Exterior styling
Same body as the GTI, nice looking, smooth lines, kind of a fatty. A lot of cosmetic parts work between the Rabbit and the GTI.
Materials & workmanship
Everything fits, small gapping, solid feeling car. Nothing falling off or breaking easily.
Price or payments
Relatively low payment, get lots of nonstandard options as standard on VWs
Reliability & durability
No problems so far, the car feels durable and does not creak or make funny noises
Insurance cost
Relatively slow depreciation, not much changed through the years (of the 170hp engine). Insurance is not that high.
Feature availability
OEM Features were expensive, very expensive. No HIDs, no full MFD, no premium audio, not the best seats
Fuel economy
Does not get very good gas mileage. 20-21mpg? The fuel map has weird cutoff points and the stock intake system has a HUGE delay + drive by wire delay
Audio & nav systems
No options, no low end, ipod dock sucks, does not work with iphone. Should have left Aux in function with ipod dock (Like a true upgrade... not take something else away).
Handling
Numb steering, no feedback, FWD so lots of understeer, feels heavy in the front.
Powertrain performance
Somewhat jerky power curve, huge delay in throttle if stock. Decent power off the line but missing a fun factor.