1984 Volkswagen Rabbit Reviews, Pricing & Specs
Overview
Now you see it, now you don't...and now you see it again. That could describe the Rabbit's history in the U.S. When it was introduced...
Now you see it, now you don't...and now you see it again. That could describe the Rabbit's history in the U.S. When it was introduced worldwide in the mid 1970s, the hatchback vehicle known in the U.S. as the VW Rabbit was known as the VW Golf throughout much of the rest of the world. But when the Rabbit/Golf was redesigned in 1985, the Rabbit name was dropped, and the vehicle was renamed the Golf when it showed up in U.S. showrooms. So 1984 would be the last year for the Rabbit...until, of course, it made its return in 2006, when the Golf named was dropped and the Rabbit name resurrected (in an effort to recapture some of that old Rabbit mystique, no doubt).
In anticipation of those mid-'80s changes, the 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit was essentially the same vehicle as the previous year's model. The standard powerplant 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.
In addition, the Rabbit was available in a sporty GTI package, which was spun off by VW into its own model lineup. The GTI came with a 1.8-liter, fuel-injected four-cylinder engine, which was rated at 90 horsepower.
The '84 Rabbit came in both two-door and four-door hatchback versions. A Rabbit pickup and a Rabbit convertible (later redubbed the Cabriolet) were also available.
MacPherson struts, large disc brakes, rack and pinion steering, four-wheel independent suspension, and energy-absorbing bumpers were all standard equipment for the Rabbit. 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's durability is often singled out by drivers for praise, as the hatchbacked vehicles tended to run until their odometers were well into six figures. The Rabbit was not without its problems, but drivers remained loyal because the vehicle was considered to be fast, fuel efficient, and fun to drive.
What owners say
"Overall, owners of the 1984 Volkswagen Rabbit appreciate its fun driving experience and reliable performance. Many drivers enjoy the handling, economy, and the ability to modify the car easily. However, some have noted issues with lack of power in certain models and the need for maintenance over time."
Carburator barely holding on Good brakes Runs cool Primer finish Very fun, very unique, style of it's own. 4 speed manual purchase price was cheap, repairs are free to cheap, gas is ok. Holding up great for an old car.
August 15, 2012This was my first new car. I bought it in Germany as a US serviceman. It was made in Pennsylvania for the US market and even with only 90 bhp was the quickest car to 50 mph available in the US except for the Corvette, such was the state of US Automobiles. Its handling was fabulous and after the addition of an oil cooler, it would cruise all day on the autobahn at 105 mph. Mine held together very well and I sadly sold it in Mississippi after five years and 98000 miles with no mechanical trouble at all. The paint and interior held up and looked new also. I really miss this car. Not the fastest, but by far the best of the 80's pocket rockets. The 84 was the last and best of the Rabbits, it had a 120 mph speedo while the 83's had only an 85 mph speedo and clunkyer looking bumpers.
March 25, 2009My vw rabbit was my first car to be modified (by me) it was my first sunday project. it had minor modifications in the engine (better lubrication, higher compression, bigger intake and carb). This was my only means of transportation for quite some time, the little mods i made to the car gave me a tremendous result in power and fuel economy. at first the car had been thirsty for parts since it lacked proper maintenance and i had some problems, but after all the problems were fixed it only needed gas and it was the most reliable car i have ever had. It was an daily used car with great performance and since its appearance is not that great for some others it was quite a surprise in the racing community (nobody likes to get blown with an inferior car!!! jejeje) the cost for this car was surprisingly low, the parts where very easy to find and very cheap. this was a very fun car to drive on the road and on the track.
April 22, 2012What owners say
Carburator barely holding on Good brakes Runs cool Primer finish Very fun, very unique, style of it's own. 4 speed manual purchase price was cheap, repairs are free to cheap, gas is ok. Holding up great for an old car.
August 15, 2012This was my first new car. I bought it in Germany as a US serviceman. It was made in Pennsylvania for the US market and even with only 90 bhp was the quickest car to 50 mph available in the US except for the Corvette, such was the state of US Automobiles. Its handling was fabulous and after the addition of an oil cooler, it would cruise all day on the autobahn at 105 mph. Mine held together very well and I sadly sold it in Mississippi after five years and 98000 miles with no mechanical trouble at all. The paint and interior held up and looked new also. I really miss this car. Not the fastest, but by far the best of the 80's pocket rockets. The 84 was the last and best of the Rabbits, it had a 120 mph speedo while the 83's had only an 85 mph speedo and clunkyer looking bumpers.
March 25, 2009My vw rabbit was my first car to be modified (by me) it was my first sunday project. it had minor modifications in the engine (better lubrication, higher compression, bigger intake and carb). This was my only means of transportation for quite some time, the little mods i made to the car gave me a tremendous result in power and fuel economy. at first the car had been thirsty for parts since it lacked proper maintenance and i had some problems, but after all the problems were fixed it only needed gas and it was the most reliable car i have ever had. It was an daily used car with great performance and since its appearance is not that great for some others it was quite a surprise in the racing community (nobody likes to get blown with an inferior car!!! jejeje) the cost for this car was surprisingly low, the parts where very easy to find and very cheap. this was a very fun car to drive on the road and on the track.
April 22, 2012It does it all !!! Fun, performance, acceleration, handling, comfort, fuel efficiency, etc... You could drive to the end of the country without effort ! And the looks of it, specially the interior, with its blue racing seats covered with red stripes.
April 7, 2010I owned a 77 Scirocco before my GTI, so I already was into VW's. I bought this car for $1500, and put a few more bucks into it to beef up the performance. Old V-Dubs are so easy to supe up. A few dollars here, a few dollars there, and voila! A bonified slicer and dicer of suped up Japanese cars. This cars was quick, handled really nice, braking was top notch (thanks to a few upgrades). It was a solid car, but did need a repair here and there. Afterall, it was built in 1984. I totally dig the A1 VW's inside and out. I planned on adding a euro grill and cabriolet body kit to make it prettier. Gas milage was pretty good, and maintenence was cheap. Totally fun car to drive. I'd still have it today if it weren't for some jerk who blew a stop sign and ruined this car and my back.
September 10, 2010Solid car, rev happy and goes like hell
April 12, 2008I have an old 1984 Rabbit L Diesel. It is in fairly good condition for having 390,000 miles. Mechanically, it is in surprisingly good shape. It runs well and despite everything being worn out, there is still life in the old thing. I have a large pile of parts to restore the car and make it look and perform like new... Hey, for $200.00 it is still a good deal.
November 9, 2010My Uncle Craig was always a huge VW fan, and still is, and he bought this car for his daughter. After she wrecked it, he spent more than the car was worth to fix it, and he used it as his own just for fun vehicle. It was a bright red (almost an orange) 1984 VW Rabbit cabriolet, with a black interior, with less than 90,000 miles. It had a peppy little fuel-injected 4-banger making maybe 90 horsepower at the most, mated to a 5-speed manual transmission. There was no A/C or power options, but you don't really need A/C in a convertible in California. It had a Kenwood tape deck and crappy speakers, and custom wheels, and that was about it. When we spent Christmas with the Collords in 2001, this was the car my dad and I used to go on our father-son outings. It had lots of pep and was incredibly fun to drive. The manual top was easy to operate, and the car was absolutely gorgeous. Robyn and her boyfriend managed to overheat the engine a few years back, again causing extensive expensive damage. The car was donated to a charity of some sort.
August 24, 2008Bought it with 147 on the odo 9 years ago. Being a mechanic, the last thing I want to do in my time off is work on a car. Lead foot and mountain driving, somewhat frequent jack rabbit starts and oil changes somewhere between 7 & 9000 miles and the car has been flawless to it's present 234K. Normal wear and tear items have been replaced and the interior is showing the mileage and UV exposure. Other than that I have only 1 complaint - that it gets only 30 mpg. (Yes, I am being sarcastic.)
April 1, 2010I love my 1.6 Diesel L. It is not very fast, but very economical. It sticks to the road like glue. I love getting 50mpg. The doors need adjusting, and it needs some repairs, but for being 25 years old, I can't complain. Parts are cheap, and fairly easy to find. I love this car, most people who see it love it...I would recommend a Diesel Rabbit to anyone.
January 23, 2010
