Forget the minivan-it's time for the MAXI van! The Dodge Sprinter is a great way to supersize your family's ride. Not only does it offer some of the best features in its class but it also has the room to be customized into a vehicle perfectly suited to any family's needs.

The Features

The Dodge Sprinter was formerly sold under the Mercedes-Benz label. It is still manufactured in Germany, but it gets a new hood ornament upon entering the United States. So buyers can be sure they are getting all the quality engineering and design associated with European cars.

As a passenger van, the Sprinter can hold up to 10 passengers, leaving plenty of room for luggage and other gear. The seats are designed for full-sized adults, so all your kids will have plenty of space to stretch out without encroaching on the nearest sibling's space.

The Sprinter's dimensions include 289 inches of body length and 7 foot ceilings. The van has a somewhat boxy and utilitarian look to it, but it handles much better than it looks. With a 3.0 L V6 Turbo Diesel engine and 154 horsepower, it drives like a car rather than a van and has a tilt/telescope steering wheel for easy maneuvering. The Sprinter also includes anti-lock brakes, automatic climate control, and keyless entry.

Because it is so huge, it makes an excellent cargo van as well as a passenger vehicle. The seats are technically removable, but they each weigh about 250 pounds so the process is not easy. If you do manage to get the seats out, you will have roughly 600 cubic feet of space to load up and transport your stuff as necessary.

In terms of fuel efficiency, the Dodge Sprinter cannot be beaten by the competition. It reportedly gets about 28 miles per gallon. That is much better than even most midsized cars, let alone full-sized passenger vans. The Sprinter's competitors can only manage fuel economy of 13 to 17 miles per gallon. That feature alone sets the Dodge model apart as the best choice on the market with gas prices continuing to soar. Buying less gas will quickly pay off the higher cost of the Sprinter.

Possible Customization

The Sprinter is an excellent choice not only as an around-town vehicle but it can also be converted into a motor-home type vehicle with lavish comfort and amenities for the whole family. Some buyers have used the ample amount of space to add sinks, refrigerators, microwaves, and ceiling fans. Bench seats can be installed, making perfect beds for tired drivers on long road trips. For better acoustics and ear comfort, the van can be soundproofed and insulated as well as hooked up to iPods and other music devices. With all the conversions completed, the Dodge Sprinter is ready for trips to the mountains, to the coast, and anywhere else you might want to bring your family.

The Dodge Sprinter is a great family vehicle. Even without customization it offers large families all the amenities and features they need for everyday life. Ten seats, a sound engine, and phenomenal fuel economy make it a total maxi van!