1980 Dodge Aspen review from North America
"Awesome. Unstoppable. Consistently impressive"
What things have gone wrong with the car?
Pinion bearing needs replacing.
Spider gear stripped at around 250,000.
Wheel cylinders and calipers need replacing.
Front and rear bench seats badly worn.
Front fenders had to be replaced due to rust.
Some small holes in undercarriage and trunk floor.
Needs a paint job :-)
General comments?
This car has rescued me from supposedly "better" cars more times than I care to count.
It has outlasted a Chevette, a Volvo, and two Honda's, and that's with daily use, not sitting under a tarp.
It has never once failed to start, nor has it ever left me stranded at the side of the road.
The slant six / four speed auto combination is absolutely bulletproof.
I've been told that this engine could easily last 500,000 kilometers with regular preventative maintenance and I believe it!
If you calculate reliability per dollar paid, this car is easily one of the best you could ever buy.
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![]() ![]() | A very sporty car, but it has some rust |
![]() ![]() | 1979 - Aspen Wagon 225 2 BARREL Function over form |
| Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? | Yes |
| Model Year | 1980 |
| First year of ownership | 1994 |
| Most recent year of ownership | 2004 |
| Engine and transmission | Slant 6 Automatic |
| Performance marks | 5/10 |
| Reliability marks | 10/10 |
| Comfort marks | 7/10 |
| Dealer Service marks | |
| Running Costs (higher is cheaper) | 8/10 |
| Distance when acquired | 35000 kilometres |
| Most recent distance | 275000 kilometres |
| Date of Entry | 20th October, 2004 |

