Chrysler's first-ever SUV
When Chrysler finally decided to jump on the full-size SUV bandwagon, they hadn't the "poor" Canadian market in mind. On the contrary, the American automaker targeted first and foremost its own market. The Aspen, which is basically a more luxurious Dodge Durango, was given quite a mission: keep Chrysler customers from leaving the family.
Obviously, there was a reason: South of the border, the Dodge and Chrysler brands operate on their own, which isn't the case here. The company therefore had to make sure to offer a complete lineup with models in each market segment. Oddly enough, the SUV pool was, until now, devoid of any Chrysler product. It was time to react and launch a first SUV, hoping that it could answer the needs of some Canadians at the same time.
Now let's get things clear: while the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango are brothers, they are not twins. The former had to be distinct enough to preserve some kind of brand independence and to create its own market share, even while playing in the Durango's yard.
For instance, the engine and cabin mounts were modified to reduce vibrations and road noises. That said, the Aspen is still a truck-type SUV with ladder frame and rear solid axle.
Distinct styling
When designing the Aspen, Chrysler stylists wanted to make it look like a true family member. Inspired from the old Cronos Concept, the Aspen sports a massive front grille similar in style to other Chrysler products. The lines on the hood are reminiscent of the Crossfire's and the new Sebring's. By the way, the hood is impressively heavy. You have to be as strong as the truck itself to lift it up and access the engine bay without hurting yourself. The risk is greater when you're a smallish folk like myself and you have to work of the tip of your toes.
When Chrysler finally decided to jump on the full-size SUV bandwagon, they hadn't the "poor" Canadian market in mind. On the contrary, the American automaker targeted first and foremost its own market. The Aspen, which is basically a more luxurious Dodge Durango, was given quite a mission: keep Chrysler customers from leaving the family.
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| The Aspen is the first Chrysler-brand SUV. |
Obviously, there was a reason: South of the border, the Dodge and Chrysler brands operate on their own, which isn't the case here. The company therefore had to make sure to offer a complete lineup with models in each market segment. Oddly enough, the SUV pool was, until now, devoid of any Chrysler product. It was time to react and launch a first SUV, hoping that it could answer the needs of some Canadians at the same time.
Now let's get things clear: while the Chrysler Aspen and Dodge Durango are brothers, they are not twins. The former had to be distinct enough to preserve some kind of brand independence and to create its own market share, even while playing in the Durango's yard.
For instance, the engine and cabin mounts were modified to reduce vibrations and road noises. That said, the Aspen is still a truck-type SUV with ladder frame and rear solid axle.
Distinct styling
When designing the Aspen, Chrysler stylists wanted to make it look like a true family member. Inspired from the old Cronos Concept, the Aspen sports a massive front grille similar in style to other Chrysler products. The lines on the hood are reminiscent of the Crossfire's and the new Sebring's. By the way, the hood is impressively heavy. You have to be as strong as the truck itself to lift it up and access the engine bay without hurting yourself. The risk is greater when you're a smallish folk like myself and you have to work of the tip of your toes.
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| The massive front grille has a definitive Chrysler look. |