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1983 Volkswagen Rabbit Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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The Volkswagen Rabbit lineup was expanded again in 1983 with the addition of the sporty Rabbit GTI, which already had been on sale in Europe for several years. The soul of the GTI was its 1.8-liter, fuel-injected four-cylinder engine, which was rated at 90 horsepower. It came with a more aggressive five-speed transmission, a more tightly tuned suspension, Recaro sports seats, 14-inch wheels, and a revamped instrument panel. Reviewers and drivers alike praised the car for its power and handling, and it even landed on a 10 Best list.
The standard powerplant for the Rabbit was a four-cylinder, 1.7-liter single-overhead-cam gas engine that generated 74 horsepower. A 52-horsepower, 1.6-liter diesel engine was also available as an option.
The Rabbit came in both two-door and four-door hatchback versions. A Rabbit pickup and a Rabbit convertible were also available. MacPherson struts, large disc brakes, rack and pinion steering, four-wheel independent suspension, and energy-absorbing bumpers were all standard equipment. Other standard features and options included an AM/FM radio, color-coordinated interiors, reclining front seats, a rear window defogger, a wood-grained dash, and air conditioning.
The Rabbit, and particularly the GTI, received praise from drivers and reviwers alike for its handling, agility, and quickness. Drivers also noted the vehicle's comfort, fuel efficiency, and reliability.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1983 Volkswagen Rabbit
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Anonymous
Jan 04, 2015
Well all in all my 1984 VW Rabbit is a reliable small car. It accelerates very well, good braking and handling. We get snow where I live and with the car being so light 2240lbs winter driving must be cautious, however never been stuck. Really the downfall for me with this car is that there isn't a shop close enough for me to just drive and get parts in the same day, because most of what goes in it has to be ordered and that means waiting at least 3-5 days. But this car is a BLAST to drive!Jan 04, 2015
by Craig H
Jan 17, 2012
I actually own a Rabbit Pickup, more like two. It only makes 74
horsepower at the crank but it has a little get up. Even when it runs
terrible I got 35 miles per gallon. Parts are fairly cheap but kinda hard to
find.Jan 17, 2012
by Gregory D
Dec 03, 2011
A timeless classic that is equally at home on the commute to work and a good thrashing on a twisty country road. It has typical "Volkswegian" levels of brilliant engineering and quality. Getting nearly 40 mpg doesn't hurt either. Simple, fun and cheap.Dec 03, 2011
User rating:
by Anonymous
Jan 04, 2015
Well all in all my 1984 VW Rabbit is a reliable small car. It accelerates very well, good braking and handling. We get snow where I live and with the car being so light 2240lbs winter driving must be cautious, however never been stuck. Really the downfall for me with this car is that there isn't a shop close enough for me to just drive and get parts in the same day, because most of what goes in it has to be ordered and that means waiting at least 3-5 days. But this car is a BLAST to drive!Jan 04, 2015
by Craig H
Jan 17, 2012
I actually own a Rabbit Pickup, more like two. It only makes 74
horsepower at the crank but it has a little get up. Even when it runs
terrible I got 35 miles per gallon. Parts are fairly cheap but kinda hard to
find.Jan 17, 2012
by Gregory D
Dec 03, 2011
A timeless classic that is equally at home on the commute to work and a good thrashing on a twisty country road. It has typical "Volkswegian" levels of brilliant engineering and quality. Getting nearly 40 mpg doesn't hurt either. Simple, fun and cheap.Dec 03, 2011
by Ryan S
Mar 15, 2011
it is fast. super duper fast. i drive drunk all the time. i change my oil every fifteen thousand miles........whether it needs it or not. my tires are very bald and the check engine light is on. and doneMar 15, 2011
by Todd I
Apr 02, 2010
my favorite car ive ever owned ive had 4 gti -rabbits all with suspension mods couple carb'd lol remember those? fun to drive handles great rides like a skateboard lol weighs less than 2000lbsl so minor hp increases will increase performance Apr 02, 2010
by D D C
Jul 13, 2009
When I pull up to nice Bimmers, they look, laugh and
as they pull away they don't notice me right beside
them. And as they try very hard sometimes to pull
away and show me whats what, their smile turns into a
look of astonishment. I'll never get tired of that. That
and the perplexed look on JDM owners who put
25,000 into their car and I still blow the doors off of
them. XDJul 13, 2009
by Zach H
Dec 15, 2008
Performance- Awesome acceleration and good breaking ability,zippy and fun to drive. Also, very fuel effecient.
Build-For it's age this car has a great build, only needing a few minor repairs and some tune ups this car is reliable and sturdy.
Appearance- Depends on personal taste, in my opinion, with the square angles and straight lines it looks sharp. But add to that the size of my car and its just so darn cute.
Cost- This car is affordable! Its great on gas and repairs are cheap. Parts can be hard to find at times but when you find them they aren't expensive.
Fun- Is it ever! This car is zippy and responsive, with a tight turning radius and wonderful handling, it is a delight to drive. It even makes parallel parking enjoying!
I would most definately recommend this car to any friend of mine, and i do.Dec 15, 2008
by Todd I
Apr 04, 2008
my favorite car of all time total sleeperApr 04, 2008
by Zach H
Apr 03, 2008
I like it.Apr 03, 2008
by Whitaker W
Apr 02, 2008
work in progressApr 02, 2008
by Garret R
Mar 29, 2008
The best car I ever owned in my life. Mar 29, 2008
by Naomi E
Mar 27, 2008
I loved this car, but it was very peskyMar 27, 2008
by Erik L
Jan 26, 2008
TURBO SET UP IS IN PREP
WILL ROLL ON 215/50R13Jan 26, 2008
by Ryan K
Jan 13, 2008
1.7 CIS Westmoreland-built.Jan 13, 2008
What users have asked
Turn on key and fan comes on and ignition coil clicks
I sprayed engine compartment out then a few days later hesitant start then start with a weird noise
205 views
1983 Rabbit Convertible 1.7L gas FI
The engine is running very rough, with a pronounced putt-putt-puttsound, has no power at low speeds. On the hiway, it goes OK until you get to a hill. Plugs, wires, cap, rotor all new. Adjusted timing both ways, made no difference. Feels like the points are bad, but it has electronic ignition. Any ideas?
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1983 Volkswagen Rabbit Pricing
Original MSRP
$6,715 to $10,895Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Audio System
AM/FM radio
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: cloth
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent