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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  Premature Brake Wear! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By JMeyer - June 29 - 6:43 pm

  Had to put new front pads on at 12,800! Need new front pads, rear pads and new rear rotors at 19,800. Service tech at dealer informed me of an issue with the pads from the manufacturer. They are replacing them with longer lasting pads. These brakes are faulty and Chrysler doesnt want to take responsibility.

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  I like it! - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By Russell - June 26 - 2:47 pm

  I tried the Ford Edge, Chevrolet Equinox, Jeep Compass, and the Ford Escape. The Journey, in our opinion rode better and was a much better buy for the dollar. It has plenty of power with the V6. You have to be careful to avoid spinning the tires. I have owned Dodges before and have found you cant wear them out, you just get tired of looking at them. We have taken it on 2 long trips so far and have really enjoyed driving it. We are getting @19 mpg in town and 26 mpg highway at 75/80 mph.:)

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  So far so good. - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By frank - June 22 - 8:37 pm

  Sorry for the guy who had a lot of problems on page 1 but i traded my Plymouth Voyager 4-cyl. with 280,000 REAL MILES, got it new (1998) and drove it to death and just wore it out! so i wanted to give dodge another try since i had good luck with my mini-van, so far just 1500 miles on it and i like it a lot, quiet-solid-comfortable and good mileage for a v-6. 24 every day.

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  Another lemon - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By unhappy in ny - June 22 - 11:18 am

  Had this car six months now. Second time that all electrical power was lost while driving. Very dangerous. Also nothing locks gear handle in place so it is easy to bump it out of drive.

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  Brakes - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By dolamiti - June 21 - 7:25 pm

  I just bought this 2010 Journey SXT with the V-6. At 50 miles the front brakes started vibrating so bad you could feel it in the steering wheel and also the drivers seat started shaking. When you apply the brakes at a normal level, the front end started shaking and it gets worse until you come to a stop. I called the dealer when I got home and am returning the Journey and getting my 2008 Commander back. They will have to undo the deal.

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  We bought a lemon! - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By junk - June 8 - 6:58 am

  My wife and I purchased this $30,000 dollar headache, has been in shop 9 times and left us on side the road waiting on a tow. Dodge has only allowed us only one rental, my wife drives an hr to work and has had to buy a $800.00 car so she wont get fired and they have been very rude on the phone. We have had many issues with the journey. We bought a lemon please beware, once they sell them to you they are done they dont care. Thank you, upset in KY.

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  best SUV - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By Ted ODonnell - June 5 - 5:55 pm

  I just did 3000 km in 3 days and it was fantastic.

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  Has potential - but flawed - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By DaveM - June 2 - 10:38 pm

  Ive driven this SUV for 4100 miles through all sorts of terrain. Good: Interior storage, comfort, & the value. There are plenty of places to put things, & the seats are comfortable for 6-hour stretches. Bad: Ergonomics, handling, power, & transmission. The controls, especially the stalks, are confusing & illogical, making for dangerous situations in heavy rain or using the cruise. Body roll in emergency maneuvers is scary. The engine has too little power for a V-6 and stumbles on acceleration. Transmission programming is so bad I had to shift manually on most hills. Visibility out the rear window is poor. This SUV has potential, but is dangerously flawed. I dont recommend buying.

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  Silky Smooth, Quiet Ride - Awesome Car! - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By Hinterlander - May 31 - 7:39 pm

  Just finished first 1,000 miles on this dark blue beauty. Six speed auto is very smooth and the engine is responsive and fuel efficient. Round trip fuel economy for holiday weekend 500 mile trip was 26.8 mpg! We love the two zone temperature controls and six cd sound system.

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  Best Chrysler Ever - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By TR - May 3 - 1:35 pm

  Have driven this car for over 20,000 Miles through last year and feel very happy about it. I am surprised to see such a good Chrysler car.