2004 Volkswagen Phaeton: Road Test
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2004 Volkswagen Phaeton ▼
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- MSRP: $64,600 -$94,600
- Invoice: $59,276 -$86,681
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Our road test for the 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton includes a full evaluation of the 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton from the inside out. We evaluate not only engine and handling performance for the 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton, but also interior cabin and cargo space. Let our comprehensive road test ratings for the 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton help you decide if a 2004 Volkswagen Phaeton is right for you.
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ACCELERATION
| V8 w/18-inch wheels | V8 w/4-seater Pkg. | W12 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 8 | 6.7 |
Test W12 did 5.8 sec 0-60 mph. No chance to time V8, but VW lists 6.7 sec 0-60. In most situations, V8 works with alert 6-speed automatic transmission to match W12 in useful power. V8 in fact feels livelier around town. W12's extra thrust most noticed at high speed.
FUEL ECONOMY
| V8 w/18-inch wheels | V8 w/4-seater Pkg. | W12 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 2 | 4.2 |
Test W12s averaged 11.9-13.7 mpg in a city/highway mix. Test V8 averaged 17.2 mpg in mostly highway driving. Both engines require premium-grade fuel.
RIDE QUALITY
| V8 w/18-inch wheels | V8 w/4-seater Pkg. | W12 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 9 | 9 | 8.2 |
Long wheelbase, heavy curb weight, solid structure, astute suspension tuning create controlled ride free from jolts, though not as isolating as S-Class or 7-Series. Console dial accesses four firmness options; softest absorbs bumps well but allows some wallowing, hardest is too taut.
STEERING/HANDLING/BRAKING
| V8 w/18-inch wheels | V8 w/4-seater Pkg. | W12 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.8 |
Slower reaction to steering inputs than BMW or Audi rivals, and more body lean in turns, too. But always balanced, confident, predictable, with bonus of AWD security. Brakes strong, progressive.
QUIETNESS
| V8 w/18-inch wheels | V8 w/4-seater Pkg. | W12 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
V8 more audible than W12 in rapid acceleration. Eighteen-inch tires transmit more road noise on some surfaces than expected in a high-end luxury car.
CONTROLS
| V8 w/18-inch wheels | V8 w/4-seater Pkg. | W12 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 7 | 7 | 6.1 |
Instruments have precision look, but are visually cluttered. Audio, climate, navigation functions monitored via central dashboard screen and controlled by attendant buttons. Some adjustments require negotiating layers of menus--a frustrating process of trial and error. Some console controls blocked by shift lever or in-use cupholders. Driver's power switches for windows, locks, fuel door, and trunklid inconveniently low and forward on door panel. Lavish interior materials assembled to world-class standards. Wood trim panels descend to hide vents when dashboard airflow not in use--a novel touch.
ROOM/COMFORT/DRIVER SEATING (FRONT)
| V8 w/18-inch wheels | V8 w/4-seater Pkg. | W12 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8 | 8 | 8 | 8.6 |
Seats generous in size, but not all drivers find ideal support, adjustment. Expansive head and leg room. Standard power tilt/telescope steering wheel fine-tunes driving position. Visibility to sides and rear hindered by wide roof pillars, large headrests.
ROOM/COMFORT (REAR)
| V8 w/18-inch wheels | V8 w/4-seater Pkg. | W12 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | 8 | 7 | 8.2 |
Exceptional leg room, but tall passengers likely will brush against headliner. Seating is firm, but bench not long enough for best thigh support. Bucket option adds recline adjustment, handsome wood-trimmed console with personalized climate controls.
CARGO ROOM
| V8 w/18-inch wheels | V8 w/4-seater Pkg. | W12 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 4.9 |
Trunk narrow, but also large, well-finished, with nonintrusive lid hinges. Trunklid powers up and down--a convenience undercut by finicky keyfob control on some test models. Good interior storage space.
VALUE WITHIN CLASS
| V8 w/18-inch wheels | V8 w/4-seater Pkg. | W12 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 | 4 | 2 | 5.1 |
Phaeton aims for a small niche of well-heeled nonconformists. It's a capable luxury sedan of impressive quality and refinement. But prices pit it against rivals that have already earned their prestige and high residual values and are sold and serviced in the company of other premium cars, not Golfs and New Beetles.
Total Score
| V8 w/18-inch wheels | V8 w/4-seater Pkg. | W12 | Class Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 65 | 66 | 62 | 66.8 |
Total Score: 64
Scores for all Premium Large Cars
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