2007 Chrysler Aspen

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7700 pounds for Tahoe, but 9100 for the Ford Expedition or the Nissan Armada, for example. The crisp-shifting "tow/haul" transmission downshifts for downhills and holds lower gears longer to reduce gear searching, while a standard "first-in-class" Trailer Sway Control system senses and counteracts (with selective braking and engine control) trailer yaw.

Why? Why not?

When Chrysler unveiled its 2007 Aspen at January's Detroit Auto Show, we frankly wondered why. Did the Chrysler brand really need a (relatively) large SUV when Dodge already had one, especially in light of high gas prices and shrinking sales? And if it did, why recycle the old Aspen name, which once adorned millions of shabbily built Dodge Aspen mid-size cars? But Chrysler says its research shows there's no longer negative baggage attached to the name (their target buyers must be memory challenged?), and they're tired of losing SUV shoppers to cousins Dodge and Jeep, let alone to domestic and off-shore competitors.

We've written before that America 's full-size SUV segment will shrink but won't go away, since there's no suitable alternative for those who really need them for serious towing and hauling. So we understand that Chrysler wants to play with GM, Ford, Toyota, and Nissan in that still-large and lucrative market. And we now believe that nicely turned-out, well-equipped, smooth-driving Aspens in the low-to-mid $30,000 range should be viable players. Just please, Chrysler, don't try to tell us they're larger than "full-size" but smaller than "large."

2007 Chrysler Aspen

Base price: $31,490

Engine: 4.7-liter SOHC V-8, 235 hp/300 lb-ft; 5.7-liter OHV V-8, 335 hp/370 lb-ft

Transmission: Five-speed automatic, rear- or all-wheel drive

Length x width x height: 200.8 x 76.0 x 74.3 in

Wheelbase: 119.2 in

Curb weight: 4866 lb

Fuel economy (EPA city/hwy): 14/19 mpg (4.7-liter, 2WD); 14/19 mpg (5.7-liter, 4WD)

Major standard features: Three-row seating, fog lamps, power-adjustable pedals, front and rear air conditioning, power windows, locks, mirrors, remote keyless entry, AM/FM/CD audio, tilt steering wheel, Homelink universal transceiver, Sentry Key engine immobilizer

Safety features: Anti-lock brakes, traction and stability/rollover control; Trailer Sway Control; dual front and side curtain airbags

Warranty: Three years/36,000 miles

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