Regarding my earler post, yes Herndon Virginia, VW sold Rabbit diesels in States (late 1970s through the early 1980s). VW of America reintroduced the Rabbit nameplate, for 2006/07 (fifth gen Golf). No diesel option on that car.

John,

Thanks for your comments.

Since 2007, U.S.-bound Rabbits/Golfs csme/come from Germany.

Consumer Reports actually recommends the fifth and sixth generation Rabbit/Golf. The I-5 engine version has 45% fewer problems than the average car.

VW of American didn't offer a Rabbit diesel. However,the Golf TDI arrived with the sixth-gen car (2010 or so). So far, these have average reliability.

VW's latest clean diesel is a complex mill.

So, I think your take on the Rabbit/Golf focuses on the fourth-generation car. Those indeed were imported from countries south of the U.S., not always Mexico though.

CR says this Golf, as a line, has a lower than average reliability record.