Review written on 8/1964.
Competition in the Van segment has just gotten a little more heated. Philadelphia Motors has launched the Appalachian. Is this Van enough to unseat the Alpine or will it be worse than the Entrance. Don't worry! We have the answers.

Even though the Philadelphia Motors Appalachian wasn't designed for it, our first test was the track. Right away we knew this Van was an under performer. The 139 hp @ 4767RPMs 4778 cc I3 engine was too weak to move us around the track at any decent speed. This lackluster combination could only bring us to a top speed of 72 mph and on the strip do 20.598s 0 to 60 mph acceleration. The sub-par 123 lb-ft of torque, the vehicle was only able to handle towing 1280 lbs which means you shouldn't use this for your boat. Compared to its peers in the Van class the Philadelphia Motors Appalachian selling point should not be driveability. The Appalachian offers bare bones handling. There is just enough grip in the wheels to keep you from flying off the side of a cliff... But not much. On the track, it is not much better.

When we got to interior testing on the Philadelphia Motors Appalachian we found it to be below average. While you wouldn't want to use this vehicle on a road trip, it is comfortable enough for short rides and tiny commutes.

The Philadelphia Motors Appalachian gives you a sense of home away from home. With 123 cu-ft of cargo and passenger space the Appalachian feels like a second living room. Which was what Philadelphia Motors was probably thinking when they made this vehicle. "Lets make a vehicle that people could live in." Well Philadelphia Motors thank you, because after my wife threw me out, this is my new home. And let me tell you, it rocks!

The workmanship put into the Philadelphia Motors Appalachian is unparalleled in this market. From its hand finished panelling to ultrahigh quality materials the Appalachian is truly a work of art that should last a life time. It seems Philadelphia Motors has perfected the perfect.

Dog is said to be man's best friend. But that saying isn't true anymore. I propose the Philadelphia Motors Appalachian is truly man's best friend. Not once in our long term testing did it need repair. This vehicle was built to last a life time. It is truly a wonder of the world. Centuries from now people will still probably be driving this thing, that's how rock solid it is.

Here is a pro-stock tip. If the Philadelphia Motors Appalachian sells any meaningful number of vehicles, be sure to buy fuel stocks! It's that bad! The Appalachian gets an abysmal 6.3 mpg! This is not the vehicle for trying to save money on fuel expenses.

While being safe is important, Philadelphia Motors 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 Philadelphia Motors Appalachian the best Van I have ever driven! And the best one you've ever read about!