Used 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit Consumer Reviews
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Thousands spent for New transmission @ 79K
The fuel economy and quality of the drive train are the biggest downer for me. It has good pep to its step and handles incredibly well. Although with my Transmission failing so early I worry about the power train quality. It looks pretty inside and out, handles very well but doesn't appear to have the longevity dynamic.
Rabbit on Rabbit - Pure Adrenaline
Go Rabbit go has been going for now decades. With its generational shift to mature adults who once X owned 80s Rabbits. Unfortunately, the unibody pick was not crossed over. More about that later. I live in Roanoke VA driving mostly along interstates or the valleys jurisdictional byways with plenty of ups downs and curves of all sorts. Car handles like a charm even more so on passes crossing dozens of ridge lines located along the Blue Ridge Mountains to the east and the Appalachia Mountains to the west. It's tight and krpt me out of the ditch approaching a downhill car - both balls to the wall - with dry leaves in tow. Fortunately I road the rail on the right edge of a steep unguarded cliff. Adrenalin should be this cars middle name. Love it but got to sale it cuz of growing family and desire for tech audio smart upgrades. Dodge Durango SX. Go figure. Taurague is not my deal as it's much smaller for much more. American German dodge. Go figure.
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- S 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $5,999499 mi away
- S PZEV 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $2,745558 mi away
- S 2dr HatchbackMSRP: $4,995681 mi away
Just about perfect!
In my family we own an 09 Rabbit and 08 Mazda 3. They are truly both fantastic cars. Both are equipped pretty much the same and they both cost the same (just about 17K). My wife drives the Mazda and she loves it however I am a good size guy and I find the Rabbit's seat goes back further and has more thigh support (and overall room). The Mazda gets better gas mileage but the Rabbit has better acceleration so in my opinion the lower MPG is a fair trade. Both handle extremely well and are a lot of fun to drive however the Rabbit is a little more quiet overall. The Mazda has one of the nicest stearing wheels I have ever seen on any car.
Energizer bunny treated like a truck!
It keeps going and going and going. Just rolled over 240k miles in my 2009 VW rabbit. Outside of the usual maintenance (oil, spark plugs, air filters, tires, and transmission fluid), I've had to replace the AC compressor at 130k, all wheel bearings at one point, and the CV boots twice (second, about 20k miles ago), the aux belts twice, and aux belt pullys 20k miles ago, but I'm still on my 2nd battery. I routinely use this car to haul 600-1000 lbs of equipment (pelican cases and gas cylinders, probably 170k miles of heavy hauling on it in total), and thankfully this economy car is overbuilt to handle this without a problem (cruising at 80 mph and still plenty of punch to pass from 70 to 90 mph on Texas two lane roads.) I thought I was nearing the end about 20k miles ago when it would rough idle, occasionally stall, and leak a quart of oil every 3k miles, however, this was all a simple $25 fix by replacing the PCV valve (the rubber valve had torn and oil had leaked through). After replacing the PCV valve, putting two bottles of Seafoam through the tank, and one bottle injected just before the throttle body, its running good as new!! (I still have to add a cup of oil every 3k miles, but it's not a big deal). Every 50k to 60k miles, the transmission will start to get clunky, but flushing the transmission fluid resolves that issue every time. Staying on top of maintenance and being in tune with how the car is running will give you an incredibly durable and long lasting vehicle for what was under $20k in 2009. The only minor con I have is the ceiling and door liners sagged, but that was fixed with staples. Also, the passenger side door only locks about half the time. I average 25-30 mpg in this car, which I guess some people complain about, but I find this to be pretty good considering I'm routinely carrying up to 1,200 lbs in the car, including myself, and cruise at 75-80 mph on the highway. As I make a lot of mileage reimbursement money off this car, I plan on keeping it as long as possible (hoping for 300k miles!)
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Fun to Drive, not your Grandma's Corolla
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.
2009 VW Rabbit 2dr
Well built with more than expected standard features. Excellent performance and safety features. Interior of car feels like a much larger car. Average mileage has been 27 mpg in all around driving. Very quiet interior and smooth 6 spd tiptronic auto trans. I am extremely happy after 2 months with this gem.
Run Rabbit, run!
Car has seen all types of driving and has fared extremely well. The engine in the car is well suited to most driving situations and the abundance of power and torque plus an engine that enjoys revving provides an acceleration not found in competitors, the five speed manual has short throws and positive feel with good clutch feedback. Suspension is based on the sportier GTI, giving the Rabbit surefooted dynamics while providing a comfortable ride even over harsh roads, the standard ESP provides an added safety net. No problems while owning the vehicle, and fuel economy has averaged approximately 28 miles per gallon, while full tanks on the freeway can net up to 33 miles per gallon.
147k mi & counting
Don't know why folks knock VW's reliability, etc....thankfully, cars are not cell phones (yet). Bought my car new with a 5-speed manual in 2009 & have no problems. Handles like it's on rails. Ergonomics are excellent. Don't need to look away from the road to change the heat or radio. First month of ownership (I still remember) didn't take the same way home from work twice on the back roads. Very practical for use on the road or light use on the track. Had 2 engine knock sensors problems & remedied under warranty. Have changed oil, rear brakes (once) & tune ups, otherwise no issues or rust. Also own a newer Golf Sportwagen with 6-speed manual & very much enjoy that too. Still don't know why people buy SUV's. The '09 is not our first VW & the '15 will not be our last.
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Still going at 188,000
I have owned this car since the Fall of 2008, have done all the normal maintenance plus a new AC, vacuum pump, shocks. It has sat outside the entire time, the paint is holding up great but is finally showing some signs of age. Still has the original clutch, I have changed the oil and filter every 5K, always serviced at a VW dealer which may have helped. My goal is to get it to 300K.
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Knock Sensor issue
I just got my 2009 Rabbit 3 weeks ago and I mostly love it. It has a cozy feel, the dash is easy to use, the lights are distinct and easy to read, and it handles nicely, even in snow (which we've had about every day since I got it). It has a jaunty overall feel and I am quite pleased overall. The sales staff was also really informed and helpful.
Re Knock Sensor issue
I was looking for a little hatchback. I picked the Rabbit over the Mazda 3 and Imprezza because it was more fun driving, cost less, and is supposed to get a little better mileage. It also got great CR ratings. I've had four people in it a few times and there seems to be enough room. The car reminds me of the civic hatchbacks from the early 90s.
Really Fun Car
I love driving this car, It's really quiet, smooth and pretty quick. Plus this car handles really well. Best of all is the gas mileage. I get about 26mpg all city traffic, and about 29-30 with mixed city/highway driving. The sticker estimated mpg is way low at 21/28.
HOT Hare !!!
Quick, even at a 6500ft Colorado altitude. Precise handling. Precise- shifting 5-speed gearbox. Typical excellent German craftsmanship -- inside and outside -- with obvious attention to detail. Roomy. Lots of features that are "package upgrages" on other brands. Airbags everywhere, traction/stability management, and other safety features. Good MPGs for the HP/torque. On top of all that, driving-thrill-for-the-investment can't be beaten.
Love it! So cute!
I am over 6 feet 1 inches tall. Everyone laughed because I am so big in a small car, but there is a ton of room. I sat in the back seat and could easily move around and had leg room! The car is super fun to drive on the highway and great for weaving in and out of traffic. The ride is so smooth and SO quiet, i couldn't believe it. The pick up is great too, very powerful little car. I feel like I am driving around in a nightclub when I got some good music going on.
hope its not a lemon
Just purchased brand new rabbit 2009 5 min after leaving dealership check engine light goes on when trying to merge on the highway car lost power pressing gas & car actually slowing down lasted almost a minute not long but very scary just the same. Drove it back to dealership they gave a rented car while they diagnose the problem not a good start especially since its brand new I'm hoping this is the first and last problem..
VW could have done better
The exterior of this car is quite nice, following the the line of the Golf. The interior is very well designed and finished much better than other cars in the class. The car is much roomier than it seems, the legroom and headroom in the back is great. The seats are poorly designed without proper lumber support that's why I'm rating it low. The ride is very nice, the suspension is just right. Thanks to the multilink suspension in the back, the car corners like no others. The engine is the biggest flaw of this car, it's not powerful enough but the gas millage is not that great. I wonder why they didn't install a better European engine with similar power but better fuel millage.
Rabbit
Awesome
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The Right Choice
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.
Bang for your buck
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
Not suitable for short passengers
I am 5'3 and too short to reach the headrest even in its lowest position. According to the User's Manual and a phone call to VW America's head office, a cushion must never be placed on the passenger seat as this interferes with the airbag system's proper functioning. This only becomes clear after the car has been purchased one has read the manual.Therefore I am at risk in case of an accident and VW says that neither they nor I can do anything about it.
Re Knock Sensor issue
I have driven 10,000 kms since Sep 2008 and I generally find my Rabbit fun to drive. On 4 separate occasions though I have had the experience of putting my foot on the accelerator and got ZERO response. Fortunately, to date, this has only occurred from idle (ie car was stationary). Having read your review I will take it to the dealership again and ask them to check the Knock Sensor. Thanks
Well worth it.
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.
Achtung!
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!
Solid, powerful, great styling
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.
Thunderbunny 09
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.
Almost perfect
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.
IML8 IML8 2009
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.
Rabbit Power
Just went from an 07 Corolla to the 09 Rabbit. Couldn't be happier. Great performing and sounding engine, nice handling with perfect body roll, extremely solid feel on the highway, fun to drive, roomy, excellent safety features, decent (but not great) stereo, nice transmission, and generally good looks make it a winner. The Corolla is a good, but very pedestrian car. The Rabbit literally blows it away in the "fun to drive" category and comes with all the standard safety features that make the difference.
High quality, nice features, and fun
I had a 2006 Rabbit for a short time (it was totaled in an accident), which influenced my decision to buy my 2009 Rabbit recently. The Rabbit feels like a solid, well-built car. It's a fun car to drive, with its 170 horsepower and the 6-speed Tiptronic transmission. The controls are easy to use, and the layout is logical. The seats are comfortable, and the interior is roomy. I like the overall look of the Rabbit, inside and out. I like the features, too. The stereo sounds great and is easy to use. Standard Electronic Stability Program is a nice touch. The engine is smooth and seems quieter than my 2006 Rabbit. Fuel economy could be better. iPod operation is buggy and not intuitive.
quick feet
I could not be more pleased with the bang for buck total. Its quick, fast, quiet, comfortable and stable fit and finish are way above price point. For me there is no comparable car in this class also not many on road that is dominated by Asian vehicles.
best thing i have ever bought
I went from a 4 door Tacoma to the rabbit. Never again will I buy a truck. Fits my 6,3 self, wife, and newborn perfectly. Awesome display, speakers, ride is sooo quite and smooth. All these complaints on the mph, I have had no such issues. Nor have I had any issues with blind spots. A blast to drive slow or fast. Aux hook up for the ipod is always a plus, satellite radio is an option on some. Auto door locks after 30 seconds is a great for safety.
I love my bunny!
The best way to describe the Rabbit is: solid. The steering and braking are nicely weighted; the doors and hatch make a nice "thunk" when closed; acceleration is smooth and strong. Spacious for a compact car.
Auotbahn Bunny
This bunny is a fun and comfortable ride even at German autobahn speeds (+100mph). The bunny is just as roomy as my '03 Passat and easier to park in Europe's tight parking garages. I had one rough start on a chilly morning (+5F), maybe that Knock sensor acting up, don't know for sure because it cleared itself up in a few seconds. I was soaked getting in once by water pooled on the roof, run-off made it too my arm and leg before I could close the door. Need to be mindful of passenger side rear blind spot.
The Thunder Bunny Lives
I purchased a 2009 VW Rabbit, after looking at other cars in its class, including the Mitsubish Lancer GTS, Mazda 3, and Subaru Impreza. While I think I could have been happy with any of the other cars mentioned, I truly love my Rabbit. I could not justify the additional price of the GTI for a few fractions of a second faster from 0-60 mph, and the added costs for premium fuel and insurance. The Rabbit will satisfy all but the most power hungry. Fuel economy is mediocre, but a fair trade off for power and performance. The Rabbit has the best build quality, not just in intelligent design, but in the material used. It does not feel like a sub $20,000 car, nor does it drive like one.
I'm a believer!
When it was time to trade in my old car (a '95), I looked at nearly all of the cars in the $15-20K market. Drove the Mazda3, Vibe, Versa, Matrix, Civic, xD... they all kind of felt the same. I had resigned myself to a functional compact with few features that I could "make do" with; then I drove the Rabbit. WHOA - it was like finding religion. There is absolutely no car in this class that is nearly as fun to drive. Plus even the base model is packed with extras. The interior is refined with quality materials. I got the 2-door 5-speed manual and I love it. I've never owned a VW before, but the Rabbit has definitely made me a believer.
2009 VW Rabbit with Manual Trans
Quiet, competent, handles well, and is fun to drive. Great quality, fit, and finish.
Amazing car
i got this car a few days ago and its great! i bought it from carmax. It has 2 slight dents in it. Its jet black and is so amazing to drive. The fuel econmy is lower then most cars like the rabbit but its great!
Not the best
Lots of electrical and transmission issues. Can’t see it lasting much longer and I’m only at 134K miles
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Fun car, but unreliable and costly to repair
I purchased my 2009 Rabbit 11 years ago with 38K mi on it. Within 6 months, it needed a fairly major repair. But I loved the car and continued to keep driving it. It is the only car I have ever owned that was involved in a recall (ABS Module). In the last three years of its life, I have spent endless amounts on repairs. The interior is one of the worst I have ever seen. Uncomfortable seats, cheap plastic parts that fall apart, door fabric and headliner, all sagging and needing to be replaced. I loved driving this VW but the fact that I spent 3x the amount on constant repairs than I have on any other vehicle means it was my first and last VW.
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Sweet car
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.
Fun little car
I love driving this car. I went from a pickup truck to the Rabbit. I didn't realize what a dog my truck was until driving the Rabbit every day. It's quick, shifts great, handles tight, fast lane changes are easy and smooth. I wanted a Mini Cooper S and the Rabbit gives me that sporty agile ride. I would not trade hp for better mileage. The engine is Great. Took a road trip on Thanksgiving and enjoyed the car. The cruise controls and audio controls were very intuitive and after a couple hundred miles I didn't miss them not being in the steering wheel. Its a very nice wheel so don't not buy the car just because the controls are not in it. You will forget about it quickly enough!
Highly Recommended
The Rabbit is a very enjoyable car to drive. I've put 8000+ miles on it so far and find it both comfortable and fun. The torque supplied in the low range is a great change from most newer cars that save the power to above 5000rpms. My wife and I fight over driving this car daily, rather than the SUV we have.