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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  Journey - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By Journey - August 31 - 2:49 pm

  I have the nicest or shall I say the most expensive Journey. My Dodge Journey has been a nightmare. At 10,000 miles I needed new rotors at 11,000 new brake pads and now at 21,000 new rotors again. My computer box is going out, when I start the car nothing works. IO have to turn it off, wait and restart it. The trans mission hums when sitting at a stop light. I cant even back out of my driveway because if I over extend the wheel a tad it makes a very loud grinding noise. I have had some other parts on the turning wheel parts replaced. My car has been in the shop more than I have had it. Then it comes back with the same problems. The visibility is so bad I have a hard time backing up.

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  Journey Problems - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By buddyrelihan - August 29 - 3:33 pm

  Front brakes & rotors replaced @34k (not covered by warranty), both visor mirror covers broken & replaced (warranty), now having problems with transmission. Vehicle hesitates & skips. Dealer said it was normal for the electronic tranny to perform this way. My dealer closed & am now using another dealer. I have not received any recalls from Chrysler or the dealer but Im sure there have been some.

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  Travel to Cancun - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By Gabo - August 29 - 1:50 am

  In march 2010 traveled in Mexico , ags city to Cancun aprox 5000 km in my journey rt 2010 and dont have a problem, excellent travel with my family 5 adults and 2 babies now had a almost 16,000 km and Im very happy, i live in mexico .

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  Brakes, Brakes, and More Brakes! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Vampi - August 28 - 3:01 pm

  This is another issue with brakes. Replaced front brakes at 9500 miles and told that was normal. Now again at 12,500 miles, plus back brakes. Need front rotors replaced as well. Biggest concern is there was no warning, brakes were completely gone, and no noise from the wheels, twice now. Dealer cant figure out why, but will comp our front brakes. Wont offer much in trade either. Seat stains will not come out of the fabric they use, even with stain guard applied.

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  1 month old, so far, SUPER, We love it - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By W & S Love - August 28 - 9:23 am

  Traded in a 2004 300M, loaded. I have not missed it yet. The options on the Journey we purchased fulfills our most needed feature. Easy entry and exit to the vehicle. We are retired and have leg and knee problems. It was getting very hard to get in and out of the 300M. It sat too low to the ground. We do have 19" wheels on our Journey SXT so it is just the right height to get in and out without having to bend the legs much at all. So Far, we love the ride, looks and quality. My daughter bought a loaded used 2009 Journey R/T the next day after we bought our new one. She loves it. She traded in a 2004 Chrysler Sebring Limited and says she likes the Journey better than she did it.

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  Lemon! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By mcbrown - August 27 - 4:39 pm

  Weve been driving this for 14 months. We have replaced tires, brakes, door lock, etc. Had an Explorer before and loved it, but had transmission issue. Id take the transmission issues over this one any day of the week! Do not buy this car! Do not buy tires from the dealers, they will not help you if you have a blowout before youve put 200 miles on it. Ive complained to the dealer about my brakes since about 3 months after purchase. Was told there were no issues, it was a new car and would take some time to wear in. Surprisingly, after 1 year, they told me that the brake pads were gone and needed to be replaced and that the rotors had damage as well. Will never buy Dodge again!

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  Need a Brake recall - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Patricia Kinion - August 26 - 11:22 am

  The front brakes on the 2009 Dodge Journey needed new pads and the rotors turned at 14,422 miles. After reading the other reviews, I realize that this cars will need this service on both front and back brakes every 14,000- 20,000 miles because of the design of the brakes. It is ridiculous. Chrysler should redesign the brakes and have a recall. I filed a complaint with www.nhtsa.com and Chrysler Corp. and I asking every other Journey owner with this problem to do the same. "The squeaky wheel gets the most grease" No pun intended.

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  Tear tear, cry cry. - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Vladsly - August 24 - 5:22 pm

  2/5*. Not a very good car. I worked at a company where they gave out company cars and it was either this or a Ford Taurus X. So I tested both and the Dodge went better. Well, after 50,000 KM, The brakes had problems. The quality of the car is very bad. The armrest in the back is just plain ugly and isnt comfortable and if you put up the 3rd row of seats, you cant fit a bread in. Now at my new job, this is the only car they are giving so now I have 2 journeys in my garage. My new one still has the fresh car smell (1900 KMs) and I am already starting to have problems. VERY BAD. DONT BUY. Now I cant wait to sell it and buy something good.

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  Body problems - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By H.shirk - August 24 - 12:08 pm

  The car is an ok deal for the money. However, there is absolutely no acceleration at all unless you have the pedal to the medal. Lots of brake and rotor problems. The mirrors on the visors have both broken due to the heat in the summer. Seriously needs a recall. Took months to fix the passenger side and now waiting for the driver side to come in stock. Caution* Do not look in the mirror until the car has completely cooled down. That takes about 30 minutes or more by the way and then you will be freezing to death. Guess I would rather freeze than leave part of my rear melted to the seat.

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  "Dodge", the ghost of - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By chops29 - August 23 - 7:23 pm

  6 speed trans, "jerky," plastic door handle scratches easy. no heat or air outlet to second row seats. found out that hard ride cause by cheap Chinese tires. .cheap brake pads ,wheels covered with black soot after cleaning two days later. Only thing good is, I bought it for 19,200 out the door including a tire and wheel warranty I should be able to sell it in another year and break even.