Snapshot: The Phaeton is the biggest car Volkswagen has ever made and we mean it. This car is as big as the biggest from BMW, Mercedes and even Audi. VW is entering untested waters with this car: a big VW with big price. Coming in three trim levels: V-8, W-12 and Premiere Editions the Phaeton allows you to empty your wallet faster than almost any other car manufacturer out there.
How Much?: Price for a 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton in the US ranges from $66,515 to (gulp!) $98,215.
The Inside Story: It's hard to believe this is a VW (especially after looking at the sticker price). Once seated, you are simply surrounded in luxury like any high-end German car. All safety features apply, none are missing. Interesting tidbit: there's a four-zone climate control system. You can make micro climates inside the mini-climate of the car.
Under the Hood: Two engines are available: V-8 producing 335 horsepower and returning 16 city/22 highway. The big W-12 produces 420 horsepower and returns 12 city/19 highway. Don't stray too far from the pump.
Transmissions: The V-8 is mated to a 6-speed automatic while the W-12 gets a 5-speed automatic.
Warranty: Bumper-to-bumper: 4 years/50,000. Powertrain: 5 years/60,000.
Should you Buy a 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton?: We're almost at a loss for words. This is a fantastic car. The luxurious amenities it offers far outweigh the space we have here. Just because it's a VW, don't think it can't compete with the Mercedes and BMW models -- it can and then some. But, more interestingly, why does the Phaeton even exist? What's the purpose of it since VW already has a high-end division; Audi. So why make or, rather, buy a $70k+ car that comes with no "oh-la-la"? Only you can decide if this car is enough car over Mercedes, BMW, et al to justify buying it. The Phaeton a great car? Maybe even better than great. It's also a curiosity.
