Play a game of word association with "Aspen," and you'll likely think of the tree that turns golden yellow in the fall or the well-heeled mountain town in Colorado. That few people will recall the Dodge Aspen, a rather forgettable car from the late '70s, is probably a good thing. For 2007, the name has been dusted off and polished up for use on a new SUV, the Chrysler Aspen.
The Aspen name is certainly more fitting for this vehicle than the old Dodge compact. This is Chrysler's first SUV, and it's been designed to appeal to consumers interested in premium features and an upscale appearance. The 2007 Chrysler Aspen has come about largely through the technique known as badge engineering. The Aspen is pretty much a Dodge Durango, which means it's a traditional body-on-frame SUV with seating for up to eight passengers. Differentiation comes about through slightly different sheet metal, a wood-trimmed interior and more standard equipment.
Since the Durango is entering the fourth year of its model cycle, DaimlerChrysler ordered a series of chassis and equipment changes that benefit both SUVs. New engine mounts and body mounts (which hold the body to the frame) were specified to improve ride comfort and minimize noise and vibration, while suspension modifications were made to accommodate the use of 20-inch wheels for the first time. In addition, steering effort was lightened and the body was further insulated from outside noise. Plus, a noise-reducing laminated windshield is standard on the Aspen and laminated side glass is available as an option. Only the V8s from the Durango lineup carry over into the Aspen, and both the 235-horsepower 4.7-liter V8 and the 335-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8 have new, quieter induction systems to keep them from interrupting conversation in the cabin. New equipment includes a standard trailer sway-control feature (as part of the stability control system) and an optional quad seating option that places captain's chairs in the second row.
Though the 2007 Chrysler Aspen offers a complete package for large-SUV buyers, it scarcely feels any more upscale than its Durango twin. Competitors like the Toyota Sequoia and GMC Yukon have roomier, better-furnished interiors, while the slightly smaller Mercury Mountaineer offers better handling dynamics. The Aspen is still worth consideration if you're seeking a strong tow vehicle that can seat up to eight people, but if you're looking for a true premium SUV, you won't find it here.
A large body-on-frame SUV, the 2007 Chrysler Aspen is offered in a single Limited trim level with either two- or four-wheel drive. Standard equipment includes 18-inch alloy wheels; three rows of seating (for seven-passenger capacity); separate front and rear air-conditioning; a four-speaker CD stereo; full power accessories; and front and rear 115-volt outlets. For buyers desiring a more premium experience, the 28J Package adds 20-inch chrome wheels, laminated side glass, leather upholstery, heated front seats, automatic climate control and an eight-speaker Pioneer audio system with an in-dash CD changer and Sirius satellite radio. Many of these items are also available ŕ la carte. On 4WD Aspens, the 28J Package also provides the low-range transfer case needed for serious off-roading. (A light-duty, single-speed system is standard.) Other options to consider include a three-passenger third-row bench (for eight-passenger capacity), second-row captain's chairs, rear seat heaters, a sunroof, a rear-seat DVD entertainment system, a navigation system, Bluetooth connectivity, remote start and skid plates.
All major safety equipment is standard on the 2007 Chrysler Aspen, including antilock disc brakes, three-row side curtain airbags and a stability control system with rollover avoidance logic and a trailer sway-control feature. Front-seat side airbags (that protect the torso) are not offered. Power-adjustable pedals are a stand-alone option, while rear parking sensors are only available as part of the 28J Package. In NHTSA frontal-impact crash tests, the Aspen earned a full five stars for driver and front-passenger protection.
The Aspen's cabin has the same strengths and weaknesses as the Durango's. Ergonomics and storage space are excellent, while seating accommodations are ample in the first row, average in the third row and surprisingly cramped in the second row. The new quad seating option opens things up a bit in the middle row, but since the reclining captain's chairs do not adjust fore and aft, there's no solving the legroom issue. The look and feel of the interior materials is a bit better than it is in the Dodge, but overall quality still lags behind the Sequoia and Yukon. Cargo capacity ranges from 19 cubic feet with the third row in use to an impressive 102.4 cubic feet with all rear seats folded down. Because of packaging issues created by the Aspen's solid-axle rear suspension, the load floor has a definite slope to it.
Power is fully adequate with the 4.7-liter V8, but given that the vigorous 5.7-liter Hemi V8 provides similar fuel economy, it's likely to be the more satisfying choice on a day-to-day basis, and it's certainly the better pick if you plan to tow. Equipped with the Hemi, the 2007 Chrysler Aspen feels potent off the line, strong into the midrange and quiet at a highway cruise. Unfortunately, the five-speed automatic's column shifter still doesn't provide manual access to anything above 2nd gear, resulting in unnecessary gear hunting on mountain grades and heavy brake use on descents. Ride quality is smooth and handling is respectable for a 5000-pound SUV, although this year's lightened steering feels a tad sloppy. Brake pedal feel is unimpressive, and stopping distances feel long.
The Chrysler Aspen, a new cousin to the familiar Dodge Durango, should be perfect for the Suburban Family. It seats eight, has a big engine and really big tires, and comes with a ton of features. Despite its size, it was incredibly easy to steer and offered a smooth ride with strong acceleration (without a ton of engine noise), plus it came complete with an MP3 jack, so I could play my iPod. The interior plastic pieces didn’t all fit together perfectly, but the Cars.com guys told me this was a pre-production model — an early version the automaker rushes out for journalists to test. Reaction from the rest of the Suburban Family was mixed:
The Wife: "I'm not overly impressed." She will definitely be the hardest person to please in our family. She found the Aspen "kind of bland," saying the seats were supportive but that she didn't like the leather. In addition, she pointed out that the second row was situated very close behind the first row, leaving little leg room, even for her. "It's small — and I'm short! I wouldn't give up my minivan for this — yet. And at some point, I want to give up my minivan." She also noted the lack of a well in the back of the Aspen, wondering where she would put her groceries. There’s a problem when you can't find space in an SUV that's this big.
Teen Son: "I like it." Three words. That's more than I get from him in an entire day, sometimes, so Chrysler should take that as high praise.
Tweener Daughter: She would have liked this car better than our minivan on our vacation to upstate New York this summer, "because the [second row] bench seat gives me a little more room to stretch out."
9-Year-Old Son (on first glance): "AWE-some! That's an awesome car, Dad!" Since his best friend's family has a Durango, he was able to quickly show me how to lower the second-row seat to let others get into the third row. I may already be raising a Chrysler buyer.
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