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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  Never Again - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Lori - August 20 - 2:52 pm

  Bought our lemon 1 yr ago. Problems started right away. Passenger window works when it wants to. Visor covers fell off. Windows go down by themselves. Replaced brakes, rotors & tires at 30,000. Car runs with no lights, air and radio. Had radio replaced. CDs would not eject. Electrical issue too many to mention. Losing power constantly. Hesitating when you pull out from stop sign, very dangerous! But to date our biggest issue with the vehicle is our paint is gone on both sides of the vehicle near bottom of back doors. We are down to bare metal. In fact it is rusting at this point. We are told its an environmental problem and its not covered. Huge chips of paint coming off the car. NEVER AGAIN

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  Happy with mine! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Paul B - August 20 - 6:34 am

  I have had this SUV for over 2 years now and love the space and extras (in floor ice chests, AC adapter, Infinity Stereo, storage compartments, rear A/C). The only thing I dont like is the cup holders in the doors because when drinks are put there and you close the door the beverage splashes on the panel. It is a smooth driving vehicle and gets great gas on the highway. I looked at Equinox and felt claustrophobic in it, decided to keep the Journey instead.

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  Lemon! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By arudich - August 18 - 9:18 pm

  We have also had multiple problems with our Dodge Journey. 3 times it has shut down on me while driving down the road. When this happens I lose all control of steering, brakes etc. The dealer has not been able to identify the problem despite rewiring it and replacing the entire CPU. In addition we have had rotor problems, exhaust problems, lost power windows/locks/mirrors and wheel issues. I have tried dealing with Chrysler regarding it being a lemon. They will not replace it. We will be contacting a lawyer as I will not put my family in a car that stops randomly in traffic. The third time it happened, we were inches from a major accident. Please read other reviews before purchasing.

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  Good Economical Family Mover - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By Chris - August 18 - 9:49 am

  I purchased the Dodge Journey as an alternative to my trusted Chrysler Minivan. On the plus side is the low price tag as opposed to the more expensive cross overs. This vehicle fits the bill for loading cargo with the rear seats folded down or people with the 2nd and 3rd row seats erected. The ride is smooth however, the power is lackluster at best. If all seats are used, the vehicle has virtually nonexistent room for any suitcases. This makes it unsuitable for long trips.

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  Should have bought the Charger instead - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Pierrefonds - August 17 - 8:03 pm

  I could not believe that after owning the vehicle for one year when all kinds of problems began. 1) the black decal placed on the doors had to be replaced. 2) the radio CD changer is stuck on DVD mode and wont play CDs. 3) Had problem with the thermostat. 4) THE BRAKES HAVE TO BE CHANGED."Told normal wear & tear with a smile " Yeah right! 5) Funny smell coming from the AC. 6) Turning left funny noise that sound like wheel wants to come off. 7) Using the key less entry system sometimes sets off the alarm. Reading all the other reviews makes me wish I had bought the charger instead. Would also like to know what day this vehicle was produced? Was it after a holiday?

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  Lost power while driving! - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By bubofbuffs - August 17 - 7:06 pm

  I admit it, we were in love with our Journey. It is comfortable and fun to drive. We have room for the kids and all of their friends. This love affair was crushed today as we were driving down the road and suddenly lost all power (wipers, steering, brakes, lights)we couldnt restart the vehicle while in motion. Luckily we were able to coast off the the side, and could restart after a couple of minutes. We directly drove to the dealer and they seemed to think that I was over- reacting. We are awaiting a repair report. I see that this isnt the first report of this problem on Edmunds (See: Another Lemon by unhappy in NY). There clearly is something wrong. AAAAARRRGH!

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  Great Mileage - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Dodge Guy - August 16 - 5:21 pm

  I have had this vehicle for a year and a half and currently have 33,000 km on it. I have been driving back and forth from Oromocto NB to Ottawa Ont. for visits, what surprised me was the gas mileage on the highway with the air and cruise on. I am using 7.2 Liters to every100 km and that my friend is pretty good mileage for a vehicle that is only suppose to use 8.6 L per 100 km. I have have not had any problems whatsoever and it goes like stink in the wintertime.

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  You can have This One ! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By chip - August 14 - 12:29 pm

  First of all, I traded from a grand Cherokee to this! I feared I was trading down even before I took delivery and continue to think this way after 30 months. I cannot wait until someone else is driving/paying for this vehicle. Brakes and 4 new tires all before 40k! ! And today at 53k told I need brakes again! I will say it was good in snow (have the awd) but so are many other cars. Hyundai is looking better and better! ! Had a Dakota in the 80s and had much better luck with that in the 104k miles I put on it. Very disappointed in this vehicle. I point and laugh at the others on the road and yell sucker but they probably love theirs. Not me! Cant wait until this one goes !

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  Nice Looking and um nice looking - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By EGH75 - August 13 - 12:06 am

  I loved this car when I first saw it. Nice looking car and test drove good. Since it was first year model, there was no history. I wish I didnt buy it. Rubber pieces on outside of door just by rear tires fallen off. Replaced rear brakes at 40k and fronts at 56k. Both visor mirror covers have broken off. Stained seats cant be cleaned. Pass. window motor is shot. Had my engine computer flashed twice. Ive had to change both inner and outer tie rods. Im getting poor gas mileage. No where close to the gas mileage youre supposed to get. Im already looking at trading it in. Too much plastic on the inside. Feels cheap. Although its a 7 seater you can only put children in the very back.

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  Rather have my Jeep - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Rather have my Jeep - August 12 - 2:21 pm

  I will have my Journey back in the shop for the 2nd time due to a shaking in the front end and into the steering column after having the front suspension checked, and the tires balance for the 2nd time. PLUS we just had to replace the brakes and rotors front and back with only 31,000 all highway miles on it. What the heck! I didnt have to have that done until 65,000 miles on my Jeep liberty and no chassis vibration.