Review written on 8/1964.
The Van segment is not for everyone. But the Adirondack may be the vehicle for you. Alpleon sure hopes it is. So this week I took a trip down to Alpleon's headquarters to test out the Adirondack. Luckily we've also tested the Alpine and the Entrance this year. So we should be able to give you a verdict on how it stands in the Van community.
On first glance the Alpleon Adirondack seems to have everything you'd want in a daily driver on the track. It is not overly powerful, but it packs enough punch to get up and go. While you won't win any races, you won't hold up any traffic. The Van's 195 hp @ 4582RPMs 4976 cc V4 engine does well enough under load to keep you satisfied. The Adirondack is able to top out at 85 mph and accelerates at 15.031s 0 to 60 mph. Hooked up to our test trailer, the 179 lb-ft of torque were able to tow 3604 lbs. Ultimately the Alpleon Adirondack is your average Van on the track. On the track you can tell that the Alpleon Adirondack is above average when it comes to handling and driveability. Most Van would not be able to keep up with the Adirondack on twisty and windy roads. It can almost put a smile on your face.
When it comes to comforts and luxury, the Alpleon Adirondack isn't going to win any awards. It barely meets what you need in a vehicle. The seats are hard and uncomfortable for long trips. Features are a little barren, but it has the basic necessities. Material quality leaves a bit to be desired. We would not pay a premium price for this interior finish, but if you're looking for A to B transportation, it is almost tolerable.
Inside the Alpleon Adirondack it feels like they could add an extra row of seats. There is enough room to even lay down, which is amazing! The 124 cu-ft of cargo and passenger space ensures that you always have plenty of room to do whatever it is you need to do. And that makes us happy.
The manufacturing process of Alpleon has really found something. The Adirondack seems like a hand built car through and through. The workmanship is amazing. Only fine artisans could produce something like this.
If there was one vehicle I believe would be able to hit 1,000,000 miles easily it would be the Alpleon Adirondack. This vehicle was designed for dependability in mind.
Whether or not the Alpleon Adirondack is an energy company conspiracy or not is up for debate. What is certain is the Adirondack awful fuel mileage of 8.5 mpg will certainly drive up energy stocks!
While the Alpleon Adirondack is certainly impressive in term of safety, it's not overly designed in this fashion in a way that would imped its enjoyment. Never the less this vehicle is more than safe enough for even the most uptight and poor drivers among us.
I was happy with the time I spent in the Alpleon Adirondack. This car is truly magnificent. I think future generations will look back at this vehicle and think, "I wish I owned one of these." It is absolutely one of the best Van you can buy. An instant classic that others in the segment will be compared to. I wish I could spend more time with the Adirondack but it is time for them to take it away. I believe I might go buy one myself.