Auto Guide
2008 Volkswagen Rabbit
Used

Review and specifications

2008 Volkswagen Rabbit

This hatchback version of the Jetta has long been solid, practical, and fun-to-drive. Versions with the diesel engine get great fuel economy, and they have among the lowest depreciation of any cars, making them very cheap to own. For 2007, a redesigned Golf was renamed the Rabbit, after the same car from the 1970s, and supplied with a responsive but gruff and inefficient 2.5-liter five-cylinder engine. We found its handling agile and secure and the ride fairly comfortable. The 2010 hatchback version was renamed the Golf.

Market value
$3,475
Fuel
Conventional
Transmission
Automatic
Seats
5
View listings Find dealers
Model year 2008
Owner rating Not rated
Reliability Not rated
Data updated December 4, 2025

At a glance

Model data

Overview

Powertrain
Conventional
Body style
2-door hatchback
Drive type
FWD
Transmission
Automatic, 6-speed
Category
Small sedans/hatchbacks
Generation began
2007

Pricing

Current retail median
$3,475
Retail value range
$3,275 - $3,675
Original MSRP range
$15,600 - $18,650
Trade-in range
$935 - $1,170

Ratings

Road test score
86/100

Fuel economy

EPA city
21 MPG
EPA highway
29 MPG
EPA combined
24 MPG
Tested city
16 MPG
Tested highway
32 MPG
Tested overall
24 MPG
Annual fuel cost
$1,650
Cruising range
345 miles

Road tests

0-30 mph
3.2 sec
0-60 mph
8.5 sec
60-0 mph braking
128 ft
Avoidance speed
55.5 mph
Test status
Test Completed

Dimensions

Length
166 in
Width
69 in
Height
58 in
Wheelbase
101 in
Weight
3,100 lb
Maximum load
970 lb
Towing capacity
1,000 lb

Interior

Seating
5 people
Front head room
5 in
Front leg room
42.5 in
Rear head room
3.5 in
Rear leg room
27.5 in
Cargo volume
25.5 cu ft
Luggage
2+1+0

Brand context

About Volkswagen

Most Volkswagens are well-built, agile, fun-to-drive cars that feel slightly more premium than their competitors. Its lineup is focused on SUVs, most of which have spacious, comfortable interiors and unexpectedly responsive driving dynamics. Its Golf hatchback, especially in performance trims, is a rare balance of practicality and driving thrills. Most models, including its EVs, have excellent fit and finish. Brand-wide downsides include unintuitive controls and infotainment systems, and below-average reliability for new cars. Reliability for used VWs is average.

Vehicle ID: 2352 First published: July 22, 2020 Updated: December 4, 2025

Values may vary by trim, options, location, and market conditions.

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