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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  Fun and reliable - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By dsueoka - February 16 - 12:16 am

  We shopped for vehicles for about a year. The wife did not know what she wanted. We looked at trucks, vans, SUVs and cars. She finally settled on the Dodge Journey, Chevy Equinox and the Ford Fusion. I liked the Fusion more, but she won. The fuel mileage is not the best for in town driving, but for a 6 cylinder is OK. We are still playing with all of the accessories. It is a great car to drive. Just wish we got AWD for the snow we get here.

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  Ill buy another in a heartbeat - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By dancer10 - February 7 - 9:50 am

  I love my 2009 Journey. In 40,000, Ive had no problems. Replaced the brakes at @ 32K, a little earlier than Id expect, but not bad. The service at our local dealership is tremendous. Perfect family vehicle - roomy, very comfortable, interior is easy to clean LOTS of storage. My only complaint - the light colored seats, so I put a blanket under the kids car seats to catch the inevitable mess. When its time to retire this one, Ill definitely buy another.

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  Possible Lemon - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By hfr - January 4 - 11:55 pm

  I bought 2009 Journey in August 2009. Within months, the sun roof leaked and it took several times to fix it. At about 20K the brakes had to be replaced. Dealership replaced at no cost (thankfully). At about 40K the tires had to be replaced (19" tires are very expensive). Driver side passenger door filled up with water because tape was left on the drain holes. Had to have PTU gasket replaced recently. Cruise control looses 5 to 7 mph going up hill before it increases speed. Dealership says this is normal. Transmission has a delay in accelleration. Dealership cant find anything wrong. Currently have 49,000 miles on car. Really like the way it drives and handles but not happy repairs.

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  worth the price... of my base Journey - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By carmudgin - December 23 - 2:49 am

  Ive had the Journey 6 months and have put 23,000km on it. It has had no issues, everything has worked perfectly so far. Im glad we got the 4cyl with gas prices nowadays. My other car is a Chevy Tahoe and the Journey is way better on gas, way smoother ride. It handles bumps extremely well, and when i need to weave in and out of traffic while doing 130km/hr it handles great. I feel confident driving it. The car feels like a more expensive vehicle and Im sure thats because it was designed by Mercedes while they owned Chrysler.

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  Buyer beware! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By krellis98 - December 18 - 1:29 am

  Never buy the first year production of a vehicle. We have learned the hard way. We have had this vehicle at the dealership so many times for all sorts of different issues. Horrible wear on brakes, rotors and tires, horrible engine noises including creaking, tweeting, rattling and humming. Random things like the occasional tire rubbing sound when turning left and randomly not starting, as well as the engine light coming on for no reason and then going off for no reason. Back up camera sometimes takes a really long time to start up and the radio is sometimes blank when starting. I wish every day that we had not gotten this car!!!

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  Its a LEMON! Do not think twice. Its a Lemon. - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By may25 - December 7 - 9:25 pm

  I bought this car in July 2009. Ive been to the dealership over 25 times. It started with a mold smell from AC. Not duplicated. Cowel broke, 3 out of 4 windows did not work. Steering Column loose. AC broke and replaced and now after a year and half, it now smells like glue better then mold. Many more problems too many to list. All before 12,000 miles. The 1st Lemon Law we lost. Now approved for 2nd Arbitration. This car has been a nightmare and I would never buy a Dodge again. I drive my husband old car and only drive the Journey when they make me. LOL Cannot wait to get rid of it. It will be a happy day. I love it when they tell me "not duplicate".

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  Transmissiion and brakes nightmare - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Rog47 - December 1 - 2:00 am

  Bought this vehicle for family use, 3rd seat, and traveling the USA. At 23,000 miles of Mostly Freeway use, the front brake pads had to be replaced and rotors turned. At 25000 miles the 6 speed automatic transmission failed and had to be overhauled. The car is not fancy by luxury standards but has adequate features. Front end alignment has been done twice. Once on a recall and 7 months later as front tires were wearing on the outside? Cant say this is the best Chrysler product I have ever owned.

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  I love love love my new journey - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By i Heather - November 30 - 2:00 am

  This vehicle is absolutely amazing. It has an 3rd row of seats so I didnt have to buy a minivan. Plenty of space for all the extra kids I tote along everywhere. The drive and the ride is so smooth. All the extra storage spots are awesome. It is relaxing to drive this crossover. The gas mileage is average but great compared to what I was spending on gas in my Dodge Ram. The kids absolutely love everything in our Journey. So many windows, and not a blind spot anywhere. The 6 disc cd changer is great. There is nothing negative to say about this car. Did I mention that it is beautiful on the outside. What a sleek and sexy crossover!!

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  No Snow Tires available for SXT - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By Now snow tires - November 17 - 2:00 am

  Snow Tires are not available for SXT by any tire manufacturer. The car is a good design and handles the road well. I have driven 45,000 miles on the car, had to change out tires, brakes, rotors and radio along with routine maintenance. The seats are very uncomfortable, the foam is compressed after just 18 months of use.

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  Yeah-whats with the seat stains? - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By jkopesky - November 13 - 2:00 am

  I have to agree with some of the other reviews regarding seat stains. I have tried Resolve followed by steam cleaning and there are still stains. Whats up with that? I really like the vehicle and enjoy driving it, but am embarrassed by the seat stains.