Review written on 8/1964.
We have eagerly awaited the arrival of the Alpleon Valley Forge. The day has finally come. We're looking forward to taking this Station Wagon out for a drive. After our recent reviews of the 7456, any test drive to make us forget it is welcomed! The real question bouncing around the office is if the Valley Forge is better than the Washington. You'll have to read to find out.
I was giddy when I heard we were testing Alpleon Valley Forge. On the track this thing is fast. How fast? Notice there are no pictures on this page? That fast! This is one of the fastest Station Wagon I've ever been in. As impressive as that sounds, the 195 hp @ 4582RPMs 4976 cc V4 engine is even more impressive. Peddle to the metal, this baby will do 105 mph easily. And in a straight line we hit a 16.876s 0 to 60 mph! With 179 lb-ft of torque we were able to drag 22 lbs on our test trailer. So it can move your spare junk! Compared to its peers in the Station Wagon class the Alpleon Valley Forge selling point should not be driveability. The Valley Forge 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. Mommy can I keep it? Please?!
The Alpleon Valley Forge's interior is well designed. The seats have enough support to get you over a long trip, and the material qualities, while not amazing, are more than adequate. Many optional features in other vehicles are standard here. This leads to an overall nice experience inside the Valley Forge.
The Alpleon Valley Forge is one of the most spacious vehicles in its class. With 50 cu-ft of cargo and passenger room you should never have any issues with transportation. Even if you have to move an elephant...
Alpleon has really put some effort into the production of the Valley Forge. And it shows in the construction quality of the machine. Panel gaps are non-noticeable. Nothing shakes or rattles when driving down the road. It's a well-built vehicle.
I imagine it'll be rare to find a Alpleon Valley Forge in repair shops or even junk yards. These things are well built with quality parts. And that will show in the long run.
Whether or not the Alpleon Valley Forge is an energy company conspiracy or not is up for debate. What is certain is the Valley Forge awful fuel mileage of 14.3 mpg will certainly drive up energy stocks!
The extra effort from Alpleon to make the Valley Forge 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.
The Alpleon Valley Forge fits the mold of your prototypical Station Wagon. It meets all the necessary requirements of being a good Station Wagon and at times is quite enjoyable. It may not be the best. But it is still a good Station Wagon.