By
Bengt Halvorson, EditorBengt Halvorson
Editors at TheCarConnection.com understand what's important to you: information. To bring you this review of the
2009 Dodge Sprinter Wagon, experts have combed the Web to find a wide variety of insights on the 2009 Sprinter. This inclusive review lets you head to the dealership with plenty of knowledge.
Likes:
- Positively shocking fuel economy
- Perky acceleration at around-town speeds
- Low loading height
- Wide range of features and options
Dislikes:
- Lacks serious passing power, especially when loaded down
- Ride can be choppy on some surfaces
- Plain-Jane styling—a box is a box
Buying Tips:
Parts may be a bit more expensive for the 2009 Dodge Sprinter than they are for the former Dodge Ram, as the Sprinter is simply a rebadged Mercedes-Benz.
The Sprinter Wagon is Dodge's full-size passenger van. The 2009 Sprinter Wagon emphasizes passengers and cargo more than the full-sized vans from GM and Ford.
The 2009 Dodge Sprinter Wagon is powered by a 3.0-liter CDI turbodiesel V-6 that makes 154 horsepower, along with a much more impressive 280 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with a smooth-shifting five-speed automatic transmission that comes with a manual-shift mode.
As in other full-size vans, the driver and front passenger sit perched high over the front wheels. Behind the front seats, the Sprinter Wagon is as close to a box as you're likely to find in a vehicle. Properly configured, it can seat up to 12 people, as the three different seating configurations in the 2009 Dodge Sprinter Wagon offer 9-, 10-, and 12-passenger capacities in up to four rows of seating. Drivers can choose to upgrade to a power-sliding door for easier passenger loading.
The 2009 Dodge Sprinter Wagon comes in two different wheelbases—144 and 170 inches—with the 144-inch (233 inches long) model quite maneuverable in the city. Two different roof heights are offered as well. With the seats removed, the Sprinter's tall roof allows awe-inspiring cargo capacity.
The ride is a bit choppy, but handling is surprisingly nimble for such a tall vehicle. Once you get used to the odd driving position, the 2009 Dodge Sprinter feels quite maneuverable for those accustomed to driving large sport-utility vehicles or other vans.
The options list is vast, including courtesy lamps and overhead consoles, bi-xenon headlamps, sunroofs, heated seats, rain-sensor wipers, and a backup sensor system. The 2009 Dodge Sprinter Wagon comes with standard keyless entry, automatic climate control, rear ducts, and a 13-speaker sound system; unlike most full-sized vans, the steering wheel tilts and telescopes. For commercial needs, there are several different axle ratios and various heavy-duty components available.
Front-seat side airbags and front side curtain airbags—two other features that aren't typically available in this class—are both optional. Electronic stability control, a feature that's not yet offered in all full-size vans, is standard on the 2009 Dodge Sprinter Wagon, as are anti-lock brakes. The Sprinter hasn't been subjected to either of the major crash-test series.
Other Choices:
If you include the 2009 Dodge Sprinter Wagon on your shopping list you should also consider:
Reason Why:
The Sprinter offers far more interior space than the standard-wheelbase GM and Ford vans. Each of the full-size van models from Ford and General Motors have a harder, busier ride than the 2009 Dodge Sprinter Wagon; they don't steer as well as the Sprinter and lack its maneuverability. For 2009, the full-size GM vans (Express and Savana) have standard electronic stability control, but the feature is available on only some of the Ford lineup. Fuel economy, of course, is where there's no comparison. While the V-6 and V-8 engines of the GM and Ford models return fuel economy numbers in the mid-teens in most driving, the Sprinter gets mileage numbers well into the 20s.
The Bottom Line:
The 2009 Dodge Sprinter is incredibly spacious on the inside and remarkably fuel-efficient. It's a smart choice for any buyer.
Editors at TheCarConnection.com understand what's important to you: information. To bring you this review of the 2009 Dodge Sprinter Wagon, experts have combed the Web to find a wide variety of insights on the 2009 Sprinter. This inclusive review lets you head to the dealership with plenty of knowledge.
Likes:Positively shocking fuel economyPerky acceleration at around-town speedsLow loading heightWide range of features and optionsDislikes:Lacks serious passing power, especially when loaded downRide can be choppy on some surfacesPlain-Jane styling—a box is a boxBuying Tips:
Parts may be a bit more expensive for the 2009 Dodge Sprinter than they are for the former Dodge Ram, as the Sprinter is simply a rebadged Mercedes-Benz.
The Sprinter Wagon is Dodge's full-size passenger van. The 2009 Sprinter Wagon emphasizes passengers and cargo more than the full-sized vans from GM and Ford.
The 2009 Dodge Sprinter Wagon is powered by a 3.0-liter CDI turbodiesel V-6 that makes 154 horsepower, along with a much more impressive 280 pound-feet of torque. The engine is paired with a smooth-shifting five-speed automatic transmission that comes with a manual-shift mode.
As in other full-size vans, the driver and front passenger sit perched high over the front wheels. Behind the front seats, the Sprinter Wagon is as close to a box as you're likely to find in a vehicle. Properly configured, it can seat up to 12 people, as the three different seating configurations in the 2009 Dodge Sprinter Wagon offer 9-, 10-, and 12-passenger capacities in up to four rows of seating. Drivers can choose to upgrade to a power-sliding door for easier passenger loading.
The 2009 Dodge Sprinter Wagon comes in two different wheelbases—144 and 170 inches—with the 144-inch (233 inches long) model quite maneuverable in the city. Two different roof heights are offered as well. With the seats removed, the Sprinter's tall roof allows awe-inspiring cargo capacity.
The ride is a bit choppy, but handling is surprisingly nimble for such a tall vehicle. Once you get used to the odd driving position, the 2009 Dodge Sprinter feels quite maneuverable for those accustomed to driving large sport-utility vehicles or other vans.
The options list is vast, including courtesy lamps and overhead consoles, bi-xenon headlamps, sunroofs, heated seats, rain-sensor wipers, and a backup sensor system. The 2009 Dodge Sprinter Wagon comes with standard keyless entry, automatic climate control, rear ducts, and a 13-speaker sound system; unlike most full-sized vans, the steering wheel tilts and telescopes. For commercial needs, there are several different axle ratios and various heavy-duty components available.
Front-seat side airbags and front side curtain airbags—two other features that aren't typically available in this class—are both optional. Electronic stability control, a feature that's not yet offered in all full-size vans, is standard on the 2009 Dodge Sprinter Wagon, as are anti-lock brakes. The Sprinter hasn't been subjected to either of the major crash-test series.
Other Choices:If you include the 2009 Dodge Sprinter Wagon on your shopping list you should also consider:Chevrolet ExpressGMC SavanaFord EconolineReason Why:The Sprinter offers far more interior space than the standard-wheelbase GM and Ford vans. Each of the full-size van models from Ford and General Motors have a harder, busier ride than the 2009 Dodge Sprinter Wagon; they don't steer as well as the Sprinter and lack its maneuverability. For 2009, the full-size GM vans (Express and Savana) have standard electronic stability control, but the feature is available on only some of the Ford lineup. Fuel economy, of course, is where there's no comparison. While the V-6 and V-8 engines of the GM and Ford models return fuel economy numbers in the mid-teens in most driving, the Sprinter gets mileage numbers well into the 20s.
The Bottom Line:The 2009 Dodge Sprinter is incredibly spacious on the inside and remarkably fuel-efficient. It's a smart choice for any buyer.
Editors at TheCarConnection.com understand what's important to you: information. To bring you this review of the 2009 Dodge Sprinter Wagon, experts have combed the Web to find a wide variety of insights on the 2009 Sprinter. This inclusive review lets you head to the dealership with plenty of ...
Comments (0 total)
Be the first to post a comment
Post a comment