2008 Dodge Sprinter Cargo

Well, the 2008 Dodge Sprinter Cargo lives up to at least one of its names. While not exactly a sprinter with one of two underpowered V6 engines, this rear-wheel-drive full-size van can claim class-leading cargo capacity. The van comes in three lengths: 233, 273, and 289 inches (that's 24 feet, people). It also offers three roof heights. Standard height is 65 inches, but the 76-inch roof allows 6-foot people to enter and exit standing up. The mega roof is 84 inches high, in case the Harlem Globetrotters are in town. With this roof and the 24-foot length, the 2008 Sprinter Cargo can hold up to 600 cubic feet.

The van comes in three-quarter ton (2500) or one-ton (3500) designations, each with either the 144-inch or 170-inch wheelbase. A 3.0-liter, 154-hp turbodiesel V6 with a 5-speed shiftable automatic is the standard engine, but a 3.5-liter, 254-hp V6 is optional on the 2500 trims. Towing capacity maxes out at 5,000 pounds. The cargo van seats five in two rows, although more rows can be added. All trims features a full power setup, remote entry, and a CD player. Various cargo partitioning options are available, including a wall, a fixed or sliding window, and a sliding door. The 2008 Sprinter Cargo receives few changes this year. A power sliding door option is new, and the 3500 trim now comes with the standard 65-inch roof.

Engineered by Mercedes, the 2008 Dodge Sprinter claims best-in-show for several features, including its low 20-inch step-in height, wide-opening 270-degree rear barn door, wide 51-inch sliding side door, and of course its interior room. You'd think it would be unwieldy, but owners and critics say it's one of the easier vans to drive, thanks to Mercedes' tweaks to the standard stability control that compensates for its long length and high height. Other safety features include 4-wheel ABS brakes, traction control, dual front airbags, extra-long mirrors with turn signals, and 16-inch wheels with a tire monitor. Side curtain airbags are optional. All this comes at a price, however, and the 2008 Sprinter Cargo is one of the more expensive full-size vans out there. You'll have to decide whether cargo versatility and easy maneuverability outweigh its cost and disappointing V6 power.