2009
Volkswagen Rabbit

Starts at:
$16,300
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New 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit
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Available trims

See the differences side-by-side to compare trims.
  • 2dr HB Man S PZEV
    Starts at
    $16,300
    21 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I5
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr HB Man S
    Starts at
    $16,300
    21 City / 30 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I5
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr HB Auto S PZEV
    Starts at
    $17,400
    20 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I5
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 2dr HB Auto S
    Starts at
    $17,400
    20 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I5
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr HB Auto S PZEV
    Starts at
    $19,340
    20 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I5
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs
  • 4dr HB Auto S
    Starts at
    $19,340
    20 City / 29 Hwy
    MPG
    5
    Seat capacity
    Gas I5
    Engine
    Front Wheel Drive
    Drivetrain
    See all specs

Photo & video gallery

2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit

Notable features

Shares components with Jetta
Larger engine, interior than Golf predecessor

The good & the bad

The good

Interior size
Cargo versatility
Many standard features
Dashboard quality
Robust engine

The bad

Fuel economy
Difficult backseat entry and exit in two-door
Not as inexpensive as competitors' base models
See all specifications

Expert 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit review

our expert's take
Our expert's take
By Cars.com editors
Full article
our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
For 2008, Volkswagen’s entry-level Rabbit received more power and a new trim level: the Rabbit S. The compact hatchback is Volkswagen’s answer to compact cars like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. The model is relatively unchanged for 2009, but it does lose some features, such as iPod connectivity.

The Rabbit comes in two- or four-door body styles and retains the basic hatchback shape that has made the model famous since its 1974 introduction.

New for 2009
A manual transmission is no longer available in four-door models. A cold weather package is optional on two-door Rabbits and standard on four-door models. Sirius Satellite Radio with a free limited subscription is available on four-door models. The factory-installed iPod adapter offered on 2008 Rabbits is no longer available.

Exterior
The twin-bezel headlights closely resemble those on the Jetta. A body-colored bumper doesn’t create a one-piece grille appearance as the chrome units do in other Volkswagens. The Rabbit is 165.8 inches long and 69.3 inches wide; its wheelbase is 101.5 inches.

  • 15-inch wheels standard
  • 16- or 17-inch wheels optional
  • Independent rear suspension

Interior
The Rabbit follows the Jetta and GTI with a three-spoke steering wheel and high-mounted center stack. Cargo volume is 15 cubic feet, and it grows to 46 cu. ft. thanks to a 60/40-split folding rear seat. Rear legroom is 35.3 inches. A fold-flat front passenger seat is also available, allowing the Rabbit to carry longer items.

  • One-touch power windows standard
  • Heated side mirrors standard
  • Standard cruise control
  • Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player and auxiliary input jack
  • Standard remote keyless entry
  • Optional moonroof
  • Optional heated front seats

Under the hood
The Rabbit uses a 2.5-liter inline-five-cylinder engine that makes 170 horsepower and 177 pounds-feet of torque, In the two-door Rabbit, the engine teams with a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The four-door loses its manual option for 2009.

Safety

  • Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes standard
  • Active head restraints standard
  • Side-impact and side curtain airbags standard
  • Standard electronic stability system

2009 Volkswagen Rabbit review: Our expert's take

Vehicle Overview
For 2008, Volkswagen’s entry-level Rabbit received more power and a new trim level: the Rabbit S. The compact hatchback is Volkswagen’s answer to compact cars like the Honda Civic and Toyota Corolla. The model is relatively unchanged for 2009, but it does lose some features, such as iPod connectivity.

The Rabbit comes in two- or four-door body styles and retains the basic hatchback shape that has made the model famous since its 1974 introduction.

New for 2009
A manual transmission is no longer available in four-door models. A cold weather package is optional on two-door Rabbits and standard on four-door models. Sirius Satellite Radio with a free limited subscription is available on four-door models. The factory-installed iPod adapter offered on 2008 Rabbits is no longer available.

Exterior
The twin-bezel headlights closely resemble those on the Jetta. A body-colored bumper doesn’t create a one-piece grille appearance as the chrome units do in other Volkswagens. The Rabbit is 165.8 inches long and 69.3 inches wide; its wheelbase is 101.5 inches.

  • 15-inch wheels standard
  • 16- or 17-inch wheels optional
  • Independent rear suspension

Interior
The Rabbit follows the Jetta and GTI with a three-spoke steering wheel and high-mounted center stack. Cargo volume is 15 cubic feet, and it grows to 46 cu. ft. thanks to a 60/40-split folding rear seat. Rear legroom is 35.3 inches. A fold-flat front passenger seat is also available, allowing the Rabbit to carry longer items.

  • One-touch power windows standard
  • Heated side mirrors standard
  • Standard cruise control
  • Standard AM/FM stereo with CD player and auxiliary input jack
  • Standard remote keyless entry
  • Optional moonroof
  • Optional heated front seats

Under the hood
The Rabbit uses a 2.5-liter inline-five-cylinder engine that makes 170 horsepower and 177 pounds-feet of torque, In the two-door Rabbit, the engine teams with a five-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission. The four-door loses its manual option for 2009.

Safety

  • Four-wheel-disc antilock brakes standard
  • Active head restraints standard
  • Side-impact and side curtain airbags standard
  • Standard electronic stability system

Factory warranties

New car program benefits

Basic
3 years / 36,000 miles
Corrosion
12 years
Powertrain
5 years / 60,000 miles
Roadside Assistance
3 years / 36,000 miles

Certified Pre-Owned program benefits

Age / mileage
MY 2016-MY 2017 vehicles / 75,000 miles; MY 2018- MY 2019 vehicles / 72,000 miles; MY 2020 and newer vehicles / 75,000 miles
Basic
Vehicles purchased on or after 1 / 5 / 21: MY 2017 & older, 2 yrs / 24,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty; MY 2018-19, 1 yr / 12,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty; MY 2020 & newer, 2 years / 24,000 miles (whichever is 1st) limited warranty
Dealer certification
100-plus point inspection
See all CPO program details

Consumer reviews

87% of drivers recommend this car
4.2 / 5
Based on 23 reviews
Write a review
Comfort 4.2
Interior 4.0
Performance 4.1
Value 4.3
Exterior 3.9
Reliability 4.3

Most recent

  • By Alyssa B. from Bridgeport, WV
    Owns this car
    December 21, 2023

    Perfect budget commuter/project

    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.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 3.0
    Reliability 4.0
    4 people out of 4 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Tulsa Kalifornia from Los Angeles, CA
    Owns this car
    June 12, 2023

    Worst car I have ever owned

    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.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does not recommend this car
    Comfort 2.0
    Interior 1.0
    Performance 2.0
    Value 1.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 1.0
    0 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Chase from Springfield, MA
    Owns this car
    May 22, 2023

    2009 Rabbit: Reliable and A Good First

    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.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 2.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 5.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Lauren Steel from Henderson, NV
    Owns this car
    January 9, 2023

    2009 VW Rabbit

    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!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By COBulldog17 from Broomfield, CO
    Owns this car
    February 6, 2021

    Reliable, fun to drive!

    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.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    6 people out of 6 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By MasonH from Queen Creek, AZ
    Owns this car
    January 18, 2020

    Great Car

    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.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 3.0
    2 people out of 2 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By christo photo from Erwin, Tennessee
    Owns this car
    August 27, 2019

    11 years in October..

    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.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    3 people out of 3 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By StuartVW from Indian Trail
    Owns this car
    August 19, 2018

    Fun, reliable and virtually repair free

    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.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Curcer
    Used to own this car
    April 30, 2018

    I love VW 09 Rabbit

    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.
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 5.0
    Interior 5.0
    Performance 5.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 5.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Ben L from Shorewood, WI
    Owns this car
    October 17, 2017

    Good Daily

    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!
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 4.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Daryl from Hampton, VA
    Owns this car
    October 16, 2017

    Fun car to druve

    So far so good. Bought for teenage son. Car is sporty and get a great gas mileage. So far the car has been reliable.
    • Purchased a Used car
    • Used for Having fun
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 4.0
    Interior 4.0
    Performance 4.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 4.0
    Reliability 4.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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  • By Dannyboi from Cleveland
    Owns this car
    September 12, 2017

    My first car

    As a 16 year old, the rabbit was my first car. I have driven the car for a little bit more than a year and it has never broke down on me. I would recommend and parent to buy this car for their children
    • Purchased a New car
    • Used for Commuting
    • Does recommend this car
    Comfort 3.0
    Interior 3.0
    Performance 3.0
    Value 5.0
    Exterior 2.0
    Reliability 5.0
    0 people out of 0 found this review helpful. Did you?
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See all reviews

Latest news from cars.com

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Recall Alert: 136,000 2009-2010 Audi, Volkswagen Cars

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Volkswagen dealers near you

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FAQ

What trim levels are available for the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit?

The 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit is available in 1 trim level:

  • S (6 styles)

What is the MPG of the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit?

The 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit offers up to 21 MPG in city driving and 30 MPG on the highway. These figures are based on EPA mileage ratings and are for comparison purposes only. The actual mileage will vary depending on vehicle options, trim level, driving conditions, driving habits, vehicle maintenance, and other factors.

Is the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit reliable?

The 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit has an average reliability rating of 4.3 out of 5 according to cars.com consumers. Find real-world reliability insights within consumer reviews from 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit owners.

Is the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit a good Hatchback?

Below are the cars.com consumers ratings for the 2009 Volkswagen Rabbit. 87.0% of drivers recommend this vehicle.

4.2 / 5
Based on 23 reviews
  • Comfort: 4.2
  • Interior: 4.0
  • Performance: 4.1
  • Value: 4.3
  • Exterior: 3.9
  • Reliability: 4.3
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