2012 & 2013 Chrysler Van Reviews & Ratings

American brand Chrysler, the namesake of the Chrysler Group, has always been known for its luxury-like mid-size and full-size sedans, but it's also gotten recognition for its minivans, specifically the Chrysler Town and Country and the Chrysler Voyager. For the 2012 model year, Chrysler is offering the Town and Country Minivan in a variety of styles in the U.S. and the Chrysler Voyager outside of the U.S. (primarily in Europe and Mexico). As far as full-size van models go, the Chrysler brand... (full review continues below)

American brand Chrysler, the namesake of the Chrysler Group, has always been known for its luxury-like mid-size and full-size sedans, but it's also gotten recognition for its minivans, specifically the Chrysler Town and Country and the Chrysler Voyager. For the 2012 model year, Chrysler is offering the Town and Country Minivan in a variety of styles in the U.S. and the Chrysler Voyager outside of the U.S. (primarily in Europe and Mexico). As far as full-size van models go, the Chrysler brand has never offered one. It does, however hold the Chrysler Group's sub-brand, Ram, which manufacturers the 2012 Ram C/V.

The 2012 Ram Cargo Van (Ram C/V) is modeled after several best-selling Chrysler/Dodge minivans, but it's specifically built for commercial use. For example, instead of a rear back window, the C/V van has a solid, windowless sliding door featuring glass or solid privacy panels. The C/V holds up to 1,800 pounds of cargo payload (this includes the ability to haul 4 x 8 building materials) and can tow up to 3,600 pounds. In fact, its GCWR is 8,750 pounds. It gets an amazing 25 mpg on the highway and delivers the best fuel economy in its commercial class. It contains a 2.6-liter Pentastar V-6 engine that works in tandem with a six-speed automatic transaxle, which can be changed to generate the best fuel economy. Dual-sliding door and the rear liftgate add to the total package.

Changes to the Cargo Van for the 2011 year include an aluminum rear load floor featuring two flooring choices: one with access to floor tie-downs and three storage bins and another with a flat, high-capacity surface (and no bins underneath). Safety features are various and include ESC, commercial load-focused TPM, 4-wheel anti-lock disc brakes, and LED taillights. A reduced brake caliper and a rear spoiler lead to fantastic aerodynamics, while a new, larger, single-piece instrument panel is easily navigable for the driver and glows in the dark. Colors for the vehicle are white, blue pearl, black, and silver.

There are various impressive standard features for the Ram Cargo Van, including: a 730-amp (hassle-free) battery, all-season, heavy-duty tires, a twenty-gallon fuel tank, sixteen-inch steel wheels, heated exterior mirrors, and pinion and power rack steering. Inside, the van comes with two-zone temperature monitoring system, air conditioning, mirrored- sun visors, front map lamps, power locks and windows, a steering wheel featuring audio control, and several storage bins. Pricing for the van starts at only $22,420.

Options for the 2012 Ram C/V include a media center with a six-and-a-half-inch touch-screen and a thirty GB hard drive, a rear-view camera to aid in tricky reverse situations, a helpful navigation system, Sirius Satellite Radio, a power-operated, lumbar-adjustable driver's seat, power windows, a full-cargo divider, a hands-free voice-activated system with Bluetooth connectivity, a USB port, an auto-dimming mirror, a rear window wiper and defroster, and safety-conscious front and side curtain airbags. Overall, the 2012 Ram C/V is the perfect choice for workers or companies looking to haul a lot of equipment for a very fair price.