2009 Chrysler Aspen Photo

2009 Chrysler Aspen - Expert Reviews

 

Expert Reviews from Around the Web

We have scoured the web for expert reviews of this car and found the best ones for you to read. Found 8 reviews. This list is displayed in ranked order based the reviews we think are the best.
RankingDetails
#1
2009 chrysler aspen Professional Edmunds Review
Source: Edmunds

...When properly equipped, the 4.7-liter-equipped Aspen can tow up to 5,950 pounds. Optional is a 5.7-liter Hemi V8 that produces 376 hp and 401 lb-ft of torque. A five-speed automatic is standard. Fuel economy is 13 city/19 highway and 15 combined with 2WD and 13/18/15 with 4WD. When properly equipped, an Aspen with the 5.7-liter V8 can tow up to 8,900 pounds. The Limited HEV is powered by a "two-mode" hybrid system consisting of a Hemi V8 (345 hp and 380 lb-ft of torque), two electric motors (87 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque) and a "two-mode" transmission with variable ratios, which maximizes...

#2
2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid Professional Cars.com Review
Source: Cars.com

...In between them is a green zone labeled "economy," which is similar to a gauge that promotes fuel-efficient driving in the Tahoe Hybrid. Under the Hood The Aspen's two-mode hybrid system starts with a 300-volt battery pack, which is recharged using the friction from the SUV's regenerative brakes. In turn, the battery powers two transmission-integrated electric motors — most conventional hybrids have one. The motors are fixed to a network of two continuously variable and four fixed gear ratios. A 5.7-liter Hemi V-8 with eight- and four-cylinder modes does the heavy lifting, though Chrysler...

#3
CarGurus' Review for 2009 chrysler aspen
Source: CarGurus

...The conventional Aspen is a viable option for those looking for a premium midsize SUV without wanting to pay the higher prices that usually accompany vehicles in this class.
However, the Hybrid still has too many issues to really warrant a recommendation, and the suspensions of both Hybrid and conventional configurations are very simply inadequate.
Perhaps the competition deserves a closer look...

#4
2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid Professional Cars.com Review
Source: Cars.com

...The resulting acceleration, once you coax the SUV out of electric mode, is swift and, thanks to a quick-thinking transmission, seamless. The transmission — jointly developed by BMW, Chrysler, GM and Mercedes-Benz — packs two embedded electric motors and a number of variable and fixed gear ratios. The Tahoe and Yukon hybrids use the same system, though theirs is mated to a 6.0-liter V-8. It works in two modes, the first at lower speeds on electric or engine power, the second at higher speeds on a combination of electric and eight- or four-cylinder engine power. You won't notice any...

#5
2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid Professional Cars.com Review
Source: Cars.com

...Ride was sufficiently soft to prevent bouncing around the cabin. While the 4x4 body stands high enough to handle heavy snow, it isn't so high as to create excessive lean and roll in corners. Handling was good though the hybrid adds about 600 pounds, weight you feel in the wheel. Nice touches include a power tailgate, very wide opening side doors for easy entry/exit and ample space in the front center console to hold cups and coins and inside the armrest to hold a small purse and CDs. There's also power outlets in the dash and center armrest, and fold-flat second row seats that flip forward to...

#6
2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid Professional Cars.com Review
Source: Cars.com

...Driving through parking lots I felt like a rhino on my tippy-toes. Inside, the ride is extremely quiet. The 5.7-liter Hemi hums along on the highway on four cylinders and keeps a low idle during moderate acceleration. (The electric motors assist the engine when cruising at highway speeds, which is why the highway mileage numbers are slightly improved.) Press the accelerator hard and you can feel the combined 385-horsepower engine lurch the vehicle forward. However, drive fast at your own peril. This SUV handles like a bowl of Jello when going fast. The electric power steering is a little...

#7
2009 Chrysler Aspen Hybrid Professional Cars.com Review
Source: Cars.com

...The Aspen is a luxurious SUV with a plush interior and a soft ride. The front seats offer excellent support. The instrument panel has elegant gauges, few seams and surface textures that are rich and inviting. The layout and design of the radio and climate controls is simple and clean. Light-colored wood-grain trim, light leather and well-placed LEDs for night lighting make the cabin feel like that of a luxury car. The test car was equipped with the Sirius satellite radio and back-seat video system. The Aspen hybrid has three rows of seats that provide seating for up to eight passengers. Cargo...

#8
2009 Chrysler Aspen Professional Cars.com Review
Source: Cars.com

...Also available is Sirius Satellite Radio with more than 130 channels. Seating for seven or eight Second-row bench is split 40/20/40 Third-row bench is split 60/40 Sirius Streaming TV packaged with rear-seat video system Under the Hood Two engines are available: a 4.7 liter V-8 and the next-generation 5.7-liter Hemi V-8. The 4.7-liter is E85 compatible and uses electronic throttle control. The 5.7-liter Hemi uses variable valve timing and a cylinder-deactivation system that shuts off four cylinders under light load situations for increased fuel economy. Rear-wheel drive is standard, and two...

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Why should I also consider these?

Interior appointments and features are the Aspen's strengths in the market; it's a little glitzier inside, with more features and a look that's similar to top-of-the-line competitors like the Yukon Denali or Expedition Limited, for less money.

But there are a lot of drawbacks; the Aspen just isn’t as roomy inside as true full-size competitors like the Ford Expedition and GM's big Tahoe/Yukon SUVs—which both handle very well and have more usable space in back for passengers or cargo.

Compared to mid-size, truck-based SUVs like the Chevrolet Trailblazer or Ford Explorer—possibly due to its height—the Aspen is much more cumbersome to maneuver, while its fuel efficiency isn't any better than the biggest utes.

The Ford and GM full-size SUVs also boast top crash-test results.

Meanwhile, the Sequoia was just redesigned last year and has a noteworthy interior and impressive refinement.

 
2009 Chevrolet Tahoe
For those who need to get work done, but with some style and comfort, practicality still reigns in the 2009 Chevrolet Tahoe.
 
2009 GMC Yukon
The 2009 GMC Yukon really stands out among truck-based SUVs because of its great towing and hauling capabilities.
 
2008 Ford Expedition
The 2008 Ford Expedition is a big, capable SUV with a truly useful and convenient third row.
 
2008 Toyota Sequoia
The 2008 Toyota Sequoia is a capable example of the full-size SUV--in a day where the full-size SUV makes less and less sense.
 

 
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