2004 Dodge Sprinter Review

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Editors' Rating

Not Yet Rated | Read the Model Review

Fuel Economy

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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

Problems, problems, problems!

Detailed Ratings

Overall Rating 

Performance: 4 Fun-to-Drive: 4 Build Quality: 1
Comfort: 8 Interior Design: 6 Reliability: 1
Fuel Economy: 10 Exterior Design: 7

Vehicle

2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500 High Roof 158 WB 3dr Ext Van (2.7L 5cyl Turbodiesel 5A)

Review

Vehicle is continually in the shop and because there are very few Dodge dealerships that service it I have to drive it halfway across the state every time something goes wrong. I have had transmission leaks, transponder issues, turn signal issues, engine trouble lights, surface rust that they won't repair under warranty, AC pulley fell off, O2 sensor failures, etc. It has been so bad that they don't even list all the repairs on the sheet when I bring it in anymore. Fortunately I got the extended warranty but it's going to run out soon. I've read forums where people are having similar issues but every time I bring it to the dealership they say they never heard of these problems.

Favorite Features

MPG, Comfort, Drivability (turning radius not handling).

Suggested Improvements

Fix problems. Buyers beware.

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best van

Detailed Ratings

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

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Great Van

Detailed Ratings

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

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Great concept, iffy execution

Detailed Ratings

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

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A sight for sore eyes and big families

Detailed Ratings

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

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