Reviews Page 3

IML8 IML8 2009

Written by: Pat on 11/23/2008

Vehicle

2009 Volkswagen Rabbit S 2dr Hatchback (2.5L 5cyl 5M)

Review

I traded in a 2001 Outback and was afraid the Rabbit would feel so much smaller-- it's not at all. The mpg is better than the Outback, even with 1 more cylinder. I was expecting entry level features and was surprised by the thought that was put into the design. I drive out to the mountains a lot and am pleasantly surprised at how my bunny scampers up a steep grade. I had a Rabbit diesel in the 80s and am so glad I thought to try a Rabbit again. I couldn't be more pleased.

Favorite Features

This bunny hops! The Rabbit is so much fun to drive. I hadn't driven a stick shift in 11 years, but am having a ball driving this car. Even though it's a small car, it feels big inside. My golden retriever can sleep in the back without laying the back seat down. I LOVE this car.

Suggested Improvements

The blind spot is annoying, but I'm getting used to it. The button to turn the cruise off is oddly placed, but it's not too bad. Having a few more mpg would have been nice, but I wouldn't want to trade power for mpg.

7 out 7 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Almost perfect

Written by: Schwe1nhund on 11/18/2008

Vehicle

2009 Volkswagen Rabbit S 2dr Hatchback (2.5L 5cyl 6A)

Review

Excellent car that handles extremely well on the road. Negotiates curves like a charm. I got this after wrecking my 07 Mazda 3 (through no fault of my own). The Mazda was a good car, but this one blows it out of the water. The Rabbit offers a smoother ride, a tighter turn radius, and generally a better grip on the road. Also, the Mazda is more expensive if you add all the features that is standard in the Rabbit. Its worth mentioning that because of this car's higher safety rating, my insurance went down significantly. From the outside, the car looks simple, but in my opinion that simplicity gives it a more distinguished look. The laser welded body is a big plus.

Favorite Features

-German design and build quality. -170 horses - turn radius - handling - full spare tire - ample room in the front (I drive alone 85% of the time. Definitely not a family car). - Standard ESP - standard safety features (a big plus since I got into the aforementioned car wreck).

Suggested Improvements

-Front center armrest should be a standard item...I like resting my right arm from time to time. -Audio bass is a little weak. -Glove compartment could use a few extra cubic inches. -Bigger side mirrors would be welcome -Terrible blind spot. -Unacceptable fuel economy for a car in this class.

8 out 11 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Thunderbunny 09

Written by: Paul on 11/10/2008

Vehicle

2009 Volkswagen Rabbit S PZEV 2dr Hatchback (2.5L 5cyl 6A)

Review

My White little Rabbit dominates the small car genre easily in Sport. Test driving other small American and Japanese cars felt like a waste of time after riding in VW's 09 Rabbit. The Focus is hard to focus on after you are behind the wheel of a fully powered Rabbit.

Favorite Features

Ipod connection, 30 second locking, and 170 bunny horses

Suggested Improvements

throw a turbo in there! oh wait, its called a GTI

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Solid, powerful, great styling

Written by: DM on 10/13/2008

Vehicle

2009 Volkswagen Rabbit S 2dr Hatchback (2.5L 5cyl 6A)

Review

Great little car, it feels very solid compared to other small cars in class. Independent suspension, great 6 speed transmission, 5 cylinder engine, add up to a lot of value for about 18K. Uncluttered instrument panel. Drivers seat great for taller drivers. Gets up and goes when it needs to.

Favorite Features

Very comfortable ride. Problem with most small cars I've had in past is that on long trips, road noise, low car weight, and underpowered engines kept me at home. This 09 does very well on the interstate and as quiet as my E series Benz.

Suggested Improvements

The blind spot on driver's side a little worse than I am used to. Side mirrors probably make up for it.

17 out 17 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Fun to Drive, not your Grandma's Corolla

Written by: dean-l on 10/04/2008

Vehicle

2009 Volkswagen Rabbit S 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 5cyl 6A)

Review

I wanted a small sedan. One test drive of Civic and Corolla and they were out. Those sheep need to look around a little. Mazda3 is a good car and better value, but this one just "felt" like it was built better. I picked the Rabbit over the Jetta because of the chrome on the front and the fake leather seats, I just couldn't do it. The real stuff is better, why bother? Also Rabbits are unusual around here. I've enjoyed the car so far. It really IS fun to drive. Plenty of power. NO exterior "loud & obnoxious" things about it. A real knock out in red. I can't believe this car is not more popular.

Favorite Features

Horsepower, ride quality, low road & wind noise, quality of interior materials, exterior and interior looks - simple and elegant, feels like an older BMW, the little "Easter eggs" you find and appreciate, ALL of the safety stuff you could want

Suggested Improvements

better interior "rattle" control(Mrs. hears nothing), more feedback from steering, leather steering wheel and shifter would be nice, drop the gray plastic panel on back, better engine noise and exhaust note, fuel economy is poor, massive blind spots, bigger mirrors

8 out 8 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Achtung!

Written by: KD on 10/01/2008

Vehicle

2009 Volkswagen Rabbit S 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 5cyl 6A)

Review

Very nice! I love my 2009 Rabbit. Its fun, it's swift and surprisingly roomy. It fits 2 adults in the back quite nicely. I don't know who the previous reviewer was trying to fit in his 2 door! I have had 3 girlfriends squeeze in the back! I wanted all the standard safety features. Mazda 3 does not offer ESP standard. Even after reading all the bad reviews of the previous models with electronic breakdowns, i still got the Bunny and I love it!

Favorite Features

It's great for city driving. Has a roomy trunk. The triptronic transmission is Fun.

Suggested Improvements

There is a pumping sound from the rear right of the car. I have shown it to the services ppl and they say its the evaporation pump and it is normal. It only comes when I drive it out the lot in the morning and lasts 2-3 minutes. VW need to add better insulation around the pump. Anyone else hear it?

5 out 5 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Bang for your buck

Written by: dsmtuner on 09/26/2008

Vehicle

2009 Volkswagen Rabbit S 2dr Hatchback (2.5L 5cyl 6A)

Review

This car is an amazing car to get. I paid 17,325 and got a lot of excellent features. This car feels good to drive in, and when your already tired from driving, the car wont get you more tired. 10 speaker German sound, will wake you up. For a 2009, this is more likely the best car to get. Gas is the issue, but for the performance and comfort, it's well worth it. I am a mechanic and it seems to that this car is excellent for every day driver. Engine temp stays at 190*f and even on 12 hour drives it does. Highest mpg was 28 so far. This car has the same concept of the VW golf. But way better

Favorite Features

heated seat standard, Traction control, 6 speed semi-auto trans. back wiper, heated side mirrors for winter

Suggested Improvements

All wheel drive!

3 out 3 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Well worth it.

Written by: Shakecakes on 08/29/2008

Vehicle

2009 Volkswagen Rabbit S 2dr Hatchback (2.5L 5cyl 5M)

Review

The handling is still a little unresponsive, but VW definitely put some thought into this car. Fuel mileage is a little bad but coming from 20/27 I'm good. There are little easter eggs in this car that a good run-through should show. Stereo system could be improved, as it sounds like I'm listening through two old computer speakers, but who buys the base and expects premium sound? Radio reception and sound are much better than I expected. The back seat is big enough to fit maybe one person comfortably, but don't through two adults back there. Also you don't even notice the lack of arm rest if you decide to opt out of the iPod dock. But that's more a personal preference. All in all, get it.

Favorite Features

Unique features that are hidden in the car; the black cloth interior is really nice; makes me feel like I'm driving a sports car. Oh and the PONIES. This thing has some nice kick for a small car, so don't underestimate it when you tail behind in traffic.

Suggested Improvements

Fuel economy (I hate to repeat what others have said) and the steering wheel response are my two only gripes, but it's the best car for the buck out there today. If they would have made the front of the car a bit different than the Jetta, that would have also been nice.

8 out 8 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

Sweet car

Written by: Anchoright on 08/25/2008

Vehicle

2009 Volkswagen Rabbit S 2dr Hatchback (2.5L 5cyl 5M)

Review

I do a lot of serious driving, and over the years I have found that I need a car that will act like a car and perform like a car, when I demand from it. The Rabbit does just that. You're not bulking around a huge vehicle, and so you are able to zip in and out of the rest of the traffic. The 5 cylinder engine with its 170 hp is plenty powerful enough and the car has a whole lot of get-up-and-go. I got the 5 speed manual version of the Rabbit, because, let's face it, it's the only way to truly drive a VW. You're in command at all times. The air conditioning is great, and it has an excellent 10 speaker quality stereo system, with ipod connect and in-dash CD changer. You need this car.

Favorite Features

Size, weight and engine power. Audio system. Bucket-style seats. Airbags everywhere. Many options of wheels.

Suggested Improvements

Headlights in the front could be a little smaller.

8 out 8 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post

The Right Choice

Written by: Bob on 08/24/2008

Vehicle

2009 Volkswagen Rabbit S 4dr Hatchback (2.5L 5cyl 6A)

Review

I believe the Rabbit is the best buy for the buck. My wife has an A-4 3.2 and this is like a cousin. The German feel. Great acceleration and just simply fun to drive. The Corolla and Civic appear very refined but are just mini town cars. Compare and you have the most features for your dollar. ESP standard in 09.

Favorite Features

Great driving experience. I have never owned a small car and am impressed. If I had it to do over I would buy it again and again.

Suggested Improvements

The tires, similar to what came on the Audi. They are long gone. I am not a tire snob but know when something is not up to the quality of the rest of the car.

16 out 16 people found this review helpful

Report inappropriate post