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2008 Dodge Sprinter Bottom Line

September 30, 2009

By Bengt Halvorson's avatar Bengt Halvorson, EditorBengt Halvorson

In order to assemble this review covering the 2008 Dodge Sprinter Wagon, TheCarConnection.com looked to a range of existing reviews. As they've driven the 2008 Dodge Sprinter Wagon, TheCarConnection.com's editors included firsthand information where relevant.

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:


Those considering the 2008 Dodge Sprinter for commercial use might take a look at the cargo version, which sells for a price that's several thousands less.

The Sprinter Wagon is Dodge's full-size passenger van. Based on a Daimler design, the 2008 Sprinter Wagon follows a different style that emphasizes passengers and cargo more than the full-size vans from GM and Ford.

The 2008 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. It delivers its plentiful torque to the rear wheels through a smooth-shifting five-speed automatic transmission that comes with a manual-shift mode. A 254-horsepower, 3.5-liter gasoline V-6 is optional, though at a lower price than the diesel.

The 2008 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.

Three different seating configurations are offered in the 2008 Dodge Sprinter Wagon, with 9-, 10-, and 12-passenger capacities in up to four rows of seating. 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, and it features sliding doors on both sides. With the seats removed, the Sprinter's tall roof allows awe-inspiring cargo capacity.

Once you get used to the odd driving position, the 2008 Dodge Sprinter feels quite maneuverable for those accustomed to driving large sport-utility vehicles or other vans. The ride is a bit choppy, but handling is surprisingly nimble for such a tall vehicle.

The 2008 Dodge Sprinter Wagon comes with standard keyless entry, automatic climate control, rear ducts, and a 13-speaker sound system; unlike most full-size vans, the steering wheel tilts and telescopes. 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. For commercial needs, there are several different axle ratios and various heavy-duty components available.

The Sprinter hasn't been tested in either of the major crash-test series, but it has extensive (for the class) safety features. Electronic stability control, a feature that's not yet offered in all full-size vans, is standard on the 2008 Dodge Sprinter Wagon, as are anti-lock brakes. Front-seat side airbags and front side curtain airbags--two other features that aren't typically available in this class--are both optional.

Other Choices:

If you like the 2008 Dodge Sprinter Wagon, also consider:

Reason Why:

Each of the full-size van models from Ford and General Motors have a harder, busier ride than the 2008 Dodge Sprinter Wagon; they don't steer as well as the Sprinter and lack its maneuverability. The Sprinter offers far more interior space than the standard-wheelbase GM and Ford vans. For 2008, 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 2008 Dodge Sprinter is very different from traditional full-size vans, but its fuel-efficient engine and space-efficient interior make it the smart choice.

In order to assemble this review covering the 2008 Dodge Sprinter Wagon, TheCarConnection.com looked to a range of existing reviews. As they've driven the 2008 Dodge Sprinter Wagon, TheCarConnection.com's editors included firsthand information where relevant. 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: Those considering the 2008 Dodge Sprinter for commercial use might take a look at the cargo version, which sells for a price that's several thousands less. The Sprinter Wagon is Dodge's full-size passenger van. Based on a Daimler design, the 2008 Sprinter Wagon follows a different style that emphasizes passengers and cargo more than the full-size vans from GM and Ford. The 2008 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. It delivers its plentiful torque to the rear wheels through a smooth-shifting five-speed automatic transmission that comes with a manual-shift mode. A 254-horsepower, 3.5-liter gasoline V-6 is optional, though at a lower price than the diesel. The 2008 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. Three different seating configurations are offered in the 2008 Dodge Sprinter Wagon, with 9-, 10-, and 12-passenger capacities in up to four rows of seating. 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, and it features sliding doors on both sides. With the seats removed, the Sprinter's tall roof allows awe-inspiring cargo capacity. Once you get used to the odd driving position, the 2008 Dodge Sprinter feels quite maneuverable for those accustomed to driving large sport-utility vehicles or other vans. The ride is a bit choppy, but handling is surprisingly nimble for such a tall vehicle. The 2008 Dodge Sprinter Wagon comes with standard keyless entry, automatic climate control, rear ducts, and a 13-speaker sound system; unlike most full-size vans, the steering wheel tilts and telescopes. 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. For commercial needs, there are several different axle ratios and various heavy-duty components available. The Sprinter hasn't been tested in either of the major crash-test series, but it has extensive (for the class) safety features. Electronic stability control, a feature that's not yet offered in all full-size vans, is standard on the 2008 Dodge Sprinter Wagon, as are anti-lock brakes. Front-seat side airbags and front side curtain airbags--two other features that aren't typically available in this class--are both optional. Other Choices:If you like the 2008 Dodge Sprinter Wagon, also consider:Chevrolet ExpressFord EconolineGMC SavanaReason Why:Each of the full-size van models from Ford and General Motors have a harder, busier ride than the 2008 Dodge Sprinter Wagon; they don't steer as well as the Sprinter and lack its maneuverability. The Sprinter offers far more interior space than the standard-wheelbase GM and Ford vans. For 2008, 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 2008 Dodge Sprinter is very different from traditional full-size vans, but its fuel-efficient engine and space-efficient interior make it the smart choice. In order to assemble this review covering the 2008 Dodge Sprinter Wagon , TheCarConnection.com looked to a range of existing reviews. As they've driven the 2008 Dodge Sprinter Wagon , TheCarConnection.com's editors included firsthand information where relevant. Likes: - Positively ...

Other Choices:

Each of the full-size van models from Ford and General Motors have a harder, busier ride than the 2008 Dodge Sprinter Wagon; they don't steer as well as the Sprinter and lack its maneuverability. The Sprinter offers far more interior space than the standard-wheelbase GM and Ford vans. For 2008, 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.

Next Steps:

Check Insurance Rates

for the 2008 Dodge Sprinter

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for the 2008 Dodge Sprinter

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for a 2008 Dodge Sprinter near you

See the Dodge Sprinter in Other Years:

2009 | 2008 | 2007 | 2006 | 2005 | 2004 | 2003

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