Overview & Reviews

Dodge showed up late to the midsize crossover SUV segment, finally entering the marketplace with the Dodge Journey. But the company that created the minivan has some party tricks of its own. Dodge has a proven track record of creating vehicles that can quickly transform from people mover to cargo hauler with minimal fuss. Add to that Dodge's characteristically muscular exterior styling treatment, and you have two factors that can help the Journey stand out in a crowded room.

The Journey features an in-betweener size that straddles the compact and midsize crossover segments. It offers cargo and passenger room similar to that of larger compact SUVs, but like a midsize model, offers a more substantial feel and an available third-row seat. As such, the Journey strikes an interesting blend of utility and comfort for families. Unfortunately, early Journeys fell well short of most rivals, particularly in regards to driving dynamics and interior refinement. Major improvements made to the Journey a few years after its debut have rectified most of the model's past ills, but in general, this Dodge lacks the general overall refinement of newer competitors.

Current Dodge Journey
The Dodge Journey is offered in five trim levels: American Value Package (AVP), SE, SXT, Limited and R/T. The entry-level AVP, SE and SXT models come standard with a rather weak 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 173 horsepower, mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Acceleration is sluggish and fuel economy is subpar, so we highly recommend going with the 3.6-liter V6 (optional on the SXT and standard on the Limited and R/T). Its fuel economy and acceleration are mediocre at best, but it can at least get the Journey moving with some authority. A six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control is standard, as is front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is offered as an option.

Even the entry-level AVP and SE trims come very well equipped, with notable features including dual-zone manual climate control, keyless ignition/entry, a sliding and reclining second-row seat, a touchscreen audio interface and USB/iPod connectivity.

As is typical for this class, there is an abundance of luxury and convenience features available by stepping up to one of the upper trim levels. These include power front seats, leather upholstery, heated seats, automatic climate control, Bluetooth, a navigation system and premium audio. Parents and kids alike should appreciate the available built-in child booster seats and DVD entertainment system.

Unlike the first few model years of the Journey, this equipment comes packed into an attractive interior with nice materials and solid construction. There are also myriad storage solutions that increase appeal, with containers that double as coolers and an innovative hidden compartment under the front passenger seat cushion. In terms of space, the Journey's first two rows offer comfort and versatility. The third row is very short on legroom and suitable for small children only, but is nevertheless a rare feature for SUVs of this size. Cargo space is roughly on par with the larger compact crossovers.

As we've noted in reviews, the Dodge Journey has impressed us with its flexible seating and smooth ride. But the base four-cylinder engine is underpowered and lacks any significant fuel savings. The V6 is the engine to get, but in general, the Journey is one of the oldest crossovers on the market and is greatly overshadowed by newer competitors.

Used Dodge Journey Models
The Dodge Journey was introduced for the 2009 model year in SE, SXT and R/T trim levels. We weren't very impressed with these 2009 and '10 models. Besides the weak base four-cylinder engine that carries on today, the other engine option was a lackluster 3.5-liter V6 that made only 235 hp. No matter which engine you went with, acceleration was either slow or glacial. Other Journey drawbacks included soggy handling, vague steering, cheap interior materials, dated design and poor build quality.

For 2011, the Journey was significantly overhauled, and we would suggest considering only models produced from this year onward. That year's refresh brought about a more powerful and efficient V6, revised suspension tuning and a completely redesigned interior with better materials, tighter construction and a smarter control layout. The improvements in ride quality and steering feel made the Journey more competitive with the top-ranked crossovers in this class. Since then, changes have essentially been limited to a shuffling of trim levels and equipment.

User Reviews:

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  Great Ride and Good Economy - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By rotorbob - August 7 - 1:15 pm

  After delivering mail for 18 years, mostly out of Mopar minivans, I looked forward to driving a smaller, more efficient car with features I like most: economy, comfort and quality of build. I found all those in my Journey. The only things Ive found fault with are 1) the transmission is balky in either the select shift mode or the full automatic mode. It is slow to shift, but very smooth and 2) the ignition key is VERY VERY fragile. Whos idiotic idea was it to make such a cruddy key that costs over 200 to replace after only 29 months? They really need to re-think the ignition keys with all the needless bells and whistles. Just give me a simple metal key that starts the car!

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  "Mommys New Car!" - 2012 Dodge Journey
  By mommy_hiccup - July 31 - 3:22 am

  This was our first "family" car, though wed had an SUV prior to this purchase. Its been a small adjustment, getting used to being lower to the ground and in a smaller vehicle (narrower than our old vehicle.) The price... its so-so for what you get.

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  Worst car I ever owned - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By wjohnstone74 - July 24 - 1:43 pm

  I had 5 new company cars since 2000, this was by far the worst. Returned to shop 3 times for running on three cylinders (under 1000km), turn the key and nothing happens 3x, odometer reset itself to 0 and 26,000km disappeared, front brakes at 40000km and rear shortly thereafter, turned itself off while driving down the highway, absolutely, completely gutless. Like 1988 k-car style. I put it in park, exited the vehicle, and it started rolling downhill! This happened at the dealership, the mechanic saw it and shook his head! I was in a rental what seemed like monthly. Bluetooth assistant almost NEVER worked, my wife would laugh at me as I punched the radio. Horrible experience. Run!

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  UPSET!!!! - 2012 Dodge Journey
  By atsieb - July 23 - 6:25 pm

  I purchased a 2012 Dodge Journey SXT. I drove it off the lot with 200 miles on the odometer. At 1600 miles the transmission began to shutter! I took it to the dealership and the computer was flashed. This did NOT help. We have set up a case with Chrysler, but have been told that the shuttering is a characteristic of the vehicle per Chryslers engineering dept. WHAT! This is the stupidest thing that I have ever heard. IF that was the case then WHY did it not show up until 1600 miles. I am so unhappy and disappointed with Chrysler and this Journey. Chrysler has put all of their dealerships in a very bad position. With Chrysler not acknowledging that there is an issue with the 3.6 liter engines.

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  2011 Journey Impresses - 2011 Dodge Journey
  By zsoupnazi - July 22 - 2:48 pm

  This is my first review, but felt compelled based on my impressions from our Journey. We have had our Journey for 14 months and have put on a whopping 34,00 miles. I have been extremely impressed. In the past we have owned a Durango, Envoy, and Pathfinder. Our Journey has been far and away the best. We have the 6 cylinder and the gas mileage has been fantastic. Just this week we took an instate 300 mile trip and got an incredible 28.8 mpg while the cruise was set at 77-78 mph. I know of no other SUV with a 6 cylinder that can hit these numbers. We have not had a single problem with our vehicle and have lots of extras on it with touchscreen, navigation, 3rd row, and sunroof. Big thumbs up!

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  only a week after I purchased it... - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By dionne25 - July 21 - 2:08 pm

  I bought my Journey at 57K miles. After a week of purchasing it it was in the shop to get something replaced. Now its been 26 days and I took it back to the dealership because the car wouldnt start twice. (sigh) I wish I wouldve read these reviews before purchasing this.

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  Do not buy this vehicle - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By jessicap - June 30 - 10:55 am

  I bought a 2009 Journey because it had everything I wanted in a vehicle. Turned out to be the worst vehivle Ive ever owned. I bought it used in 12-2010 from my local Dodger dealership. Within 15 months, Ive had all 4 valve stems replaced, new brakes and rotors and now my transmission died today (its stuck in 2nd). The tires are also expensive to replace, costing around $1200 to replace all 4. When the valve stems starting going one at a time, the Dodge dealiship initially told me it was my problem and Id have to pay for it. The first one went out 3 months after my purchase. next one, 6 months, then 9 months then the last one went out at 15 months after purchase. Not worth it!!!!

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  Cant take a journey in my journey - 2011 Dodge Journey
  By no_joyride - June 26 - 5:39 pm

  Well they say when life gives you lemons you make lemonade, but thats not always as easy as said and done. I purchased my 2010 dodge journey rt. About 2 yrs ago. Since then I too have had it in the shop more than my own garage. ( it is in the shop now.) I have the problem of the random not starting. "dead battery syndrome" as they call it. I too have tried to jump the car with no luck. Then all of a sudden it will just start. Dodge also tells me they cant find anything wrong and sends me on my way. They did however on my last visit and this visit tell it needed a computer update and that should fix the problem. Well it didnt the last time so I am not holding my breath this time.

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  Disappointed!!! - 2012 Dodge Journey
  By azme44 - June 26 - 10:55 am

  I purchaced my 2012 Journey in April. A little over a week later it (transmission) began shuttering/jerking when upshifting or downshifting. I took it to one dealership and they said that they "reset the computer chip because it was off" and that was suppose to fix the problem. It DID NOT!! I took it in to a different dealership and took the service director/ex-master tech for a test drive and he told me that there was nothing he could do. He said that the transmission shuttering/jerking is normal for the transmissions in the Journeys and that most people dont notice it until about 3000-3500 miles... WHAT!!!!!! How can that possibly be NORMAL for ANY vehicle.

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  I got a lemon - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By donna2010 - June 16 - 1:39 pm

  I bought this 2010 lemon at Moss Bros in Ca I like that it had a lot of storage and the look of the outside was good. But that is where it stops. It has tiny interor. Uncomforatble seats and the driver seat is making a noise the dealer cant seem to know where it is coming from. Bad brakes they built the front end to heavy for the brakes. So the problem is not fixable. I will have to keep replacing the front brakes as long as I own the car. I have had them replaced at 5,000 13,000 21,000 miles There was a recall on the door locks. That was fixed. There is somethings wrong with the transmission when I go out of park into reverse. It doesnt perform good. The interior is cheap. Its a lemon