2008 Chrysler Aspen Review

Specifications

Chrysler has made an interesting transformation over the past couple of years. Not too long ago it was simply another domestic carmaker, but gradually the winged brand has transformed into a bit of a luxury marque thanks to cars like the Pacifica, the 300, the Crossfire and this, the Aspen. The ability to provide people with what they need and, as an added bonus ,the sort of options and luxuries they want, without having to sacrifice all of their hard-earned savings is making Chrysler quite popular. Although many Chrysler owners probably don’t feel as if they’re in the same league as BMW, Cadillac or Lexus owners, the Aspen delivers a luxury experience that comes pretty close.

Admittedly, Chrysler, which was early to the crossover scene, is late to the world of big SUVs. When it arrive two years ago, full-size SUVs were fading out and crossovers were arriving (so too were much higher gas prices). And although Aspen sales haven’t been all that great, there’s still an avid market for this type of vehicle. Easy to park and maneuver, the availability to seat up to eight people and still have trunk space, plus the capability to tow up to 8,950 pounds makes this the right sort of vehicle for any large family or anyone that tows heavy items like boats or camp trailers. The Aspen is based off the Durango, if you didn’t notice the familial shape, and although the two are very similar in exterior styling Chrysler’s version is much more refined. It’s slightly more rounded body is even elegant, and with its chrome grille, side trim and wheels, is rather classy.

Looking at it from the outside, the Aspen sticks very closely with Chrysler’s new trademark styling technique, its designers having given it a restrained, appealing character. And while that big front end is a bit ostentatious, Chrysler’s goal was to create the “300 of SUVs”, which too is a bit on the ostentatious side. The hood is adorned with detail you’re unlikely to see on any other SUV, including strakes, or rather recessed lines that run from grille to windshield. This was first seen on the Crossfire, then the Pacifica, and is also a feature on the Sebring. Apart from these minute details, the Aspen doesn’t look all that different from the Durango overall, particularly from the side or rear, and especially since the Durango was freshened two years back. If Dodge had opted to keep the Durango’s more chiseled fenders, the two wouldn’t appear so similar. Still, where else are you going to find a luxury SUV that starts at $32k?

The interior is one of the more refined areas of the Aspen. Chrysler has upgraded the quality of materials over the Durango, including soft plastics on the dashboard and doors. Leather-trimmed seats are standard, with suede inserts, and it looks like the SUV has a forest’s worth of wood. Don’t worry though, as the wood isn’t real, but rather “environmentally friendly” faux stuff. I also like the use of LED interior lights, which have very narrow beams that don’t distract the driver when other passengers have them on at night.

Its dashboard and console are laid out in a way that makes the controls easy to access, although it does have its own little foibles. I spent a couple of minutes looking around for the rear wiper controls and couldn’t find them; it turns out that it isn’t a switch, but a twist-knob located at the bottom right corner of the climate control system. On the contrary, the MyGIG stereo system, a new addition for ‘08, is one of the easiest-to-use multi-media systems around, with simple to operate touchscreen menus and a very handy reverse camera included. MyGIG can also be had with or without navigation, and includes a USB jack to download songs off your MP3 player. Sirius satellite radio is standard on all stereo systems, and one year of service is part of the package. A rear DVD player is also an option, bundled in with Bluetooth and a remote starter, the latter a welcome indulgence on colder, stormier winter days.

Aspens are ordered with a choice between seven or eight seats, with the second row as bucket seats or as a bench respectively. As with all three-row vehicles, seating goes from largest to smallest, front to back, though the third row is more spacious than most other vehicles in the segment. Strangely, the second row doesn’t feel like it has much by the way of legroom, something taller passengers noticed.

The Aspen also comes with plenty of standard safety features. All seats have headrests and three-point seatbelts, and front and side-curtain airbags that stretch to cover all windows come standard. Traction control, stability control, and a tire-pressure monitor are also standard. And, as mentioned before, the Aspen is available with a rear-view camera, which isn’t only handy for parking, but could be very useful when lining up to hook up your trailer.


When it comes to the driving experience, the Aspen delivers a comfortable ride with a softer-tuned setup than the Durango. Its standard engine is the 4.7-liter Magnum V8 that produces 303 horsepower and 330 lb-ft of torque, while the optional engine, the one that’s featured here, is the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 with 335 horsepower and 370 lb-ft of torque. Both engines feature a five-speed automatic to optimize shift smoothness and fuel economy. To that end it also includes MDS cylinder deactivation, which shuts off half the cylinders when the engine is cruising. The engine is powerful and the overall ride is comfortable, Chrysler having put in effort to make the Aspen more serene than its Dodge counterpart. There’s more insulation in the body, and the glass is laminated.

For an SUV of this size, I took little issue with the fuel economy. It MDS works while not felt at all, other than lessening the dent on my bank account.

As a full-size vehicle, Chrysler’s ute compares nicely to its rivals from Ford and GM when it comes to interior accommodations. In terms of overall size, however, it’s a bit smaller than the regular-length Tahoe and Expedition, making it a better fit in tighter parking spots. Altogether, the Aspen packs quite a punch in terms of features and mechanical force.

Specifications (Chrysler Aspen):