They're built by Mercedes, but used to be imported and sold in the U.S. by Dodge. Now Mercedes has taken the product back. The diesel engine, like many diesels, is practically immortal, and you can find used ones for sale on E-bay and elsewhere with over 200,000 miles on them.
Most American Sprinters are cargo versions (no windows) and see use as delivery trucks or ambulances. "Bus" versions are common too, with windows and a bus-style side door.
There is a passenger version sold off the lots, but they have rows of seats that are way too bus-like for a family vehicle. Most conversions like mine are built from the cargo versions.
Until recently, the closest official Sprinter-carrying Mercedes dealer was near Sacramento. Now Behler Motors down Tully Road carries them. Go take a look!
Apparently idiotic import restrictions (see "Chicken Tax") require Mercedes to build these things (at least the cargo version) in Europe, disassemble them, ship them here, and re-assemble them in American plants. Guess how that affects the prices.
Geek Speak » in reply to You win
There are lots of Sprinters all over Europe.
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