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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  Starting Problems w/ 2011 Journey - 2011 Dodge Journey
  By jjm001 - April 14 - 7:27 pm

  Bought new on Feb 28th 2011, had problems with the battery being dead most mornings within 2 weeks. 1st trip to garage-said it was defective battery & replaced. Then a week later, same thing again. Information screen will start flashing, lights flash, wont start, and loud pulsating noises from battery area. In the garage for a week and a half, cant find any problem. Then today, battery not dead but vehicle will not start again. It attempts to but wont. Had it towed to dealer for 3rd service trip. Dodge says this is our problem not theirs. Dealer refuses to give us any loaner vehicle. Have been treated poorly by everyone! Have owned many Dodge vehicles & this is the last!

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  Well Worth A Look!! - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By westys_4_ever - April 1 - 11:04 am

  I have had this car now for 9 months and 14k miles. It is amazing!! I can drive this car all day long and arrive at my destination fresh. Roadtrips, the miles woosh by silently as the V6 purrs along. That 75 mph, it spins along under 2,000 rpm. It returns mpg at that speed 27-28. The interior does have a lot of hard resting spots but is so full of cubbies and storage bins, who cares, really? Two bins under the floor in back, another huge bin in the cargo area under the floor, another bin under the front passenger seat cushion. Cupholders everywhere, door and console. The rear seats recline and move back and forth for legroom. The third row is just for kids though.

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  Uses oil - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By 4white - March 30 - 6:14 pm

  About 32,000 miles started using oil. Contacted dealer done oil consumption tests proved that it used 1 quart of oil in 1,000 miles they contacted Chrysler. Per an agent at Chrysler industry standard is 1 quart every 1,000 miles under 50,000 and 1 quart every 750 miles over 50,000 miles. My advice....do not buy any chrysler products!!! They think it is normal for a new vechile to use oil.

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  Thank you Dodge! LUX - 2011 Dodge Journey
  By workshop - March 24 - 9:14 am

  I will start of with the negative. I dont like where the front cup holders are located. I dont think I can fairly comment on Build Quality and Reliability because I just started driving the car. So far so good. BTW. I could afford any SUV, wagon, etc. I wanted. Tried the Benz-seat sides hard.Ouch. Plus there are silly bars in the middle. BMW-yes its great, but mmmm is it worth the price? I literally got every lux item in this car accept the name. Journey is a great design and price.

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  2009 Dodge journey - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By jimiheadtone1 - March 21 - 8:01 pm

  I have a 2009 journey with the v6 2wd It would help if others indicate the drive trains on their cars. Front brakes were a problem after 29000 miles. They were making a grinding noise... and the brake peddle was pulsing and wheels were wobbling. brought it to the dealer they told me all was ok. After I left it Was still making the noise - I checked the brakes myself and discovered the pads were cracked. i brought it back. They fixed the car. Demand the dealer inspect the brake pads (if they say they see no problem) Door Wire harnes is a serious problem they have issued a recall for this. Lastly has anyone have a calipar pin fall out from the rear brakes? mine did

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  Who woulda thunk it? - 2011 Dodge Journey
  By bigskeptic - March 12 - 8:16 pm

  I have a good friend who sells Dodge and Jeep vehicles, and I have wanted to buy a car from him for years. Unfortunately, I have not been enamored with the vehicles in the Dodge/Jeep stable for a long time. But after reading a review of the 2011 Dodge Journey, I decided to take a courtesy test drive before buying an Equinox, RAV 4 or Versa. Wow...an Everymans Lexus. I bought one and am thrilled with everything but the mediocre gas mileage (an unfortunate trait of the entire segment). My Journey is simply a great car. Period.

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  my dodge journy - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By nothappening - February 26 - 9:09 am

  Bought dodge 2010 (new) was good in start, but have had prob in the last month. Engine light has come on twice from no where and wanted to die on me. shakes crazy going down road, have had it at dealer 3 times. now when lights are on , the dashboard goes dim and resets itself. brakes squeek, and the bumper sliding out they have temp fixed. when i accelorate, it kicks in a lower gear and doesnt want to go, and if i stop completely at stop sign, it sputters and act likes it want to die. Been in contact w/ chrysler and so far they are ok, but now i will try and see if they can purchase my car back and offer diff, express my concern to dealer/chrysler. HELP!!

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  2011 Dodge Journey SXT - 2011 Dodge Journey
  By journey_sext - February 19 - 6:33 pm

  Bought thi vehicle brand new and have only 250 KMs but can say that it is very nice for a family of four. I love the new 3.6 L engine which provides a very smooth ride. This vehicle feels solid when it drives and very quiet compared to the Honda CR-V that I previously owned. It is still early to give an honest review but up to this point.....I love it!

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  DONT BUY A DODGE/CHRYSLER VEHICLE - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By sunheat79 - February 18 - 11:50 pm

  I purchased this Journey SXT AWD in August of 2010 with the Premium Sound Package, and Bluetooth hands free calling option as well. At 3,000 miles there was a violent shake in the front end...the rotors had to be replaced. At 4,000 miles there was an awful whistling noise, which turned out to be the mirror. That was replaced and at the same time I started having problems with the facotry installed options...had the vehicle in 4 times...is now at the dealership for the 5th time for the issue. Ive tried to work with Dodge on replacing the vehicle and theyve been nothing less than outrageously disrespectful with no concern of customer satisfaction. There has also been a recall.

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  Way ahead of whatever is in 2nd place - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By 1992viper - February 17 - 5:17 pm

  Had an 04 Porsche Cayenne Turbo and just loved it! Thought wed like a Mercedes - bought an 08 E350 4-Matic. Super car but missed the SUV. Wanted 3 row seats for grandkids, reasonable economy, comfort, conveinence, versatility, etc. Looked at everything out there within reason. Thought the Jouney is the best bang for the buck. The Mazda CX-9 was nice but too big for the wife. This Journey does not disappoint - super quiet, very comfortable, and easy to enter and exit. Would like memory seats/mirrors and a heated steering wheel that we had before but.....all else is excellent. Black R/T AWD, NAV, back-up camera, DVD Player, everything. Best move we made in 46 years of marriage!