2009 Chrysler Aspen Consumer Reviews

Nice Car Poor Reliability

Written by: Ken on 10/20/2009

Vehicle

2009 Chrysler Aspen Limited HEV 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl gas/electric hybrid 4A)

Review

I purchased the Aspen HEV in Feb. 2009. I love the car as far as looks and comfort. I meet all my needs. But since I purchased the car it has been in the repair shop 5 times. for a total of 37 days down time. Part of the problem is only quailified trained mechanic's can work on the car. My dealership has one, so if it is his day off we are out of luck. We have had trouble with check engine light, transfer case, leaking sunroof, computer control module, catalic conveter,paint peeling and now it has been in the shop for 12 days and I still don't have it, because it needs a starter battery. The battery has been on back order since October 12, 2009. I love this car, but it is a lemon

Favorite Features

Ride,interior,electronic's, looks

Suggested Improvements

Better mechanical quaility.

2 out 3 people found this review helpful

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2nd Aspen

Written by: rob94551 on 10/18/2009

Vehicle

2009 Chrysler Aspen Limited HEV 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl gas/electric hybrid 4A)

Review

This is our second Aspen. First has the Hemi. The new engine combo is slower off the line and the Hemi doesn't really kick in until high into freeway speeds, but the transition across the power band is smooth, and is fast enough. The smoothness of the ride hides the rate of speed increasing. The add on specials make the car a great value and a lot of small things are thought of (rear view camera), etc. Great sound system. Only thing I can think to complain about, if I had to, is the gage that shows if the engine is in electric, combo or power zone. The car is stable and corners well on mountain road downhills. The AWD helps with handling, and much improved over non-AWD Aspen

Favorite Features

The electronic "toys" are great, one touch rear deck raise and lower, the GPS, the sound system, as well as the AC/ windows, and controls on the steering wheel. The sunroof is great too letting in a lot fresh air, large enough to be very effective. The seats are very comfortable and adjustable.

Suggested Improvements

Two come to mind. Change the gages to be more useful that fluff (engine setting gage seems to be only show). The windshield post, driver side is think and when going on a very windy downhill run at higher speeds can cause you to alter your vision paterns. (After one downhill I easily adjusted)

1 out 1 people found this review helpful

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Best SUV - Ever!

Written by: niv on 10/13/2009

Vehicle

2009 Chrysler Aspen Limited HEV 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl gas/electric hybrid 4A)

Review

I usaully trade for a new vehicle annually. I traded from the SRT 8 Jeep to the Aspen. Although it took a several weeks I can now appreciate the third row seating, almost 20 MPG and the engineering improvements over Jeep.I may keep this one a little longer than usual...

Favorite Features

Third row seating option and extra carrying capacity.Fuel savings in context of an SUV with a HEMI..

Suggested Improvements

Need to look at blind spot on drivers side, Perhaps re engineer the side view mirror. I attached a convexed shape mirror ($3.00) to the existing side mirror and solved the issue.

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Great Vehicle for the Money

Written by: Stan in Texas on 09/10/2009

Vehicle

2009 Chrysler Aspen Limited 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A)

Review

We actually wanted to buy a Tahoe, Yukon or Expedition. However, a comparably equipped Chrysler Aspen was about $12K less. That's a lot of money, so we went with the Aspen. I've never been a Chrysler fan, but I am willing to give them a shot. I think Edmunds was too hard on the Aspen in their review. So far (2100 miles) we LOVE our Aspen. This is a leftover 2009 model and the dealer ship was REALLY dealing. They knocked $11K off the sticker price and gave us $3K more than we owed on our 2007 Explorer.

Favorite Features

Chrome wheels, reclining second row bucket seats, Hemi engine, Navigation system, leather and suede upholstery, power rear door hatch, unique styling. I love the wood trim and the wood steering wheel. Access to third row seats is very easy. I think the whole package is rather elegant.

Suggested Improvements

Better fuel efficiency would be nice, but when you buy a full size SUV you know you aren't getting super gas mileage. Plastic on interior doors is somewhat cheap looking. Leg room in second row is somewhat tight.

2 out 2 people found this review helpful

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Smooth Hemi Power in a Large SUV

Written by: Kevin K on 08/11/2009

Vehicle

2009 Chrysler Aspen Limited 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A)

Review

My first impression was that it had a CVT transmission its shifts so smooth, but NO. The transmission does not seem to give the same punch throughout a wide range, my Nissans in the past were much better in that area. Interior makes you feel that you are in a nice vehicle, it is also an attention getter on the exterior. For a 6,400 LB SUV it accelerates fast, you are king of the Trucks/SUVs on the road without a Hemi. Will take "most" 6 Cyl Cars as well, just stay away from some of the import powerful V6's like the 2009 Maxima. It is a little bouncy on major dips/bumps, but not overly so. The Brakes are sufficient, but could stop a little better. Handling on sharp bends is average at best.

Favorite Features

Hemi, Most affordable vehicle in this class size and features, 3 rows of seats, Exterior Style, Touch screen functions, Neat programmable features, Power lift gate, Standard auto start, Great AC when put into Max mode. Not many others have it, nor will anymore.

Suggested Improvements

Breaking Power, Handling on curves, Would like to see 1-2 more miles per gallon, in a vehicle that shuts down 4 Cyl, Picture quality of back up view camera, For a 376 HP 400+ ft of torque vehicle 6,400 Lbs or not - I expected a little better 0-60 but don't get me wrong it is not sluggish.

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Love My Aspen

Written by: aspen_j on 07/08/2009

Vehicle

2009 Chrysler Aspen Limited 4dr SUV (4.7L 8cyl 5A)

Review

Had a 2005 Durango and this Aspen drives more like a car when compared to it. What really sold me on the Aspen was the heavy discounts, Sirius Backseat TV, remote start, alarm, chrome wheels, power liftgate, and 3 rows. All other brands didn't fit my budget with those same features.

Favorite Features

Sirius TV, remote start, power liftgate, adjustable pedals

Suggested Improvements

HID lighting, Blue Tooth standard.

4 out 4 people found this review helpful

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Rented For Vacation

Written by: bullrun on 06/26/2009

Vehicle

2009 Chrysler Aspen Limited 4dr SUV 4WD (4.7L 8cyl 5A)

Review

Went from Colorado to Texas and back. Smooth Ride. Avg MPG 21. Hwy 23, City 19. Front Seats a bit uncomfortable for 3k mile round trip. Seat configuraton was nice. Lots of room for luggage and people. Drove through wind and rain.. No Problems. Headlights were outstanding. Steering in wind was no problem with one hand. Hugs road very well. Nice acceleration. Brakes were on the money. A/C worked brilliantly in 105 degree Texas heat. Middle row seating could use 2 or 3 more inches for leg room. Driving visibility was excellent. Blind spots are minimal. Rear camera was a bit blurry, but sensors worked well.

Favorite Features

Smooth ride. Great A/C. Gas mileage better than most SUV's of this size. Nice looks. Side mirrors are large and help you see around you. 90 degree rear doors open for easy passenger entry.

Suggested Improvements

Better rearview camera quality. Front seats could definately use more cushion. Middle row seats that slide for addition leg room would be great. Front doors should open 90 degrees as well.

11 out 11 people found this review helpful

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Impressed

Written by: Greg on 05/14/2009

Vehicle

2009 Chrysler Aspen Limited 4dr SUV 4WD (4.7L 8cyl 5A)

Review

Smooth ride, comfortable seating, plenty of space to take the family on a twelve hour ride to our vacation destination, then twelve hours home. This vehicle is worth a serious look for those considering the large SUV. The price is a pleasant surprise, and comparing it to the GM and Ford equivalents, we saved many thousands and got a great vehicle. The hemi has smooth fluid acceleration and alot of power.

Favorite Features

Hemi, seating comfort, GPS, sound system

Suggested Improvements

Second row could use a bit more legroom

10 out 10 people found this review helpful

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One Great Vehicle

Written by: hannonlaw on 04/18/2009

Vehicle

2009 Chrysler Aspen Limited HEV 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl gas/electric hybrid 4A)

Review

Editors wrong on this. One great vehicle. Vehicle smaller than a tahoe; parks easier. Has a fully usable third row seat which an adult can ride in. Have myself ridden 100s of miles in the third row and find it adequate. With seat configuration I can haul six young men and all their baseball equipment. Have an Enclave too, and this rear set entry easier. My best buddy says the ride is better than his wife's BMW. Have the Hybrid, and it is a treat to get 18 - 20 mpg in city driving, 4+ mpg greater than my durango which i also loved. Quiet, ergonomics great (better than Tahoe), great electronics and sound. Admit finish could be a little better, but fit, usability and style tremendous.

Favorite Features

Three row seating configuration, hybrid, electronics, exterior size, style, quietness.

Suggested Improvements

Probably only fancier interior touches.

17 out 17 people found this review helpful

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Love this vehicle!

Written by: disneychick on 03/31/2009

Vehicle

2009 Chrysler Aspen Limited HEV 4dr SUV 4WD (5.7L 8cyl gas/electric hybrid 4A)

Review

After looking at several van and SUV models from various manufacturers, I narrowed my choices to GMC, Toyota, Honda and Chrysler. I wanted a Hybrid vehicle, but also desired 4-wheel drive for the winter weather. The Chrysler Aspen Hybrid was the perfect choice. The driving is smooth. I average 20 mpg around town, which includes some interstate driving. The vehicle is solid with all the luxury features one would desire. My model has all available options.

Favorite Features

Love the Hybrid engine combined with the V8 and 4-wheel drive. The gas mileage is excellent for a vehicle in this class. I enjoy the audio controls on the steering wheel, the ability to hook in my iPod, the hands-free bluetooth and overall upscale designed interior.

Suggested Improvements

The leg room in the second or third rows is less than desired, but this seems to be common in all the vehicles we considered. I would like second row heated seats, but this is apparently not an option on the Hybrid model (perhaps due to the placement of the hybrid battery).

13 out 13 people found this review helpful

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