Arrigo Dodge Chrysler Jeep Sawgrass

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Driving Impressions

The Chrysler Aspen rewards the driver with hearty mechanical sounds from the engine compartment, prompt throttle response, solid gear shifts and thoroughly competent brakes.

Ride and handling are average. The Aspen is tall, heavy and narrow. The ride tends to the springy end of the scale, and the Aspen loses composure around curves. The available 20-inch wheels with fatter tires stick better than the base model's taller tires and 18-inch wheels at the price of a slightly harsher, but no less bouncy, ride.

Chrysler has upgraded the 4.7-liter V8 for 2008, boosting it from 235 horsepower and 300 pound-feet of torque to 303 hp and 330 pound-feet of torque. The 4.7-liter does a better job of moving the Aspen than the old version, but it still struggles to provide passing punch in this heavy SUV. With the 4.7-liter V8, the Aspen can pull up to 5900 pounds.

The 5.7-liter Hemi moves the Aspen well from a stop and provides decent passing power, but it runs out of breath on the far side of 80 miles per hour. However, the torque rating promises it can pull 8900 pounds.

Neither engine is frugal. Thanks to Chrysler's Multi-Displacement System, which shuts down four cylinders when they're not needed, the Hemi gets slightly better fuel economy than the 4.7, at 13 mpg City and 19 Highway for 2WD models vs 13/18. Those numbers may be unappealing given today's high fuel prices, but they match those of truck-based large SUV competitors.

Towing trailers long distances should be eased by a feature Chrysler calls Trailer Sway Control. This system senses trailer sway and employs the electronic stability control to apply tiny amounts of brake pressure selectively to individual wheels and to reduce engine torque to counter trailer-induced yaw. We haven't hooked a trailer to an Aspen, but the concept is logical and impressive and we'd assume it works as intended.

If you don't intend to tow with your Aspen, you may wish to consider one of the new generation of seven-passenger crossover SUVs. These vehicles offer better ride and handling characteristics, as well as improved fuel economy, with the same type of cargo capacity.

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