Review written on 8/1964.

Everyone always says the Alpine is the greatest Van made. But you always go against the grain. What about a Entrance? OK stop laughing. Yes we all know the doors fall off when you open them. So what's the solution to setting the newest trend? Ever thought about a Alpleon? This month we take a look at the new Appalachian. Is this the Van you've been looking for? Find out!


As always our first test is the track. Right off the bat I knew that the Alpleon Appalachian was not going to be a show stopper. The vehicle is sluggish, specially for a Van. However it does what it has to. Get you from point A to point B. And while getting there quickly isn't a priority, with all the traffic these days, could you really enjoy anything faster? The 126 hp @ 4369RPMs 4778 cc I3 engine does struggle, but there is enough there to do the job. The Appalachian tops out at 70 mph and can accelerate in 21.948s 0 to 60 mph. So while not fantastic, enough for a daily driver. The engine puts out 122 lb-ft of torque which can haul 1238 lbs. On the track testing the Alpleon Appalachian did have some slight issues. Of course it was not designed to be a track car. But as a Van it should have better handling than it does. In most cases in the real world this shouldn't be any problem. But it is still sub-par at best.


When it comes to comforts and luxury, the Alpleon Appalachian 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 Appalachian it feels like they could add an extra row of seats. There is enough room to even lay down, which is amazing! The 123 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 Appalachian seems like a hand built car through and through. The workmanship is amazing. Only fine artisans could produce something like this.


The Alpleon Appalachian is easily one of the most dependable vehicles ever made, it is excellently designed, excellently produced. And with just a little TLC will last forever and a decade.

The Alpleon Appalachian's fuel economy is impressive, but not in a good way. The Appalachian's 6.1 mpg is one of the worst in class. This might not be troublesome when you look at the numbers, but it will be when you actually have to pay for it.

While being safe is important, Alpleon did not believe it was a priority in the Appalachian. The vehicle does provide enough safety features to be consider average for its class. It does not add anything more than that however.


When it comes to Van there should be only one vehicle to think of. Have you thought of it? Did you read this article? It's the Alpleon Appalachian the best Van I have ever driven! And the best one you've ever read about!