what is the value of a restored 1977 volkswagen rabbit
needs some idea of value before purchase
763 views
1977 Volkswagen Rabbit Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Write a review
For the Rabbit's third year in production, Volkswagen added an optional 1.5-liter diesel engine, which was able to pump out just 48 horsepower. But while the diesel may have lacked in power, it made it up with exceptional gas mileage, nearing 50 miles per gallon on the highway and 40 mpg in the city. This was an important consideration for drivers at a time when gas prices were soaring in America.
The diesel joined the Rabbit's standard engine, a 71-horsepower four-cylinder engine installed sideways, so that it minimized the amount of space it required. And because the engine was mounted in the front, it provided additional traction for the front-wheel-drive vehicle. A four-speed manual transmission was standard in the Rabbit, while a four-speed automatic was available as an option.
The Rabbit was available as either a two-door or four-door hatchback. Standard equipment included padded sun visors, a rear window defogger, and specially designed front and back seats that improved support for the lower backs of passengers. Optional equipment included fog lamps, air conditioning, a passive restraint system, a racing-type steering wheel, and a European-style shift lever.
Drivers and reviewers noted that the Rabbit excelled in its handling and was a fun car to drive. But numerous quality issues were also reported by drivers, and regular maintenance was required to ensure the car performed properly.
Published Aug 9, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Len D
Apr 05, 2010
This was a fun little two door, four cylinder car with a five speed manual transmission and front wheel drive. Very economical to run, being one of the first economy cars in North America to also have fuel injection. This car had lots of room and handled extremely well. Not much in the way of creature comforts, since even a radio was an option - added after purchase. No A/C, no power ANYTHING, but it was great to drive nonetheless. Apr 05, 2010
by Jeanine G
Aug 11, 2009
This was the car I learned to drive on and what I drove when i could get it, in high school. It was the "family" car. Bright orange, 4-door hatchback. 4 or 5 speed. O-60 in 11 seconds?Aug 11, 2009
by Anonymous
May 28, 2009
This was my first car and it was peppy, durable and somewhat forgiving. I had the spiffy model with the "Get the Rabbit Habit" decals and the crank sunroof. Many of the more expensive cars I have owned since have not lived up to my experience with this car.
I drove it in Albany, NY, which in case you are not from the Northeast US, is a small city with big winters. It went through anything Old Man Winter threw at it, and I only had trouble stopping once (I had trouble starting once too, when I forgot to put drygas in the tank).
I guess it went through about a quart of oil a month, which I thought was normal (remember this was my first car) and it had endless troubles with the electrical system. I think VWs could be pretty cranky back then. Mostly it ran like a top, carried four college students back and forth (carpooling to get home) the couple of hours from Albany to Westchester every so often, sipped gas, held lots of stuff, and had a bike rack that fit on the back just fine.
I mention that because since then I have found that bike racks can be problematic to fit to different types of cars. The Rabbit hatchback could fit a ten-speed inside if you folded down the rear seats, but if you had passengers, then of course the bike rack was a must.
It was easy to maintain; even I could change the oil. It got hot in the sun, with the vinyl seats. It was a great car and if I were single or retired (in other words not hauling a family and friends all the time) it would be the sort of thing I'd want today. Only now I'm a big girl and I'd want the stick instead of the automatic. May 28, 2009
User rating:
by Len D
Apr 05, 2010
This was a fun little two door, four cylinder car with a five speed manual transmission and front wheel drive. Very economical to run, being one of the first economy cars in North America to also have fuel injection. This car had lots of room and handled extremely well. Not much in the way of creature comforts, since even a radio was an option - added after purchase. No A/C, no power ANYTHING, but it was great to drive nonetheless. Apr 05, 2010
by Jeanine G
Aug 11, 2009
This was the car I learned to drive on and what I drove when i could get it, in high school. It was the "family" car. Bright orange, 4-door hatchback. 4 or 5 speed. O-60 in 11 seconds?Aug 11, 2009
by Anonymous
May 28, 2009
This was my first car and it was peppy, durable and somewhat forgiving. I had the spiffy model with the "Get the Rabbit Habit" decals and the crank sunroof. Many of the more expensive cars I have owned since have not lived up to my experience with this car.
I drove it in Albany, NY, which in case you are not from the Northeast US, is a small city with big winters. It went through anything Old Man Winter threw at it, and I only had trouble stopping once (I had trouble starting once too, when I forgot to put drygas in the tank).
I guess it went through about a quart of oil a month, which I thought was normal (remember this was my first car) and it had endless troubles with the electrical system. I think VWs could be pretty cranky back then. Mostly it ran like a top, carried four college students back and forth (carpooling to get home) the couple of hours from Albany to Westchester every so often, sipped gas, held lots of stuff, and had a bike rack that fit on the back just fine.
I mention that because since then I have found that bike racks can be problematic to fit to different types of cars. The Rabbit hatchback could fit a ten-speed inside if you folded down the rear seats, but if you had passengers, then of course the bike rack was a must.
It was easy to maintain; even I could change the oil. It got hot in the sun, with the vinyl seats. It was a great car and if I were single or retired (in other words not hauling a family and friends all the time) it would be the sort of thing I'd want today. Only now I'm a big girl and I'd want the stick instead of the automatic. May 28, 2009
by Jeffrey L
Dec 27, 2007
1.6 L 1977 vw rabbit fk highsport coil overs neuspeed sway bars and strut bars. crystal clear cross hair, M3 style tail lights, large duck bill, alpine deck with 6" mtx 3way speakers, 300watt rms amp with 10i" 300watt rms mtx sub with mtx vented 10" box. and cant forget the 300mm momo steering wheel.Dec 27, 2007
by Anonymous
Sep 17, 2007
This car runs pretty good for being over 30 years old. I am still impressed with its everyday performance.Sep 17, 2007
What users have asked
What is a 1977 Rabbit worth if it does not run?
Car is in fair condition but it does not run
426 views
Wheel / tire size
What was the original wheel and tire size for 1977 VW Rabbit? Thx.
2199 views
Top Comparisons
Have you driven a 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit?Compare this car
1977 Volkswagen Rabbit Pricing
Original MSRP
N/APrice range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
No trims were found for this car.