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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  It only looks better than 09 (in my opinion) - 2012 Dodge Journey
  By ebonydm - March 29 - 9:42 pm

  I previously owned the 2009 Journey SXT. i thought I was upgrading getting the 2012. The sound system is not as good, the way the have it setup you have to keep factory radio & can not buy something better. Its definitely smaller on the inside. I miss little features like 1 touch up AND down window, the flashlight in the back, the aux jack being on radio, the extra leg room. And the plug on the back of the armrest is now cigarette lighter charger I hate that.

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  7000 miles and no problems! - 2011 Dodge Journey
  By tayl23 - March 24 - 8:03 pm

  I have not had a single issue with my Journey since purchasing it new in October. I was looking for a vehicle that had AWD, enough room in the back seat for a forward facing car seat as well as a rear facing car seat, and around a $25,000 price point. After looking for new and used vehicles the Journey had everything I was looking for. I got the V6 mainstreet model with the popular entertainment group and sound group which included the 8 inch radio screen. With rebates it came to just over $24,000. It came with a remote start and starts up everyday and never have had an issue. Storage is great and the kids have enough room with the driver seat being exactly where I want it.

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  Dead battery - 2011 Dodge Journey
  By ladamson - March 21 - 11:31 am

  I too am having this problem. I have been left with a dead vehicle at least 8 times since I bought it in March of 2011. I certainly didnt spend that kind of money on a new vehicle to drive around with a battery pack for the next time it decides not to start. I have had it to the shop 4 times (it is in there now), the first time they couldnt find any problems. The second time they replaced the battery, the third time couldnt get it to replicate the problem so nothing was done and now this time they are saying the outlets are draining the battery and theyve changed a module of some kind but other than that they dont have any answers. they say they have not had this problem - help!

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  Fuel System Problems - 2011 Dodge Journey
  By truevfib - March 15 - 12:56 pm

  I purchased my Journey in Sept. Since then it has been in the shop 10 times. I cannot fuel my vehicle to full. It generally stops around 3/4. They have replaced everthing there is to replace. Then Crysler tells us that they are aware of the problem and that they "may" have a solution in July 2012. I asked for a replacement vehicle, within the NC Lemon Law statues and they denied me. I have a lawyer working on a claim. Crysler has been very ugly in this matter. Plus I have had to have all the brakes and roters replaced at 700 miles. If you are looking at this vehicle to purchase save yourself the heart ache and buy something else.

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  Worst Car Ive EVER Owned - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By kysmommy07 - February 11 - 5:06 pm

  I purchased this car because I wanted something. I previously had a pontiac g6 but after I gave birth to my son I needed more room for my son and all his accessories (car sear, stroller, diaper bag etc). I am a VERY safe driver. I checked for recalls, Ive tried different brake pads. NOTHING! I took it to multiple dodge dealerships and 3rd party mechanics. I finally contacted Dodges corporate office. I was told that I could be reimbursed for all my repairs up to 36,000 K-$500.00. Now my transmission went out at 46k. Its a 09 with 46K and no warranty. 110$ Junk! Several class action lawsuits. Worse car ever. Life threatening defects.

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  mystery water leak - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By wildwine - February 7 - 2:12 pm

  Have had the 2009 Dodge Journey since July 2008. Had 2 recalls so far for brakes and power invertor connectors of which both were fixed. Now we have water entering car on drivers side and leaving carpet and foam underneath soaking in water. Door seals were changed and still having problem. Taking it in tomorrow for the 3rd time. Let me add that this car only has 15,500 miles on it. We are senior citizens living on a fixed income and cannot afford another one and one year owed on this one. Angry is not the word I would use at the present time but I need to keep it clean,(sic). Of course with our luck warranty is no longer applicable. I will prevail.

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  mpg sucks, not what they tell you - 2012 Dodge Journey
  By hare8221 - February 2 - 12:10 pm

  ya,i have one with 1600 miles on it and the mpg i get is 12.2 on the freeway and 11.6 in the city. its back at the dealeship for the second time. i got better mpg with my 2004 yukon v8 with 120000 miles on it, when i traded it in for the journey i was getting 11 in the city and 17 on the freeway, i thought i was coming out ahead but not. 2012 journey 3.6 fwd

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  Hope all goes well! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By tred20 - January 22 - 11:45 pm

  Just purchased the journey about a week ago, and I must say that Im pleased with what I got. After reading all the reviews Im getting scared but I must press on. Cant let others dictate my decision. In the past Ive been driving jalopies. Now I got something that can stand proudly next to and say this is my car. My wife absolutely adores this suv. I have alot of concerns, but judging from what i previously owned I feel that Im much better off. I pray that I dont experience some of the problems that others have experienced. Although I have noticed a slight squealing noise coming from the hvac unit. I hope this is not a sign. Guys I use to drive a car that had not heat nor ac.

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  LOVE IT! one weird, dangerous flaw - 2012 Dodge Journey
  By aoneil - January 19 - 7:48 am

  this thing is really fun to drive, maybe a little too much fun. it only took a day, maybe a total of an hours worth of driving, to figure out the controls and set everything to my liking. the acceleration is pretty good, really smooth when you hit it. Mind you Im one of those people with 2 speeds - on and off, but she not jarring and very responsive.

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  Giving my Journey back due to so many problems - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By costafamily5 - January 10 - 10:43 am

  I bought my 2009 journey about 6 months ago and it has been sitting in my driveway the last 2 months due to grinding when trying to drive and transmission fluid pooring out of it:(I bought it because its roomy and my family and I like to take road trips but this was a bad buy we had to replace 3 tires already and to me the problems we are having means its not a safe family vehicle.I am not paying on it anymore and I refuse to buy another one,not worth the headache or the money its sad to say but true.Good luck future buyers if you want a lemon this would be a good choice.