We're asked from time to time to perform a review of an exciting automobile that may be of interest to parents. We've covered the Ford Explorer and the Volvo XC90, and today we're talking about the Chrysler Aspen. In short, it's a big, great car, though not a great big car.
First thing we couldn't miss was the cool factor. Inside and out this thing is chromed and comfy from grill to tail. It's shiny with a look all its own, and in this case, that's a good thing. The Edsel also had a look all its own, but this isn't that kind of look, this is a handsome ride.
Left - Its bull-nose slathered in chrome, it's got just as much curb appeal as you have taste in cars. It's up to you, but if you wish to deny the former, you must also forsake the latter. Don't blame me, it's just how it goes. After all, it's your taste in style that's in question.
The next thing you can't help but notice is the size. It drives like a mid-sized SUV, but on the inside it feels like an Excursion or Escalade. It's not quite that big, but it is bigger than other SUVs. It has a full third row of seats so we can hang out back there without feeling like us toddlers are too big... and it still has enough room behind that for a stroller and some bags. If you've got people to drag around, as we sure do, this is the ideal size, and a niche not filled by other manufacturers.
If you're anything like me, and you're not, but the point remains, you like comfort. No dancing around it, this is a comfortable car. It's got that big, cushy feeling US companies have always understood, but in a new, technologically current design. That means you get nice chairs, good head and leg room, and you're not putting around in a land-bound yacht, which is especially helpful when driving in the city.
Right - With the optional backseat DVD entertainment system, you get a full set of wireless headphones, so you can hear the movie while your driver and other handlers are free to listen to their dull old news radio type stuff while in transit.
In other words, I can say the engineering is great, even though I'm not an engineer and have never driven a train. Also, it doesn't feel like you're driving a train which is what engineers do, so I needed the ambiguity for the joke to work, sorry about that.
Us kids liked the look, feel, comfort and DVD player, but the parents liked the safety. Unlike compact cars, you've got a lot of steel around you and enough elevation to insure nobody comes through your back doors. Between that, the ABS and ESP, and the standard round of airbags, there's not a whole lot left for wanting in the safety department. I've also never worked in the safety department, but that's because I hear those guys are no fun at all.
The real surprise came in the sticker price. Base models from the low 30 gees with prices going up to your taste in features. You can get anything from wheels to trim packages to an assortment of electronics like GPS/Nav, DVD, CD/MP3 and other variously lettered acronyms I don't understand. For the price, it's a market leader.
Bear in mind that we're never paid to do these reviews, and under no obligation to say nice things. I suspect that's why we only get exceptional cars to consider, and why you can take our word for these things.
Above - Never mind the odd carseat count, we took this in the final hours before they came to pickup the car from us. Pay greater mind instead to the fact that we experienced top joy while watching "Ice Age 2: The Meltdown", as plainly evidenced by the runaway joy all over our non-runaway faces.
Above - The fact that we didn't have proper safety restraints was secondary in our attempts to drive off in the car. Apparently you need keys, the ability to reach the pedals, and at least a cursory understanding of how cars are driven. Me and my co-worker/brother didn't let this stand between ourselves and having a good time, however.
Above - Here you can see an across-the-street shot of us trying to make off with the car, rather than give it back. Bottom right corner you can see a close-up, where you might notice that it's difficult to be seen, let alone see out of the car, if you are under about 3-feet, like we are. Still, it was a worthy goal and the review would have been incomplete without it.
