2004 Volkswagen Phaeton Reviews, Pricing & Specs
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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.
Published Aug 8, 2022 by CarGurus Editorial Team
User reviews for 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton
Write a reviewUser rating:
by Hugh C
Jul 17, 2024
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. Jul 17, 2024
by greg g
Feb 20, 2024
Audi 8 combo on the VW chassee
Most Excellent model of performance, safety
and longjevity.
Feb 20, 2024
by Anonymous
Dec 22, 2023
Excellent; car is a good value but the flashlight is missing,Dec 22, 2023
User rating:
by Hugh C
Jul 17, 2024
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. Jul 17, 2024
by greg g
Feb 20, 2024
Audi 8 combo on the VW chassee
Most Excellent model of performance, safety
and longjevity.
Feb 20, 2024
by Anonymous
Dec 22, 2023
Excellent; car is a good value but the flashlight is missing,Dec 22, 2023
by James N
May 13, 2022
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 itMay 13, 2022
by Claude G
Nov 02, 2021
This particular car is the best bargain on the used car market today, for these reasons: It is feature rich; All parts, interior and drive-train, are top quality; Lasting expectation rivals best from Toyota; And, it was an $85,000 vehicle that will cost you a messily $4000 and change.Nov 02, 2021
by Kevin W
Apr 08, 2021
Viewing the available photos, the car looks as if it’s in good shape. I am already a fan of the VW Phaeton, would love to have someone contact me so I may travel to see and possibly test drive the car.Apr 08, 2021
by Al B
Oct 26, 2020
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.Oct 26, 2020
by Calvin B
Oct 15, 2020
Yes the 2004 phantom has a timeless classic Look that will hold value in years to come and still remain that I’m a stackable Volkswagen integrityOct 15, 2020
by Anonymous
Jun 30, 2010
This may be the finest quality automobile i have owned,
including Mercedes, BMW, Rolls, etc. Fit, finish and assembly
are impeccable. At 80 mph it seems as quite as idling in the
driveway. After 80,0000 miles i feel the same way as the day
i bought it. The car has no squeaks, rattles or "phantom"
noises.
Its not for the frugal though, the spark plugs are $16.00 each
and two hours labor to install them, wiper blades $25 each.
They are a steal at $25K now.Jun 30, 2010
by Carlos V
Jul 07, 2008
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.Jul 07, 2008
by Chris M
Jun 25, 2008
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! Jun 25, 2008
by Steve S
Jun 05, 2008
I cannot stress how amazining this car is.Jun 05, 2008
by Anonymous
Mar 31, 2008
This car does it all.Got mine off of 3 year lease ,a dentist owned it and it had only 26,300 miles.Paid 39,500 out the door.Mileage in town 13.8-14.3.mileage on the road at 80 on cruise better than 20 mpg,Get one of these, you won't be disappointed.Also ,the r are only about 4,000 of thewse in the U.S.Mar 31, 2008
What users have asked
vw phaeton trunk key unlocks but is very heavy to lift manually
when key is used to unlock trunk , should it open or lift manually , very heavy
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2004 Volkswagen Phaeton Pricing
Original MSRP
$65,215 to $95,215Price range
N/AAverage price on CG
N/AYoY price change
N/ATrims & specs
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Dual rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Rear side airbags · Front side curtain airbags
Audio System
CD changer: 6 · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Sunshade: power rear window
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: center
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Safety
Parking sensors: front and rear
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Suspension control: electronic
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Rear air conditioning: with independent controls · Dual rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
CD changer: 6 · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: wood · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: passenger seat · Multi-function remote: keyless entry · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Sunshade: power rear window
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: center
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: HID
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: integrated turn signals
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Safety
Parking sensors: front and rear
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Suspension control: electronic
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: intermittent
Air Conditioning
Automatic climate control front air conditioning · Dual front air conditioning zones · Automatic climate control rear air conditioning · Dual rear air conditioning zones
Airbags
Dual front airbags · Rear side airbags · Rear side curtain airbags
Audio System
CD changer: 6 · MP3 player: CD MP3 Playback · AM/FM radio · Remote CD changer location: in glove compartment
Brakes
ABS: 4-wheel
Comfort Features
Shift knob trim: leather · Steering wheel trim: leather
Convenience Features
Dimming rearview mirror: auto-dimming · Memorized settings: driver seat · Multi-function remote: trunk release · Steering wheel: power tilt and telescopic · Steering wheel mounted controls: audio · Sunshade: power rear window
Drivetrain
Limited slip differential: center
Exterior Features
Paint: special factory paint
Lights
Exterior entry lights: security approach lamps · Headlights: Auto on/off
Mirrors
Exterior mirrors: heated
Rear Seats
Type: bench
Roof
Moonroof: power
Safety
Parking sensors: front and rear
Seats
Front seat type: bucket · Upholstery: leather
Suspension
Front Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Leveling: self leveling suspension · Rear Spring Type: pneumatic springs · Suspension control: electronic
Tires and Rims
Wheel type: aluminum alloy
Windows
Front wipers: rain sensing