Used 2005 Dodge Sprinter Consumer Reviews
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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2005 Sprinter, so we've included reviews for other years of the Sprinter since its last redesign.
Best Cargo Van Available - Buy it
Oiseauzepher, 12/18/2004
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 140 WB 3dr Ext Van (2.7L 5cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
17 of 17 people found this review helpful
I move art and the vehicle is smallest choice possible. I must say I am amazed at all the possitive comments I get about the style. Kind of a European spy thing. It handles well (it is a van). Plenty of pickup and speed, 80mph no prob. I live in Colorado, so I've given the vehicle a work out on hills and cold - damn cold weather. If you're going to use the van in very cold, get the aux heater package. Great idea. You can set the aux heater to preheat the engine and cab for anytime. It runs on the fuel so don't use in a garage. Great fuel economy (25+) on the hwy. Cup holder too low. Washer fluid freezes in exterior line below 25. Steering wheel should adjust. Great Van - Buy it.
Great concept, iffy execution
sdeb, 02/22/2007
2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500 118 WB 3dr Van (2.7L 5cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
14 of 14 people found this review helpful
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.
2005 Dodge Sprinter for sale near you
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- 2500 High Roof 158 WB Diesel Passenger VanMSRP: $30,250465 mi away
Good worker
Mr. Rodney Long, 08/29/2010
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 High Roof 158 WB 3dr Ext Van (2.7L 5cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
18 of 19 people found this review helpful
I often overload my van- 3,700 to 4,300 is not uncommon- and I still drive 3 mph over the speed limit. It has never dropped below 5 mph of the set cruise on any hill. I abuse it by letting it idle for 10 to 38 hours at a time in all kinds of weather. With all this I have only had to replace a cam sensor. I use this van to move expedited freight and drive as much as 1,700 miles in one sitting. I get 25.5 mpg with a 4200 lbs load in the back on the east coast from MI to GA. The only complaint I have is the steering while will not tilt and the heater doesn't work well when it very cold out, unless you cover some of the radiator air intake. I couldn't imagine doing my job with out it. I am spoiled
Bought new- Owned 12+ years so far. (Now 15.5 year
Bobby C., 11/22/2017
updated 11/30/2020
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 High Roof 158 WB 3dr Ext Van (2.7L 5cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
38 of 42 people found this review helpful
I ordered my 2005 in July 04 158" tall cargo van brand new for recreational use: long distance enroute camping, towing small travel trailer, utility use for cargo and building materials and took delivery in Feb 05 when it arrived at the dealership.. After owning it 12 1/2 years I can't imagine getting rid of it ever. Great MPG at 25-27, even when loaded with 1500 pounds in the back. Tows 3500 pounds with ease. Performance is adequate if you don't activate the turbo, but open it up (I've only done it a few times) and it's downright QUICK. I baby the vehicle big-time, and it's never let me down mechanically. When loaded or towing I use a complete electronic gauge package ("Edge") and I VERY carefully monitor and regulate the EGT, manifold pressure, and fuel rail pressures using speed control, gear selection, and throttle position. I did have a 150a alternator regulator fail at 60k miles, but other than that no problems unless you count the auxiliary diesel fuel powered hydronic block heater that quit after only 6 uses or so. The transmission works fine, but makes noises like driving over a highway rumble strip at times. Was like this when I picked up the van w/ 12mi on the odometer, and it still does it. Mercedes says "they all do it" and that it's not a defect. Also fuel lines vibrate at certain throttle settings and RPM, but again, it hasn't gotten worse. The original tires have legal tread at over 60,000mi. The brakes made the vehicle shake like it was falling apart when hot towing long downhills (only light application), but when empty, no vibration. I installed new drilled, slotted rotors and super heavy duty pads thinking it was hot brakes, but there was no change. Again, "they all do it," though no one knows why. The rotors are NOT warped, and at 50,000mi the fronts still had zero run-out, no wear ridge, and the pads were only 30% worn. The ride is not great empty or full compared to my former E-350 Econoline diesel van, but it's acceptable. The heater and A/C are useless in hot or cold climates unless you install a barrier behind the front seats, even with a super-insulated cabin (I installed 1" rigid foam on ever sq inch of the cargo compartment walls and ceiling, AND installed paneling on the walls, and also MB super-insulated passenger van ceilings on the roof for extra insulation, and curtains on ALL back windows, and still the HVAC is a bad joke w/o the divider curtain I made from clear shower curtain material that snaps tightly in around the whole fuselage right behind the front seats. The van will swallow ANYTHING you want to put in it (13ft behind the front seats, and you can carry 16ft lumber down-the-center if you want), I've kept my van garaged or in a car port, but those kept outside tend to rust on the top because of poor paintwork. I bought mine in arctic white to prolong the paint life (dark colors self-destruct in direct sunlight), and it still looks almost new. If you owned and drove air cooled VW Microbuses for many years like I did, this van will feel like the "old days" despite the van is a water cooled diesel up front. It sounds, feels, and handles about the same, though a bit better in cross-winds. It's MUCH faster, and gives better MPG, of course. Strangely, the engine has no oil pressure gauge or light, but only an oil low-quantity light, so theoretically an oil pressure problem could destroy the $12,000 engine without the slightest warning, which I find odd, but I spoke with FedEx fleet operators, and none said they ever had an engine failure, so maybe it's a moot point. FedEx gets about 140,000 out of the 5 spd auto transmissions, but they are not babied. I am hoping babying mine will better that figure. UPDATE 11/20 Since the last review, my original tires still had about 1/2 tread left (projecting life 120,000+ miles), but they were showing age cracks, and I was scheduled to make a few 3000mi round trips, so elected to purchase new tires. I LOVED the OEM Michelin LTX but I didn't want to spend that much money, so bought a set of Westlake SL309 Traction Radial Tire - 225/75R16 115Q from Amazon at $74 each. So far the ride and handle great and are quiet. I was tired of the harsh ride the front of the vehicle always gave, and though the front struts still felt like day one, I splurged on a set of Bilsteins and they ride a LOT less harshly even though the removed OEM struts were not at all showing signs of decline. Really nothing else to report-the van is still the most versatile vehicle I own. ONE thing- the OEM paint on panel edges, and around exterior roof spot welds was showing pinpoints of rust because the edges were sharp enough the paint was applied thin on them (the paint likely pulled back from those sharp edges), so after a thorough cleaning, I retouched each spot with some matching enamel to prevent future rust. Still the paint is perfect elsewhere and after a wash and polish the vehicle still looks new (except for a few repaired stone dings in the windshield).
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Sprinter Passenger Van, misunderstood
KenB, 11/02/2005
2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500 140 WB 3dr Ext Van (2.7L 5cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
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.
2004 Sprinter in a world of 2019’s
Astroplane, 06/10/2019
2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500 140 WB 3dr Ext Van (2.7L 5cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
It’s 2019 and still driving the Sprinter daily. The van has ultimately been very reliable and averages 22-24 mpg city with 3/4 ton cargo bolted to floor. I know several of these vans that have exceeded a million miles. Using the proper spec’d fluids at the proper intervals is key to longevity. Due to the low production numbers and high cost of this year van (diesel), very few mechanics have ever worked on one much less understand this vehicle.
- Safety
- Technology
- Performance
- Interior
- Comfort
- Reliability
- Value
Great for Families too...
scot wilce, 01/04/2005
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 High Roof 118 WB 3dr Van (2.7L 5cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
Tired of mini-vans and SUV's for the family? this has been an amazing family vehicle..and a large dvd player and it is like a movie theater on wheels. My 4 kids love to ride in it and long trips are no longer a "are we there yet?" marathon. Great for mom and dad to get up and move around the vehicle and attend to little people's needs. clean up is a breeze...with the bench seats you can clean it out with a leaf blower! The bench seats also accomidate long lumber with ease. Driver and passenger seats are very adjustable and comfortable.
a big van that drives like a car.
w. meiss, 08/10/2004
2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500 High Roof 140 WB 3dr Ext Van (2.7L 5cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
purchaqsed the vehicle for retirement travel and insulated it to reduce the box noise. added 2 side and 2 rear windows which are available from after market vendors. added 2 very confortable passenger seats and a XM radio receiver with amplifier and speakers for good quality sounds. there still room for my raft/motor and fishing gear. added decals on sides and rear of a fisherman with rod in one hand and a can of beer in the other. it cruises very well up the mountains of no. ca., not good in the dirt. became the family and friends favorite method of transportation. dealership could do the 10000 mile service quicker. very happy with van.
Great design, so-so execution & support
Ken Baker, 10/18/2005
2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500 140 WB 3dr Ext Van (2.7L 5cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
Solid chassis with nice German styling and seats, the plain-but-functional well-executed variety. Fairly small diesel a real gem, getting the vehicle up and running quickly and smoothly. Downshifts: excellent for braking and respond correctly by not over-revving the willing little engine. Quiet when all the parts are tightly in place, it has a tendency to loosen its door stops and find the worst in choppy or pothole laden roads, but stays stable- driving. Dealer adjustments? They started refusing (right away)to get to the bottom of the many rattles: made service-after-sale = JOKE. Central locking: cryptic concept from Germany for hocuspocus, remote lock EQ unlock NE lock. Leaky Trans@3K miles
Not for everyone, but an amazing vehicle
Love the Sprinter, 10/06/2003
2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500 High Roof 158 WB 3dr Ext Van (2.7L 5cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
11 of 13 people found this review helpful
So far, with 90K miles, the Sprinter has been very impressive. Fuel economy is over 20 mpg with a 3500 version with dual rear wheels. 10K service intervals for oil changes are a life saver, but pricey due to full synthetic oil being recommended. Only real annoyance is excessive front tire wear due to the factory alignment specs. Other than that, this vehicle is comfortable, nimble, economical, quiet, surprisingly powerful, and so far bulletproof. If you can live with the looks, and the fact that it won't fit in the garage, it is well worth the price premium over anything else on the road that thinks it can compare for both passenger and cargo service.
lots of problems
tim k, 11/17/2009
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 High Roof 140 WB 3dr Ext Van (2.7L 5cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
14 of 18 people found this review helpful
bought 2 sprinters 04 and 05 the electicals real bad and the brakes and tires are under sized . door hinges and hardware stink as well. cant wait till its all over, even stopped making the truck payments to daimler and contacted ntsb, national traffic safety board. trucks with inoperative ligts and flashers are a real hazard on our roads. dealers and chrysler are clueless, should have had mercedes make the truck as well as the engine
diesel particulate filter
floyd, 10/17/2009
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 High Roof 158 WB 3dr Ext Van (2.7L 5cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
9 of 11 people found this review helpful
I recently had new glow plugs and a new head installed on my 2005. Ever since I had smells coming from the engine. I was told that the rear doors needed adjustment, and the fuel tank drained. I did both. I still have symptoms of light headeness,dizziness and nausea. Has anyone heard about diesel particulate filter problems. I do know that the health related problems can become chronic.
motor explosion
hemi, 08/12/2008
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 118 WB 3dr Van (2.7L 5cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
7 of 9 people found this review helpful
I had vehicle for 6 months. The transmission rumbles real bad. 3 tranny flushes and still no good. Also it has no tranny dipstick so you need to find one for yourself. Also it uses extremely high dollar tranny fluid. After rumbling down the road, the motor decides to spit a piston. No warning just quit. It is now in the process of being repaired. This will be very expensive. They take you to the meat grinder for parts. I will say this vehicle is scrap and no one should buy one.
Likable
June&Jerry, 07/29/2004
2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500 140 WB 3dr Ext Van (2.7L 5cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Not much of experience yet,but - more I drive it -more I like it.Big van with enough power and economy of small sedan.
Driving can be fun
jmiller, 08/29/2007
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 118 WB 3dr Van (2.7L 5cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Most of my driving is on the interstate highways. I have no trouble passing other vehicles as long as I don't try going over 85 mph. It won't. I love it's small turning radias. U- turns are no problem. And it's great being up so high that you can see over most of the other traffic. I am very happy with my cargo van.
Problems, problems, problems!
Fitz454, 10/17/2008
2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500 High Roof 158 WB 3dr Ext Van (2.7L 5cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
6 of 8 people found this review helpful
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.
25oo dodge sprinter
splinter4, 11/10/2011
2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500 High Roof 158 WB 3dr Ext Van (2.7L 5cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
9 of 13 people found this review helpful
I bought a 2004 Dodge Sprinter new in 2006, had 500 miles on it. This is the most un reliable vehicle I have ever owned, always something, front ac unit condenser, burned out 2 alternators, driveshaft carrier bearing, then the driveshaft, viabration in driveline somewhere, now the rear end or wheel bearing or ? sounds like I have mud grips on rear. I have driven to 130K miles, I expected to get 250K but I cant stand this pos. Costs a fortune to maintain. I heard that UPS crushed their Sprinters at 120K miles because of maintenance and downtime.
A sight for sore eyes and big families
BZ, 11/25/2005
2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500 140 WB 3dr Ext Van (2.7L 5cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
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
best van
John, 04/07/2008
2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500 High Roof 140 WB 3dr Ext Van (2.7L 5cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
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
Great van
Jason the plumber, 11/06/2008
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 High Roof 140 WB 3dr Ext Van (2.7L 5cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I love this van. It got 26 mpg on the way back from Ohio dealer to Grand Ledge, Mi while unloaded. It carries all my tools and plumbing fittings with ease and gets 23 mpg around town fully loaded. The biggest asset is the high roof which gives my back alot of relief when loading heavy old water heaters, etc. I have to drive 50mi to get it serviced and am worried if it will start well in the Michigan winters, but even so it is truly a superior van.
Sprinter right home
rdrick, 06/02/2005
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 140 WB 3dr Ext Van (2.7L 5cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
I have only had the vehicle for a short time but I LOVE the gas mileage! Beats my Chrysler Town & Country! Biggest drawback is the lack of tilt steering. Otherwise, GREAT vision, and good back support (especially with the optional lumbar air pump). I haul 5 kids and their friends and their junk with no problem!
Silly looking...but fun to own.
n_tesla, 05/08/2005
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 118 WB 3dr Van (2.7L 5cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Mine's used as a delivery van for plasma TV's during the week and as a kids sports team hauler on the weekend. As a utility vehicle this can't be beat. The doors open wide, the walls go straight up, it's easy to move around inside. The ride is much more controlled than the E150's and GMC vans. Most times we don't have to tie items down. Taking seats in and out is a two (strong) man job. I'm told the comfort in the back is good. My daughter's soccer team has adopted this van as their mascot. They like the privacy glass windows. I ordered the extra insulation package and it's still noisey inside. I bought an Avery berber floor mat and it quieted things down a bit. It's cool in a weird way.
Lemon?
Mike, 04/11/2007
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 High Roof 140 WB 3dr Ext Van (2.7L 5cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
2 of 3 people found this review helpful
In 11 months of ownership, I've had the A/C compressor replaced, the engine control sensor replaced, had the vehicle towed once because it wouldn't start, and now when I turn on my right turn signal, my dash lights flash. When my headlights are on, the right turn signal doesn't blink. I've also got rust spots coming through the side panels.
turbodiesel motor
donhodgson, 05/21/2004
2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500 High Roof 158 WB 3dr Ext Van (2.7L 5cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
So far, with 30K miles, the Mercedes Sprinter has been very impressive. Fuel economy is over 25 mpg with a 3500 version. 13.5K service intervals for oil changes are a life saver, but pricey due to full synthetic oil being recommended. Only real annoyance is excessive front tire wear due to the factory alignment specs. Other than that, this vehicle is economical, surprisingly powerful.
Great work and family van
timgo, 09/05/2004
2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500 118 WB 3dr Van (2.7L 5cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
Fun to drive, comfortable, and quite handy. I travel across the US at least four times each year on business. The Sprinter is comfortable, handles well on the freeway and in town, and does not suffer from the top-heaviness it looks like it should. I find I can load it up but not load it down. When full of friends, family, and all types of luggage, the Sprinter behaves as it's named. But the rare time I load my Sprinter down with building supplies and concrete sacks, my Sprinter lacks a few muscles in the power department.
Great Van
04 sprinter, 10/17/2007
2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500 High Roof 118 WB 3dr Van (2.7L 5cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
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
Fun until it breaks
Big Silver Box, 10/02/2005
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 118 WB 3dr Van (2.7L 5cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
It is fun to drive, handles great and pulls my 4k pound camper ok, and until 2 weeks ago I couldn't say enough good things about it. Then one morning it would not start, and to make a long story short, it has been sitting at the dealers now for 2 weeks waiting for a part. The part, they tell me is on national back order, which means that there isn't one in the whole country! How in the world can they sell these trucks as work vehicles and not have parts for them? If you use your van to make your living you may want to wait untill they get their parts network straightened out before you buy one. All the good featurs of this van mean nothing if you can't fix it asap when it breaks down.
dangerous/unreliable sprinter
dennis spoerke, 01/16/2005
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 High Roof 140 WB 3dr Ext Van (2.7L 5cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
2 of 5 people found this review helpful
I have a Nationwide Pet Transportation business that involves traveling 11,000-12,000 miles per month, mostly at interstate speeds. My 2004 Sprinter was to be my IDEAL vehicle - instead it is a nightmare!
Lumbar damage
jon, 04/13/2008
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 High Roof 158 WB 3dr Ext Van (2.7L 5cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
1 of 3 people found this review helpful
If you drive this vehicle for more than 1 year as a work vehicle 8-16 hr a day because of its design you will have back problem because of the rough and the way the seating are made. I know I am one who wish I never drove one for a work vehicle. There are no safety test on this vehicle crash test or no safety data
Euro wagon
debushau, 04/05/2004
2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500 118 WB 3dr Van (2.7L 5cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
Solid vehicle. For a smaller footprint, more space than a Suburban. Seating for 8 regular sized people and their luggage. Economic for its size. Handles better than it would seem - not top heavy. Comfortable seating - real alternative to a giant SUV. More practical than a minivan - watch out for parking garages though.
So ugly, it's beautiful!
cgorra, 04/22/2004
2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500 140 WB 3dr Ext Van (2.7L 5cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
How do you move a family of 7 and all of their stuff around? In a Suburban or an Excursion: I don't think so! Your neighbors will hate you, and Greenpeace will picket your house, plus neither vehicle really has enough room to do the job properly and comfortably. Enter the Sprinter: Sure it's tall and ungainly, but boy, does this thing haul people and their stuff in comfort and safety. Rides better than an SUV, gets 22 MPG, and has the work ethic of a pack mule!
Dodge Sprinter
Bob, 01/25/2006
2005 Dodge Sprinter 2500 High Roof 158 WB 3dr Ext Van (2.7L 5cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I bought a new Sprinter van 158 in. Wheelbase (cargo) right after hurricane Wilma flooded my step van. I brought it home started building shelves and tool storage for my business. Just got it done and the transmission goes out. After almost three weeks I have it back with a whole new transmission and I hope it stays running. It's a nice truck, low power, but I guess thats what you trade to get good mileage. The whole truck is thin sheet metal, I mean thin ! And there is rust showing on the roof of mine with less than 1000 miles on it. Also there is no frame unibody to save weight and improve mileage but not longevity in my opinion. It does go down the road good. It was noisy until I put in a bulkhead
fun fun fun
jeffery550, 10/08/2003
2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500 High Roof 158 WB 3dr Ext Van (2.7L 5cyl Turbodiesel 5A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
this is an overall good car