Search Consumer Guide Auto and the Web
 

2006 Dodge Sprinter Full Review
Date Published: 10/19/07
2006 Dodge Sprinter Review
Dodge's utility van is intended for commercial use, though both cargo and passenger versions are offered in the US. Sprinter is rear-wheel drive and based on a van sold in Europe as a Mercedes-Benz. All Sprinters have two front doors, a sliding side door on the passenger side, and swing-out rear doors. A sliding driver-side door is available. Cargo models seat two and come in 2500 and 3500 models. Passengers seat up to 10 and are 2500s only. Available wheelbase lengths include 118, 140, and 158 inches, depending on model selection. Also available are versions with a "super high ceiling" that are 9 inches taller than base high ceiling models.

The sole powertrain teams a 154-hp turbodiesel 5-cyl engine with a 5-speed automatic transmission. ABS is standard on all Sprinters. An antiskid system is standard on 2500s, unavailable on 3500s. Front side airbags and curtain side airbags are not offered. A wireless cell phone link is newly available.
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.
News
For 2005 expect Dodge to add a crew-cab version of the cargo model that will seat five. Also, a sliding door has on the driver side is expected to be added to the option list.
2006 Dodge Sprinter Road Test
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

2500 Passenger Highroof Class Average
2 2.7

No opportunity to time, but gutsy turbodiesel provides ample around-town power, even with a moderate load. Highway passing power only adequate.
Fuel Economy

2500 Passenger Highroof Class Average
5 3.0

No opportunity to measure yet, but Dodge claims Sprinter will average 22 mpg in mixed city/highway driving.
Ride Quality

2500 Passenger Highroof Class Average
4 4.3

Almost passenger car smooth, helped by long wheelbase. Like all large vans, Sprinter is somewhat unsettled over larger moguls.
Steering/Handling/Braking

2500 Passenger Highroof Class Average
2 2.5

Considerable body lean in fast corners. Tight turning circle and direct steering aid in close-quarters maneuvering.
Quietness

2500 Passenger Highroof Class Average
3 4.0

Road noise well checked but considerable wind rush from rear side windows. Diesel clatter and vibration well muted, even at idle.
Controls

2500 Passenger Highroof Class Average
7 6.3

Simple, logical control placement. Clearly marked gauges easy to read at a glance. Materials are industrial-grade, but assembly first rate.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2500 Passenger Highroof Class Average
7 6.3

High roof in standard models means nearly endless headroom, with super high roof models roomier still. Entry includes difficult first step. High driver perch means commanding view to front and side. Multiple seating rows hamper view to the rear.
Room/Comfort (rear)

2500 Passenger Highroof Class Average
7 8.3

Tall design and large side door mean excellent headroom and easy entry/exit. Some testers found flat seats uncomfortable for long trips.
Cargo Room

2500 Passenger Highroof Class Average
10 10.0

Vast. Considerable room behind last seating row. Access aisles double as stowage in a pinch. Front cabin storage modest.
Value within Class

2500 Passenger Highroof Class Average
8 8.5

The Euro-flavored Sprinter trumps traditional large passenger vans with greater headroom and a less gluttonous appetite for fuel. Sprinter prices start higher than domestic vans, but the big Dodge's passenger-friendly ways and potentially lower operating costs make it a strong value.
Total Score

2500 Passenger Highroof Class Average
55 55.9
Scores for all Full-size Vans

Low Score
54
Average Score
55
High Score
59
2006 Dodge Sprinter Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 08/01/2006
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2500 Cargo 118-inch wheelbase high ceiling 3-door van $29,050 $26,436 $980
2500 Cargo 140-inch wheelbase high ceiling 3-door van $30,810 $28,037 $980
2500 Cargo 118-inch wheelbase super high ceiling 3-door van $30,920 $28,137 $980
2500 Cargo 140-inch wheelbase super high ceiling 3-door van $32,690 $29,748 $980
2500 Cargo 158-inch wheelbase super high ceiling 3-door van $34,775 $31,645 $980
3500 Cargo 140-inch wheelbase high ceiling 3-door van $32,055 $29,170 $980
3500 Cargo 140-inch wheelbase super high ceiling 3-door van $33,800 $30,758 $980
3500 Cargo 158-inch wheelbase super high ceiling 3-door van $35,725 $32,510 $980
2500 Passenger 118-inch wheelbase high ceiling 3-door van $30,585 $27,832 $980
2500 Passenger 140-inch wheelbase high ceiling 3-door van $32,885 $29,925 $980
2500 Passenger 118-inch wheelbase super high ceiling 3-door van $32,460 $29,539 $980
2500 Passenger 140-inch wheelbase super high ceiling 3-door van $34,775 $31,645 $980
2500 Passenger 158-inch wheelbase super high ceiling 3-door van $36,870 $33,552 $980
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Cargo
Powertrain
2.7-liter turbodiesel 5-cylinder engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system (2500).
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/automatic climate control, power steering, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, cupholder, AM/FM/cassette, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, rubber floor covering.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare tire, dual rear wheels (3500), 225/70R15 tires (2500 118-inch), 225/75R16 tires (140/158-inch), 195/70R15 tires (3500).
Passenger adds to Cargo:
Comfort and Convenience Features
3-passenger 2nd-row bench seat, 3-passenger 3rd-row bench seat, 2-passenger 4th-row bench seat (140/158-inch wheelbase), heated power mirrors, rear defogger.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Quick Order Pkg. 22B
Passenger
$271
$247
Upgraded front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment and comfort headrests.
Cooling Group
Passenger 140/158-inch
$2,668
$2,428
Heavy-duty rear air conditioning.
Power Convenience Group
Cargo
$854
$777
Passenger
$668
$608
Heated power mirrors (Cargo), power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry.
Window Group I
Cargo
$362
$329
Rear defogger, day/night rearview mirror, rear door windows.
Window Group II
Cargo
$452
$411
Window Group I plus fixed door window.
Window Group III
Cargo
$553
$503
Window Group II plus dual fixed side windows.
Window Group IV
Cargo 118/140-inch
$764
$695
Cargo 158-inch
$995
$905
Window Group III plus dual center and rear windows. NA 158-inch wheelbase.
Cargo Group I
Cargo
$350
$319
Washable Cargo wall panel, rear assist handles. Requires Cargo partitions or cargo partition provision.
Cargo Group III
Cargo
$196
$178
Half laminated wood cargo panels, rear assist handles.
Trailer Tow Group
Cargo, Passenger
$261
$238
Receiver hitch, wiring harness.
Powertrain
Special axle ratio
Cargo, Passenger
$45
$41
Safety
Rear-obstacle-detection system
Cargo, Passenger
$635
$578
Cargo requires Cargo Group I or III, rear bench seat.
Rear back-up alarm
Cargo, Passenger
$65
$59
Speed limiter
Cargo, Passenger
$50
$46
Daytime running lights
Cargo, Passenger
$50
$46
Comfort and Convenience Features
Auxiliary Front Heating Group
Cargo, Passenger
$776
$706
Auxiliary heater w/timer. Requires front insulation.
Auxiliary rear heater
Cargo, Passenger
$442
$402
Requires Auxiliary Front Heating Group.
Auxiliary heat exchanger prep
Cargo, Passenger
$255
$232
Requires Auxiliary Front Heating Group.
Manual sunroof
Cargo, Passenger
$422
$384
NA super high ceiling.
Cruise control
Cargo, Passenger
$241
$219
Accessory Group
Cargo, Passenger
$58
$53
Front map lights, front passenger-side assist handle.
Comfort Seating Group
Cargo, Passenger
$91
$83
Upgraded front bucket seats w/lumbar adjustment.
Heated driver seat
Cargo, Passenger
$149
$136
Cargo requires Comfort Seating Group. Passenger requires Quick Order Pkg.
Heated passenger seat
Cargo, Passenger
$149
$136
Requires heated driver seat.
Premium front bucket seats
Cargo, Passenger
$382
$348
Rear bench seat
2500 Cargo 118-inch
$1,378
$1,254
2500 Cargo 140-inch
$1,540
$1,401
2500 Cargo 158-inch
$1,710
$1,556
Requires Window Group IV.
Rear armrests
Passenger
$161
$147
Maintenance Group
Cargo, Passenger
$167
$152
Air filter restriction indicator, maintenance monitor, low washer fluid warning light.
Front insulation
Passenger
$192
$175
Cargo
$96
$87
Rear insulation
Cargo
$96
$87
Requires Cargo Group or rear bench seat.
AM/FM/CD player
Cargo, Passenger
$286
$260
4-speaker sound system
140/158-inch Passenger
$85
$77
Cell phone prewiring
Cargo, Passenger
$280
$255
Heated windshield
Cargo
$552
$502
Passenger
$506
$460
Includes rain-sensing wipers. Requires 150-ampor 200-amp alternator.
Passenger-side sliding rear door delete
Cargo
$0
$0
Driver-side sliding rear door
Cargo, Passenger
$543
$494
Rear assist handle
Cargo
$25
$23
Auxiliary power outlet
Cargo, Passenger
$65
$59
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Fog lights
Cargo, Passenger
$146
$133
Headlight washers
Cargo, Passenger
$345
$314
Requires Maintenance Group.
Sunscreen glass
Passenger 118-inch
$330
$300
Passenger 140-inch
$435
$396
Passenger 158-inch
$540
$491
Driver-side sliding front window
Passenger
$321
$292
Passenger-side sliding front window
Passenger
$321
$292
Additional parabolic mirrors
Cargo, Passenger
$57
$52
Fixed in roof window
Cargo
$186
$169
Cargo partition
Cargo
$146
$133
Cargo partition w/window
Cargo
$171
$156
Cargo partition provision
Cargo
$91
$83
Includes heater booster.
Cargo tie-down rails
Cargo
$96
$87
Chrome front trim
Cargo
$151
$137
Gray rear trim
Cargo, Passenger
$111
$101
Rear step
140/158-inch
$297
$270
2 extra keys
Cargo, Passenger
$75
$68
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
115-amp alternator
Cargo, Passenger
$99
$90
150-amp alternator
Cargo, Passenger
$156
$142
200-amp alternator
Cargo, Passenger
$603
$549
Auxiliary battery
Cargo, Passenger
$211
$192
Auxiliary belt drive
Cargo, Passenger
$297
$270
High idle function
Cargo, Passenger
$729
$663
Alloy wheels
2500 Cargo 140/158-inch, Passenger 140/158-inch
$593
$540
2006 Dodge Sprinter Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Dodge Sprinter 3-door van
Wheelbase, in. 158.0
Overall Length, in. 263.0
Overall Width, in. 74.2
Overall Height, in. --
Curb Weight, lbs. 5305
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. --
Standard Payload, lbs. 2846
Fuel Capacity, gals. 26.4
Seating Capacity 10
Front Head Room, in. 46.8
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 37.9
Rear Head Room, in. --
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. --
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  Turbodiesel dohc I5
Size, liters/cu. in. 2.7 /164
Horsepower @ rpm. 154 @ 3800
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 243 @ 1600
Availability Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
 
5-speed automatic NA/NA
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Dodge Sprinter 3-door van Dodge Sprinter 3-door van Dodge Sprinter 3-door van
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain 3/36,000 $100 deductible per visit.
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion 5/100,000 --
Free roadside assistance 3/36,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: Germany
Drivewheels: rear-wheel drive
Car Buying Resources

Trade-In Calculator

Research how much your car is truly worth

Trade-In Calculator



Used Cars

Search online classifieds and find a local dealer
Search Local Listings

Vehicle History Report

Get a CARFAX Vehicle History... the first step to protecting yourself from costly hidden problems.



What's Under the Hood?

Learn about how cars work.

Learn things



Insurance

We're dedicated to making insurance easier.

Get Insurance



Sell Your Car

Reach over 8 million buyers
Sell Your Car


    Sell Your Car
Powered by: