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2007 Dodge Sprinter Full Review
Date Published: 10/04/07
2007 Dodge Sprinter Review
Sprinter is based on a van sold in Europe as a Mercedes-Benz and is intended for commercial use. Cargo and Passenger versions are offered. Both have two front doors, a sliding side door on the passenger side, and swing-out rear doors. The 2007 Dodge Sprinter is available in standard or high roof form and comes with either a 144 or 170 inch wheelbase. The high roof adds 9 inches of interior room.

Both available engines come from Mercedes-Benz. Available are a conventional 3.5-liter V6 and a 3.0-liter turbodiesel V6. Both mate to a 5-speed automatic transmission. Available safety equipment includes dual front airbags, ABS, and an antiskid system. Cargo models seat two on front buckets. Passenger models provide seating for up to 10, including the driver.
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.
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2007 Dodge Sprinter Road Test
Pros Cons
Fuel economy (turbodiesel) Price
Passenger room
Steering/maneuverability
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

2500 Passenger with turbodiesel Class Average
3 3.0

No opportunity to test with the 3.5-liter V6. Gutsy turbodiesel provides ample around-town power, even with a moderate load, though highway passing power is just adequate.
Fuel Economy

2500 Passenger with turbodiesel Class Average
5 5.0

Test turbodiesel 2500 Passenger with the 144-inch wheelbase proved impressively frugal, averaging 18.4 mpg.
Ride Quality

2500 Passenger with turbodiesel Class Average
4 4.0

No opportunity to test a 170-inch wheelbase model. Almost passenger car smooth, though like most large vans Sprinter tends to hop over larger road irregularities. Available pneumatic seats effectively provide additional cushioning for driver and front passenger. Sprinter prone to class-typical body shudder over broken surfaces, though far less than other vehicles in this category.
Steering/Handling/Braking

2500 Passenger with turbodiesel Class Average
2 2.0

Compared to traditional large vans, Sprinter's high seating and copious lean in corners results in a tippy attitude that takes some getting used to. On straight roads Sprinter feels smaller than it is, with usefully direct steering and good highway stability. Sprinter's surprisingly tight turning circle is a boon to tight quarter maneuvering.
Quietness

2500 Passenger with turbodiesel Class Average
3 3.0

Not quite car-like, but Sprinter is peaceful enough. Diesel engine heard but never intrudes, and unstrained conversation between first and second-row passengers possible even at highway speed.
Controls

2500 Passenger with turbodiesel Class Average
6 6.0

Simple and logical control placement, though reaching some less-used switch gear requires a stretch. Sprinter's clearly marked gauges are easy to read at a glance. Materials of industrial-grade, but assembly quality is first rate.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

2500 Passenger with turbodiesel Class Average
7 7.0

High roof in standard models means endless headroom. Entry includes difficult first step. Without a passenger load, visibility to all corners is excellent--though high side walls means smaller vehicles in neighboring lanes may sneak by below sight line. Depending on seat location, frame of divided front side glass may partially obscure view of outside rear-view mirror.
Room/Comfort (rear)

2500 Passenger with turbodiesel Class Average
7 7.0

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

2500 Passenger with turbodiesel Class Average
10 10.0

Cargo space behind last seating row limited in 144-inch models, likely insufficient for a full-compliment of passengers and luggage. More than ample rear storage with 170-inch wheelbase. Small item storage includes under-front-seat drawers and handy, large front-row overhead bins.
Value within Class

2500 Passenger with turbodiesel Class Average
9 9.0

The Euro-flavored Sprinter trumps traditional large passenger vans with greater headroom and a less glutinous 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 with turbodiesel Class Average
56 56
Scores for all Full-size Vans

Low Score
54
Average Score
56
High Score
59
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2007 Dodge Sprinter Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/08/2007
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2500 Cargo 144-inch wheelbase 3-door van $32,150 $29,257 $980
2500 Cargo 170-inch wheelbase high ceiling 3-door van $36,355 $33,083 $980
2500 Cargo 170-inch wheelbase extended high ceiling 3-door van $37,055 $33,720 $980
3500 Cargo 144-inch wheelbase high ceiling 3-door van $35,270 $32,096 $980
3500 Cargo 170-inch wheelbase high ceiling 3-door van $37,360 $33,998 $980
3500 Cargo 170-inch wheelbase extended high ceiling 3-door van $38,060 $34,635 $980
2500 Passenger 144-inch wheelbase 3-door van $34,350 $31,259 $980
2500 Passenger 170-inch wheelbase high ceiling 3-door van $38,575 $35,103 $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
3.0-liter turbodiesel V6 engine, 5-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Air conditioning w/automatic climate control, power steering, tilt/telescope steering wheel, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, cupholder, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, tachometer, outside-temperature indicator, compass, rubber floor covering.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Tow hooks, full-size spare tire, dual rear wheels (3500), LT245/75R16 tires (2500), LT215/85R16 tires (3500).
Passenger adds to Cargo:
Comfort and Convenience Features
10-passenger seating, 2nd-row 3-passenger bench seat, 3rd-row 2-passenger bench seat, 4th-row 3-passenger bench seat, heated power mirrors, rear defogger.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Rear privacy glass.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Quick Order Pkg. 22B
Cargo
$900
$819
Passenger
$1,375
$1,251
Cruise control, upgraded steering wheel, upgraded front bucket seats, comfort headrests, auxiliary power outlet, overhead console (passenger), additional interior lights (passenger), locking glovebox, rear wiper/washer (passenger), insulating windshield band.
Security Group
Passenger
$1,350
$1,229
Passenger w/Quick Order Pkg. 22B
$1,295
$1,178
Cargo
$750
$683
Cargo w/Accessory Group
$695
$632
Front side airbags, front curtain side airbags (Passenger), overhead console, first-aid kit, alarm, air compressor, puncture sealant.
Accessory Group
Cargo, Passenger
$1,800
$1,638
Cargo ordered w/Quick Order Pkg. 22B
$1,760
$1,602
Passenger ordered w/Quick Order Pkg. 22B
$1,705
$1,552
Rain-sensing wipers, overhead console, map lights, insulating windshield band, bi-xenon headlights w/washers, fog lights.
Cooling Group
Cargo
$350
$319
Electric roof fan.
Power Convenience Group
Cargo
$854
$777
Passenger
$668
$608
Heated power mirrors (Cargo), power windows and door locks, remote keyless entry.
Cold Climate Comfort Group I
Comfort Seating Group
Passenger
$605
$551
Passenger ordered w/Quick Order Pkg. 22B
$285
$259
Front suspension seats, upgraded headrests.
Cargo Group I
Cargo
$550
$501
Washable Cargo wall panel, cargo partitions, rear assist handles, tie-down rail system.
Cargo Group II
Cargo
$380
$346
Half laminated wood cargo panels, rear assist handles, tie-down rail system.
Trailer Tow Group
Cargo, Passenger
$280
$255
Receiver hitch, wiring harness.
Powertrain
3.5-liter V6 gasoline engine
2500 (credit)
$-1,840
$-1,674
Special axle ratio
Cargo, Passenger
$50
$46
Safety
Driver-side front side airbag
Front side airbags
Passenger
$250
$228
Cargo
$350
$319
Curtain side airbags
Passenger
$900
$865
Cargo
$600
$546
Passenger includes front side airbags.
Daytime running lights
Cargo, Passenger
$40
$36
Front- and rear-obstacle-detection system
Cargo, Passenger
$695
$632
Rear back-up alarm
Cargo, Passenger
$65
$59
Speed limiter
Cargo, Passenger
$55
$50
Comfort and Convenience Features
Rear air conditioning
Passenger
$2,450
$2,230
Auxiliary Front Heating Group
Cargo, Passenger
$776
$706
Auxiliary heater w/timer. Requires front insulation.
Auxiliary rear heater
Passenger
$2,085
$1,897
Cargo
$2,190
$1,993
Rearview monitor
Cargo, Passenger
$900
$819
Power sunroof
Passenger 144-inch wheelbase
$850
$774
Cruise control
Cargo, Passenger
$250
$228
Heated power mirrors
Cargo
$190
$173
Vinyl upholstery
Cargo
$60
$55
Heated driver seat
Cargo, Passenger
$150
$137
Heated passenger seat
Cargo, Passenger
$149
$136
Requires heated driver seat.
Premium Sound Group I
Passenger
$765
$696
Passenger ordered w/Quick Order Pkg. 22B
$515
$469
6-disc CD changer, wireless cell phone link, upgraded steeering wheel.
6-disc CD changer
Cargo, Passenger
$350
$319
Wireless cell phone link
Cargo, Passenger
$180
$164
Heated windshield
Cargo, Passenger
$400
$364
Includes light and rain sensor.
Light and rain sensor
Driver-side sliding rear door
Cargo, Passenger
$650
$592
Rear defogger
Cargo
$180
$164
Rear wiper/washer
Cargo, Passenger
$145
$132
Appearance and Miscellaneous
High roof
Passenger 144-inch wheelbase
$1,800
$1,638
Bi-xenon headlights
Cargo, Passenger
$1,350
$1,229
Roof rails
Passenger
$200
$182
Sunscreen glass
Cargo
$150
$137
Cargo partition
Cargo
$146
$133
Cargo partition w/window
Cargo
$171
$156
Window Group I
Cargo
$200
$182
Side windows.
Window Group II
Cargo
$230
$209
Passenger-side side window, rear door windows.
Window Group III
Cargo
$360
$328
Side windows, rear door windows.
Window Group IV
Cargo
$1,080
$983
2 rows of side windows, rear door windows.
Special paint
Cargo, Passenger
$385
$350
Premium paint
Cargo, Passenger
$740
$673
Metallic premium paint
Cargo, Passenger
$985
$896
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
220-amp alternator
Cargo
$360
$328
Auxiliary battery
Cargo, Passenger
$310
$282
Auxiliary belt drive
Cargo, Passenger
$325
$296
High idle function
Cargo, Passenger
$730
$664
11030 GVWR
3500 Cargo
$500
$455
Alloy wheels
2500
$660
$601
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2007 Dodge Sprinter Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Passenger, short wheelbase Passenger, long wheelbase
Wheelbase, in. 144.3 170.3
Overall Length, in. 232.5 273.2
Overall Width, in. 79.7 79.7
Overall Height, in. -- --
Curb Weight, lbs. 5476 5948
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. -- --
Standard Payload, lbs. 3704 2602
Fuel Capacity, gals. 26.4 26.0
Seating Capacity 10 10
Front Head Room, in. 46.8 46.8
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 37.9 37.9
Rear Head Room, in. -- --
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. -- --
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  dohc V6 Turbodiesel dohc V6
Size, liters/cu. in. 3.5 /213 3.0 /182
Horsepower @ rpm. 254 @ 5900 154 @ 3400
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 250 @ 2500 280 @ 1200
Availability Standard Standard
EPA City / highway mpg
   
5-speed automatic NA/NA 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 Passenger, short wheelbase Passenger, long wheelbase
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 None/-- --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion None/-- --
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: USA
Drivewheels: rear-wheel drive
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