The return of the Aspen..

Chrysler is bringing back the Aspen name. Unlike the compact Dodge Aspen of the '70's, the Chrysler Aspen will be a full-sized SUV.

This Aspen talk brings back memories - the family station wagon until I turned 7 or so was a 1978 Dodge Aspen wagon - white, with woodgrain and a tan vinyl interior. It wasn't a bad car - my parents got 100,000 miles out of it with minimal problems. The interior fit and finish could have used some help though - my dad remembers that he used to be able to unlock the car by reaching his hand around the panel gaps between the door and fram.

My family has made some, umm, odd car choices, and the Aspen was replaced by a much worse car - a 1986 Renault Alliance sedan.