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 vehicle but questionnable reliability - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By xbob7117 - January 6 - 10:17 pm

  Love this vehicle. Comfortable, quiet, good performance for the type of vehicle, good road manners, good brakes (No issues yet after 26,000 km), well designed. On the dark side, fuel consumption is high. Up to a couple weeks ago, the only issue was the backup camera that goes crazy when temperature is below freezing. A week ago however, the transmission got wrecked for no reason. The vehicle could no longer move. Was like the brakes were always fully applied. Got to the dealer. Transmission had to be replaced. Completely wrecked inside apparently. It was replaced quickly and successfully. Great service from the dealer. But now my confidence link with the vehicle is broken.

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  Problems - 2011 Dodge Journey
  By red_express - December 23 - 3:30 pm

  I am posting this providing information due to problems with the dodge journey. People say it fails to start when turning the key yet all the lights come on, (dead battery syndrome), if you have an immobolizer equipped remove it , they new immobolizers are built so they can be activate which shuts down the vehicles . This is a problem because it malfunctions causing the ignition not to engage and loss of power as some say, the dead battery syndrome also happens on my 2001 dodge ram 1500, my brothers 1994 dodge neon and the work truck a 2005 gmc sierra all have immobolizers and this is what is causing the problem. Do not do it all the time but the odd time when u least expect it!

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  Same issues - 2011 Dodge Journey
  By iwrkhrd2 - December 6 - 9:16 am

  I have a 2011 Journey purchased in July 2011, its in teh shop for the 5th time. I havent had the dead battery issue but Ive had most everything else. I think the car get scared to be alone. You get out of it and lock the doors and it fights with you blowing the horm and unlocking the door usually 3-6 times. You get in the car to start it and if you wait long enough the dash lights will start to go from bright to dim and then back and forth. The HVAC system will sometimes turn everything on high and set the temps at 84 degrees when you start the car but then the next time when you shut the car off it wont turn the HVAC system off until you open the door.

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  great car but lousy service - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By rhofwinnssc - December 1 - 4:53 pm

  I bought this car used six months ago. I have had problems with the car starting, the starter was finally replaced after ten - twenty visits to a dealer. Now six months later the car will not start and I call the Chrysler corporation feeling as if they will help make me whole. Nothing doing, I took the car to a authorized dealer and found out that it was a faulty wireless module and key. You can guess what happened, your warranty does not cover it and you have to pay seven hundred dollars to have it repaired. What a kicker!!! If you plan on purchasing the Journey buy brand new, this is why I will not purchase another American made car. Foreign dealers make customers whole.

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  Two days old, but love it - 2012 Dodge Journey
  By aliciakay - November 11 - 5:32 pm

  We just purchased the 2012 Journey American Package. The adjustable seating arrangements are so fun and convenient. The middle row can be adjusted in two parts! So, the single seat with the car seat can stay in the further position, so my chair wont be kicked, and then the other two seats can scoot up, to make more room for the third row. All seats recline, which is great for long rides. I enjoy the middle and third row vents being in the overhead, so its out of the way. Speakers are heard from all rows, gets up to speed fast getting on the fwy. I feel in control when driving. All parts feel solid, well made. Easy entry is awesome. So far....very good, we love it!

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  2009 Dodge Journey SXT AWD is crap - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By blois16 - October 10 - 8:44 am

  I purchased a 2009 Dodge Journey SXT AWD in May 2009. My husband had been told he would be shipping out to Afghanistan the following year and wanted me in a new AWD vehicle. What a wrong decision that was. New brakes at 26,000 miles, transmission leak, shuddering, which took 3-4 times to repair. I was told #5 cylinder was missing, didnt know why. Replaced EGR valve, had to take back in because the replacement was faulty. Power transfer unit went out, got it fixed, under warranty, no problem. Picked it up, transmission problems. They said water in transmission and Chrysler wont fix. 5-6 k to do this. What a piece of crap. Will get rid of this a.s.a.p.

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  This car is awful... - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By jfogs - September 17 - 8:57 pm

  If you want a car where you need to replace the brakes and rotors every 15k miles and will start when it feels like it, then this is the car for you. Think Im kidding? Just google it. Do not buy Dodge/Chrysler. This company deserved to die and you and I are paying to keep them on life support. Never again.

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  First dodge - 2011 Dodge Journey
  By powemicj - September 15 - 8:38 pm

  I have had this SUV for about 2 months and have put 2500 miles on and I love it. It fits the family and the 3 dogs comfortably.

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  cant fix the shakes - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By nemrac - September 10 - 3:22 pm

  bought 8/2010-Nov 2010 trouble light going on and off-dealer said no codes on computer-drive it. Light on and off more frequent-then stayed on and vehicle shaking- had to pull over-couldnt find problem so dealer drove-decided it was engine-replaced valves,seals, on right-3 days later started all over again- dealer couldnt find problem-drove with computer on-reprogrammed powertrain module - fine til this week light on shaking violently going down highway(had car 1 yr 2 weeks!) dealer/Chrysler said its the other side of the engine-parts BO till Mid Oct!! on a 1 yr old vehicle! Also turned rotors on back this spring and front rotor/ pads in 7/11. Will be in shop total 2 months since Nov!

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  Teriffic Value - Perfect Family Vehicle - 2011 Dodge Journey
  By brekdown29 - September 10 - 1:08 am

  Unless you want a minivan this is the best alternative. The positive difference in build quality between the 2010 and 2011 models is stark. It has a powerful and smooth engine and a decent transmission. Ride is extremely smooth and quiet so obviously the suspension and build engineering was done right. It drives and feels like a more expensive car than it is. Keeping fingers crossed that we dont encounter any of the battery/starter issues but at least were informed. Thanks for the info.