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2007 Chrysler Aspen Full Review
Date Published: 5/28/08
2007 Chrysler Aspen Review
Chrysler launches its first truck-type SUV as the 2007 Aspen. It's essentially a retrimmed Durango from Chrysler's Dodge brand. The two share V8 powertrains and seating for up to eight. Standard is a 235-hp 4.7-liter V8, optional is a 335-hp 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System cylinder deactivation. A 5-speed automatic is the only transmission. Aspen is available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Low-range gearing is an AWD option. ABS and an antiskid system with rollover sensors are standard. So are curtain side airbags that cover all three seating rows and include rollover deployment. Options include leather upholstery, DVD entertainment, power liftgate, navigation system, and rear obstacle detection. Standard seating is for eight with a 2nd-row bench; optional buckets reduce it to seven.
Competition
Consumer Guide® Automotive places each vehicle into one of 18 classes based on size, price, and market position. Premium Midsize SUVs are similar in size and construction to Midsize SUVs. Most, in fact, are gilded versions of Midsize SUVs; though a few are exclusive upscale designs.

Our Best Buys include the Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX, and Lexus RX. Our Recommended picks are the Mercedes-Benz R-Class and Volvo XC90.

New or significantly redesigned models include the Acura MDX, BMW X5, Chrysler Aspen, and Lincoln MKX.
News
Aspen is just out, and should thus stand pat for a while. Sources expect the parent Dodge Durango to get a freshening for 2009 and a gasoline/electric powertrain option sometime before then, but it's unclear if Aspen will share in either. The basic SUV design, however, should persist at least through decade's end.
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2007 Chrysler Aspen Road Test
Pros Cons
Passenger and cargo room Fuel economy
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration

AWD Limited, 4.7 V8 AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 Class Average
4 5 6.2

The 4.7-liter V8 is strong off the line, but lacks passing/merging punch. 5.7-liter Hemi V8 delivers plenty of power at all speeds, though 5.7 Aspens feel no faster than V6-powered Acura MDX or Cadillac SRX. Maximum towing capacity is 8950 lb.
Fuel Economy

AWD Limited, 4.7 V8 AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 Class Average
2 2 3.6

Test AWD with 4.7 V8 averaged 15.2 mpg in mostly highway driving. 4.7-liter V8 uses regular-grade fuel. Chrysler recommends 89-octane for 5.7 V8.



Ride Quality

AWD Limited, 4.7 V8 AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 Class Average
6 6 5.7

Generally comfortable and controlled for a truck-type SUV. Mostly devoid of sloppy motions.
Steering/Handling/Braking

AWD Limited, 4.7 V8 AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 Class Average
4 4 5.6

Good grip and modest lean in corners--impressive for a vehicle this large and heavy. Steering, however, would benefit from less power assist and more road feel.
Quietness

AWD Limited, 4.7 V8 AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 Class Average
6 6 6.5

Chrysler says Aspen has more sound insulation than Durango. Road noise decently muted, but certain surfaces can induce audible tire roar. Highway-speed wind rush evident from outside mirrors. Engine noise from either V8 well muffled in all but full-throttle acceleration.
Controls

AWD Limited, 4.7 V8 AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 Class Average
7 7 6.5

Big gauges easy to locate at a glance, though small dial markings may frustrate some drivers. Controls logically arranged and clearly marked. Cabin materials notably upmarket of similar Dodge Durango.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)

AWD Limited, 4.7 V8 AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 Class Average
7 7 7.3

Ample leg and head room, even beneath sunroof housing. High, commanding view of the road. Thick front roof pillars obstruct view around corners. Good rear visibility, aided by large outside mirrors. Entry/exit requires large step-up.
Room/Comfort (rear)

AWD Limited, 4.7 V8 AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 Class Average
7 7 6.3

Second row has good head, leg, toe room, and seatback reclines within a modest range. Second row flips and folds with one hand to allow access to 3rd row. Third row can accommodate adults for short trips, but seat lacks thigh support.
Cargo Room

AWD Limited, 4.7 V8 AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 Class Average
8 8 7.8

Volume among best in class. Second- and 3rd-row seats fold to create nearly flat floor. Single-piece 3rd-row bench seat can be folded only from inside the vehicle, and only after cushion is moved forward. Available 3rd-row split folding seat can be folded in an easy one-step operation from outside tailgate area. Note that automatic liftgate lacks tailgate button for power close. Plenty of in-cabin storage, including deep center console and large, useful console tray.
Value within Class

AWD Limited, 4.7 V8 AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 Class Average
6 6 5.9

Aspen may appear little more than a dressed-up Dodge Durango, but a smoother ride, reduced noise levels, and markedly upscale cabin trim make it a more enjoyable vehicle. Aspen's reasonable pricing means it costs only about $1000 more than a comparably equipped Durango, as well. Aspen is worth a look for luxury shoppers who can use the towing and hauling utility of a truck-type SUV, but don't covet the mass and excess of a Cadillac Escalade or Lincoln Navigator.
Total Score

AWD Limited, 4.7 V8 AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 Class Average
57 58 61.4
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles

Low Score
54
Average Score
61
High Score
82
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2007 Chrysler Aspen Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 11/14/2006
Trim Name Retail Price Dealer Invoice Destination Charge
2WD Limited 4-door wagon $30,745 $28,168 $745
AWD Limited 4-door wagon $33,520 $30,668 $745
Pricing Key: Retail prices listed with each report are set by the vehicle's manufacturer. These figures appear on each car's federally mandated window sticker. Most price lists also include dealer-invoice prices. Dealer-invoice prices are what the dealer pays the manufacturer for the car and its factory-installed options. The destination charge is not included in the suggested-retail or dealer-invoice price and must be added to the cost of the vehicle. Car companies change prices frequently throughout the year. If the prices published do not match those on the vehicle's window sticker, the manufacturer has probably altered the price recently.
NA = price note available, NC = no charge.
Rebates and Incentives
There are no rebates or incentives at this time.
Consumer Guide®'s Rebates and Incentives represent a summary of national manufacturer programs available. Regional restrictions may apply, and offerings may vary by model. For a complete list of Rebate & Incentive programs click here.
Standard Equipment
Limited
Powertrain
Flex-fuel 4.7-liter V8 engine (non flex-fuel for vehicles sold in Calif., Maine, Mass., N.Y., Vt.), 5-speed automatic transmission, traction control.
Safety
Dual front airbags, curtain side airbags w/rollover deployment, antilock 4-wheel disc brakes, antiskid system w/rollover sensors, tire-pressure monitor.
Comfort and Convenience Features
Front and rear air conditioning, power steering, tilt steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat, center console, cupholders, 2nd-row split folding seat, 3rd-row folding seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD player, digital clock, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, rear variable-intermittent wiper/washer, automatic headlights, floormats.
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Theft-deterrent system, fog lights, rear privacy glass, roof rails.
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Full-size spare tire, 265/60R18 on/off-road tires, alloy wheels, AWD adds: all-wheel drive, rear-obstacle detection, power liftgate.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages
Retail Price
Invoice Price
Quick Order Pkg. 28J
2WD
$4,420
$3,801
4WD
$3,770
$3,242
Rear-obstacle-detection system (2WD), dual-zone automatic climate controls, leather upholstery, heated front seats, 4-way power passenger seat, power-adjustable pedals, memory system (driver seat, mirrors, pedals), 2nd-row reclining split folding seat, 3rd-row split folding seat, Alpine AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer, satellite radio, automatic day/night driver-side and rearview mirrors, power liftgate (2WD), laminated door glass, running boards, chrome alloy wheels. Requires 5.7-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation.
Power Convenience Group
2WD
$655
$563
Rear-obstacle-detection system, power liftgate.
Trailer Tow Group
Limited
$455
$391
Heavy-duty engine and transmission cooling, Class IV trailer hitch, wiring harness.
Powertrain
5.7-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation
AWD
$1,190
$1,023
2WD
$995
$856
AWD includes 2-speed transfer case.
2-speed transfer case
AWD
$195
$168
Special axle ratio
Limited
$40
$34
Comfort and Convenience Features
Navigation system
Limited
$1,595
$1,372
w/Pkg. 28J
$1,295
$1,114
Requires Alpine sound system when ordered without Quick Order Pkg. 28J.
Power sunroof
Limited
$850
$731
DVD entertainment system
Limited
$1,200
$1,032
Requires AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer or navigation system.
AM/FM radio w/in-dash 6-disc CD/MP3 changer
Limited
$300
$258
Alpine sound system
Limited
$395
$340
Satellite radio
Limited
$195
$168
UConnect
Limited
$360
$310
w/Pkg. 28J
$275
$237
Wireless cell phone link. Includes automatic day/night rearview mirror.
Power-adjustable pedals
Limited
$120
$103
Leather upholstery
Limited
$875
$753
Includes 3rd-row split folding seat.
Heated front seats
Limited
$250
$215
Requires heated 2nd-row seats when ordered w/2nd-row bucket seats.
2nd-row bucket seats
Limited
$700
$602
Requires leather upholstery or Quick Order Pkg. 28J.
Heated 2nd-row seats
Limited
$250
$215
Requires heated front seats, 2nd-row bucket seats.
Remote engine start
Limited
$185
$159
Special floormats
Limited
$30
$26
Appearance and Miscellaneous
Running boards
Limited
$445
$383
Laminated door glass
Limited
$300
$258
Engine-block heater
Limited
$35
$30
Special paint
Limited
$150
$129
Pearlcoat paint
Limited
$225
$194
Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires
Skid plates
AWD
$170
$146
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2007 Chrysler Aspen Specs & Safety
Vehicle Dimensions
Specification Chrysler Aspen 4-door wagon
Wheelbase, in. 119.2
Overall Length, in. 200.8
Overall Width, in. 76.0
Overall Height, in. 74.3
Curb Weight, lbs. 5021
Cargo Volume, cu. ft. 102.4
Standard Payload, lbs. 1680
Fuel Capacity, gals. 27.0
Seating Capacity 8
Front Head Room, in. 40.8
Max. Front Leg Room, in. 41.4
Rear Head Room, in. 39.3
Max. Rear Leg Room, in. 37.4
Specifications Key: NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Engines
  sohc V8 ohv V8
Size, liters/cu. in. 4.7 /287 5.7 /345
Horsepower @ rpm. 235 @ 4600 335 @ 5200
Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. 300 @ 3600 370 @ 4200
Availability Standard Optional
EPA City / highway mpg
   
5-speed automatic 14/18 14/19
Engine Key: l/cu in. = liters/cubic inches; ohv = overhead valve; ohc = overhead camshaft; dohc = dual overhead camshaft; I = inline cylinders; H = horizonally opposed cylinders; V = cylinders in a V configuration; W = cylinders in a W configuration; rpm = revolutions per minute; CVT = continuously variable (automatic) transmission; NA = not available; "--" = measurement does not exist.
Safety Features
Antilock Brakes
Traction Control
Antiskid System
Front Side Airbags
Curtain Side Airbags
Rear Side Airbags
NHTSA Crash-Test Results
Test Chrysler Aspen 4-door wagon
Front Impact, Driver 5
Front Impact, Passenger 5
Rollover Resistance 4
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) tests a vehicle's worthiness in front- and side-impact collisions and rates its resistance to rollovers. Front-impact crash-test numbers indicate the chance of serious injury: 5 = 10% or less; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-35%; 2 = 35-45%; 1 = More than 45%. Side-impact crash-test numbers indicate: 5 = 5% or less; 4 = 6-10%; 3 = 11-20%; 2 = 21-25%; 1 = More than 26%. Rollover resistance numbers indicate the chance for rollover when the vehicle leaves the roadway: 5 = Less than 10%; 4 = 10-20%; 3 = 20-30%; 2 = 30-40%; 1 = More than 40%.
Manufacturer's Warranty
Class Years/Miles Comments
Powertrain None/-- --
Bumper-to-bumper 3/36,000 --
Corrosion None/-- --
Free roadside assistance 3/36,000 --
Free scheduled maintenance None/-- --
Manufacturers may periodically offer additional coverage as a purchase incentive. There offers are not reflected on this chart. The federal government requires two other warranties. The Exhaust Emission Warranty covers corrosion-related parts for 2 years/24,000 miles, plus 8 years/80,000 miles on the catalytic converter and any on-board diagnostic device. The Passenger Restraint Warranty covers seat belts and airbags for 5 years/50,000 miles.
Built in: USA
Drivewheels: all-wheel drive, rear-wheel drive
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