The Dodge Aspen, in coupe form, measures 198.8 inches (5,050 millimeters) in length, making it a rather sizable car by today’s standards. However, during the 1970s, the Aspen, along with its almost identical counterpart, the Plymouth Volare, were marketed as compact cars. These models were developed during a time when American automakers were focused on downsizing their vehicles to make them lighter and more fuel efficient. The Aspen and Volare replaced the Plymouth Valiant and Dodge Dart, and quickly gained popularity among customers during a turbulent decade for Chrysler-owned brands.
The Aspen not only offered improved fuel efficiency compared to its predecessor, but it also boasted more interior space and enhanced comfort. The new front suspension design not only improved the ride quality, but also enhanced the car’s handling. With an attractive price tag, the Aspen attracted 189,900 buyers in its first year on the market. In 1976, a total of 255,008 examples of the Volare were also sold. Although Aspen sales reached their peak in 1977 with 266,012 units, the model remained relatively popular for the next few years, consistently selling over 100,000 units annually. However, by its final year in 1980, only 67,318 Aspen cars were sold.
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Dodge Aspen. Customers soon discovered that these cars were prone to rusting within just a couple of years. Engine and transmission problems were also common, particularly during the early years of production. In 1976 alone, there were at least eight serious recalls for the model. Chrysler attempted to address these issues with improvements for the 1978, 1979, and 1980 model years, but it was too late to salvage the Aspen’s reputation. Eventually, the automaker decided to discontinue both the Aspen and the Volare, as they became the most recalled automotive product of that time due to their poor quality.
However, this doesn’t mean that the Aspen isn’t a sought-after car today. While it may not be as expensive or rare as some of Dodge’s more popular models, finding examples in good condition can still be a challenge. In a video featured at the top of this page, a man shares his experience of purchasing an original 1979 Aspen with just 29,734 miles on the odometer in August of last year. This 45-minute video showcases his ownership experience after one year of having the car in his garage. Notably, the car has not undergone any restoration and still looks and drives as it did 44 years ago. Interested in how it feels to drive a car that is over four decades old with only about 31,000 miles? The answer can be found in the video.
