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2006 Volkswagen Phaeton
Date Published: 11/23/08

2006 Volkswagen Phaeton
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MSRP:
$66,700 - 101,300

Invoice:
$61,194 - 92,801

Class:
Premium Large Car
2006 Volkswagen Phaeton
Expert Rating Summary
Category V8 Rating (See All
Ratings)
Premium Large Car Average Rating
Acceleration 7 6.9
Fuel Economy 4 4.2
Ride Quality 8 8.5
Steering/Handling/Braking 7 6.9
Quietness 8 8.5
Controls 7 5.9
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front) 9 9
Room/Comfort (rear) 8 8.1
Cargo Room 5 5
Value within Class 5 5.4
Total Score: 68 68.4
Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category
2006 VOLKSWAGEN PHAETON BUYING RESOURCES
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2006 Volkswagen Phaeton Review
The largest, costliest car in Volkswagen history, Phaeton (FAY-a-ton) is sized and equipped to compete with such premium sedans as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class and BMW 7-Series. Its pricing also overlaps that of the A8 at VW's own Audi brand. Phaeton comes with all-wheel drive in two models named for their engines. The V8 has 335 hp and a 6-speed automatic transmission. The W12 has 444 hp and a 5-speed automatic. Its 12-cyl engine is essentially a mating of two V6s. Both transmissions include a manual shift gate. Standard features include ABS, antiskid system, front and rear torso side airbags, and curtain side airbags. Phaeton has an air suspension designed to automatically adjust firmness within four driver-selectable levels. Four-seat models replace the 3-passenger rear bench with a pair of adjustable buckets and a center console. OnStar assistance is no longer available.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Large Cars are top-of-the-line sedans in size and luxury. Many are manufacturer flagships and/or showcases for the newest automotive technology. Some have 6-figure price tags.

Our Best Buys include the Audi A8 and Lexus LS 430. Our Recommended picks include the Buick Park Avenue, Cadillac DeVille, and Volkswagen Phaeton.
News
We like the Phaeton, but the general public does not. Worldwide sales remain well below VW's initial forecasts and show little sign of picking up. Because of that, several industry gossips think VW will drop the Phaeton, perhaps within 2-3 years, and not bother to replace it. The problem seems to be that most people just can't fathom a $70,000 "people's car," let alone the near-$100K W12 model.
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