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2008 Chrysler Aspen Full Review
Date Published: 7/16/08
Also in the 2008 Chrysler Aspen Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Chrysler Aspen Full Review
7.
8.
9.
2008 Chrysler Aspen Review
The 2008 Chrysler Aspen gets a more powerful standard engine. Aspen is basically a luxury-trimmed Dodge Durango. The two share V8 powertrains and seating for up to eight. Aspen comes in a single Limited trim level. It retains a 4.7-liter V8 engine as standard, but for 2008, it produces 303 hp, an increase of 68 versus 2007. 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. Maximum towing capacity is 8900 lb. Aspen is available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. A low-range gear for off-roading is an AWD option. Available safety features include ABS, traction control, antiskid system, curtain side airbags, and front side airbags. Options include leather upholstery, DVD entertainment, power liftgate, navigation system, and rear obstacle detection. Also optional is Chrysler's MyGIG Multimedia system, which includes a 20-gigabyte hard drive for storing pictures or digital music files. 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, Buick Enclave, and Lexus RX. Our Recommended pick is the Volvo XC90.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Buick Enclave.
Our Best Buys include the Acura MDX, Buick Enclave, and Lexus RX. Our Recommended pick is the Volvo XC90.
New or significantly redesigned models include the Buick Enclave.
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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2008 Chrysler Aspen Road Test
| Pros | Cons |
| Passenger and cargo room | Fuel economy |
Consumer Guide® Road Test Ratings
Acceleration
We have not yet tested an Aspen with the new 4.7-liter V8. The Hemi V8 delivers plenty of power at all speeds, though 5.7 Aspens feel no faster than a V6-powered Acura MDX.
| AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
| 5 | 6.1 |
We have not yet tested an Aspen with the new 4.7-liter V8. The Hemi V8 delivers plenty of power at all speeds, though 5.7 Aspens feel no faster than a V6-powered Acura MDX.
Fuel Economy
No opportunity to measure, but we're skeptical of Chrysler's claim that the 303-hp 4.7 V8 is more efficient than the 235-hp version from 2007. The 4.7-liter V8 uses regular-grade gas. Chrysler recommends 89-octane for 5.7 V8.
| AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
| 1 | 3.3 |
No opportunity to measure, but we're skeptical of Chrysler's claim that the 303-hp 4.7 V8 is more efficient than the 235-hp version from 2007. The 4.7-liter V8 uses regular-grade gas. Chrysler recommends 89-octane for 5.7 V8.
Ride Quality
Generally comfortable and controlled for an SUV with a traditional, truck-type design. Aspen is mostly devoid of sloppy motions.
| AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
| 6 | 5.9 |
Generally comfortable and controlled for an SUV with a traditional, truck-type design. Aspen is mostly devoid of sloppy motions.
Steering/Handling/Braking
Aspen has 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.
| AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
| 4 | 5.5 |
Aspen has 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
Chrysler says Aspen has more sound insulation than Durango. Road noise is decently muted, but certain surfaces can induce audible tire roar. Highway-speed wind rush is evident from the outside mirrors. Engine noise from the Hemi V8 is well muffled in all but full-throttle acceleration.
| AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6.7 |
Chrysler says Aspen has more sound insulation than Durango. Road noise is decently muted, but certain surfaces can induce audible tire roar. Highway-speed wind rush is evident from the outside mirrors. Engine noise from the Hemi V8 is well muffled in all but full-throttle acceleration.
Controls
Big gauges are easy to locate at a glance, though small dial markings may frustrate some drivers. Controls are logically arranged and clearly marked.
| AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6.2 |
Big gauges are easy to locate at a glance, though small dial markings may frustrate some drivers. Controls are logically arranged and clearly marked.
Details
Aspen's cabin materials are notably upmarket of the similar Dodge Durango though they trail those of premium rivals from Acura and Cadillac.
| AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
| 6 | 7 |
Aspen's cabin materials are notably upmarket of the similar Dodge Durango though they trail those of premium rivals from Acura and Cadillac.
Room/Comfort/Driver Seating (front)
Ample headroom and legroom, even beneath the sunroof housing. Thick front roof pillars obstruct view around corners. Good rear visibility, aided by large outside mirrors. Entry and exit requires a large step-up.
| AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
| 7 | 7.5 |
Ample headroom and legroom, even beneath the sunroof housing. Thick front roof pillars obstruct view around corners. Good rear visibility, aided by large outside mirrors. Entry and exit requires a large step-up.
Room/Comfort (rear)
The 2nd row has good headroom, legroom, and toe space, and the seatback reclines within a modest range. The 2nd row flips and folds with one hand to allow access to the 3rd row, which can accommodate adults for short trips.
| AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
| 7 | 6.5 |
The 2nd row has good headroom, legroom, and toe space, and the seatback reclines within a modest range. The 2nd row flips and folds with one hand to allow access to the 3rd row, which can accommodate adults for short trips.
Cargo Room
The 2nd- and 3rd-row seats fold to create a nearly flat floor. Third-row split folding seat can be folded in an easy one-step operation from outside the tailgate area. Note that the automatic liftgate lacks a tailgate button for power close. Plenty of in-cabin storage, including a deep center console and large, useful console tray.
| AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
| 10 | 8.6 |
The 2nd- and 3rd-row seats fold to create a nearly flat floor. Third-row split folding seat can be folded in an easy one-step operation from outside the tailgate area. Note that the automatic liftgate lacks a tailgate button for power close. Plenty of in-cabin storage, including a deep center console and large, useful console tray.
Value within Class
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 traditional SUV but don't covet the mass of a Cadillac Escalade or Lincoln Navigator.
| AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
| 6 | 6.1 |
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 traditional SUV but don't covet the mass of a Cadillac Escalade or Lincoln Navigator.
Total Score
| AWD Limited, 5.7 V8 | Class Average |
| 64 | 69.4 |
Scores for all Premium Midsize Sport-utility Vehicles
| Low Score | 60 | |
| Average Score | 69 | |
| High Score | 80 |
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2008 Chrysler Aspen Prices & Equipment
Model Prices
Prices Updated: 06/27/2008
| Trim Name | Retail Price | Dealer Invoice | Destination Charge |
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| 2WD Limited 4-door wagon | $32,425 | $29,653 | $800 |
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| AWD Limited 4-door wagon | $35,300 | $32,237 | $800 |
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
| Model | Rebate & Incentives | Type | Expires |
|
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| Aspen | $4000-$4750 cash back or 0%-5.9% financing. | Customer | 07/31/08 |
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, tilt steering wheel w/radio controls, cruise control, cloth upholstery, front bucket seats, 8-way power driver seat, center console, 2nd-row split folding seat, 3rd-row split folding seat, heated power mirrors, power windows, power door locks, remote keyless entry, Alpine AM/FM/CD/MP3 player, digital-media player connection, satellite radio, tachometer, variable-intermittent wipers, universal garage door opener, illuminated visor mirrors, rear defogger, rear variable-intermittent wiper/washer, automatic headlights.
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 system, power liftgate.
Optional Equipment
Major Packages |
Retail Price |
Invoice Price |
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Signature Series Quick Order Pkg. 26/28G
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2WD
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$4,010
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$3,449
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AWD
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$3,355
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$2,885
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Rear-obstacle-detection system (2WD), two-tone leather upholstery, heated front seats, radio hard drive, power sunroof, power liftgate (2WD), floormats, chrome alloy wheels.
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Quick Order Pkg. 28J
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2WD
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$4,270
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$3,672
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AWD
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$3,785
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$3,255
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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), hard drive, satellite radio, rearview camera, power-folding mirrors, automatic day/night driver-side and rearview mirrors, power liftgate (2WD), floormats, laminated door glass, running boards, 265/50R20 tires, chrome alloy wheels. Requires 5.7-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation.
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Popular Equipment Group
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2WD
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$1,125
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$968
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AWD
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$600
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$516
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Rear-obstacle-detection system (2WD), power-adjustable pedals, remote engine start, power liftgate (2WD), running boards. NA w/Quick Order Pkg. 28J.
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Popular Equipment Group II
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Limited
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$1,405
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$1,208
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DVD entertainment system, remote engine start, wireless cell phone link. Requires Quick Order Pkg. 28J.
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Trailer Tow Group
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2WD
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$365
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$314
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2WD w/5.7-liter V8
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$395
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$340
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AWD
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$655
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$563
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AWD w/5.7-liter V8
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$575
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$456
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Special axle ratio (5.7-liter V8), heavy-duty engine and transmission cooling, skid plates (AWD), Class IV trailer hitch, wiring harness.
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Powertrain |
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5.7-liter V8 engine w/cylinder deactivation
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AWD
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$990
|
$851
|
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2WD
|
$795
|
$684
|
|
AWD includes 2-speed transfer case.
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Comfort and Convenience Features |
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Power sunroof
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Limited
|
$850
|
$731
|
|
DVD entertainment system
|
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|
Limited
|
$1,295
|
$1,114
|
|
Requires hard drive. NA w/Quick Order Pkg. 28J.
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|
Hard drive
|
||
|
2WD
|
$1,055
|
$907
|
|
2WD w/Popular Equipment Group, AWD
|
$800
|
$688
|
|
Includes satellite radio, rear-obstacle-detection system, rearview camera, wireless cell phone link.
|
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MyGIG Multimedia
|
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Limited
|
$950
|
$817
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ordered w/Popular Equipment Group II
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$675
|
$582
|
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Navigation system, wireless cell phone link. Requires Quick Order Pkg. 28J.
|
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Leather upholstery
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Limited
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$780
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$671
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Includes heated front seats.
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Heated front seats
|
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Limited
|
$250
|
$215
|
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Heated 2nd-row bucket seats
|
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Limited
|
$950
|
$817
|
|
Requires leather upholstery or Quick Order Pkg. 28J.
|
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Remote engine start
|
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Limited
|
$185
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$159
|
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Floormats
|
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Limited
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$30
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$26
|
|
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Appearance and Miscellaneous |
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Running boards
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Limited
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$445
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$383
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Laminated door glass
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Limited
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$300
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$258
|
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Engine-block heater
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Limited
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$35
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$30
|
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Special paint
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||
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Limited
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$150
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$129
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Premium paint
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||
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Limited
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$225
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$194
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Special Purpose, Wheels and Tires |
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Chrome alloy wheels
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Limited
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$700
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$602
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Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
2008 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. | 5082 |
| Cargo Volume, cu. ft. | 102.4 |
| Standard Payload, lbs. | -- |
| 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. | 303 @ 5650 | 335 @ 5200 |
| Torque (lb-ft) @ rpm. | 330 @ 3950 | 370 @ 4200 |
| Availability | Standard | Optional |
|
EPA City / highway mpg
|
||
| 5-speed automatic | 13/18 | 13/18 |
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 |
| 4WD Rollover | 4 |
| Front Impact, Driver | 5 |
| Front Impact, Passenger | 5 |
| Rollover Resistance | 3 |
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 | Lifetime/-- | -- |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 3/36,000 | -- |
| Corrosion | 5/100,000 | -- |
| 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
Locate a Dealer
Get a FREE Price Quote:
Also in the 2008 Chrysler Aspen Review:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Chrysler Aspen Full Review
7.
8.
9.
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