2005 Dodge Sprinter: Overview

Vehicle Highlights

Dodge's full-size rear-drive van carries on for 2005 with only minor changes. Sprinter is based on a van sold in Europe as a Mercedes-Benz and is intended for commercial use--though both cargo and passenger models are offered in the US. All have two front doors, a sliding side door on the passenger side, and swing-out rear doors. Two models are offered, a 2500 and 3500; the 3500 has a higher payload rating. Each is available in standard or high-roof form and comes in three wheelbases: 118, 140, and 158 inches. The high roof adds nine inches of interior room via a taller roof.

The sole engine is a 2.7-liter 5-cylinder turbodiesel. It mates to a 5-speed automatic transmission. Antilock 4-wheel disc brakes are standard on both models; 2500s also include an antiskid system that's not available on 3500s. Dual front airbags are standard, but no side airbags or head-protecting curtain side airbags are offered.

Cargo models seat two on front buckets. Passenger models have room for up to ten on rear bench seats. Optional equipment includes a heated windshield, manual sunroof, and a rear back-up alarm. Newly standard for '05 are an on-board diagnostics system, identification lamps on the front of the roof's cab, and a third brake light on the rear of the roof.

COMPETITION

Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 17 classes based on size, price, and market position. Full-size vans are holdovers from a long-gone era. They are truck-based boxes on wheels that can carry up to 15 passengers or loads of cargo. Though they aren't very fuel efficient, they offer vast cargo holds and are often the choice for contractors and airport shuttle services.

Our Best Buys are the Chevrolet Express and GMC Savana. Our Recommended pick is the Ford Econoline.