Information on Dodge Sprinter Vans
Full-sized vans such as the Dodge Sprinter occupy a limited market segment within the auto industry. This, perhaps, is why its models do not change as quickly as those in more popular market segments, such as SUVs and minivans. The Dodge Sprinter design changed little during its six-model-year run in the United States. Used ones can be picked up for very reasonable prices, and new ones are currently sold as Mercedes-Benz Sprinters.
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History
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The Sprinter van, manufactured by Mercedes-Benz, started in 1995. It was not until 2003 that it was sold as a Dodge Sprinter. In 2002, it was sold to commercial customers in the U.S. as a Freightliner Sprinter. From the start, no matter whose make it was sold under, it was intended as a no-nonsense utility van capable of hauling large amounts of people or cargo.
Time Frame
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The Dodge Sprinter van was sold from 2003 to 2009. The first generation lasted from 2003 to 2006, and the second generation lasted from 2007 to 2009. After Mercedes and Chrysler (Dodge's parent company) ceased their working partnership, Mercedes opted to sell the Sprinter from the 2010 model year forward.
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Features
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The first generation Dodge Sprinter came with a five-speed automatic transmission mated to a 2.7 liter turbo diesel five-cylinder engine. It produced 154 horsepower and 243 pound-feet of torque. Seats were adjustable in multiple ways, and overall storage capacity was massive–so much so that passengers could stand up and walk around in the taller models.
The second generation included an adjustable steering wheel for added driver customization and comfort. Engine choice was upgraded, although the five-speed automatic transmission was still standard. Buyers could choose between a gas-powered 3.5 liter V6 that made 254 horsepower and 250 pound-feet of torque, or a 3.0 liter turbo diesel V6 that offered 154 horsepower and 280 pound-feet of torque. In 2009, the gas-powered V6 was discontinued. The second generation also featured automatic climate control, stability control and antilock brakes. Several other options were available at an additional cost, including rear parking assist. The passenger version of the van also featured a driver-side sliding door.
Size
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The passenger version was offered in a 144- or 170-inch wheelbase version. It could then be fitted with a body measuring either 233 or 273 inches in length, as well as either a “standard” or a “high” roof height. The cargo version offered the same sizes as the passenger version, but added a third option–a 289-inch body length and a 7-foot “Mega Roof” height.
Considerations
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While the size and shape were excellent for hauling cargo, noted auto industry publication Edmunds found the turbo diesel engine to be a bit sluggish. The second-gen gas-powered V6 was better, but then fuel economy suffered (the diesel got over 20 miles per gallon).
Edmunds suggested, after the demise of the Dodge-branded Sprinter, that a used first-generation Dodge Sprinter could make a sound investment for someone looking for a nice full-sized van, either for people or for cargo. Edmunds TrueMarketValue pricing lists first-generation Sprinters as having a value ranging from $10,557 to $22,109, as of June 2010.
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References
- Photo Credit Sean Gallup/Getty Images News/Getty Images
