1980 Dodge Aspen Special Edition (SE) review from North America

Speedometer went at 29,000 miles.

C-Clip connecting throttle linkage went at 29,000 miles.

Catalytic converter blew up at 29,000 miles.

Carburetor was out of tune (led to stalling, poor fuel economy, etc). Easy fix.

Being a low-mileage, original 1980 Dodge Aspen, this car still has yet to be completely broken in with only 29,000 miles original miles.

The acceleration on this car is dismal to say the least, but the engine is also strangled by emissions and a single barrel carburetor. Stock this vehicle produces 95 net horsepower. After "freeing up" the engine from restrictive emissions / exhaust system and upgrading the carburetor it produces around 135-140 net horsepower.

The acceleration, while not the greatest, is enough to exceed any highway speed limit by a large margin.

The 3-speed automatic transmission (A-904 Torqueflite Series) shifts flawlessly. Like any older car, you can definitely feel it when it shifts though.

The handling on this car stock was reasonable. The car is something you could drive every day and live with. Rain or shine, it will keep on going without an issue (depending on your speed of course).

The interior is typical of a late 1970's Chrysler. Some fake wood here and there, but the interior is color-coded. The 60-40 split velour bench seats are very comfortable, and as mentioned before, something you could drive every day without hurting your back.

While the space in the rear seats is limited, bear in mind this was considered an economy / compact car when first produced. The rear seat space is not entirely different then that of a 2008 Ford Mustang, for example.

The stock stereo system for these vehicles could have been ordered with an AM radio, AM / FM radio, and/or an 8-track cassette system. Reception is good with the removable antenna.

In terms of fuel economy, this vehicle is on par with most modern mid-sized rear wheel drive sedans with roughly 25 MPG highway and about 19 MPG city.