Volkswagen pulled out all the stops for the Phaeton's first year, delivering a luxury vehicle that was designed to be the equal of the best from Mercedes-Benz, BMW, Jaguar, Audi, and even Bentley. In fact, the Phaeton shared a platform with models from Audi and Bentley, testifying to its luxury pedigree.
For 2004, the Phaeton was available with a choice of two engines -- a 3.2-liter V8 that generated 335 horsepower, and a 6.0-liter W12 engine that pumped out 420 horsepower. The V8 was linked to a six-speed automatic transmission, while the W12 came with a five-speed automatic with the Tiptronic feature that enabled drivers to manually shift gears, depending on driving conditions.
Standard features for the Phaeton were plentiful, and included an innovative 4-Zone Climatronic climate control system that enabled four occupants (two in the front seat and two in the back) to set their own temperature and air-flow preferences. The V8 Phaeton came with 12-way power-adjustable heated seats, while the W12 model's seats were adjustable in 18 different ways, including height, angle, headrest, lumbar, upper and lower body. In addition, reat seats in the W12 were heated, as were the front seats.
The list of features also included power windows, power brakes, power door locks, anti-lock brakes, keyless entry, cruise control, an anti-theft alarm system, four-wheel anti-lock brakes, xenon headlights with headlamp washers, a navigation system, an electrochromatic rear-view mirror, a self-leveling suspension, power retractable mirrors, double-pane safety glass, and 18-inch wheels.
Drivers found a lot to like about the Phaeton, including the car's solidness, luxury features, acceleration, handling, and safety features. Low gas mileage was probably to be expected with engines as powerful as the Phaeton's, but drivers also noted some other negative aspects with the car, such as electrical problems as well as issues with dealers when cars were taken into the shop for repairs.
4.9 Overall rating
(13 reviews)For the price of a BMW 3 series, you can get get the "cousin" of the Audi A8/Bentley Continental Flying Spur (same dimensions/components); the build quality is fantastic, everything is top notch: DSP 12-channel sound system, 18-way driver/16-way passenger seats (all 4 seats are heated/cooled/massaging/ lumbar adjustable), 4-zone AC with motorized vent covers, dual-pane windows, glass moonroof with motorized sun shade, motorized rear sunshade, rear side privacy shades, 4-setting air suspension, front/rear parking sensors, motorized trunk lid, 4-way motorized adjustable & heated steering wheel - the list goes on and on!
I have owned Mercedes and BMWs for more than 20 years. I bought my 1st Phaeton in 2005 and I am now on my 3rd. It is the best car I have ever owned. I am saddened that this will probably be my last one as there are not many left in the U.S.
I own a 2004 Phaeton V8 - when it is working it is the best car I ever owned - when it requires service it is a nightmare - $1100.00 to repair parking brake pawl comes to mind - drives like a Bentley in all regards - the service bills are the same as a Bentley - if you can buy one that has less than 90k miles AND has had the timing belt replaced go for it
This car just leaves me speechless, thank god I'm typing. It's still hard to believe that this is a Volkswagen. They've done it again, created another classic in my heart.
Have not seen the actual automobile just yet, just photos, but the car is very rare and hard to find. I am about 1200 miles from the dealership and have been looking for this type of car for two years.
2004 Volkswagen Phaeton FAQs
How many 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton vehicles in Lansing, MI have no reported accidents or damage?
1 out of 1 for sale near Lansing, MI have no reported accidents or damage.
What is the fuel economy of the 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton?
Depending on the engine and options, the 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton gets between 17 and 17 MPG (or MPGe).
What fuel types are available?
Gasoline engines are available.
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