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2009 Volkswagen Rabbit

Overview
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2009 Volkswagen Rabbit Review

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Despite a commonly-held belief that Americans don't like hatchbacks, the success of Volkswagen's Rabbit two and four-door models – as well as the recent success of the MINI Cooper, Mazda MAZDA3 and its own GTI – has prompted Volkswagen to retain the five-door hatchback as its bread and butter car. The 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit (previously known as the Golf) is VW's entry-level economy model, offering a number of upscale safety and convenience features, a frugal yet powerful five-cylinder engine and a roomy and versatile interior. Despite its hefty standard content, the Volkswagen Rabbit manages a sticker price that won't leave consumers hopping mad, which should have sales multiplying like, well, Rabbits.

You'll Like This Car If...

Tangible German lineage and an exceptionally high level of interior fit and finish for this price combine to make the Rabbit the most sophisticated sub-$17,000 vehicles on the road. Compact SUV-like versatility provides practical appeal.

You May Not Like This Car If...

While it's very much a German car from behind the wheel, the Rabbit isn't as much fun to drive as some of its competitors, particularly the Mazda MAZDA3. The MAZDA3 also offers features not available on the Rabbit, such as leather seats, on-board navigation and a Bose audio system.

What's New for 2009

Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is made standard on all models, while the five-speed manual is no longer available on the four-door. New standard equipment for the four-door Rabbit includes heated front seats, heated washer nozzles and a premium audio sound system with SIRIUS Satellite Radio.

Driving the Rabbit

Driving Impressions Despite its small size, there's a solid feel to the Rabbit and it delivers overall confidence in difficult driving situations. Nimble in city and country driving, it handles busy street...

corners and curvy rural lanes easily, thanks in part to the car's European-tuned suspension system and the responsive steering. Increased specifically for the U.S. market are ride height and tire sizes. The 2.5-liter, five-cylinder powerplant is well-suited to the American driving style, offers lots of torque off the line and requires less revving than the old 2.0-liter, four-cylinder engine. The five-speed manual transmission is not as enjoyable, however, with long throws and somewhat vague gear delineation. The automatic version is a better choice and shares nearly the same city/highway mileage as the manual. A fair amount of handling firmness reminds you of the Rabbit's German engineering, along with delivering the satisfaction of driving a small-outside, big-inside vehicle.
Favorite Features

Heated Side Mirrors
You won't find them offered on the popular Mazda MAZDA3, but heated side mirrors are standard equipment on the Rabbit.

Five-Cylinder Engine
Shared with the Jetta and developed specifically for American driving styles, the 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine delivers the quick response worthy of the Rabbit name.

2009 Volkswagen Rabbit Details
Interior

The spacious interior is the surprise here. With far more room than is apparent from the outside, the Rabbit can seat five as well as provide plenty of cargo space. The dash and center console are designed for compactness and ease of use, and nooks and crannies for storage abound. Nifty indicators include one for brake pad wear, and a fuel-cap seal warning to remind impatient drivers to tighten the cap properly. A passenger seat that folds flat and 60/40-split folding rear seats enhance versatility. Adjustable lumbar-support seats (four-door only) hold driver and passenger comfortably on sharp turns. The hatchback has an exceptionally large opening, and the pass-through on the four-door model can accommodate skis. If we could ask Volkswagen for one change, it would be to add steering-wheel audio controls, a feature offered on most Rabbit competitors.

Exterior
2009 Volkswagen Rabbit photo

Functional, practical and sporty design cues identify the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit as a German hatchback that wastes no sheet metal or bodywork. The hood, headlamps and grille are integrated cleanly with the front bumper, the side panels and doors flow together smoothly and the rear couldn't be simpler. The slightly forward-leaning stance is emphasized by the narrowing side window line and the hatchback rear window. Toss in the available power sunroof and 16- or 17-inch wheel options, and the Rabbit makes one sporty economy car.

Notable Equipment
Standard Equipment

The 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit's standard equipment list includes a five-speed manual transmission (six-speed automatic on the four-door), cruise control, anti-lock brakes (ABS), traction control, stability control, AM/FM stereo with single MP3-compatilbe CD player and auxiliary audio input jack (10-speaker Premium Audio with six-disc CD changer and SIRIUS Satellite Radio on four-door models), remote keyless entry, an anti-theft engine immobilizer system and a new high-tech electro-mechanical steering system. Comfort and safety equipment includes heated front seats and heated washer nozzles (four-door only), front and side airbags, Side-Curtain Protection, air conditioning, heated side mirrors, rear wiper/washer and a rear window defroster.

Optional Equipment

Options offered on the two-door model include the Cold Weather Package (heated seats and washer nozzles) and a six-speed Tiptronic automatic transmission. Available for both two- and four-door models are a power sunroof and 16-inch alloy wheels, while the four-door exclusively offers rear side thorax airbags.

Under the Hood

The recently-improved 2.5-liter is good for 170 horsepower, which is greater than most of the cars in its class. While the 2.5-liter delivers good off-the-line acceleration, its rather flat torque curve means the Rabbit's strong pulling power tends to lessen as the tachometer climbs. The independent rear suspension helps the Rabbit keep a grip on the road, as do the anti-lock braking and electronic stability and traction control systems.

2.5-liter in-line 5
170 horsepower @ 5700 rpm
177 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4250 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 21/30 (manual), 20/29 (automatic)

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2009 Volkswagen Rabbit Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating
9.3
Out of 10

Based on 184 Ratings for the 2006 - 2009 models.

Review this car
  • Value
    9.4/10
    Quality
    9.5/10
  • Reliability
    9.5/10
    Performance
    9.4/10
  • Comfort
    9.3/10
    Styling
    9.4/10

Great car!!!

By on Monday, July 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 51,000

10 10.0
overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating
10/10
Value
10/10
Reliability
10/10
Quality
10/10
Performance
10/10
Styling
10/10
Comfort
10/10

Pros: "Fun to drive, good on gas, great sound system"

Cons: "Don't really have any"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought this car about 6 months ago, I fell in love while I was test driving it! I haven't had any problems with it so far, which switching to this from a 1994 Geo Metro was a huge change. This car is very comfortable, even my brother who's about 6 foot, 200 pounds sits comfortably in the back seat. I love the cloth heated seats too, they are great in the winter and heat up very fast! The gas mileage is great too a tank lasts me a week to a week and a half. I got this car for less than the trade in value as well, it had been at the dealership for a while and they had just marked it down. The sound system is great as well. It drives so smoothly, and picks up speed very fast."

In Love!

By (WA) on Monday, April 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 35,000

10 10.0
overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating
10/10
Value
10/10
Reliability
10/10
Quality
10/10
Performance
10/10
Styling
10/10
Comfort
10/10

Pros: "Fast, Fun, Holds value, easy to upkeep."

Cons: "NONE!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This is the first Volkswaggen I have ever owned, and I am addicted! My Rabbit is beyond reliable, it is comfortable, and stylish. It handles wonderfully in all weather conditions, rain, sleet, snow, sun. The upkeep on the car is very inexpensive, i have had it since 09' and it runs like new. I have helped my family memebers move with this vehichle and it has enromous ammounts of storage in the trunk, the seats fold down extremely easily. It is very 'kid friendly'. My 6 Year old is able to get in and out of the back seat with ease (2dr). Last but not least, my rabbit gets Excellent gas mileage, i only have to fill up about 1X a month! The only thing i would change is i wish i had gotten one with a moon roof."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

Budget GTI - Kinda

By (UT) on Monday, April 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 52,000

10 9.0
overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating
9/10
Value
9/10
Reliability
10/10
Quality
9/10
Performance
10/10
Styling
9/10
Comfort
10/10

Pros: "Heated Seats, 28mpg, visibility, reliable"

Cons: "Rattles, suspension noise, shaky clutch, no AWD"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 8

"So, what the Rabbit can do, that the TDI and GTI can't, is deliver low rpm torque. There is no turbo dependence, no lag. However, it also runs out of grunt around 5,000rpm, or 100mph, and is lacking 6spds. On the highway, I feel it could benefit from a taller gear ratio, much like the TDI's. I'd be happy to down shift in order to climb or pass for better mileage. It has every option that you can't find now, and was $18,000. To similarly find that you'd need $28k. I have 5 way roller-dial heated seats that stay at the level I put them the next time I start the car, the AC doesn't turn on just because I put the system into recycle(An American car quirk), and there's a separate button for outside heated mirrors(something the Japanese can't seem to figure out). I also have a hatch and fuel filler release on the driver door panel, something VW removed for unknown, as well as the 5 way heated seat option. It would appear, sadly, my older car is better appointed than most newer models, and certainly all VW models current. I avg 25-28mpg, depending on how aggressively I'd like to drive. The suspension is a bit on the stiff side, despite running on 16" thick rubber DWS tires, but it corners terrifically. Sadly also, the roads of UT have just ruined all the bushings between the metal bits up front in the suspension. My lower control arm bushings, and upper strut towers sound like someone put a bag of rocks in them when I hit any sort of road hump that compresses the suspension. Dealer fix, 300-1600 dollars. Sadly, rubber does wear out, so this would be the 2nd time I've had it done, the first was on warranty around 20,000mi. I've never had any engine problems, I perform regular 5,000mi oil changes despite dealer 10,000 recommendations. I've noticed also, in the cold the clutch feels warped when letting out. It has been that way since day one. When it has warmed up it's considerably better, and beats the heck out of the horrid automatic issues I've heard. Also, as someone who enjoys bass with their audio, I find the stock radio does me just fine, however, it rattles door panels to death. I've had the dealer in there 3 times, the last time they installed double stick foam tape at recommended spots by me. I'm finding now, that the rubber strip outside that holds the window in place is now the culprit for rattles. Fixable, but shouldn't have been a worry of mine."

1 person out of 2 found this review helpful

Great and Fun car to drive

By (NC) on Tuesday, April 02, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 40,100

10 10.0
overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating
10/10
Value
9/10
Reliability
9/10
Quality
9/10
Performance
9/10
Styling
9/10
Comfort
9/10

Pros: "Quick, Roomy, Peppy, manual Transmission"

Cons: "Seat belt hard to reach.to many dash lights"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"OK I just bought mine used on Saturday 3-30-13 I seen it on the lot and knew it was going to be mine. It is a manual transmission which I wanted it is quick and peppy and for a small car has plenty of room.It turns on a dime and I am very impressed thus far."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

I love my car! Hate to have to sell :o(

By (TX) on Saturday, March 30, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 54,500

10 9.0
overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating
9/10
Value
8/10
Reliability
10/10
Quality
9/10
Performance
10/10
Styling
8/10
Comfort
9/10

Pros: "Fun to drive, extremely reliable!"

Cons: "Parts can be pricey. Finding good VW mechanics"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"This Rabbit has been the greatest experience. I love the way it handles on the road and I only drive manual transmission. I feel protected. Although it's considered to be a small car, friends are constantly surprised at how much can be loaded into the hatchback. The driver seat can be adjusted to fit me (4'11") or a friend (6'4")EASILY! Sunroof, 6 CD changer, windows, all automatic. I'm trying to think of what's not-so-good about this car. Oh, the parts can be pricey, but at 54,500 miles, I haven't had to replace anything but tires and wipers."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

Fantastic car, brilliant value, still fun to drive

By (IN) on Sunday, March 24, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 40,000

10 10.0
overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating
10/10
Value
10/10
Reliability
10/10
Quality
10/10
Performance
9/10
Styling
10/10
Comfort
8/10

Pros: "Value, reliability, Build, speed, slick auto&Eng!"

Cons: "Small wing mirrors, blind spot & sound system!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"A Tardis of a car (big on the inside small on the out)! Moved son to and from college no problem. Drove a few 1,500 miles round trips and felt fresh as a daisy, thanks to its nice engine and suspension! Got the car on first test drive and bought it there and then brand new for $15k! Worked in NY Manhattan and it would zoom through the traffic and always find a car space! Moved to Indy and felt intimidated by all the F150's! Once I got used to zipping around them it was even more fun! Inside the car is typically German - smart, organized and lasting. Radio is okay but the sound system is pretty tinnie, listening to vocal podcasts and Iphone directions it's ok. Also could do with bigger wing mirrors (or Rabbit ears)! Rabbits a great name as that is actually how it feels and seems to be getting quicker! No issues at all mechanically and changed tires at 32k just because I thought I should rather than had to! Costs are pretty good however 40k service stung a bit but not as expensive as my dogs vet!"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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