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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  Its going GOING - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By got rid of it ! - September 20 - 2:00 am

  So I knew I was trading down from the grand Cherokee. Replace brakes the first time at 27k. All four of the tires at 35,000 (they are rated for 60k!) I had the dragging sound whenever I took a sharp left and also had to replace the wipers at 30k. Interior parts fell off the first week. The plastic guard by the drivers seat kept falling off. The plastic strip inside the drivers door had to be replaced because it came loose and would not stay on. And at 54k they said you need brakes again! Email to Chrysler and they could have cared less. So with 5 months to go on the lease it is going back. I bought a Nissan! Chrysler/Dodge should be ashamed of this car. But I know they are not.

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  Unhappy - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By andres - September 20 - 2:00 am

  My Dodge Journey is a Lemon. The car has been idle for about 3 months now with no clear explanation as to what is wrong with it. It appears that all the electrical components in the car do not work. I am very disappointed with my first American car, although I was warned to be careful. I learned my lesson. Make sure you take care of everything prior to your warranty expiring, if not you will be paying dearly for unnecessary items that the dealer will tell "it is normal". File your complaints now and protect yourself.

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  A Realistic Journey Review - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By jken02 - September 19 - 2:00 am

  Overall, a good car. The design is great, both inside and out, and the features are fantastic. There are lots of storage spaces and plenty of room (we have three rows of seats). However, the attention to detail and quality are lacking. Our brakes needed replaced at 26000, which is definitely early. Whatever pads are installed at the factory simply arent adequate. The overhead sunglasses holder (near the sunroof controls) wont stay up. It is a very poorly executed design feature. All of that said, this is a first year model, my experience over the past 20 years of owning cars (Dodge, Jeep, Mercury, Pontiac, VW, GMC, Honda, Mitsubishi) is that first-year models have issues.

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  Unhappy in becida - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By unhappy in becida - September 9 - 2:00 am

  We have had our Dodge Journey 2010 and we started jerking back and forward when you get to about 55/60 mph this started a month we got it . Now its been three weeks that they have had it and still dont know what is wrong with it. Wish we had kept our van.

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  In for a Bumpy ride - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Helpme - September 8 - 9:59 pm

  I bought this 2009 Journey, from Carl Gregory in Columbus, Ga. That was my first mistake! I have 26,000 miles on it. It has been in the shop numerous times. All the plastic glove compartments, visors, back speakers have been replaced. Now I had my front brakes replaced, rotors rotated front tires replaced and I still have severe vibrations in steering wheel, especially when braking, the whole front end vibrates. I just put about $700 in the past 3 months. I owe too much to trade it in. I guess i will have to get a lawyer again, but this will be the last dodge I will ever own! Avoid the Journey if you are smart..

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  Brakes and Peeling Paint - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Frustrated - September 5 - 3:30 am

  I also had to replace brakes. I am also having the issue with peeling paint on the rear view mirrors now. Of all the cars I have purchased in my life this is the worst experience with a car I have had. I will no longer purchase Chrysler products based on my experience with this car. I was a loyal Chrysler customer prior to this experience. Chrysler refuses to do anything about the issues.

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  Dodge Journey - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Dodge sucks - September 3 - 11:22 am

  I also have they same complaint as everyone else does. I bought this car because it looked like a nice family car with the 3rd row seats. I purchased it 6 mos. ago and absolutely hate it! The air conditioner smells like toxic glue, The breaks squeal took it to a break shops,they said that Dodge puts cheap breaks on their cars and I need new pads. Air conditioner is making a rattling sound along with suspension problems every time I hit a bump it grunts. Just yesterday my car would not move into gear it just froze and would not budge. I never owned a Dodge until now and never again! I think they made this car just to keep the auto mechanics busy. Dodge you lost my business and respect.

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  Rather have my Jeep back! - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By Rather have my Jeep - September 3 - 9:09 am

  I have had to have the car repainted due to faulty paint at factory. At 30,000 miles we had to replace front and back rotors and pads. There is a shimmy in the chassis from a newly diagnosed "bad Kumho tire" that only costs $267.00 per tire to repair. Beware! Cannot buy any other tire for the 19" rims other than kumho. This was not disclosed at purchase.

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  Exhausted! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By kristy - September 1 - 4:37 pm

  I have had to take my Journey back to the dealership SEVEN times for brakes/rotors. It is currently there as we speak. they are running tests to see what I am doing to the car? What the heck? I am not doing ANYTHING to the darn car! It is a piece of junk! Chrysler should really do a recall and help the owners get out of the car! I am not satisfied at all!! I have had 3 cases open with Chrysler and they will not do anything to help! I will NEVER again buy a Chrysler!! AC issues, alarm going off for no reason (and you can not make it stop)..they say they cant find the problem! Really? The problem is this car is not worth all of the headache it is causing!

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  Should of bought a Ford - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By 2009 Dodge Journey R - September 1 - 4:00 pm

  I have had nothing but problems with my Journey. It shakes when I stop. I had to have new rotors at 10,000 miles now at 20,000 its doing the same thing. The front end makes loud noises when I back out of my driveway. About once a week everything in the car shuts down and I have to restart it. It makes a humming noise when in idol. I am so tired of taking it to the dealer. I asked them if others have had problems and they tell me no. Someone told me it was one of the first Journeys off of the assembly line and thats why Im having so many problems. I have 21,000 miles on it and I want to get rid of it. "My Dodge Journey is a LEMON!"