Dodge Sprinter Wheelchair Van From 2007 to 2008

The 2007 and 2008 Dodge Sprinters

After decades of Ford dominance in the full-size van class, Dodge saw an opportunity to take some of the E-Series’ market share by introducing a uniquely styled full-sized van, the Sprinter. The 2007 and 2008 Sprinters were the US version of a popular European Mercedes full-sized van, boasting superior handling and fuel efficiency. While the Sprinters did produce a number of happy customers, the vans failed to chip away at Ford’s overall lead. Nonetheless, the Dodge Sprinter remains an exceedingly good choice for those shopping for a full-sized van. It also has a great deal to offer those in search of a larger wheelchair van option.

The Sprinter was an extremely customizable vehicle at the point of purchase. In addition to numerous optional features, buyers were able to choose from multiple wheelbase and body lengths. The vans were available in a still-tall standard height and a high-profile design that provides more than six feet of interior clearance.

The 2007 and 2008 Sprinters came standard with individual front seats for the driver and passenger, an automatic climate control system, a sliding side passenger door, tilt steering and other basics.

Those with needs inconsistent with base offerings were able to modify the vehicle to their satisfaction. Options ranged from sunroofs to xenon headlights to cargo style side doors to high-end sound systems. Dodge wanted to offer a full-sized van “shell” that could be customized to meet virtually any commercial need.

Both the 2007 and 2008 Sprinters utilized one of two engine options. The standard power plant was a v6 turbo-diesel.

While the horsepower output for the engine was unimpressive, it generated a surprising amount of torque and was capable of towing 3.000 pounds. The Sprinter performs more than ably with the base engine. Those in need of greater power and acceleration or who were more interested in a traditional gasoline engine could upgrade to a 3.5-liter V6. Both engines were matched to a well-tuned five speed transmission.

An Overall Assessment of the Dodge Sprinter

The Sprinter is an interesting vehicle. It has a very unique exterior styling and provided buyers with a blank slate from which they could create a van to meet their individual requirements. While some Sprinters were originally sold as family drivers, most were marketed to the commercial sector, where full-sized vans are still in relatively high demand.

If one merely looks “at the numbers,” it’s hard to understand how Dodge’s van wasn’t able to gain more market share in 2007 and 2008. It outperforms the Ford vans in almost every category and is amenable to all types of conversions (including modification for wheelchair van use). It may have been marketplace inertia that benefited Ford or consumers may have been turned off by the high-profile lines of the Sprinter. Regardless of the cause, the Sprinter failed to achieve high sales figures despite a warm critical reception.

Overall, the Sprinter is a fine option for anyone in need of a full-sized van. It handles extremely well and has proven itself to be a reliable vehicle with a great deal of flexibility and low operating costs.

The Dodge Sprinter as a Wheelchair Van

Prior to the advent of minivans, wheelchair van users relied on full-sized vans. Most minivan drivers are thankful for that development and aren’t interested in returning to the days of using larger vehicles. Some, however, may want to change their thinking after reviewing the 2007 and 2008 Dodge Sprinter. While it would be a slight exaggeration to say the Sprinter behaves like a minivan, it provides a driving experience more akin to that of smaller vehicles than other full-sized options and boasts fuel economy that’s actually better than that of many minivans. It also has one feature that any wheelchair van user will love–space.

The Dodge Sprinter has an absolutely huge interior. As noted, it’s possible to find 2007 and 2008 models with a high-roof option that provides over six feet of vertical space within the vehicle. The spacious interior and the tremendous flexibility of the Sprinter renders it capable of utilizing a variety of ramp and lift options. It’s big enough to conveniently handle even heavy-duty wheelchair lifts. The additional space could be a huge benefit to wheelchair-bound drivers who need additional cargo space or who have larger families.

The Sprinter can also serve as a wheelchair accessible van in commercial settings. Many medical facilities and other businesses rely upon the vehicles to conveniently transport passengers in wheelchairs.

The flexible are more than capable of handling any popular wheelchair van conversion and can be an excellent choice for those who want the extra room and flexibility that even the best minivans can’t provide.

Is the Sprinter Right for You?

The Sprinter is a high-quality full-sized van and if you’re shopping for a bigger vehicle, you’ll undoubtedly find the 2007 and 2008 models appealing. Obviously, these larger vehicles aren’t for everyone and the extra space they provide comes with inherent driving and parking challenges.

The Sprinter isn’t right for everyone, but it can make a great van or wheelchair van selection for those who find its space and unique design attractive.