2009 Volkswagen Rabbit Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

Alyssa B. on December 21, 2023

Absolutely love the car. The 2.5 is one of my favorite engines, I’m 6’2” and even in the two door it’s one of the comfiest cars I’ve ever driven. 6sp swapped it and threw it on track suspension and the car is an absolute weapon in the mountains. Once you play around in the engine bay a bunch you kinda lose the reliability but she’ll never blow.

Tulsa Kalifornia on June 12, 2023

Purchased the car used in 2013. I am the second owner. When the car hit the 10 year mark in 2019, pretty much everything started to go out on it, both mechanically and on the interior. The car also has the distinction of being the only car I have ever owned that was involved in a recall. Gas mileage is terrible for such a tiny car. This is the first European car I have ever owned and it will definitely be my last. I have never seen a cheaper interior. The headliner started falling a few years ago, as has the driver door panel upholstery. I don't have time to list all of the things that have gone wrong on this car. I have never owned a car that fell apart so completely both on the interior and mechanically. And no, I have not abused the car in any way. I have spent more on this car than my past two cars (Ford and Toyota) combined. By a long shot. I have had to do costly repairs on this car that I have never had to do on any other car. And now my transmission is going out! Again, never had that experience with any other car. I would absolutely not recommend this car nor ever buy another Volkswagen after my experience with the Rabbit.

Chase on May 22, 2023

The 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit was my first (and currently only) car, so my review will surely be biased; Regardless, it’s a great car. I’ve had it for about a year, but it’s been in my family since 2009 (~160k Miles). Other than a minor repair on the ignition (the key was stuck!), the speakers (they’re blown! (this was my fault tbh)), and a repair on the trunk (it wouldn’t open!) it’s been great. Solid fuel efficiency and not as slow as one might think (it can hit above 100 MPH with a little extra push on the gas in Sports Mode). The interior and exterior design leaves something to be desired; It’s definitely NOT a sexy car. Regardless, the tiny design lets you fit in anywhere (and i mean anywhere, it’s so small). In regards to comfort it’s solid for such a tiny car, I’ve been on a couple 3-hour road trips with it and I’ve been fine (I’m also only 5’9 though, so take it with a grain of salt). As a first car or a budget daily driver I’d highly recommend, but I feel that there’s definitely better for the price range.

Lauren Steel on January 9, 2023

I've had my 2009 rabbit for about 2 years now and I absolutely love it. It's sporty and I've never broken down. Only issue I've had so far was the key was getting locked so I had to replace some mechanism in the steering wheel but overall it was an easy/cheap fix and its been running perfect since. I love my rabbit!

COBulldog17 on February 6, 2021

This is a simple compact car that looks and performs far above what it costs. Fun fun fun to drive, amazing in the snow and very comfy even for a 6'2" driver.

MasonH on January 18, 2020

Having owned the car for a little over 3 and a half years, it’s been great to me. Only problem I ran into was a leaking transmission fluid pump at a little over 100k miles. Aside from that and normal maintenance, absolutely zero issues. Is not the fastest car on the road, but definitely gets you from A to B and can get up and go when you want it. The storage of a hatchback was also nice to have as well.

christo photo on August 27, 2019

We bought our Rabbit in October 2008 and now have 164,000+ miles on it. No major repairs outside or replacing stuff that wears out. I have a 55 mile commute 3 - 5 times a week, does great. Five speed manual, two door, still has that 2.5 zip.

StuartVW on August 19, 2018

I got my VW Rabbit in 2009 and it has truly been without question the most reliable car I've owned. Other than maintenance there have been zero notable repairs. It's fun to drive and very comfortable for this "Not very tall" driver, but this car makes me feel taller 🙂 One of the leading consumer magazines said they don't like 5 cylinder engines and I don't know why they say that. It's so quiet that sometimes I just at a traffic light I look down at the tac just to see if it's running. I particular enjoy the 5sp manual transmission. The fun to drive feel never gets old with this car. I should also add that as a small car, the actual cargo space is hard to believe. I brought home a 60" plasma TV with the seats folded down. I will likely buy this car again at some point, now the Golf or perhaps the GTI.

Curcer on April 30, 2018

My VW 09 Rabbit was very fun to drive. It looks smaller than it feels when getting inside. A 5-cylinder 2.5L engine was big for a small/compact car: hence it always delivered the power when needed. It was reliable and agile.

Ben L on October 17, 2017

I purchased my Rabbit with 75000 miles on it. In my first 20,000 miles I have only had to make 2 minor repairs. I replaced the exhaust and the upper strut mounts, other than that it has been a little tank. This car takes anything I through at it and seems to take it in stride. If you want a fast car, get the GTI or ???. If you want a straight shooter, that will get you point A to point B 10 times out of 10 while still being able to have a little fun now and again, get a jetta or rabbit/golf with the 2.5. Love this car so far for what it is, comfy enough on roadtrips and hasnt skipped a beat!