New 2008 Chrysler Aspen Safety Review [ 2009 , 2007 ]
Based on analysis of 30 Aspen reviews and test drives.
Safety - What the Auto Press Says
The 2008 Chrysler Aspen receives a five-star rating in frontal crash tests conducted by the federal government. Every Aspen comes with side curtain air bags and electronic stability control.
In government crash tests performed by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the 2008 Aspen receives five out of stars for both the driver and passenger protection in frontal crashes. The agency has not performed side crash tests on the Aspen. NHTSA gives the Aspen a 4-star rollover rating for the four-wheel-drive model, and just a 3-star rating for the two-wheel-drive.
Accident Avoidance
Aspens come with an Electronic Roll Mitigation system. The ERM attempts to predict rollovers and then automatically applies the brakes, as Cars.com says, "in an attempt to keep the Aspen on all fours."
The Chrysler Aspen also offers a standard Electronic Stability Program (ESP). New Car Test Drive notes, "the electronic stability program, which attempts to keep the vehicle from spinning out, is augmented with a rollover-sensitive algorithm, which extends deployment duration, and all-speed traction control, which limits tire spinning in slick conditions."
The Aspen has electronic brake-force distribution, which applies the brakes to individual wheels as needed during panic situations. Additionally, a tire pressure monitoring system lets the driver know when tire pressure is dangerously low via an illuminated light on the dashboard. The ParkSense feature warns drivers of obstacles in the vehicle's path when backing up.
Crash Protection
In the event of a collision, reviewers say the Aspen stands out from the competitors by providing an unusual protective measure in the bumper. Forbes reports "The Aspen's bumpers have been designed to line up with passenger cars' bumpers so that if a collision with a car occurs, the larger and taller Aspen won't plow over the car's bumper and careen into the passenger compartment, causing fatalities." The Chrysler Aspen comes equipped with advanced multistage driver and front-passenger air bags, as well as supplemental side-curtain air bags that cover all three rows of seats.
