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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  Tin Can - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By IHATEDODGE - November 8 - 2:00 am

  This car is a Tin Can. I wished I had read ALL of the reviews before I purchased it. Bad Brakes, Starting problems, CD player does not work. Have to take off Antenna for radio to work properly. Tire sensor broken. All around failure! Help me Toyota!

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  So Far- It works - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Tony - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Bought this car with 19,000 miles on it. Ive put 20,000 more in the 7 months that ive owned it. Chrysler vehicles are always a great deal,if purchased used. The front brakes were replaced at 19,000, when the first owner traded the car in. I replaced the rears(??) at 38,000 miles. While this is too soon, the Mercedes- type pads are very dusty and wear quickly. Hopefully, the bendix pads will last longer. They arent nearly as dusty. The Kumho tires were replaced at 38,000. This is the only company that makes the (OEM) 19in. size. They were $270-$320 at tire stores and were purchased for $186 at Tirerack.This car runs great. Gets over 20mpg avg. I drive it like i stole it and its great

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  Recall your Brakes/Rotors Chrysler - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Looking elsewhere - November 5 - 2:00 am

  After 31,000 miles we had to spend $450 on new front and back brakes/rotors. We certainly did not buy mopar parts again as they always fail and are cheap. Review after review and dealership after dealership have complained about this problem. There is even a lawsuit in California against Chrysler for these brake and rotor problems. When is Chrysler going to take responsibility? I have been a Jeep/Dodge person for 33 years and will look elsewhere for my vehicles due to the fact that Chrysler uses shoddy materials and expects their customers to just deal with it. Your customers should not have to pay $250 to upgrade their gps or $267.00/tire for your 19" rims on your r/ts. How sad!

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  Brake Problems! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Shawn Kelly - November 5 - 2:00 am

  Im now on my 3rd set of Pads, Rotors and Calibers. The dealer I purchased it at did nothing. I had to go to a garage for my second set of brakes. The 3rd set was done at another Chrysler dealer. They were nice enough to only charge me $250 for all 4. I called HQ. Chrysler will do nothing about it and Im so disappointed that I don’t want the car anymore! I didnt even get a sorry, nothing but the tool on the other line being defensive. This is my first and last Chrysler product. Basically the "tool" told me to go to the dealership every 11,000 miles to have them changed out and pay the warranty. Nice customer service! If they keep this up its going to be the "Big 2"!

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  Broken Record - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Afager - October 26 - 2:00 am

  We bought this car in December of 09 used w/ 15,000 miles on it after looking mainly at GMC Acadias, this came along and I liked the look of it. The price was considerably less and it ended up being a same day purchase. I agree with many of the above comments, little interior things break frequently which is annoying but not a big deal. The BIG deal is the front brakes & rotors. We replaced them at 25,000 and are now having to replace them again at 36,000. We also got the calipers replaced at the same time as the first brake job since we were told they were sticking which was supposedly the cause of the first brake job. This time they have no excuse and its the same shop.

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  GPS will cost you! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Give me my Liberty!! - October 20 - 2:00 am

  It is not made known to you up front, but it will cost $250.00 to update your GPS. After 1.5 years, my GPS begins to flash signs at me stating "Map Location Unknown". Funny, it is my home location and it recognized it for a long time. Finally, dealerships do not even know how to direct you in getting it updated. I had to call around.

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  Seat cover stains - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By PHIL COMER - October 20 - 2:00 am

  From the day I drove my new car off the lot I have had problems with water stains on the seat cover material. I have been trying to get the company to do something about it for over a year now. They are supposed to let me know by 10/21/2010. This is clearly a defect in the material. Even condensation from a cold soda can will leave a stain.

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  The low down - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By steveh77 - October 18 - 2:00 am

  I read a lot of reviews on the Dodge Journeys and I think the majority of them have big holes. This is not a mini-van, not a fun to drive sports car, it is a family hauler. We immediately took our new-to-us Journey on a 4 hour road trip and it was great. Not once did I adjust my seat, the wife and the one child we took never got sick or hot or cold. Nobody complained at all at least about anything to do with the vehicle. The ride is smooth and the only thing you can hear from the outside is some engine noise, pretty low level unless you gun it easily drowned out by the radio at normal levels. I find it easier to drive than a grand caravan, turns really well for its size.

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  Ultilty with comfort - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By D.R. - October 13 - 2:00 am

  Owned 99 Dodge truck for 10 years. Time for a change. Truck ran great 150,000. Staying with Dodge. This journey is a blast. I love all the room it has. Light construction projects are breeze, all the seats lay flat for hauling 8 ft. 2x4, s and can still close the hatch. Family of 5 no problem with 3row seating. Interior nice, gps and sound system, awesome. No regrets.

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  Forewarned! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Tara - October 12 - 2:00 am

  This car has been interesting to say the least. I like the design and gas mileage but as I am writing this my car is having its back brakes replaced after last week having the transmission replaced. This past spring we had the front breaks replaced. What will be next. I contacted Chrysler and they have no recalls! Clearly there is a huge problem with this vehicle. Our dealership has been wonderful. I will contact Dodge with a formal complaint along with consumer protection. Any advice would be appreciated. I miss my Pacifica that I traded in for this car! If Chrysler does not address this we will be purchasing a GM product, unfortunate in that we have owned over 10 Chrysler vehicles.