2008 Dodge Sprinter Review

September 30, 2009

STYLING | 4 out of 10

Expert Quotes:

a box on wheels
Car and Driver

give[s] the impression that a strong breeze could make it tip over like a boozed-up co-ed
Edmunds

isn't likely to win any beauty pageants
Kelley Blue Book

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.

While most reviewers like the 2008 Dodge Sprinter Wagon for its capabilities, they are generally disparaging--or, at the least, quiet--about its appearance.

Although Dodge made the 2007 model of the Sprinter Wagon "wider, taller, and longer," Cars.com reports changes in the 2008 version "are comparatively minor." The only mention of appearance is that the front grille of the Sprinter "incorporates the Dodge Ram logo."

Edmunds says that the Sprinter's "radically sloped front end, long wheelbase and tall body make it look like a good Adam Vinatieri kick could knock it over." While not as picturesque in its description, Car and Driver is also less than complimentary, saying the "flat cargo floor and vertical side walls make it a box on wheels."

Kelley Blue Book says diplomatically, "the 2008 Dodge Sprinter isn't likely to win any beauty pageants"; however, they also note that "there is real attractiveness in its efficient design."

“The Sprinter holds an advantage in regards to interior design,” Edmunds observes. “Its new dashboard and steering wheel angle have been greatly improved over its predecessor.” Car and Driver, however, calls it “Spartan,” while ConsumerGuide notes the Sprinter’s “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.”

Conclusion

The 2008 Dodge Sprinter Wagon values function over form—any form.

STYLING | 4 out of 10Expert Quotes:a box on wheelsCar and Drivergive[s] the impression that a strong breeze could make it tip over like a boozed-up co-edEdmundsisn't likely to win any beauty pageantsKelley Blue Book 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. While most reviewers like the 2008 Dodge Sprinter Wagon for its capabilities, they are generally disparaging--or, at the least, quiet--about its appearance. Although Dodge made the 2007 model of the Sprinter Wagon "wider, taller, and longer," Cars.com reports changes in the 2008 version "are comparatively minor." The only mention of appearance is that the front grille of the Sprinter "incorporates the Dodge Ram logo." Edmunds says that the Sprinter's "radically sloped front end, long wheelbase and tall body make it look like a good Adam Vinatieri kick could knock it over." While not as picturesque in its description, Car and Driver is also less than complimentary, saying the "flat cargo floor and vertical side walls make it a box on wheels." Kelley Blue Book says diplomatically, "the 2008 Dodge Sprinter isn't likely to win any beauty pageants"; however, they also note that "there is real attractiveness in its efficient design." “The Sprinter holds an advantage in regards to interior design,” Edmunds observes. “Its new dashboard and steering wheel angle have been greatly improved over its predecessor.” Car and Driver, however, calls it “Spartan,” while ConsumerGuide notes the Sprinter’s “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.” ConclusionThe 2008 Dodge Sprinter Wagon values function over form—any form.  2008 DODGE SPRINTER WAGON STYLING | [4 out of 10] Car and Driver: "a box on wheels" Edmunds: "give[s] the impression that a strong breeze could make it tip over like a boozed-up co-ed" Kelley Blue Book: "isn't likely to win any beauty pageants" The Sprinter Wagon is Dodge's ...

Read More of this Review:

  1. styling
  2. performance
  3. quality
  4. safety
  5. features

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:

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See the Dodge Sprinter in Other Years:

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

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