Review written on 6/1947.
Philadelphia Motors is in a unique position with the Appalachian. The Van segment rules the Appalachian Diesel market. While the Appalachian Diesel is the worst vehicle in the segment. Where does the Appalachian fit between these two extremes? Should consumer celebrate Philadelphia Motors's new Van? Or is this just another underachieving vehicle in the Van segment?

We brought the Philadelphia Motors Appalachian out to the track expecting the worst. And boy were we surprised. While the Appalachian isn't the fastest Van, it is certainly as good as most Van out on the market today. We thought the 118 hp @ 3417RPMs 4976 cc V4 engine was a good fit for this model. We were able to top out at 66 mph and on the strip we did a 21.790s 0 to 60 mph. With this 146 lb-ft of torque can tow 2960 lbs. Once again. Not great, but not bad. While impressed the Appalachian isn't perfect on the track. But it's still good enough for most people. On the track you can tell that the Philadelphia Motors Appalachian is above average when it comes to handling and driveability. Most Van would not be able to keep up with the Appalachian on twisty and windy roads. It can almost put a smile on your face.

Interior build, materials, and features are average for the segment. The Philadelphia Motors Appalachian's cabin isn't going to amaze. But compared to most other vehicles of this type, it's not going to let you down. It has most of the standard features, and comfort, while lacking in some areas, is decent.

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!

Philadelphia Motors really cut corners when making the Appalachian. You can tell in our test model. Only a few days old and parts are already starting to wear. But you get what you pay for. And if you buy gaps in paneling, leaky doors, and crackling speakers, well you're going to get gaps, leaks, and crackling. And the Philadelphia Motors Appalachian has all three in abundance.

It didn't take long for us to do the dependability test on the Philadelphia Motors Appalachian. Have you ever seen a piston fly through the hood of a vehicle? I have, twice, upon starting the Appalachian. Third time was a charm though, and we got this baby on the road, only to have the wheel fall off. We put the wheel back on, drive for about 5 minutes, and then it caught on fire. I think the Philadelphia Motors Appalachian hates me or something.

At this point in testing we would normally take the Philadelphia Motors Appalachian out on the roads. However our test driver barely made it out of the parking lot before running out of fuel. The Appalachian's ghastly 6.2 mpg means you'll need to take a few jerry cans, scratch that, a few barrels of fuel just to make it to the grocery store.

The extra effort from Philadelphia Motors to make the Appalachian feel safer pays off. The reinforced frame makes the vehicle much more impact resistant. Don't go driving into walls your self, just take our word for it.

I was happy with the time I spent in the Philadelphia Motors Appalachian. 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 Appalachian but it is time for them to take it away. I believe I might go buy one myself.