Used 2008 Chrysler Aspen

On the surface, creating a new large SUV in the current market might seem a little like arriving at a party just as it’s breaking up. Scratch that surface, though, and a rationale emerges. The segment for large sport utility vehicles, while shrinking, is still substantial, and Chrysler has had no player in this market. Based on the successful Dodge Durango platform, the 2008 Chrysler Aspen is an elegant addition to the large SUV landscape, one that gives buyers a way to remain in the Chrysler family when their own families outgrow the Town & Country minivan.

On the road, the Aspen has a well-cushioned ride fit for the longest road trip. Too big to be agile, the Aspen nonetheless handles with sure stability, and that includes during towing. Rearward visibility to the sides is hindered by wide C- and D-pillars. Four-wheel-drive models with the 4.7-liter V8 get a single-speed transfer case, while 5.7-liter powered four-wheel-drive models pack a two-speed unit, with all-wheel-drive and four-wheel-drive high and low modes. Few Aspens are likely to be called upon to venture off-road, but for such situations there is an optional skid plate package that provides protection for the transfer case and fuel tank (standard on J Package four-wheel-drive models).

The Aspen has a roomy, refined interior and seats seven to eight people in three rows. Getting in or out of the third row doesn’t demand the nimbleness of a gymnast, and those consigned to the third row won’t feel slighted. With the maximum number of passengers on board, minimum cargo capacity is 20 cubic feet. Both second- and third-row seats fold nearly flat, and storage space increases accordingly from big (68.4 cubic feet) to bigger (102.4 cubic feet). Lift-over height in back is low, and the opening is usefully wide, but those over six feet tall will need to duck under the liftgate door when loading luggage or lumber.

The latest editions of the Cadillac Escalade and Lincoln Navigator sport enough brightwork on their front ends to make a 1950s car blush but, by comparison, the Aspen’s face comes off as conservative – which isn’t necessarily a bad thing. The four-bar grille is capped by a winged, heritage badge, and hood strakes are similar to those on Chrysler’s Crossfire sports car. Buyers who want to boost Aspen’s bling factor can opt for the 20-inch, 10-spoke chrome rims. The Aspen otherwise strikes a traditional SUV profile, with beefy, squared-shoulder styling.

Smooth Powertrain
The optional 5.7-liter V8 and five-speed automatic transmission combination is smooth and powerful. The HEMI engine is responsive on the road and strong enough to tow a maximum of 8,900 pounds.

Three-Row Seating
Aspen doesn’t have a bad seat in the house. If your passengers complain, it will be about your driving, not their accommodations.

The Aspen is available in two trim levels; E Package and up-level J Package. Both versions are offered in two- or four-wheel drive. Standard equipment in the Aspen Limited E includes an E85-compatible 4.7-liter V8, Electronic Stability Program, light-emitting-diode (LED) interior lighting, stain-resistant interior fabric, power driver’s seat, reclining second-row seats, 60/40-split third-row seat, AM/FM stereo with MP3 compatible CD, side-curtain airbags, roof rails and 18-inch aluminum rims. The J Package includes the HEMI V8, 20-inch chromed wheels, Premium audio with a 20-inch subwoofer, heated leather power front seats, power liftgate with ParkSense, SIRIUS Satellite Radio and automatic temperature control.

The Aspen can be optioned with a variety of information and entertainment features, including a navigation system, SIRIUS Satellite Radio (standard on J Package) and a rear-seat DVD entertainment system. Aspen J models are also equipped with a number of features that can be added as stand-alone options on E versions, including the 5.7-liter HEMI V8 and running boards.

The standard powertrain in the Aspen is a 4.7-liter V8 matched to a five-speed automatic. The 4.7-liter is E85-compatible, and thus able to run on gasoline, ethanol or a mixture of the two. Optional is Chrysler’s 5.7-liter HEMI V8; somewhat surprisingly, the bigger engine provides significantly more power and torque with fuel economy that’s actually a little better. The 4.7-liter works well in the Aspen platform, but if you can swing the extra money ($990), there’s really no incentive not to buy the HEMI, as it offers more "go," more "tow" and better fuel economy than the smaller engine.

4.7 liter V8
303 horsepower @ 5650 rpm
330 lb.-ft. of torque @ 3950 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/17 (2WD, Gas), 9/13 (2WD, E85), 12/17 (4WD, Gas), 8/12 (4WD, E85)

5.7 liter V8
335 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
375 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 13/19 (2WD), 13/18 (4WD)