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:
Showing 141 through 150 of 498.00-
Do not purchase this vehicle - 2009 - 4 Cyclinder Model - 2009 Dodge Journey
By barry_72 - June 27 - 10:37 amBrakes are horrible. Just after 12k miles, front brakes had to be replaced. I replaced with Autozone pads (lifetime warranty) and those lasted for another 20k miles better than the mopars. Im on my 3rd set of brakes using Autozone pads which offer free replacements. Rear brakes had to be replaced at 38k miles. Ive never had a car in which the rear brakes had to be addressed before 100k miles. Dont let Chrysler touch your brakes. $30 for your first pair of Autozone brand and they last longer with LIFETIME warranty even with normal wear. Chrysler will just put the same sub standard parts on your car for replacement that youll have to pay dearly to replace.
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What a SCARE - 2010 Dodge Journey
By mhcpc - June 17 - 7:41 pmI have 5800 miles on my Journey. The other day, I was on the interstate, in the left lane with no traffic in front of me. All of a sudden, my engine light and traction control light comes on and the car starts loosing power and shaking violently. The car slowed to 30mph within seconds. I managed to get it to the side of the interstate and had it towed to the dealership. They claim I hit the gas and brake at the same time causing the traction control to lock and the engine light to come on. A mechanic tells me this is not true! Also, my foot wont hit both at the same time. I tried it after they told me. They did say they found a problem with the brake rotors and replaced them.
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WHY ARE THE TIRES/BRAKES ON THIS CAR SO BAD??? and - 2011 Dodge Journey
By candy101 - June 14 - 6:39 pmI HAVE NEVER Prayed for my warranty to expire EVER on any car but thats just what I did with this car! Hands down it is the best car as far as size, comfort, sporty even. But, there is NO REASON, I should be looking at buying ANOTHER set of tires and BRAKES! I have 35,000 miles and need them again. I replaced all 4 tires at 17,000 miles and the brakes then too. THIS IS A defect! And from what I can tell with reading other reviews, ITS NOT ME! When I go to have my oil changed the attendants will call over their buddies to see the car that needs its third set of tires and third set of brakes. ITs STUPID. Not to mention the Rear transaxel went out at 15,000. Get a chevy!
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stalls in traffic - 2010 Dodge Journey
By amus - June 5 - 9:49 pmThis car is a p.o.s. Has stalled in oncoming traffic 3 times, brakes are junk. 33,000 miles and chrysler does not car care about the safety of my family or standing by there product. Transmission acts like it is on its way out. I tried to buy an american vehicle, I Knew better than to buy a dodge. $30,000 mistake
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Journey Front Brakes are Faulty. - 2009 Dodge Journey
By chris_baker13 - June 3 - 12:59 amI have had my Journey for about a year now and my brakes keep failing. I have had the rotors resurfaced many times and replaced brake pads and yet I only have 39,000 miles on it and its a 2009. I think there is something worong with the design or engineering of the setup.
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Dodge Journey United Kingdom - 2009 Dodge Journey
By miffed3 - May 19 - 8:09 amI bought my Dodge journey SXT CRD AUTO in May 2009 7000 miles on the clock, went in for service @ 20000. The result being new brake pads on front and 1 new tyre. Three months later another new tyre. In Feb this year car was juddering on take off so took it to the dealer they ran the computer on the car and told me to pick the car up as it was now running perfectly.Needless to say there was no difference in the running of the car. Was told to bring the car back to workshop on the 16 Feb.on the way the gearbox intermittently lost its drive so the car limped into the workshop. Was told it needed a new gearbox and it would be a week {Chrysler supplied a hire car} it is now 21st May & lots of phone calls to garage,{none from them to me}lots of phone calls from Chrysler customer service, have had three delivery dates from them for this gearbox to arrive but still hasnt infact Chrysler customer service told me he was going to stop ringing me with updates as it was clearly upsetting me .Who wouldnt be upset ive owned this car for 2 years now but its only been in my drive for 21 months and in the workshop for 3 months.The Garage who sold me this car is based on Mereyside United Kingdom & said under no circumstances would they consider a buy back. Will keep posting on here and other forums as and when things begin to happen.
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No Issues... - 2009 Dodge Journey
By jimbodean - May 17 - 10:54 amWe traded in a 2005 Chevy Equinox with 53,000 miles for this Journey and have not looked back one time. The leather seats are comfy and clean. The DVD system and Satellite radio are great. I keep reading about brake issues but we have 21,000 miles and the rotors are original and in great shape, we are not seeing any of the steering wheel shaking at all. Lots of room, lots of storage, 3rd row seating is for kids only but convenient if needed. We will be taking this car on a 2500 mile round trip from Nebraska to South Carolina in July and I have no trepidations at this point on reliability or comfort. The wife loves the back up camera and all the other R/T amenities.
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Do not buy this POG - 2009 Dodge Journey
By mikoboy - May 16 - 6:28 amI bought mine on early 2009 and I was back and forth to the dealership to fix rotors, brakes, entertainment unit, and my satellite receiver right after a week I was driving this. Brake pads worn out at 23,000 kilometers. They said this crossover has "good fuel economy" is all lies. I spend $80 to $90 full tank almost each week just about 100 km of traveling a week. This because of the problem with the rotors. To end my torture, the last problem showed up that I finally told to myself to get rid of this, was the vibration on the axles that causing my engine light indicator to pop up.
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dodge journey 2011 rt - 2011 Dodge Journey
By bobo28 - April 25 - 10:58 amthree days after i bought this journey battery went dead the car wont start i have the same problem the screen wipers everything just started to go on and off. thier must be some kind of short or electrical problem in the car
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**WARNING DONT PURCHASE A Lemon!!** - 2009 Dodge Journey
By snlewis - April 21 - 7:49 pmI purchased this Journey 6/6/08. Ive never owned a vehicle with more problems! Delivery miles 145 8/6/08 Replace 1 tire=$120.00 Rear body panel popping off 1/29 13K Rotors glazed & visor vanity broken 3/28 17K Rotors & front pads Replaced 6/16 20K Steering wheel replaced, peeling 7/14 23K Rear pads 12/1 33K Passenger seat belt Broke Wheel locks R the wrong ones-installed by the dealership! 2 tires $346.80 Alignment $99.95 Front Brakes $318.00 Throttle body & combustion chamber flush $230.95 6/9 42K will not start 6/15 will not start 10/5 48K Engine Isolator Broken 12/1/10 52K rear brakes Replaced Radiator 4/20/11 Wont start AGAIN and stopped running in the middle of an intersection.
