AFSCME 3357-HOF'S BLOG

Will the New Dodge Aspen match the Old Dodge Aspen?

Daimler Chrysler announced that it's new SUV will be named the Dodge Aspen. Do they really want customers to remember the car that was the most recalled (and I don't mean remembered) vehicle of all times?

I remember driving an Aspen as a teenager in the late 1970s. It scared the bejezes 9ut of me. It seemed like half the parts were left off, and those that were attached weren't attached well.

From the allpar.com article linked below:

By 1978 fenders on many '76 models began showing rust, hoods began flying up and even the "indestructible" Slant Six and 318 V8 seemed to have caught a virus from body and began faltering and stalling. In all, the '76 Volarés and Aspens were subject to five mandated recalls on suspension, ignition and fuel systems, brakes, steering and the body. Chrysler instituted a voluntary recall on all front fenders and adjacent sheet metal which cost them $109 million they could ill afford. The problem was in quality control--poor fit of fenders on the assembly line--rather than design.

The Motor Trend Car of the Year award winners "won" another, the Lemon of the Year from the Center for Auto Safety, founded by Ralph Nader. The Volaré/Aspen twins became the most recalled vehicles in history...for a couple of years, that is, until General Motor' X-cars took the "honor" from them. Due to its size, GM was much better able to take the hit than Chrysler which almost went under until finally getting its true savior car, the K-car Reliant and Aries.




1976 Plymouth Volare and Dodge Aspen - Introduction and Reviews