CD Article: 2008 Dodge Sprinter 2500

[CD_Editor]

Test Drive:


When there's stuff to be moved, the Dodge Sprinter rules. Assistant Editor Jil McIntosh says the redesigned Sprinter has improved performance and a better interior, along with easy-driving manners and impressive capacity.

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Read the article | View the photos | All The Test Drives

[tpl]

Looking at the options list I wonder what the "parametric module" is?    A module that measures or sets parameters I suppose but which ones? 

Nice van although I have seen the tall and very tall ones swaying about in crosswinds on the 401 at speed.

[mrthompson]

Perhaps the 'parametric' module has outriggers which extend when the vehicle lists by a certain number of degrees?   

[Mike-NB]

Jil Mcintosh seems to have a soft spot for the Sprinter, and I happen to agree with her.  I don't own one, but the couple of times a year that I need a large vehicle for household stuff I call the only place in town that rents them and book a Sprinter.  If they don't have one available the day I need it I simply reschedule my work for a day that they do have one.  I agree with McIntosh in all her praise of the vehicle.  It is powerful yet fuel-efficient, huge yet very easy to drive.  I'm a big fan of diesel engines so this just seems like the right choice.  I think it says a lot about the U.S. rejection of diesels that they have a gas engine option.

One thing that McIntosh didn't mention, and maybe out of courtesy, was how the Sprinter compares to the Ford E-Series or the GM twins.  It's been a while since I drove a GM van, but the last time I drove a Ford wasn't too long ago.  Not that the length of time matters: both of those designs are decades old - and it shows.  They are heavy and cumbersome, the fuel economy is poor, and the utility is poor when compared to a Sprinter.  After working in the back loading an E-Series the stand-up room of a Sprinter is a welcome gift to my 40-something back.  And get this - the folks who designed the Sprinter seemed to think that someone may actually want to carry something in the cavernous cargo area so they have tie-downs.  To tie stuff in the E-Series you're hooking to and through sidewall frame members.  

As for fuel economy, as they say, you're mileage may vary.  I've never hit the consumption that McIntosh did, but she admitted to carrying a large, heavy load.  One trip I averaged 10 litres per 100km, which was amazing.  Most recently it was a little over 12, which is still amazing.  

Overall, the Sprinter is a great vehicle that looks exceptional when compared to the competition.

[tpl]

It is a pity that they don't make a "mini-van" sized sprinter.  Still tall, still narrow, still diesel  but more the size of a regular Chrysler minvan for people who don't need such a big vehicle.   they do or did sell a diesel Chrysler minivan in Euland so they must have an engine that fits that chassis.

the original magic wagon used to come as a delivery van did it not ?

[Jil McIntosh]

Thanks for the kind words, everyone.

To clarify: the parametric special module is a device that allows for the addition of extra electrical or electronic devices for special requirements when the vehicle is used as a work van.

I didn't compare it with the GM and Ford versions because I've never driven them, and I didn't think it would be fair without experience.

[Jil McIntosh]

the original magic wagon used to come as a delivery van did it not ?
[/quote]

Yes. You can still get the Grand Caravan as a delivery vehicle. It comes with a flat floor, no seats, and the rear windows are covered. It's not heavily advertised to the public.

[Demosthenes X]

Funny, the best vehicle Dodge makes is a Mercedes, and it's a work van.    I took another look at this van at the autoshow, and I agree: it's huge, and very well thought out.  I can see it being perfect for tradesman, shuttle duty, local courier companies that carry big loads...

One of the guys in our shop was talking a while ago about starting an independent garage specializing in Sprinters.  I'm not sure if there's enough demand in Victoria for that, but in a big urban centre I think it would be a great business.

[sirAQUAMAN64]

Hey Jil  thanks for the info.

I've heard some fleet customers early on had been burned by Sprinter in the service deptartment from a combination of no parts, waiting for parts, inadequate technical expertise when diagosing issues, and stiff pricing. Don't know how the new one is faring.

Regardless, I LOVE the Sprinter. It's brilliant and thus beautiful to my eye. Well-thought-out, stand-up-able, spacious, modern, powerful, and efficient. It's also pricey, but think you definitely get what you pay for here.

I have this strange desire to rent/drive one just because.

[Cortina]

This is the most moden van on the market. The GM and Ford vans are 10-15 years behind. The still use big thristy gas petrol engines. Believe it or not they are tons of Eurovans in Euroland that are as good and some are better than Merc Sprinterr. NA doesn't give much thought to Vans. I guess there is not as much call for them here. These Merc Sprinter are not cheap. But the price and running cost more than make up for it.

[WS]

In Europe the Sprinter is the backbone of most commercial fleets - courier, transport and small bus.  And due to the height, it is very practical for trades as one can easily stand up in this vehicle. 
Ford also has a Euro van - the Transit, that may be a close match to the Sprinter in terms of driveability, economy and space.  To illustrate have a look at - topgear.com/content/timetoburn/sections/videos
/18/broadband.html .  This is the by-now famous and fabulous video clip of Sabina Schmidt (German TV presenter and Ring champion) driving a diesel Ford Transit van around the Nurnburgring - and virtually matching Jeremy Clarkson's time in a Jaguar!  The rest of the world has already encountered very costly energy - mostly due to taxation, and we could do well by trying some of those solutions too, esp from Europe.  And save a lot of money and some environment while we're at it.  With almost no sacrifice - but we do need to reject the "not invented here" mentality.  W.

[Cord]

Sounds like an excellent well-designed work vehicle perfect for multi-national fleets with money to burn. With a base price of $49870 and an as tested price of $61560 I don't see many small business owners buying many of these.

[mrthompson]

A local flower shop has a Sprinter van.  Must be growing lotsa poppies.   

[Leviathan]

It is a pity that they don't make a "mini-van" sized sprinter.  Still tall, still narrow, still diesel 

Ford is gonna offer the Transit Connect in NA although the diesel may not make it.

[Cortina]

It is a pity that they don't make a "mini-van" sized sprinter.  Still tall, still narrow, still diesel 

Ford is gonna offer the Transit Connect in NA although the diesel may not make it.

Why not bring over the normal Transit van. 



These sprinters vans are what is called a walk thew.

[marineboy]

I like these vans a lot. I always thought they would make a great motorhome chassis especially considering where gas prices are going.

[Ted]

there's rust issue plaguing 1st gen, also 2nd gen hinges are prone to rust.
Sheetmetal doesn't look and feel solid, other than that it's pretty good.

mostly european decent trades are buying those, btw check this:
MercedesSprinterConversions .com

[Winklovic]

It is a pity that they don't make a "mini-van" sized sprinter.

Up to the '05 model year, a 118 inch wb Sprinter was available that was 197 inches in length.  For whatever reason, it's no longer available.