Volkswagen Rabbit Model Years and History

Both the VW Rabbit and the sporty GTI model see few changes for 2009. The 4-door Rabbit is available in automatic only, while the electronic stabilization program (ESP) becomes standard across the Rabbit line. A power sunroof is available on 2-door Rabbits, as is the Cold Weather Package. The biggest change in the GTI takes place in the engine, where the 2.0L is now chain-driven rather than belt-driven. Power output remains the same. Silver has been dropped as a color, and a new navigation system is available. Volkswagen's electronic stabilization program (ESP) is now standard.

Both the VW Rabbit and the sporty GTI model see minor changes for 2008. The Rabbit's 2.5L inline five-cylinder engine now makes 170 horsepower, up 20 from last year, and tire pressure monitors are newly standard. The GTI gets revised suspension settings that reduce its ride height by nearly an inch. The Rabbit is now offered in a single trim level, called the S.

Volkswagen phased out the Golf nameplate in 2006 by introducing the nostalgically named Rabbit late in the model year. This all-new model has a power boost over the Golf, and comes in both two- and four- door hatchback body styles (whereas the Golf was only available as a four-door in its final year). What is most exceptional about the Rabbit, though, is that it has far more standard features than the Golf while being priced lower. The Rabbit is powered by a 2.5L in-line five-cylinder engine that makes 150 horsepower and 170 lb-ft of torque.