2005 Volkswagen Phaeton Overview, Reviews, Ratings & Specs

Tomalee on May 19, 2021

It was definitely everything I expected,I’ve only owned it for a month. It has some quirks, I get a flat tire warning from time to time for no reason. The computer had to be replaced because the sunroof drain stopped up and covered the computer which is under your left foot.

Rytessex on April 2, 2019

This car is just a nice place to be. Extremely comfortable, quiet, and packed with features like heated and cooled seats front and back. The only downside to this car is that they stopped importing them to the US which means you’re getting a car that’s at least 13 years old. That means they’ll need some general upkeep and that can get very expensive. You get a Bentley ride with VW engineering, Audi performance, but a Bentley maintenance cost.

BostonSports fan on April 1, 2018

Best luxury vehicle I have ever owned. I recently purchased this car and drove it from the dealer I bought it from in KY to Boston. The V8 performed wonderfully and I loved the stereo. I will be upgrading the stereo to handle my iPhone 6+ and this upgrade easily integrates into the existing screen so I can use my iPhone Nav & stereo. The back seat is a pleasure and I spent a few hours back there and am looking forward to being there with my wonderful wife. The rear view side mirrors and rear visibility are a bit limited without turning around but I bought convex mirrors and they helped tremendously. A true Bentley in a VW body . No bumper parking sensors on the one I bought and that I do miss and I will be putting in a rear view camera that also integrated into the Nav when car is placed in R. A hidden gem and a fine addition into my garage. Glad I got rid of my 2008 Range Rover for this automobile. Worth the flight and the 14 hour trip. Now I want the 4 seater. Make sure the timing belt has been done recently and these require transmission flush and radiator flush when you purchase car. Make sure this has been done in the last 70K miles. It's an expensive fix but you will love how long the car will last with this done. Also make sure you find a certified Phaeton Repairman, not too many around at VW or Audi dealers. I have found 3 dealers w/I 20 miles of me that service this vehicle.

PJ Ramirez on February 8, 2018

This car surpassed my expectation. All the standard options are incredible. VW was ahead if its time when the car came out. I would recommend it for all the right reasons, and comfort.

bc on December 6, 2017

Pride and joy. Usually unknown in North America, it was to be VW luxury model. It is built on a Bentley Continental chassis and suspension, has an Audi A8 drive train, aluminum and carbon fibre body and all the experimental VW gadgets. Some of features, soft close doors, insulated glass, selectable sport driving and suspension, TPMS, motor operated huge trunk, GPS, Heated and massaging leather seats front and back, fully motor adjustable, heated steering wheel, selectable dash display, HVAC individual for each passanger, Wood trim throughout, Memory seating also moves outside and rear view mirror, best radio/CD I have heard. Best advise is to google the Phaeton and see what is said.

BC on December 6, 2017

Pride and joy. Usually unknown in North America, it was to be VW luxury model. It is built on a Bentley Continental chassis and suspension, has an Audi A8 drive train, aluminum and carbon fibre body and all the experimental VW gadgets. Some of features, soft close doors, insulated glass, selectable sport driving and suspension, TPMS, motor operated huge trunk, GPS, Heated and massaging leather seats front and back, fully motor adjustable, heated steering wheel, selectable dash display, HVAC individual for each passanger, Wood trim throughout, Memory seating also moves outside and rear view mirror, best radio/CD I have heard. Best advise is to google the Phaeton and see what is said.

Tennis Nut on January 31, 2016

Over the past 50 years, I've owned dozens of vehicles, from sports cars to RVs, including some luxury brands. The VW Phaeton stands out as the most comfortable and all-round capable car I know. In town it's like a limo. On the Interstate, it's a super cruiser. With the air suspension at max height, it even handles unimproved logging roads. The plus for me is, it's not a showboat. Everybody ignores it, like they would an old Passat. I don't even bother to lock it most of the time. The only drawback is operating costs. It's complex and gas hungry. Repairs are expensive. Buy an extended warranty along with the car.

jb on March 20, 2013

This car is big, luxurious, well designed and built. It has a quiet smooth ride and is equiped with most everything I want. It is expensive to operate. I would not buy one if I was putting lots of miles on a car or wanted to spend as little as possible on a car. I live in Chicago and it is perfect for bumpy city roads and blocking out noise. It is a beautiful, comfortable cocoon to travel through town.

Ohio 2005 Phaeton on April 12, 2012

I've had our 2005 Phaeton for 6 months with zero problems. Amazing engineering. Interior matched by none, even Rolls and Bentley. The navigation might need an upgrade but it's a minor complaint for an extremely loaded vehicle. Massage and heat/ac in every seat with true 4 zone climate. It measures the humidity in all 4 zones and the chestnut covers on front vents open and close silently as required. Bentley frame, Audi A8 engine and over the top luxury that makes people take a second look. Especially the car folks who "know their vehicles" are fooled by the Phaeton.

Car Nut on October 25, 2011

The Phaeton is the best value for the money in the used luxury car market today. Few, if any, cars can give you that exclusivity and performance. The W12 is an amazing motor with a turbine-like smoothness that cannot be matched by anything with 8 cylinders. Drive one and you will purchase it on the spot. I've owned mine for four years w/o any major problems. I would recommend it to anyone who is looking for that "special" car and likes to fly under the radar.