Before the minivans of the 1980s, the word ‘‘van’’ usually also meant a full-size work truck. While some big vans end up as customized RVs, most are still used as repair and delivery trucks. Until now all big vans were designed and made in the Americas. But now Chrysler Group is selling a European van design by Mercedes-Benz. It’s called the Dodge Sprinter, and it puts a whole new spin on the word van!

When trying to describe the 2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500, it’s really easier to say it’s the Ginsu of vehicles. And, with the road as its chopping block, there’s no chore big or small this Euro-box hasn’t thought of.

But first let’s understand the Sprinter’s heritage. Plying European delivery routes since the late 90s, the Sprinter has been on sale here for about two years by Daimler Chrysler’s big-rig Freightliner division, and now by Dodge. Passenger versions are imported and ready to customize, while cargo vans, not-unlike Revell models, come in as kits that are put together at Freightliner’s Gaffney, South Carolina plant.

Convoluted? Maybe. But, to mass market a German van in the land of the free and Mr. Fix-It, you have to be creative. Sure businesses will be interested in a better van, but let on that it’s a Mercedes, and watch their customers’ heads spin.

The Sprinter made it here when Chrysler Group decided the full-size van market, long dominated by Ford and Chevrolet, just didn’t warrant the investment to redesign the aged Dodge Ram Van. Ranging from the longest at 158 inches down to the shortest at 118 inches, the Sprinter comes with three wheelbases. Plus, for further expansion it comes in two roof heights-the tallest with a walk-through flat load floor.

If we really did try to make a few extra bucks while driving our pretend plumbing company test van, we would also appreciate the oversized sliding doors and wrap-around rear doors that swing open 270 degrees.

Up front, the Sprinter is both convenient and comfortable. Drivers sit at the helm of a large, if too flat, fixed steering wheel and a clean lined dash. They benefit from vast visual clearance, and full-size driver and passenger airbags. And our Sprinter really was a master plumber’s dream cabin. From loads of tool shelving and a computer station, to a work bench and storage bins, it had room for more tricks and treats than anyone would know what to do with!

So, for our not so usual test drive in this Sprinter, we couldn’t help but think ‘‘when in Rome!’’ So, after carefully monitoring the optional backup camera, we ventured out in our handy-man special and took a spin around town to drum up some side work. And though our Dodge Brother’s Plumbing tester’s tight turning diameter fit right in at local job sites, we thought we’d better get back to more familiar territory - the open road!

No matter what you’re hauling, fixing or transporting, the Sprinter’s 2.7 liter, 5-cylinder, Mercedes turbocharged diesel engine will take you there without a hitch. Linked to a smooth-shifting 5-speed automatic transmission with manual shift mode, the Sprinter’s powerplant runs 154 horsepower and puts out 243 pound-feet of torque. All that and 30 mile per gallon fuel economy to boot!

And whether your Sprinter carries passengers or packages, the Sprinter’s standard four wheel discs with optional ABS and integrated Acceleration Skid Control offers all the stopping and stability power you’ll need.

And, like its form and function, base prices for the Sprinter also vary widely. The bidding starts at $27,978 for the shorty van, and it climbs to $35,302 for the longest wheelbase passenger model.

From work trucks and news vans to delivery units and even paddy wagons, employers all over the country are welcoming the new Mercedes crown jewel into their industries. And with its expansive interior and frugal diesel power, the 2004 Dodge Sprinter 2500 really is a JackÉand a master of all trades!

Specifications

  • Engine: 2.7 Liter, 5-Cylinder, Turbocharged Diesel
  • Horsepower: 154
  • Torque: 243 Lb Feet