2004 Dodge Sprinter Review
Summary
What Edmunds.com says
The European-engineered Sprinter gives the full-size van buyer an unprecedented level of refinement, utility and value in a unique package. When it comes to serious towing and hauling, though, it can't keep up with V8-powered domestic vans.
Pros
Generous array of body configurations, class-leading cargo capacity, stellar fuel economy from turbodiesel engine.
Cons
Lacks high-speed punch, can't get a V8 for serious towing and hauling, higher initial cost versus competitors.
What's New for 2004
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) is now included on 2500-series models, and an array of new features and options are added, including a heated windshield with rain sensor and revised option packages. Also new this year are fresh 16-inch aluminum wheels and revised fabric choices.
Consumer Ratings & Reviews
best van
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 9 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500 High Roof 140 WB 3dr Ext Van (2.7L 5cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
Review
I've owned all the other vans and this is by far the best, handling, fun to drive, mileage,21-22,and reliability. Go ahead and test drive one and you will see, Mercedes, thats what it really is, has the best idea
Favorite Features
drivability
Suggested Improvements
none
Great Van
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 10 | Interior Design: | 10 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500 High Roof 118 WB 3dr Van (2.7L 5cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
Review
This van is the nicest one I've ever owned. Had 4 conversion vans before and this plain passenger van is the best. Great long distance comfort, great mileage, 21-22, dependable and durable. Slight trouble with the paint job but from talking to other Sprinter owners this is an exception. Don't be fooled the '07s don't get the mpg's, only about 16
Favorite Features
Engine and transmission, flawless, 21- 22, mpg and fun to drive
Suggested Improvements
None
Great concept, iffy execution
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 9 | Fun-to-Drive: | 6 | Build Quality: | 7 |
| Comfort: | 7 | Interior Design: | 7 | Reliability: | 8 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 9 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500 118 WB 3dr Van (2.7L 5cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
Review
This vehicle fills a niche in the market. If you want an economic diesel vehicle that you can use for hauling stuff or hauling family, then this is only thing out there that fits the bill. A mini-van can't tow, a pickup won't seat 7 people and a giant SUV won't get 24 mpg. It has an amazing payload, decent towing capacity, loads of interior space and is fairly economic (although diesel is pricey). The van has distinctive styling on the outside. The interior is spartan - rubber floors and plastic. As a van, it uses rear leaf springs and tends to be bouncy when unladen. That said, it's not uncomfortable, particularly on highways. Sort of noisy if you're not into diesel rumble.
Favorite Features
Engine and transmission, economy, payload, distinctiveness, residual heater, low loading deck, space, tough
Suggested Improvements
Squeaks, rattles, shudders, vibrations, not very reliable, been back to the dealer so many times it makes my head spin, not many dealers can service them, parts expensive, 118 now discontinued
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
A sight for sore eyes and big families
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 10 | Fun-to-Drive: | 10 | Build Quality: | 10 |
| Comfort: | 9 | Interior Design: | 9 | Reliability: | 10 |
| Fuel Economy: | 10 | Exterior Design: | 10 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500 140 WB 3dr Ext Van (2.7L 5cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
Review
I picked the vehicle up in Arkansas and drove it home to NC. The Sprinter was too inviting to cruise @ 82MPH(the preset limit). With a new engine I averaged about 20-21MPG and expect that to increase with seasoning. The family loves it! It's big enough to fit all the kids, their friends, strollers, etc. and make all the soccer moms drool. The Sprinter is easy to pick out anywhere (parking lots, highway, field of SUV's, city streets) If you buy one for non-commercial duty be prepared to answer many questions from inquiring minds. The questions are a whole lot better than rants and protests if this were a gas guzzling SUV of equal proportion. Perfect for biodiesel after warranty expires
Favorite Features
Driver's seat is comfy and the windows make it easy to see EVERYWHERE. It is easy to move about in the cabin even with kids and toys and the family pet. The drive is like piloting a low flying aircraft and it is quick to jump off the line and turns on a dime. Vinyl floor=no carpet stains,wear!
Suggested Improvements
Tilt wheel, tilt wheel, tilt wheel, reclining benches, rear speakers, more cup holders, armrests in the bench seating, creature comforts
2 out 2 people found this review helpful
Sprinter Passenger Van, misunderstood
Overall Rating
| Performance: | 8 | Fun-to-Drive: | 8 | Build Quality: | 8 |
| Comfort: | 8 | Interior Design: | 8 | Reliability: | 7 |
| Fuel Economy: | 8 | Exterior Design: | 7 | ||
Vehicle
2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500 140 WB 3dr Ext Van (2.7L 5cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
Review
I bought this for my family, and so are many other people now... but my dealer wants this passenger van to be a commercial vehicle and for me ot believe that rattles (mis-adjusted doors mostly) are normal. I fixed some of the problem myself after they told me it couldn't really be expected not to bang and rattle. Also had the common transmission leak (TSB was issued), and central locking system was beyond quirky and had to have the central locking timer module replaced (now is quirky, but according to the way the owners manual says it should be). Over all, this van is great!!! Roomy, quiet, comfortable, solid, peppy, and frugal on fuel. 20 miles per gallon of diesel, better when broken in.
Favorite Features
Size, turning radius and handling, interior utility, price (I got a year- old model with 624 parking-lot-miles on it), rear air-conditioning is powerful, quality is high in most areas, fairly quiet on highway for a big vehicle, wind noise low, two seat row can be moved to back for easy removal.
Suggested Improvements
No rear speakers on this spec-van, door rattles not simply fixed by asking dealer to do so, too much chrome on otherwise nicely curved and styled front end so I am turning it back into a Mercedes as it was when it was born, hard to find accessories in a variety suited to personal use.
1 out 1 people found this review helpful
View Pricing for Other Years
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