I've been noticing a lot of Dodge Sprinters out on the road, and I expect to see many more.

In 2004, DaimlerChrysler quietly rebadged its Mercedes turbo diesel cargo van and began selling it in the US as the Dodge Sprinter and the Freightliner Sprinter.

The Sprinter is a little odd-looking -- it is about as wide as the average passenger car (76"), but it is very tall -- it can be configured for a 73" interior height. It looks like a normal van squeezed with a vise. The revelation of the Sprinter is how it drives, and how great the 2.7 liter turbo diesel performs: 154 hp and 243 lb ft of torque through a five-speed automatic transmission driving the rear wheels, and you get a surprisingly sprightly ride. Handling is way better than I expected -- I drove a 2005 model last year for an hour or so in various conditions, and I was very pleased with the drive. Mileage is said to be in the upper 20s, and prices start in the low $30s.

For any of those really big families who are looking for a way to transport the whole clan and all of their accouterment, the Sprinter is a great alternative to the big SUVs and soul-stealing minivans. Take a look.