2004 Volkswagen Phaeton Review

Name: 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton Review
Brand: Volkswagen
Price: 1687 USD
Rating: 4.9 (85 reviews)

2004 Volkswagen Phaeton Premiere Edition W12 4dr Sedan

+88

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Volkswagen Phaeton model years

2006
2005
2004

Volkswagen Phaeton for Sale

2006
2005
2004

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Edmunds' Expert Review

by the Edmunds Experts

Pros

Powerful engine lineup, standard all-wheel drive, a features list Mercedes would be proud to call its own.

Cons

Low fuel economy, premium price for a non-premium brand.

What’s new

The Phaeton is an all-new ultraluxury flagship sedan from Volkswagen.

Edmunds says

It competes favorably with Germany's finest on nearly every level, but without the prestigious name it's hard to swallow the price.

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton V8 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.58 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Monthly estimates based on costs in Ohio

$334/mo

$224/mo

Avg. Large Car

Calculate my fuel costs

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton.

5 (92%)

4 (6%)

3 (1%)

2 (1%)

1 (0%)

4.9

85 reviews

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Most helpful consumer reviews

Better With Age

Channing, 10/18/2016

2004 Volkswagen Phaeton V8 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)

I believe the style is beautiful and timeless, although it will pass as a Passat 99% of the time. Powerful engine, although it has a little drag as a result of its weight. Tech is terribly outdated, although upgrading is simple. Suspension is second only to RR Phantom on long stretches, although bumpy roads and sharp turns prove an obstacle. Small electronic issues will be endless. …

Bentley With VW Badges

imon_2nd, 06/01/2015

2004 Volkswagen Phaeton V8 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)

I've always wondered what it would be like to own a Bentley Continental Flying Spur. However, the price of a decent used one, currently around $65K is out of my budget. I knew the VW Phaeton was basically the same car minus the turbochargers. After shopping for a few months, I won the bid on eBay for a low mileage V8 model Phaeton at $11,800. My previous daily driver was a 1993 …

Best Kept Secret in the Used Car Market

Steve, 12/20/2009

2004 Volkswagen Phaeton V8 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)

I purchased a used, certified model with 60,000 miles from a VW dealer. The superb materials and build quality make it seem hardly used. The buttons, carpets, leather surfaces, chrome, liners, etc all look new. The paint deserves special mention. My silver reflex paint scheme is beautiful. The car is comfortable, with ample room inside, especially the back seat area. The air …

Car as hobby

sooththetruth, 05/13/2010

2004 Volkswagen Phaeton V8 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A)

I craved this car for months, shopped for 6 months, and found a great deal, with remaining CPO warranty. The car is a dream to drive, and the ride unimaginably good. However, you learn that this is a finicky monster to maintain properly. The tires wore quickly because the alignment went out, and there are few places that no how to align it. Without a long term warranty? A …

See all 85 reviews of the Volkswagen Phaeton

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2004 Phaeton Highlights

Trim:

Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee	$64,600
Engine Type	Gas
Combined MPG	16 MPG
Cost to Drive	$334/month
Seating	5 seats
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place	13.0 cu.ft.
Drivetrain	all wheel drive
Warranty	4 years / 50,000 miles

See all features & specs

Safety

Key safety features on the Phaeton include:

Alarm
Tire Pressure Warning
Stability Control

2004 Volkswagen Phaeton Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton V8 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.58 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the Used 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton.

Trending topics in reviews

Most helpful consumer reviews

Better With Age

Bentley With VW Badges

Best Kept Secret in the Used Car Market

Car as hobby

2004 Phaeton Highlights

Safety

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2004 Volkswagen Phaeton Review

Edmunds' Expert Review

Pros

Cons

What’s new

Edmunds says

Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton V8 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.58 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.

Most helpful consumer reviews

Better With Age

Bentley With VW Badges

Best Kept Secret in the Used Car Market

Car as hobby

2004 Phaeton Highlights

Safety

Related Used 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton info

Vehicle reviews of used models

Popular new car reviews and ratings

Research other models of Volkswagen

Join Edmunds

Cost to Drive^{Cost to drive estimates for the 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton V8 4dr Sedan (4.2L 8cyl 6A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $4.58 per gallon for premium unleaded in Ohio.}