Used 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton Consumer Reviews
See Edmunds pricing data
Has Your Car's Value Changed?
Used car values are constantly changing. Edmunds lets you track your vehicle's value over time so you can decide when to sell or trade in.
2005 Phaeton is Audi/Bentley indisguise
Aside from a few switches, lack of auto chestnut covers on front air vents, massage ac/heated seats all the way around and about $80,000 you can SETTLE for an Audi A8L or a Bentley Flying Spur. The Phaeton is amazing. All the above, with soft close doors, a 270 Watt Bose 17 speaker system, a great manu shift tranny w/ AWD makes it a dream car in stealth mode. Best thing I've ever driven. A True Luxury Rocket. Found a 2005 with 29k miles. Gotta go drive it. Get'em before they're gone. Best Lux Bargain Going. VW should try again with 2013. Sells well in Europe. Bring on the auto bahn.
Those who know it - appreciate it.
Beautiful exterior; drive for sport, drive for comfort, in the rain, sleet and snow it's a champ, enjoy the sound system, massaging seats and share the story with those many inquirers. Some quirky issues correctly identified by other reviews just cannot outweigh the value of buying this car with some gentle miles, and really enjoying it. It's one of the few unique vehicles that not pretentious, but is truly luxurious.
Great Car!
Best interior for quality, comfort and looks of any BMW, Mercedes,even Audi. Performs well. Edmunds cites heavy weight impedes handling. My view is the extra heft makes for a quieter more comfortable ride. I like having the VW badge. It gives me a great car without the high profile prestige factor.
Wow
I have owned Mercedes and BMWs for all of my adult life. Not only does the Volkswagen Phaeton perform better, it is more comfortable and far more stylish!
What a luxury and craftmanship
The Volkswagen Phaeton is a dream machine, very well thought and executed. BMW and Mercedes need to look at Phaeton's interior and learn what luxury is all about. If you drive the car, you will buy it!. Don't bother driving the BMW 740 or Mercedes-Benz S500; technologically they are not even comparable. The sound system (upgrade via DSP system) is the best on the planet on a car. It is like a disco in there.
2005 Phaeton V8
The only small negative about the Volkswagen Phaeton V8 is the poor fuel mileage. For a 5,200 lb car, I espected this though. Otherwise, I think it is just about perfect. It has excellent fit and finish. It has the people comforts you expect in only the best cars which cost much more. its engine is very powerful and the car is very smooth and quite at high speeds.
Best Car under $150,000
I owned every luxury German car brand there is, plus some great Asian cars. This is the best bar none. The importer did a poor job of promoting the car and nobody know how good it is. VW has treaded the Phaeton a bit better in Europe, but their problems in the USA have caused it to be cancelled. They really hosed the owners, but this car is hard to belive. Its build quality is utterly fanstastic. It drives great, quiet and smooth with great handling, ride and acoustics. What a sound system.
Amazing! What a dream!
Although I was concerned with jumping into an unproven model, I have no regrets about the Volkswagen Phaeton V8. It is a pleasure to drive, has no road noise and I love the 4 suspension choices. As a designer, I was smitten with the luxurious interior appointments. this car reminds me of the Bentley that I used to own. It is a head-turner, every day I respond to questions from appreciative onlookers. Onstar is also part of the whole package. I hate to admit that I've said goodbye to BMW, but this car is much more interesting.
Best Car Ever
After one year of considering buying the Phaeton, I finally decided to actually purchase a W12 Phaeton. It now has 1000 miles on it and I find absolutely no problems with it. Sure, I wish it had a DVD navigation and a phone, but still it is a very well built car. The fit and finish exceeds all other cars I've owned. The paint finish is superior to all cars I've purchased under $120,000. This car needs to be advertised more as its destiny is uncertain. No matter what happens, this car will always get attention. Everyone that sees it wants to have a closer look and they have a fit over it. While you still can, buy one. It is a great car that is so underrated.
An Outstanding Luxury Vehicle
This is a great car. I have owned BMW, Mercedes, Jaguar, Lexus etc. Undoubtedly, this is the most luxurious, elegant, unpretentious (which suits me), best riding, quiet car of all. I wanted an all wheel drive luxury car and VW has come through in spades. I am looking to a Bentley but when comparing it to the Phaeton find it difficult to justify the higher price and can't imagine the build quality could be that much superior.
2005 Phaeton
I have never owned a more luxurious vehicle. It has every option you could possibbly ask for in an up scale auto. The ride is as quite as any Cadilac, Mercedes, or BMW we have owned over the years. This is truley the auto buy of the decade.
What a bargain
The Volkswagen Phaeton W12 is the best kept secret in luxury automobiles. it has features galore, impressive performance, and terrific handling. Some critics have said the steering is too soft. Having owned at least one of each German made car, I can say the handling can only be criticized by a professional driver or nitpicking journalist. It corners beautifully and the all wheel drive is a bonus. I can only be critical of the navigation system, it doesn't have any street names. Otherwise, the car surrounds you with luxury and performance. With factory rebates to dealers, the price is astounding for a car of this level. I shopped the Audi A8L, BMW 745, and Mercedes S500. This car is a notch above them for about the same price.
the best kept secret
I love the drive, comfort, design and logo of my Volkswagen Phaeton V8. When you want something that is unique, go for this car and let go of your ego. I appreciate the weight and the substantial feel of the car.
My VW
Prior to my purchase of the VW Phaeton, I have owned Bentleys, Rolls Royces, Mercedes, Lexus, and just about all of the other luxury cars made. I must say that in my opinion the VW Phaeton is as good or better than any of the others. The only faults that I can find are in the poor gas mileage, and the fact that the grill does not specify "Phaeton." I find it a delight to drive, localy or on a trip.
Best of the bunch
Drive any other car in this category - BMW, Mercedes, Lexus, etc. If you can get past the marquee, you will realize that the Volkswagen Phaeton V8 is the best put together vehicle of the bunch. it has perfect fit and finish and comfort on long trips like none other. I hope they don't pull the plug on this fine car.
Better than BMW and Mercedes
I have had many luxury cars, but my Volkswagen Phaeton W12 is the best all around vehicle. it rides like it is on railsl, handles amazingly well, is built like a tank and exudes luxurry, inside and out. It is the perfect understatement for people of taste and class.
Outstanding Value
This car, with the outstanding deals being offered, represents great value. The quality of the interior materials is above average for the class. Yes, it's heavy, but it rolls down the road in fine style and the structure feels bank vault strong. I've been averaging 17-18 mpg in a mix of city and highway driving, not bad for a large car. Overall I'm very impressed so far, and look forward to driving this car every chance I get. Those who don't consider this car because it's has the VW emblem are making an error, there is nothing like a Phaeton for the price. Consider this; the Bentley Continental is built on the same platform and shares most of the Phaeton's running gear!
Pleasant surprise
I happened upon this vehicle by chance and am very happy for the outcome. I am very impressed by the engine muscle, interior comfort and subdued exterior design - not in to the 'prestige vehicle' badges. The car wants to go at speeds more compatible with its design. I have a hard time keeping it under 80 mph. Indeed, in one instance I was pressed to accelerate only briefly and quickly reached 120 mph. Its fuel economy is not good, with average city driving yielding about 16.5 - 17.0 mpg. I always look for excuses to drive this car - a wonderful feeling. I also look forward to my first road trip - should be fantastic!
Undercover Lux
We love the car and can easily compare it to our Merc S430 we drove for 3 years. This car is much beter for interior room and comfort. I am very tall and I can comfortably fit behind a tall driver. What is included for the base price is beyond what Mercedes offers.
blast!!!
I HAVE OWNED A 750 BMW AND A 500S MERCEDES AND THIS CAR IS BETTER THAN EITHER!THE INTERIOR IS GREAT LOOKING WITH ALL THAT REAL WOOD.RIDE IS TERRIFIC , WONDERFULLY EQUIPED, SPIRITED HANDLING.THE ONLY NEGATIVE IS THE GAS MILEAGE WHEN YOU PUSH IT, WHICH I DO ALL THE TIME- A SMALL PRICE TO PAY FOR ALL THAT FUN! BUY IT, UNLESS YOU ARE A BRAND NAME PERSON ONLY.
The W12 blows away the competition..
It seems all the automotive editors are most concerned about whether or not VW should have built this car and whether or not people will pay this much money for a VW badged car. The editors instead should concentrate on what a magnificent car this is and the fact that it is practically hand built in a marvelous new 'glass' factory in Dresden. It is rumored that the Bentley Continental (with which the VW shares many parts) will soon be built alongside the Phaeton. There are approximately 300 W12's out there in the USA. It has been a tremendous buy at the '04 closeout prices, and well could become a classic.
The "Clark Kent" of Luxury Cars
I was a dedicated BMW 7 Series owner, until the 7 Series became tainted by cab gimmickry, a rear end so homely it appears designed piecemeal by committee, and a failure to keep up with demand for advanced AWD driving technology. The Phaeton is precisely what the BMW 7 Series should be, had BMW been doing its homework over the last four years. Phaeton is doing for the VW trade name what award-winning chardonnay did for Gallo -- it brings an air of respectability to VW. Compared, the Audi A12 is just too lightweight. The heavy Phaeton has a low center of gravity, providing a feeling of safety, luxury and control.
Luv my Phaeton
Have 31,000 miles on auto. Have not had one thing which I could ask the dealer to fix. NOTHING. Service has been beyond excellent. They say VW dealers dont know how to sell or provide customer service to luxury buyers. My buying and customer service from my dealer has been better than my previous Mercedes, Lexus and BMW dealers. Last two cars were 740-ils several small problems with each. Loved my 740s but my Phaeton will be remembered more than my first car. If I can ever part with this W12 my next car would be another one. It is too bad that other luxury car owners are afraid or maybe embarrassed of saying I own a VW. They are missing a great driving experience.
Really like the car
Well made performance sedan, drives on freeway better than the Audi A8. Very stable, comfortable highway sedan with AWD.
A nice all around cruiser.
This car has all one could want in a cruising car. I bought it for long trips on the freeway and trips into NYC and Boston. The suspension is wonderful and with the W12, the car can get out of its own way also. As someone who races GT cars in 2 professional series, this is a great car for what it's meant to be. A nice street car with ample power, predictable handling, and the best interior space I been in.
best car I ever owned
I have owned many luxury and sports cars over the last 20 years. The Phaeton is clearly the best by a substantial margin. The fact that it carries the VW badge should not be a deterrent for true car lovers and afficionados.
Awesome machine everyone should owe one
awesome performance best of german design a wonder to drive or be driven in just awesome
The People's Luxury Car
While some would argue that VW is the maker of inexpensive economy cars, it has been gradually making its way upmarket. The Phaeton is the company's attempt to match Mercedes and BMW's flagship sedans directly. For the most part, the experiment works. The Phaeton can best be appreciated from the inside-out where the driver and passengers are coddled in top-quality materials and a pleasant environment. The styling is sublimely understated to the point where it might be considered the Passat's big brother. Still, it won't confuse anyone out there with an S-class or 7-series. Its performance is quietly competent but certainly no M-5 bahn-burner.
Mercedes vs. Phaeton
My husband and I have owned Mercedes in the past. We test drove the Phaeton a month after leasing our Toureag. We found it to be far superior to the Mercedes in handling, comfort, room, GPS system easier to use and comparable in price. We were more comfortable with the sales personel at VW and service was much more accommodating. Love it, hope to never have to go back to a Mercedes
Phabulous Phaeton
The best luxury car I've owned. Spacious, comfortable, powerful, convenient, well made and solid. An A+ addition to the Volkswagon family,following in the tradition of quality.
Great Car - Best In Class
Test drove 2004 745LI, Audi A8L, Lexus 430 and the Phaeton is the better car. It took me 4 months to get over the VW emblem on a 73K car and to finally lease it. No major problems at all in 3 months of ownership. Dealer has been fantastic in their treatment. It really is a shame that the Mgt. at VW had to put the VW logo on this car. It should have been a separate line. However, VW just did the reverse of everyone one else. Lexus, BMW and Mercedes keep coming up with small cars to slap their logo on, and VW designed one very fine LARGE, ROOMY, SMOOTH AUTO. I have owned a BMW740IL, Mercedes E- 320, Lincoln Towncar. This Phateon by VW is the finest auto I have ever owned.
Great car
I gave my Volkswagen Phaeton V8 ratings of build quality and reliabilty lower marks because the memory settings for seat, mirrors etc are very unpredictable. They don't seem to hold the settings. The dealer is working very hard to train me or fix the problem. My dealer is very good. Every thing else about this car is the best a very nice luxury car. People do notice and say "This is a Volkswagen?"
A Luxurious Rocket Ship Needs No Cachet
Handling, comfort, and electronics are superlative. The discount more than off set the absence of brand recognition. This is a car that you can drive coast- to-coast, in any weather. It is so comfortable and offers so much control on highways or country roads, it makes travel pure pleasure. In short, if your ego can handle a brand with less status, this is one very fine automobile.
Best Luxury Under 150K
for about 1/3 less than it's cousin, Bentley Continental GT, the Phaeton delivers an unbeatable mix of luxury, safety, and comfort that is unmatched in its category. A hand-built quality to it's finish, 4 wheel drive, an ingenious indirect ventilation system, a decent gas mileage (about 18 mpg over the last year), make this car the best value in its class, beating hands down the S500, 745iL, and A8. Test drive it and you'll be sold as well.
great car
There is only one problem with this car: Every time you turn the car on you have to go into "economy" and turn off rear air conditioning. Do the Germans always drive with backseat passengers? Overall nicer than an Audi A8L even when the Phaeton is stock.
Phaeton vanishes from US market
I enjoy my Phaeton. It has beautiful interior trim. The exterior is sleek and muscular. The handling is sub-optimal, however I am used to more sport drive handling. It is a gas-guzzler. Perhaps the most disconcerting thing is that 2006 will be the last year for new model Phaetons. Already the resale value has tanked. Further, I question whether parts might be hard to obtain.
phaeton 12
excellent automobile (performance and comfort)
Nice car
This car is far better than any lux car that is not a "exotic" Some small improvemonts are still needed. a touch screen dvd nav system, xm radio, better gas milage, blue tooth phone system and make standar the technology package. It needs parktronic it is so large. The power trunk seems like a toy but there is no way to close the trunk with out leaving hand prints on the beautiful finish. Also an improved keyless acess system like the one in an audi with touch stare and mabey head up disply and sonar cruise control. Vw has done a great job just some fine tuning is needed.
Phaeton; close to perfect.
The Phaeton is by far the best car I have ever owned and also the best I have driven. It handles like a car half its size and the interior room and comfort is outstanding. Dry roads, wet ones, snow... it does not matter this car handles it all. Think your front wheel drive is good enough for the north country? Try ALL WHEEL... There is just no comparison. This car takes me back to when I would experiment under the hood or with a new sound system. All those times I was trying to achieve something realy special... well, they call it a Phaeton! This one has it all superior comfort. There is no seat that conforms to your body like this one. Power, adjustable shift points, it all adds up to near perfect.
King of the road
Ride on clouds when you select the hydraulic suspension in "comfort" - Ride like a TT when in "sport". Amazing, "as you like it" ride for a car of this size and weight. Moves like an arrow, I love the quietness and the stereo. Luxurious but with taste. It makes you feel great to be in it. They thought of everything... Drivers slow down and don't pass you on the freeway so that they can look at the car.
memory
This car is wonderful. It is good looking and fun to drive. The radio is one of the best I have ever had and it is not the best one offered by VW. One feels like a king on the inside of the car, fine leather and very well done real wood trim.
Fun driving a brilliant non pompous LUXO
Man, I love this car! It's like having my own unique, high class, high luxury, smooth riding, stunning, powerful and comfy, high tech, secret amusement park. Though I was attracted to the Phaeton because of its ironic non- pretentious and technology, I called myself getting a high-end sedan, that would be my little secret. Wrong!! I cant go anywhere (particularly after leaving the car wash) without causing a mob. People are blown away by this car. Ive had small crowds gather around at stop lights. Neighbors walk up and look inside with mystified envy.
Definitely don't like it
The Volkswagen Phaeton V8 is heavy, and large, and heavy. Did I forget to mention it's heavy? I'm not a driving enthusiast, (who would guess it from a buyer of the Phaeton?) so I wouldn't care about it's weight, the but feeling after driving 8+ hours is awful - it feels like I'm moving all 3+ tons with my own hands. Compared to my recently purchased Audi A6, which is a class lower, the A6 wins hands down (now I understand what 'fun to drive' means).
awesome but disappointmented
Awesome performance, styling, cool, fun and for the under 50 successful crowd... however, one week after her 5000 checkup, a transmission module went, she wasn't shifting... lights on everywhere. two weeks later at the dealership (did they know what they were doing..........) Returned looks- feels as good as new. Still in love with this unpretenious and elegant automobile. some marketing from corporate might help her future...if not, an orphan.............
Coco Grey Beauty
This is a great full sized luxury car I wish that the gas milage was better. This car has more standard features than the Mercedes S-Class and the BMW 7-Series. When it comes to comfort If I am not driving I am in the back seat where I can really stretch out my legs. I like owning a car that is unique and not seen very often. Since I have had my car I have only seen 3 Phaetons on the road and this makes the car special.
bob's phaeton
Great driving and riding car. The nav system needs improvement. Interior room and comfort, especially the back seat, are second to none. No detail has been left out. Well worth the money!
Phaeton
Have had Jaguars, Cadillacs...the Phaeton is the best car I have ever owned. Creature comforts, toys, ride are all exceptional.
Happy Customer
tons of gadgets, kind of hard to figure out. spectacular interior, exceptional stereo system, car handles fine, braking ok, exterior elegant, great paint finish, fun to drive.
Phaeton Review
TOP class Vehicle. Discovered it late, but still impressed compared to other current vehicles.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value