2006 Volkswagen Rabbit Consumer Reviews

Bought this car used in 2013 with 40K miles on it. I have spent at least three times the amount of money in repairs for this vehicle than I have for my other two previous vehicles (Toyota and Dodge) combined. Some repairs that have been needed: ABS sensor module (official VW recall) Temp gauge sensor replacement Ignition switch replacement Vacuum pump replacement due to severe leaking Front and rear axle replacement Needed fuel system cleaning due to carbon build up and resulting check engine light All 4 motor mounts replaced All 4 struts replaced 2 batteries replaced 8 tires replaced Interior issues: Both side view mirrors have come loose and fallen off for no apparent reason Sunglasses visor broken (cheap plastic) Driver side sun visor arm broken Headliner falling at roof and driver side door Driver side air grille (cheap films plastic part) has fallen out and been replaced twice Exterior issues: Paint on driver side rear quarter panel badly fading and chipping despite always keeping up on washing the vehicle. Trunk strut arm replacement (trunk will no longer stay up when opened) Rear brake lights collect water when it rains and bulbs burn out constantly This car has been a money pit for me and one of the worst examples of cheap and poorly made vehicles that I have ever seen, particularly the interior. And how does a car this small get such terrible gas mileage?? Despite all this, the car is fun to drive. But at this point is in such bad shape inside and out that it has become embarrassing to look at. I don't drive my cars into the ground. Nor have I have I ever had a car fall apart so utterly and completely, both inside and out. Definitely not impressed with the Volkswagen brand and would never recommend or buy another.

I got this car used in 2016 from my ex who took very good care of it. That being said it needed practically nothing the first 8 or so years. Everything is upgraded like the timing chain, not belt, and the electronic clutch, not a cable, so it needs very little maintenance. Brakes were changed out at 169k+ as they were glazed but they looked new. I just put $4,000 in it this year. A full set of tires, shocks, front struts and sensors, front end alignment, plus labor. I need to get some electric work done so figure another $1000.00. That will bring the total per month to $83.33 for the past 5 years as far real maintenance goes.

The car is Fantastic. It does everything ,A sporty Ride, with the capacity of a SW (My GF dog and I slept comfortable on the car in rainy camping) The gas mileage is excellent for the feel you get in return. Reliability Awesome, cheap parts, easy labor.. this car is a workhorse.. and ages really well.. it looks clean and up to date after 14 years?, Manuals are the best.. This machine is wayy more reliable than a GTI. I have to let it go because it got vandalized badly and the repair is worth more than the cost of the vehicle, the Engine, trans, suspension everything is in peak order.. I drove it for 30K of its 178,000 miles.. bought it used. 3 owners.. . worked like a Clock ..

Fuel economy should be better (26mpg av.) but there's tons of torque and it's fun to drive. Pretty quiet unless you have non standard tires, wheels or intake/exhaust. Oil changes once a year and I've only experienced one repair that was difficult to diagnose, but now it has been trouble free for a couple years. I'm at 130k and the shocks probably need done soon.

....Impressed with the build of the car. Its solid and heavy metal compared to, say my Rav4. And the ride feel is good and not too bumpy. I like the seats too. I just acquired it to resell, but impressed with it. Havnt owned a VW in many, many years and actually the only car i ever bought brand new was a VW Fox in 1989 and loved it, almost flawless and put 300k on it.Ive heard thru the years about reliability issues with VW in general and strayed from them although im a diehard VW, Audi,Porsche buff. They always made good manuals, but ive heard reports of their automatics problematic. What i can say is since out sourcing they have had issues plus VW like other European cars have to be maintained almost exquisitely so-to-speak and do better if so by qualified mechanics. These cars have to have particular fluids, maintenance and regularly and will reflect it. Between Walmart and mass production, competition and the cut throat industry people do expect reliability across the board especially if the Asians make an almost perfect car for the same amount or less money. Its all about how it makes you feel though and VW, Audi and porsche like the other German cars make you feel like you are integrated into the car. All other cars, just dont have that human touch and its an awesome feeling and ive driven every make and model and know. Im in love with VW again all over. Great car in its own many ways.

The 07 Rabbit needed front axles and cv joints, tires, condenser fans, cabin filter, 5 plugs and coil packs. Had the windows tinted. Now, it has been a great little car with that German authority and sound and presence on the road from a heavier frame and low center of gravity. The five cylinder 2.5L engine over powers the car to impressive acceleration and yet it gets 30 mpg on the highway and 23 - 27 in town depending on whether the AC is drawn on and the driving aggressive. The electric driver's seat, heated front seats, 6 disc cd player and other nice features lift it above the "economy compact" category in my estimation. I've had the new tires rotated and re-balanced once with an alignment and it is now remarkably true and clean on the road. I love to drive this car!

I drove our 2008 VW Rabbit for a few years and then turned it over to our daughter, who drove it all through high school and college. She bought a different vehicle after college graduation and Im back to driving this Rabbit. Its nimble, reliable and comfortable. We took it on long road trips in its early days and we were able to pack a lot into it and still have a comfortable ride. All around great car and we really feel weve gotten our moneys worth out of this hatchback.

I have had lots and lots of front end issues with this car, as well as alternator issues. Struts, steering column, and cv joints all within 6 months. I only have 83000 miles on it, so super low milage, but have had my fair share of issues. I really like how it drives, has nice standard options, you can feel quality and intention in the design, but I am frustrated with the mechanical issues.