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The '''[[Dodge]] Aspen''' (not to be confused with the upcoming 2007 [[Chrysler Aspen]] SUV) was a relatively short-lived model, available from 1976-1980. It was introduced as a replacement for the trusty [[Dart]], but unfortunately the Aspen turned out to be not near as trustworthy as its predecessor. The Aspen from the start was plagued with early rust-out, driveability and reliability issues, although later models weren't affected near as much.  The Aspen was based on Chrysler's new F-body platform, which was slightly longer than the outgoing Dart's A-body chassis, and was more nicely-appointed and upscale than the Dart. Items like power door locks and windows were available on the Aspen whereas they weren't on the Dart. Chrysler touted the Aspen's "big-car ride", due in large part to its torsion-bar front spring suspension that was similar in design to its larger models.  Aspen was also available as a station wagon, Dodge's first compact wagon since 1966.
{| border=0 cellspacing=0 cellpadding=4 style="float:right; margin:0 0 .5em 1em; width:250px; background:#fff; border-collapse:collapse; border:1px solid #999; font-size:83%; line-height:1.5; " summary="Infobox Automobile"
|- style="text-align:center; background:#f0f0f0;"
| colspan=2 style="padding:0; background:#996; color:#fff; border-bottom:1px solid #999;" | [[Image:Dodge-Aspen.jpg]]
|- style="color:#fff; background:#996; font-size:larger;"
! colspan=2 | '''Dodge Aspen'''
|-
! colspan=2 style="text-align:center; font-weight:normal; background:#ddb;" | [[Dodge]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Production
| 1976-1980  
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Class
| Compact
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Body Style
| 2-Door Coupe<br>4-Door Sedan<br>5-Door Wagon
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Length
| 197.2"
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Width
| 72.6"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Height
| 53.5"
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Wheelbase
| 108.7"<br>112.7"
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Weight
| 3200-3500 lbs
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Transmissions
| 3-Speed Manual, RWD<br>4-Speed Manual, RWD<br>3-Speed Automatic, RWD
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Engines
| 3.7L (225 cid) I6 (1976-1980)<br>5.2L (318 cid) V8 (1976-1980)<br>5.9L (360 cid) V8 (1976-1979)
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Power
| 90-160 hp
|- style="vertical-align:top;"
| Similar
| [[Plymouth Volare]]
|- style="vertical-align:top; background:#f0f0f0;"
| Platform
| F
|}


See Wikicars' comprehensive '''[[Dodge Aspen Review]]'''.
The '''[[Dodge]] Aspen''' and its '''Plymouth Volare''' twin were relatively short-lived models, available from 1976-1980.  It was introduced as a replacement for the trusty [[Dodge Dart|Dart]], but unfortunately the Aspen turned out to be not near as trustworthy as its predecessor.  The Aspen from the start was plagued with early rust-out, driveability and reliability issues, although later models weren't affected near as much.  The Aspen was based on Chrysler's new F-body platform, which was slightly longer than the outgoing Dart's A-body chassis, and was more nicely-appointed and upscale than the Dart.  Items like power door locks and windows were available on the Aspen whereas they weren't on the Dart.  Chrysler touted the Aspen's "big-car ride", due in large part to its torsion-bar front spring suspension that was similar in design to its larger models.  Aspen was also available as a station wagon, Dodge's first compact wagon since 1966.  The Aspen and Volare would only undergo minor detail changes during their tenure, and would be replaced in 1981 by the all-new [[Dodge Aries]]/[[Plymouth Reliant]] K-cars.  All comments here also go for the Volare, except where noted.


===Recent Changes===
Here's a rundown:
Mention any minor facelifts or major changes made to the [[automobile|vehicle]] here.


===Styles and Major Options===
==1976-1980==
Certain [[automobile|vehicles]] come in different trim levels or body styles. Features and major options should be mentioned here.


===Pricing===
As 1976 being the Aspen/Volare's premier year, the sedan and station wagon rode on a 112.7" wheelbase, whereas the coupe rode on a shorter 108.7" wheelbase.  Base engine was the 3.7L (225 cid) Slant-6, the 5.2L (318 cid) V8 and 5.9L (360 cid) V8 with 2 or 4-barrel carbs were options.  All engines were available with a 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic.  Models were base and upper-level '''SE''' ('''Premier''' for the Volare).  Aspen SE and Volare Premier wagons could have woodgrain side paneling.  A sport-oriented '''R/T''' package was available on the Aspen coupe ('''Road Runner''' on the Volare), and could have the 318 or 360 with column automatic or floor shift with bucket seats.  T-bar roof (T-tops) were an option also.  Styling differences between the Aspen and its Volare twin were minimal, the most obvious being the front parking lamps on the Aspen were below the headlights on the bumper, whereas they were up right beside the headlights on the Volare.  The R/Ts and Road Runners got unique, larger taillights than lesser models that somewhat resembled the 69-70 [[Dodge Charger (B-body)|Charger]] taillilghts. The Aspen and Volare were huge sales hits in their debut year, with well over 200,000 being sold and even became Motor Trend's "Car of the Year"... but as new owners soon found out, all was not well in paradise - the 1976 Aspen and Volare turned out to be the most recalled car in history for a time (until [[GM]]'s 1980 X-cars).
''Add more fields as necessary.''


<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
Changes were minimal for 1977, the largest changes being that the 225 cid Slant-6 was (finally) available with a 2-barrel carburetor, and was dubbed the "Super Six".  The Aspen and Volare continued to sell well (sales actually increased over 1976) but unfortunately its depressing repair record and reputation continued from the previous year.  Despite this, the Aspen/Volare spun off two luxury variants this year no doubt inspired by the success of the [[Cadillac Seville]] called the [[Chrysler LeBaron]] and [[Dodge Diplomat]], which rode the same wheelbase as the Aspen but were aimed at a more upscale audience and available with more luxury options.  Other than the aforementioned changes, engine and transmission choices remained the same as in 1976.
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=4>
'''MODEL Trims'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
Trim1
</td>
<td>
Trim2
</td>
<td>
Trim3
</td>
<td>
Trim4
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
<td colspan=4>
''MSRP''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
$Price1
</td>
<td>
$Price2
</td>
<td>
$Price3
</td>
<td>
$Price4
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#66ccff>
<td colspan=4>
''Invoice''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
$Price1
</td>
<td>
$Price2
</td>
<td>
$Price3
</td>
<td>
$Price4
</td>
</tr>
</table>


===Gas Mileage===
1978 Aspens were limited to a revised grille in which the parking lamps were now incorporated beside the headlights just like the Volare, and larger taillights which now incorporated separate amber-turn signals on both.  One interesting model introduced this year was the '''Super Coupe''' (available on both Aspen and Volare), which had slatted rear-quarter windows, fender flares and a 360 V8 with a 4-barrel carb.  V8 models acquired the new electronic lean burn system.  Other models still included the base and SE/Premier.  The R/T and Road Runner models also continued, but lost their unique taillights and now used regular Aspen and Volare taillights.  A new '''Duster''' option package for the Volare coupe debuted this year, which included special unique trim such as lower 2-tone paint, slatted rear-quarter windows and plaid seats. Sales began to dip quite a bit this year - the 1976-77 models pretty much sullied their reputation and much of the buying public wasn't as willing to take a chance on them - this, plus the all-new [[Ford Fairmont]] and GM's new downsized A-body models ([[Chevrolet Malibu]], [[Oldsmobile Cutlass]], etc.) gave the twins some heady competition this year.  The Aspen and Volare's reliability and rust-out record began to improve this year, but the damage was already largely done as far as much of the buying public was concerned.
''Add more fields as necessary.''


As seen on the [http://www.fueleconomy.gov/feg/findacar.htm FuelEconomy.gov] website, the City/Highway MPG averages are as follows:
1979s were a virtual rerun of 1978, the largest visual difference being that the taillights now incorporated the back-up lamps where the amber turn signals used to be.  Also the speedometer now read up to 85 MPH, replacing the 100 MPH unit - but instrumentation continued as before.  Engine and transmission choices remained the same, and the interesting Super Coupe returned for one more year. The base Slant-6 engine now got the electronic lean burn system in addition to the V8s, which got it the year prior. For this year only, the wagons got an interesting "sport wagon" option that sported a front air dam, fender flares, roof wind deflector and special road wheels with white-lettered tires. Engines could be the Slant-6, 318 or 360, and could have either the 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic. As far as the Volare was concerned, now that the [[Plymouth Fury|Fury]] was gone, the Volare was now (temporarily) Plymouth's largest car offering.  Sales dipped even further this year, however, as the competition from Ford and GM were becoming more and more prevalent, plus the Aspen/Volare's reputation as unreliable rust buckets (deserved or not) continued to dog them.


<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
Even though this was their final year, the 1980 Aspen and Volare were nonetheless treated to an all-new nose that now had a new hood, fenders, and single rectangular headlamps with a horizontally slatted grille (the Volare had an eggcrate design).  Rear-end styling, however, remained the same.  Engine and model choices were paired down this year - the 225 cid Slant-6 regrettably lost its 2-barrel carb option and reverted back to a 1-barrel, resulting in a horsepower drop from 110 to 90.  The 360 V8 was also discontinued, making the 318 the top engine option.  The Super Coupe was also gone, but the R/T and Road Runner options continued, even though less than 1000 of each were sold, making either one a very rare find indeed today.  The Volare Duster also made a final appearance, making another very rare find (although the Duster name would resurface in 1985 as an option package for the [[Plymouth Turismo|Turismo]]).  Since Plymouth now had a version of the full-size R-body this year (the resurrected [[Plymouth Gran Fury|Gran Fury]]), the Volare lost its status (such as it was) as Plymouth's largest car offering.  The turn-signal stalk now incorporated the low/high beam headlights and wiper controls.  Sales predictably were the lowest in F-body history, no surprise since this year [[GM]] introduced its all new X-body compacts ([[Chevrolet Citation]], [[Oldsmobile Omega]], etc), making the twins look increasingly big and outdated (the GM X-bodies would have their own reliability issues later on, but that's another story).  One interesting bit of sales trivia is that this is the only year that the Aspen outsold the Volare. 
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=4>
'''Trim'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
Trim1
</td>
<td>
Trim2
</td>
<td>
Trim3
</td>
<td>
Trim4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan=4 bgcolor=#cccccc>
'''MPG'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
c/h
</td>
<td>
c/h
</td>
<td>
c/h
</td>
<td>
c/h
</td>
</tr>
</table>


===Reliability===
The Aspen and Volare would be replaced by the all-new [[Dodge Aries|Aries]] and [[Plymouth Reliant|Reliant]] "K-car" in 1981, but the F-body chassis and running gear would live on in the M-body [[Dodge Diplomat|Diplomat]] and [[Plymouth Gran Fury|Gran Fury]], which lasted all the way until the end of 1989.
Warranty options and scheduled maintainence information should be mentioned here.  


===Safety===
==Main Competitors==
This section should reference points on safety ratings and features of the vehicle.


===Photos===
*[[AMC Hornet]]/[[AMC Concord|Concord]]
Add ''Photos'' of the [[automobile|vehicle]] here.
*[[Buick Skylark]]
*[[Chevrolet Nova]]
*[[Ford Granada]]/[[Ford Fairmont|Fairmont]]
*[[Mercury Monarch]]/[[Mercury Zephyr|Zephyr]]
*[[Oldsmobile Omega]]
*[[Pontiac Ventura]]/[[Pontiac Phoenix|Phoenix]]


'''''Please make sure not to use copyrighted photos.'''''
==See Also==


===Colors===
{{Dodge}}
List the colors that the particular <MODEL> is offered in.


===Main Competitors===
[[Category:Dodge Vehicles]]
Create links to other <MAKE> <MODEL> pages in this section.
[[category:Classic cars]]
 
==Hybrid Models==
If there are [[Hybrid Cars|hybrid]] versions of this vehicle manufactured, then please elaborate a little bit on it here.
 
==Unique Attributes==
If there are any features of this [[automobile|vehicle]] that sets it apart from other [[automobile|vehicles]] in its class, then mention those ''unique attributes'' here.
 
==Resale Values==
''Add more fields as necessary.''
 
<table border=1 tablecolor=#000000 bordercolor=#000008>
<tr bgcolor=#cccccc>
<td colspan=4>
'''<MODEL> Year'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
Year X
</td>
<td>
Year X-2
</td>
<td>
Year X-3
</td>
<td>
Year X-4
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td colspan=4 bgcolor=#cccccc>
'''Resale Value'''
</td>
</tr>
<tr bgcolor=#ffffcc>
<td>
$
</td>
<td>
$
</td>
<td>
$
</td>
<td>
$
</td>
</tr>
</table>
 
==Criticisms==
Please make sure to '''''keep critiques in a third-person point of view'''''. If using criticisms from a reputable automotive source, then '''''please make sure to cite the quote'''''.
 
==Generations==
===Fifth generation ('''1980''')===
Even though this was Aspen's final year, it was nonetheless treated to an all-new nose that now had a new hood, fenders, and single rectangular headlamps with a horizontally slatted grille.  Rear-end styling, however, remained the same.  Engine and model choices were paired down this year - the 225 cid Slant-6 regrettably lost its 2-barrel carb option and reverted back to a 1-barrel.  The Super Coupe was also gone, but the R/T option continued, even though less than 1000 were sold, making one a very rare find indeed today.  The turn-signal stalk now incorporated the headlights and wiper controls.  Sales predictably were the lowest in F-body history, no surprise since this year GM introduced its all new X-body compacts ([[Chevy Citation]], [[Olds Omega]], etc), making the Aspen look increasingly big and outdated (the GM X-bodies would have their own reliability issues later on, but that's another story).  One interesting bit of sales trivia is that this is the only year that the Aspen outsold the Volare.  The Aspen would be replaced by the all-new Aries K-car in 1981, but the F-body chassis and running gear would live on in the M-body Dodge Diplomat, which lasted all the way until the end of 1989.
 
===Fourth generation ('''1979''')===
A virtual rerun of 1978, the largest visual difference being that the taillights now incorporated the back-up lamps where the amber turn signals used to be.  Also the speedometer now read up to 85 MPH, replacing the 100 MPH unit - but instrumentation continued as before.  Engine and transmission choices remained the same, and the interesting Super Coupe returned for one more year.  Sales dipped even further this year, as the competition from Ford and GM were becoming more and more prevalent, plus Aspen's reputation as an unreliable rust bucket (deserved or not) continued to dog it.
 
===Third generation ('''1978''')===
Changes this year were limited to a revised grille in which the parking lamps were now incorporated beside the headlights just like the Volare, and larger taillights which now incorporated separate amber-turn signals.  One interesting model introduced this year was the Aspen Super Coupe, which had slatted rear-quarter windows, fender flares and a 360 V8 with a 4-barrel carb (which returned this year).  The R/T models continued, but lost their unique taillights and now used regular Aspen taillights.  Sales began to dip quite a bit this year - the 1976-77 models pretty much sullied the Aspen's reputation and much of the buying public wasn't as willing to take a chance on them - this, plus the all-new [[Ford Fairmont]] and GM's new downsized A-body models ([[Chevy Malibu]], [[Olds Cutlass]], etc.) gave the Aspen some heady competition this year.  The Aspen's reliability and rust-out record began to improve this year, but the damage was already largely done as far as much of the buying public was concerned. 
 
===Second generation ('''1977''')===
Changes were minimal this year, the largest changes being that the 3.7L 225 cid Slant-6 was (finally) available with a 2-barrel carburetor, and was dubbed the "Super Six", and the 360 V8 lost its 4-barrel carb option.  The 1977 Aspen continued to sell well (sales actually increased over 1976) but unfortunately its depressing repair record and reputation continued from the previous year - Chrysler was already having a tough enough time in the late-70s and these cars certainly weren't helping.  Despite this, the Aspen spun off a luxury variant this year called the [[Diplomat]], which rode the same wheelbase as the Aspen but was more upscale and available with more luxury options.  Other than the aforementioned changes, engine and transmission choices remained the same as in 1976. 
 
===First Generation/Origins ('''1976''')===
Aspen's premier year.  The sedan and station wagon rode on a 112.7" wheelbase, whereas the coupe rode on a shorter 108.7" wheelbase.  Base engine was the 3.7L 225 cid Slant-6, the 5.2L 318 cid V8 and 5.9L 360 cid V8 with 2 or 4-barrel carbs were options.  The Slant-6 was available with a 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatics but the V8s were automatic only.  An R/T package was available on the coupe, and could have the 318 or 360 with column automatic or floor shift with bucket seats.  T-bar roof (T-tops) were an option also.  Styling differences between the Aspen and its [[Plymouth Volare]] twin were minimal, the most obvious being the front parking lamps on the Aspen were below the headlights on the bumper, whereas they were up right beside the headlights on the Volare.  The R/Ts got unique, larger taillights than lesser Aspens that somewhat mimicked the 69-70 [[Charger]] taillilghts.  The Aspen was a huge sales hit in its debut year, with well over 200,000 being sold and even became Motor Trend's "Car of the Year"... but as new owners soon found out, all was not well in paradise - the 1976 Aspen and Volare turned out to be the most recalled car in history for a time (until [[GM]]'s 1980 X-cars). 
 
==Worldwide==
If the [[automobile|vehicle]] is sold in other markets worldwide, then this is the section to mention that information. Also, mention if the <MODEL> goes by another name in these other markets.
 
==Design quirks and oddities==
Refer to any pop-culture tidbits about the [[Automobile|vehicle]] in this section.
 
==Awards==
List out notable ''awards'' that the model has recieved while in production. '''Boldface''' the company or orgainization that gives out the award, and ''Italicize'' the name of the award.
 
==See also==
This section should be used to link to other pages within Wikicars, that are related to this article.
 
* For example, the [[Lexus GS]] page, will have links to pages within Wikicars that are related to the [[Lexus GS|GS]], like the [[Luxury Cars]] page and the [[Hybrid Cars]] page, as well as a link to the [[Lexus GS 450h|GS hybrid]] article.
 
==External Links==
Please include any external sites that were used in collaborating this data, including manufacturer sites, in this section.
 
 
[[Category: Dodge Vehicles]]
[[Category: 1970s automobiles]]
[[category: Classic Cars]]

Latest revision as of 16:01, 9 December 2010

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Dodge Aspen
Dodge
Production 1976-1980
Class Compact
Body Style 2-Door Coupe
4-Door Sedan
5-Door Wagon
Length 197.2"
Width 72.6"
Height 53.5"
Wheelbase 108.7"
112.7"
Weight 3200-3500 lbs
Transmissions 3-Speed Manual, RWD
4-Speed Manual, RWD
3-Speed Automatic, RWD
Engines 3.7L (225 cid) I6 (1976-1980)
5.2L (318 cid) V8 (1976-1980)
5.9L (360 cid) V8 (1976-1979)
Power 90-160 hp
Similar Plymouth Volare
Platform F

The Dodge Aspen and its Plymouth Volare twin were relatively short-lived models, available from 1976-1980. It was introduced as a replacement for the trusty Dart, but unfortunately the Aspen turned out to be not near as trustworthy as its predecessor. The Aspen from the start was plagued with early rust-out, driveability and reliability issues, although later models weren't affected near as much. The Aspen was based on Chrysler's new F-body platform, which was slightly longer than the outgoing Dart's A-body chassis, and was more nicely-appointed and upscale than the Dart. Items like power door locks and windows were available on the Aspen whereas they weren't on the Dart. Chrysler touted the Aspen's "big-car ride", due in large part to its torsion-bar front spring suspension that was similar in design to its larger models. Aspen was also available as a station wagon, Dodge's first compact wagon since 1966. The Aspen and Volare would only undergo minor detail changes during their tenure, and would be replaced in 1981 by the all-new Dodge Aries/Plymouth Reliant K-cars. All comments here also go for the Volare, except where noted.

Here's a rundown:

1976-1980

As 1976 being the Aspen/Volare's premier year, the sedan and station wagon rode on a 112.7" wheelbase, whereas the coupe rode on a shorter 108.7" wheelbase. Base engine was the 3.7L (225 cid) Slant-6, the 5.2L (318 cid) V8 and 5.9L (360 cid) V8 with 2 or 4-barrel carbs were options. All engines were available with a 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic. Models were base and upper-level SE (Premier for the Volare). Aspen SE and Volare Premier wagons could have woodgrain side paneling. A sport-oriented R/T package was available on the Aspen coupe (Road Runner on the Volare), and could have the 318 or 360 with column automatic or floor shift with bucket seats. T-bar roof (T-tops) were an option also. Styling differences between the Aspen and its Volare twin were minimal, the most obvious being the front parking lamps on the Aspen were below the headlights on the bumper, whereas they were up right beside the headlights on the Volare. The R/Ts and Road Runners got unique, larger taillights than lesser models that somewhat resembled the 69-70 Charger taillilghts. The Aspen and Volare were huge sales hits in their debut year, with well over 200,000 being sold and even became Motor Trend's "Car of the Year"... but as new owners soon found out, all was not well in paradise - the 1976 Aspen and Volare turned out to be the most recalled car in history for a time (until GM's 1980 X-cars).

Changes were minimal for 1977, the largest changes being that the 225 cid Slant-6 was (finally) available with a 2-barrel carburetor, and was dubbed the "Super Six". The Aspen and Volare continued to sell well (sales actually increased over 1976) but unfortunately its depressing repair record and reputation continued from the previous year. Despite this, the Aspen/Volare spun off two luxury variants this year no doubt inspired by the success of the Cadillac Seville called the Chrysler LeBaron and Dodge Diplomat, which rode the same wheelbase as the Aspen but were aimed at a more upscale audience and available with more luxury options. Other than the aforementioned changes, engine and transmission choices remained the same as in 1976.

1978 Aspens were limited to a revised grille in which the parking lamps were now incorporated beside the headlights just like the Volare, and larger taillights which now incorporated separate amber-turn signals on both. One interesting model introduced this year was the Super Coupe (available on both Aspen and Volare), which had slatted rear-quarter windows, fender flares and a 360 V8 with a 4-barrel carb. V8 models acquired the new electronic lean burn system. Other models still included the base and SE/Premier. The R/T and Road Runner models also continued, but lost their unique taillights and now used regular Aspen and Volare taillights. A new Duster option package for the Volare coupe debuted this year, which included special unique trim such as lower 2-tone paint, slatted rear-quarter windows and plaid seats. Sales began to dip quite a bit this year - the 1976-77 models pretty much sullied their reputation and much of the buying public wasn't as willing to take a chance on them - this, plus the all-new Ford Fairmont and GM's new downsized A-body models (Chevrolet Malibu, Oldsmobile Cutlass, etc.) gave the twins some heady competition this year. The Aspen and Volare's reliability and rust-out record began to improve this year, but the damage was already largely done as far as much of the buying public was concerned.

1979s were a virtual rerun of 1978, the largest visual difference being that the taillights now incorporated the back-up lamps where the amber turn signals used to be. Also the speedometer now read up to 85 MPH, replacing the 100 MPH unit - but instrumentation continued as before. Engine and transmission choices remained the same, and the interesting Super Coupe returned for one more year. The base Slant-6 engine now got the electronic lean burn system in addition to the V8s, which got it the year prior. For this year only, the wagons got an interesting "sport wagon" option that sported a front air dam, fender flares, roof wind deflector and special road wheels with white-lettered tires. Engines could be the Slant-6, 318 or 360, and could have either the 4-speed manual or 3-speed automatic. As far as the Volare was concerned, now that the Fury was gone, the Volare was now (temporarily) Plymouth's largest car offering. Sales dipped even further this year, however, as the competition from Ford and GM were becoming more and more prevalent, plus the Aspen/Volare's reputation as unreliable rust buckets (deserved or not) continued to dog them.

Even though this was their final year, the 1980 Aspen and Volare were nonetheless treated to an all-new nose that now had a new hood, fenders, and single rectangular headlamps with a horizontally slatted grille (the Volare had an eggcrate design). Rear-end styling, however, remained the same. Engine and model choices were paired down this year - the 225 cid Slant-6 regrettably lost its 2-barrel carb option and reverted back to a 1-barrel, resulting in a horsepower drop from 110 to 90. The 360 V8 was also discontinued, making the 318 the top engine option. The Super Coupe was also gone, but the R/T and Road Runner options continued, even though less than 1000 of each were sold, making either one a very rare find indeed today. The Volare Duster also made a final appearance, making another very rare find (although the Duster name would resurface in 1985 as an option package for the Turismo). Since Plymouth now had a version of the full-size R-body this year (the resurrected Gran Fury), the Volare lost its status (such as it was) as Plymouth's largest car offering. The turn-signal stalk now incorporated the low/high beam headlights and wiper controls. Sales predictably were the lowest in F-body history, no surprise since this year GM introduced its all new X-body compacts (Chevrolet Citation, Oldsmobile Omega, etc), making the twins look increasingly big and outdated (the GM X-bodies would have their own reliability issues later on, but that's another story). One interesting bit of sales trivia is that this is the only year that the Aspen outsold the Volare.

The Aspen and Volare would be replaced by the all-new Aries and Reliant "K-car" in 1981, but the F-body chassis and running gear would live on in the M-body Diplomat and Gran Fury, which lasted all the way until the end of 1989.

Main Competitors

See Also

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SRT: Caliber SRT4 · Challenger SRT8 · Charger SRT8 · Magnum SRT8 · Viper SRT10

Historic

Cars: 024 · 330 · 400 · 600 · 880 · Aries · Aspen · Avenger · Challenger · Charger (B-body) · Charger (L-body) · Colt · Conquest · Coronet · Custom 880 · Dart · Daytona · Demon · Diplomat · Dynasty · Intrepid · La Femme · Lancer · Matador · Mirada · Monaco · Neon · Omni · Polara · Shadow · Sierra · Spirit · SRT-4 · SRT-10 · St. Regis · Stealth · Stratus · Super Bee · Custom Royal Regal Lancer · Mayfair · Phoenix · Regent · Viscount · Magnum (B-body) · Caliber · Magnum · Viper

Vans/SUVs: Dakota · Mini Ram Van · Raider · Ramcharger · Ram Van · Ram Wagon · Sportsman · Town Panel · Town Wagon · Tradesman · Sprinter · Mini Ram Van · Durango Hybrid

Trucks: 50 Series · A100 · B Series · C Series · D Series · Power Wagon · Rampage · Ram 50 · W150 · W200

Military

WC-54 ·

Racing

Charger NASCAR · Avenger NASCAR · Intrepid NASCAR · Challenger NASCAR

Concept Vehicles

Avenger · Aviat · Caravan DBX · Challenger · Charger II · Charger III · Charger (1964) · Charger R/T · Copperhead · Dakota V8 Sport · Daroo · Daroo II · Daytona RT · Demon · Deora · Diamante Challenger · Durango Dude · Firearrow · Firearrow II · Firearrow III · Flitewing · Granada · Hornet · Intrepid · Intrepid ESX · Intrepid ESX II · Intrepid ESX III · Kahuna · LRT · M4S · M80 · MAXXcab · Mirada Turbine · Neon · Polycar · Powerbox · Powerwagon · Rampage · Razor · Sidewinder · Sling Shot · Street Van · Super 8 Hemi · TEVan · Tomahawk · T-Rex · Venom · Viper Defender · Viper RT/10 · ZEO Concept · EV Prototype · Challenger SRT10 Concept · Ram TRXtreme Concept · Ram Sportsman Concept · Ram R/T Concept · Ram Mopar Street Concept · Challenger Blacktop Concept · Challenger 1320 Concept · Ram Bianco Concept · Ram BFT Concept · Ram PowerWagon Concept · Ram Runner Concept · Charger Redline Concept


Fratzog · Mopar · HEMI · SRT


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