Volkswagen Rabbit
Volkswagen
Photo: Jeremy from Sydney, Australia / Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 2.0
Volkswagen Rabbit: The American-Market Golf
The Rabbit was the name used for the Golf in the United States during certain eras, including the influential first generation.
When the first-generation Golf launched in the US in 1975, Volkswagen sold it as the Rabbit, a name it kept through the early 1980s. This original Rabbit, including the US-built versions, helped establish the modern hatchback in America and spawned the first Rabbit GTI.
Volkswagen revived the Rabbit name in the US for the fifth-generation Golf from 2006 to 2009, before reverting to the Golf name globally. The Rabbit badge thus appears on two distinct, well-regarded eras of the Golf.
The Rabbit name is fondly remembered by American enthusiasts, particularly the early cars that brought practical, fun, efficient hatchback motoring to the US.
Frequently asked questions about Volkswagen Rabbit
What is the Volkswagen Rabbit?
The Rabbit was the name used for the Golf in the United States during certain eras.
When was the original Rabbit sold?
The first-generation Rabbit was sold in the US from 1975 through the early 1980s.
Was the Rabbit name revived?
Yes, the name returned for the fifth-generation Golf in the US from 2006 to 2009.
Is the Rabbit the same as the Golf?
Yes, the Rabbit is the US-market name for the Volkswagen Golf in those eras.
Why is the Rabbit remembered fondly?
The early Rabbit helped establish the modern practical, fun hatchback in America.
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