3
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Premium midsize SUV; Built in USA
  • 4-door wagon
  • longitudinal front-engine/rear- or all-wheel drive
Good condition price range: $12,800 – $25,500*


2007 Chrysler Aspen


2007 Chrysler Aspen


2007 Chrysler Aspen

Pros:
  • Cargo room
  • Ride
  • Seat comfort
Cons:
  • Fuel economy
  • Steering/handling

Aspen may appear to be 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.

Overview

Chrysler launched its first truck-type sport-utility vehicle as the 2007 Aspen. Essentially, the midsize Aspen was a retrimmed Durango from Chrysler’s Dodge brand. The two models shared V8 powertrains and seating for up to seven or eight. With the Aspen, Chrysler had a premium-level competitor against the Acura MDX, Cadillac SRX, and Volvo XC90-plus the forthcoming 2008 Buick Enclave.

Standard engine was a 235-horsepower, 4.7-liter V8; optional, a 335-hp, 5.7-liter Hemi V8 with Chrysler’s Multi-Displacement System cylinder deactivation. Under light load conditions, the Hemi was capable of running on only four of its eight cylinders. The “flex-fuel” 4.7-liter V8 could run either on regular gasoline or E85 (a blend of ethanol and gasoline). A five-speed automatic was the sole transmission. Aspens were available with rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Low-range gearing for possible off-roading was an AWD option.

Antilock braking and an antiskid system with rollover sensors were standard. So were curtain side airbags that covered all three seating rows and included rollover deployment. A new Trailer Sway Control Program was installed.

Standard seating was for eight, with a second-row bench. Optional buckets reduced capacity to seven. AWD models included rear-obstacle detection and a power liftgate-features that were optional for the 2WD Aspen. Additional options included leather upholstery, DVD entertainment, and a navigation system.

Yearly Updates

2008 Aspen
A more powerful standard engine went into the 2008 Aspen, boosting horsepower to 303 (up 68). Second-row seats now reclined, body-colored running boards were optional, and a rearview camera became available. During the 2008 model year, Chrysler announced Signature Series and Limited “E” editions of the Aspen.
2009 Aspen
Aspen gained a gas/electric Hybrid version and the Hemi V8 got a boost to 376 hp from 335, but Chrysler discontinued the Aspen–and its Dodge Durango sibling–early in the model year.

Engines

longitudinal front-engine/rear- or all-wheel drive

When Chrysler introduced the Aspen for 2007, it came with a standard 235-horsepower, 4.7-liter V8 engine. Chrysler’s 5.7-liter Hemi V8 was optional. For 2008, the standard V8 gained 68 horsepower. All engines mate with a five-speed automatic transmission. Aspens may have rear-wheel or all-wheel drive, the latter with or without low-range gearing.

ohc V81
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 4.7/287
Engine HP 235
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 300
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed automatic

 14/18
ohc V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 4.7/287
Engine HP 303
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 330
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed automatic

 13/17
ohv V8
Engine Size (liters/cubic inches) 5.7/345
Engine HP 335
Engine Torque (lb-ft) 370
Avail. Trans. EPA MPG (city/hwy) MPG avg. as tested
5-speed automatic

 13/18

EPA Note: Most figures shown are for 2008 models with 4WD. The Environmental Protection Agency changed its procedure for 2008 to yield more realistic estimates. Therefore, estimated mileage is lower than for prior years.

Road Test

Acceleration potential depends upon the engine choice. The 4.7-liter V8 that was standard in 2007 models is strong off the line, but lacks passing/merging punch. Chrysler’s 5.7-liter Hemi V8 delivers plenty of power at all speeds, though 5.7 Aspens feel no faster than a V6-powered Acura MDX or Cadillac SRX. Maximum towing capacity is 8900 pounds.

Fuel economy ranks close to dismal. A test AWD Aspen with the initial 4.7 V8 averaged a non-frugal 15.2 mpg in mostly highway driving. Chrysler claimed the 303-hp V8 introduced for 2008 would be more fuel-efficient than the original standard engine, but we’re skeptical. The 4.7-liter V8 uses regular-grade fuel. Chrysler recommends 89-octane for the 5.7 V8.

Aspens score better in ride quality, proving generally comfortable and controlled for a traditional truck-type SUV. Operation is largely devoid of sloppy motions.

Expect good grip and modest lean in corners-impressive for a vehicle this large and heavy. Steering, on the other hand, would benefit from less power assist and more road feel.

Chrysler said Aspens had more sound insulation than Dodge’s Durango, but Aspens aren’t quite quiet. Road noise is decently muted, but certain surfaces can induce audible tire roar. Highway-speed wind rush is evident, emanating from the outside mirrors. Engine noise from the Hemi V8 is well muffled in all but full-throttle acceleration.

Large gauges are easy to locate at a glance, though small dial markings may frustrate some drivers. Controls are logically arranged and clearly marked. Cabin materials are notably upmarket of the similar Dodge Durango, though they trail those of premium competitors from Acura and Cadillac.

Front occupants enjoy ample leg- and headroom, even beneath the sunroof’s housing. The driver gets a high, commanding view of the road, but thick front roof pillars obstruct the view around corners. Good rear visibility is aided by large outside mirrors. Entry/exit requires a hefty step-up.

Second-row passengers benefit from good head-, leg-, and foot room, and the seatback reclines within a modest range. The second row flips and folds with one hand, to allow access to the third row. That third row can accommodate adults for short trips, but the seat lacks thigh support.

Cargo volume ranks among the best in this class. Second- and third-row seats fold to create a nearly flat floor. The single-piece third-row bench seat can be folded only from inside the vehicle, and only after the cushion is moved forward. If installed, the available third-row split folding seat can be folded down in an easy one-step operation from outside the tailgate area. Note that the automatic liftgate lacks a tailgate button for power closure. Aspens contain plenty of in-cabin storage, including a deep center console and large, useful console tray.

Ratings

Model Tested: 2008 Aspen AWD Ltd. w/5.7 V8

Ratings values are on a 1-10 scale, with 10 being the best. With the exception of Value, these numbers reflect how the vehicle compares against the universe of vehicles, not just against rivals in its class.

Performance

Acceleration - 5
50%
Fuel Economy - 2
20%
Ride Quality - 6
60%
Steering/Handling - 4
40%
Quietness - 6
60%

Accommodations

Controls/Materials - 6
60%
Room/Comfort Front - 7
70%
Room/Comfort Rear - 7
70%
Cargo Room - 10
100%

Other

Value - 6
60%

Total: 59

Specifications

4-door wagon
Wheelbase (in.) Length (in.) Width (in.) Height (in.) Weight (lbs)
119.2 200.8 76.0 74.3
Cargo Volume (cu/ft) Payload Capacity (cu/ft) Fuel Capacity (gal.) Seating Capacity
102.4 27.0 8.0
Headroom Legroom
Front Rear Front Rear
40.8 39.3 14.4 37.4
Safety Ratings

Model Tested: 2008 Aspen 4-door wagon

NHTSA

(5 is the highest rating)

Front Impact Test

Driver Injury - 5
100%
Front Passenger Injury - 5
100%

Side Impact Test

Driver Injury - N/A
N/A0%
Rear Passenger Injury - N/A
N/A0%

HLDI

(A score of 100 is average. Lower is better)

Collision N/A
Injury N/A
Theft N/A

Trouble Spots

Air conditioner
Description: The air conditioner may quit and blow only warm air due to failure of the infrared sensor. (2007)
Air conditioner
Description: A/C compressor may rattle due to slugging with liquid refrigerant during spirited driving requiring improved compressor, condenser, accumulator, lines, etc. (2007)
Air conditioner
Description: A/C may not blow cool air after driving about two hours with blower on low due to evaporator icing unless a resistor is installed in the evaporator sensor circuit. (2007-09)
Keyless entry
Description: The remote start feature may not work intermittently and commands from the remote keyless entry may work intermittently and/or the security system may activate on vehicles fitted with a remote start kit at the dealership. (2007)
Electrical problem
Description: The tailgate ajar warning light may come on accompanied by the interior lights and chime due to a wire for the tailgate shorting to ground; swapping the wires fixes it. (2007)
Electrical problem
Description: Oil change monitor may trigger prematurely unless system flashed with updated software. (2008)
None
Description: The Hard Drive radio may lock up with only volume control function requiring reflash. (2008-09)
None
Description: In dry conditions (winter) static discharge can damage the wireless control module causing intermittent no-crank or no-start. (2007-08)
None
Description: The Hard Drive radio may lock up with only volume control function requiring reflash. (2007-10)
Transmission problems
Description: Vibration that feels like driving over rumble strips while driving at a steady speed is caused by defective transmissi0n torque converter. (2007)
Fueling problems
Description: The vehicle may be hard to fill because the nozzle shuts off repeatedly unless an improved fuel vapor tube is installed. (2007-09)

Recall History

2007 Aspen
Description: On some vehicles, right front steering knuckle may have been improperly manufactured and could fracture, causing loss of steering control.
2009 Aspen
Description: Undersized pinion spline may cause rear axle pinion nut to loosen, potentially causing the axle to lock up.

Equipment Lists

Equipment lists are only viewable on larger screen sizes.

Pricing

Used-car pricing varies widely depending on local market conditions. Therefore, we recommend visiting websites that list used cars for sale to get a better idea of what a specific model is selling for in your area.

More about Tom Appel
Written by: Tom Appel on June 26, 2014.
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