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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  Big disappointment - 2011 Dodge Journey
  By raychel2561 - August 23 - 11:20 pm

  Bought 2010 Dodge Journey 8 months ago. In the last 3 months having problem with car, wont turn over. Reacts like a dead battery but everything works, radio, door chimes, lights. Neighbor tried to jumpstart but car still wouldnt start. Car finally started. Had WIN module replaced due to recall and thought that would fix the problem but 4 weeks later, car would not crank again. Took 30 minutes and over 5 tries then car finally turned over. Batter tested ok. Dealer say they cant find problem and dont think it is the starter. This is my 5th and last Dodge. I dont plan on buying another one. Too many complaints. Dont buy a Journey!

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  My wonderful P.O.S. - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By smalerie - August 23 - 10:42 am

  First my car was in the shop about 13 months after I bought it. March 2010 for the recall of the drivers side switch for the windows. A month later we noticed there was a foul smell. It got so bad it made me sick and any passenger. Turning recycled air on was the only way to get rid of it. My AWD transfer unit was leaking onto the exhaust! Covered under warranty no! $300 later brought it home. 5 days later stranded on a hill AWD unit had dislodged itself. They wanted $1,500 to fix. Called customer service and dropped it to $500. It was a manufacture defect but they wouldnt come out and say it. Changed brakes after begining of summer last year need to again. Windows stopped working again!

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  Journey To Hell - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By journeytohell - August 9 - 5:24 pm

  My "2009" Journey was a beautiful show room car and thats all the good I can say about it. This car is a LEMON! New rotors and brakes every 10,000 miles. Wont start 3 times a week. Every time I turn the wheel I have this loud grinding noise like the wheels are going to fall off but, dont bother taking it in to the dealer because they will have it for days and then tell you they have no clue whats wrong and now that the warrenty is up they dont care if its an exsisting problem or not, your S.O.L. My advise dont buy a Dodge......

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  Cant take a JOURNEY - 2011 Dodge Journey
  By lucky007 - August 8 - 1:02 pm

  Well it seems that I have joined an elite group. I bought a 2011 LUX in April and have only seen it for about 3 weeks. It sure likes the dealers lot more than my garage. I have 2300 miles on it and most of which has been put on by the dealership. They test drive it alot and take it home for the week-end to see if they can get it to duplicate the problems. The battery goes dead for no appearent reason. The engineers cant figure it out. Dodge at first said that there were no appearent problems, then I showed them all the issues that you all have posted. It was sure an eye opener to them!!!!!Today I got a phone call for them telling me that I have to talk to Chyrsler.

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  Leaves me stranded with two kids - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By shellwagg - August 7 - 12:36 pm

  I bought my Journey in March 2009. I had no problems for about a year but I did not put many miles on it that first year. Then I had the brake problems like everyone else. Here is my big problem. Sometimes my car just wont start. I had the battery replaced and all was well for about a month. Now it has started up again. I got stuck at the mall last night. Also, we have had a leak in our raditor hose. My car almost over heated not too long ago. We used that stuff the clogs the hose and it has held so far. Anyone have any problems like this?

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  PLEASE DO NOT PURCHASE THIS VEHICLE - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By strat1163 - July 26 - 1:48 pm

  Purchased a 2009 Journey new in June 2009. Since this time I have had never ending problems with this vehicle, and I am NOT exaggerating. Here is a list of what was wrong with it: 6/2009: Air conditioning stopped working and needed system replaced. 9/09: developed a water leak causing mold in interior and rusty seat frames. 10/9 Both vanity mirrors broke. 1/10 water leak returned and at this point car smelled like a musty wet dog. Dealer "fixed" again 6/10: Transmission went and needed replaced. 3/11 Both exterior mirror paint was peeling: were painted. Both exhaust tips were rusting badly and exhaust was replaced. But dealer installed new exhaust with bent tips. cont.....

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  Great Vehicle! - 2011 Dodge Journey
  By brian178 - July 25 - 3:59 pm

  I cannot honestly find anything not to like about my 2011 Dodge Journey R/T. Styling is great. Even though its a CUV, it retains much of the muscle appeal of the Charger/Challenger. The interior is very well thought out. Touch screen works flawlessly and very fast. Tons of storage space. Third row is small, but when folded down there is ample space for gear while still maintaining room for 4 adults to fit comfortably. I have found the engine/transmission to be quick and quiet. Its no V-8 Hemi but it will move with some giddy-up when pushed. Ive had it up to over 100mph with two bikes on the roof, two passengers, the back full of gear, and it didnt hesitate getting there either.

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  Poor Head Restraint Design blocks rear window - 2011 Dodge Journey
  By joel72 - July 24 - 12:36 pm

  After delivery of the Journey, I began noticing poor design issues that affected comfort and efficient use of interior space. However, my main concern was focused on a "safety" issue. The very large second row Head Restraints prevented a driver from having a good and safe view of traffic from the rear window. After a week or so, I removed these Head Restraints... and driving immediately became much easier and less stressful. It was now easier to see other cars in heavy traffic. It was easier when backing up. However, people in the second row would not have head protection. I eventually noticed that similar vehicle designed by other manufactures were designed with a much lower Head Restraint... like the RAVA-4 for example. An automotive shop here in Charlotte said they could reduce the size of the 10" head restraints to 4"... so they would be similar to those in the other vehicles. The price for both would be $500. This absolutely had to be done. Because this is an important "safety issue", Chrysler Customer Service was contacted for reimbursement of the Head Restraint alteration. Basically, they told me that I need to contact the Dealer (Keffer Chrysler, Dodge, Jeep)... and then "Keffer" would tell me that "Chrysler" should do this. This went back and forth a number of times. Eventually Chrysler Customer Service said that neither the manufacturer nor the dealer can have any part in this alteration for legal liability reasons. Yet at the same time both Chrysler and Keffer agreed that what I was asking for made a lot of good sense. And at the same time similar vehicles from other manufactures, such as the RAVA-4, had head restraints similar to what I needed for my Journey. All this was very frustrating, insensitive, illogical... and very wrong to a loyal Chrysler customer. To get the 2011 Dodge Journey, I traded in my 1994 Plymouth Grand Voyager which I had kept in great condition. In many ways, it was a very enjoyable, useful and comfortable car. I expected the Dodge Journey to be at least as satisfying. This has not been my experience... and Chrysler does not seem to care much about efficient design, comfort, safety... or satisfying customers anymore. I am sorry I bought the Journey. I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone.

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  Think Twice - 2011 Dodge Journey
  By hayesrbeam - July 14 - 3:25 pm

  refrigerated compartment does not do work, very compact, you can touch the passanger side door from the driver seat! not good if you are planning on using the third row on a regular basis. seats are hard to move. No storage when third seat is up. NO pick up when the A/C is on. The floor shifter is easily moved out of gear, yes, while driving I accidentally moved it into reverse! When I called Dodge to check on a possible recall I pretty much got told I was on my own. As a side note, the entire car is plastic, everything and the seats are extremely hard to clean, get the leather! If you looking to downsize to save gas money, this is not the car for you. Horrible gas mileage.

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  2011 Dodge Journey - Starting Problems - 2011 Dodge Journey
  By bobs1969 - July 13 - 11:29 pm

  One day after I purchased my 2011 Dodge Journey Crew in April 2011 it failed to start while sitting in my driveway overnight. It has now been towed to the dealer three times with the same problem and the same result. Something is draining the battery but we cant find it and Chrysler doesnt have any solutions because they are not aware of the problem. I now feel we can no longer trust the reliability of our new car. It could leave us stranded anywhere at any-time. If the power fails & systems shut down while driving at highway speeds, could a power failure of this type cause an accident? So far I rate my car as Dangerous & Unreliable.