design employed by the GM and Ford products. Nonetheless, the Dodge is

a stout van built to commercial truck standards. It also offers good value.

When outfitted in SLT trim, the Dodge Wagon is a comfortable place to

spend some long days. A driver's air bag is standard, but anti-lock brakes

are optional on all models. The spare tire is mounted in the floor.

Two wheelbases are offered, a short 109.6-inch version and a 127.6-inch

platform. Maxi bodies add 26 inches to the overall length of the standard

long-wheelbase models for hauling up to 15 passengers. The Maxi Van offers

304.5 cu. ft. of cargo space.

The front suspension consists of upper and lower arms with coil springs,

with conventional load-carrying leaf springs at the rear and anti-roll

bars at both ends. Overall, this system works well, but it does not boast

the ride quality and isolation from road vibration of the Ford and GM vans.

Dodge Ram Vans retail for $17,460 for the short wheelbase and $18,120

for the long wheelbase 1500 models; $18,280 for the short wheelbase, $18,325

for the long wheelbase and $19,975 for the Maxi 2500 models; and $20,915

for the 3500 and $21,490 for the Maxi 3500 models. The Ram Wagons: $20,355

for the 1500, $22,555 for the 2500, $23,755 for the 3500 and $25,565 for

the Maxi 3500.