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 review at 3800 miles - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By dutch - December 2 - 11:20 pm

  Was reluctant to buy Journey but was replacing a van and liked the style. So far is a great car. Avg mpg has been 24.5 with a low of 21.3 and high of 26.1. Ride is comfortable, quiet and steady. Just finished 1500 mile trip and loved driving the car. So far everything works including tire monitor which came on when I picked up a nail

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  Transmission and other concerns - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Lori - November 28 - 1:20 am

  I have now owed my Journey for four months and it has been in the shop for about a month of that time. I have had a new transmission installed at 6000 miles. I drove it for 4 days to have a pinion seal leak transmission fluid all over the parking lot. That repaired and now the new transmission is showing the same signs as the prior one. It does not want to shift smooth into second. I keep getting engine lights and they stated that I have an emmisons leak and they are working on finding that. The dealership is great with the repairs and the help with the car but no matter how much I love the car itself but it does not a reliable choice for someone driving as much as I do with the kids..

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  Disappointed - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Disappointed - November 15 - 6:13 pm

  I test drove this CUV and at 60 mph is ran 2500-3000 rpms in fourth gear. When I gave it some gas it shifted down to 5500 rpm near red line! This car obviously does not have enough higher gears! Why not add a CVT Transmission to the four cylinder engine to make the 4 cylinder engine practical?

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  Bad Choice - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Georgia Peach - October 14 - 2:53 pm

  Really like the Journey over all but have had nothing but issues with it. Im the 8th review of there is a noise when making a left turn and after 3 power sterring reseviors later it still does it. Also there is a ticking noise in the engine. Found to be rocker arms and tappets, both replaced and it still makes the noise. My car has been in the shop 4 times and I still have the issues. The journey rides really smooth, I got my 1st. speeding ticket of 23 years driving in it. Would not recommend this car, too many issues.

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  Loving my new used ride! - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By Kelly Geis - October 10 - 6:48 am

  Used edmunds.com to locate my vehicle and got a great deal!

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  Nothing but Problems!! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Tampa Buyer - August 30 - 7:06 am

  I purchased my 2009 Dodge Journey in Sept of 2008, and have had nothing but problems with it!! Even though I love the design of the car, the QUALITY STINKS!! I had to have my Rack and Pinion Power Steering replaced THREE TIMES, which would have qualified it as a LEMON, but decided to give it another chance after the dealership FINALLY FIXED it! NOW my BRAKES have gone bad already after only 25K miles!! What the heck do they cover for the so called "bumper to bumper" warranty coverage. By advice - DONT BUY THIS CAR!!

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  2009 Dodge Journey SXT AWD - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By predator0332 - August 20 - 4:40 am

  Our driving and ownership experience with the Dodge Journey so far has been excellent. The Journey has a smooth ride and it is very quite when driving a high speeds.

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  Nice Grocery-Getter, NASCAR drivers need not apply - 2017 Dodge Journey
  By Vincent Singer - August 6 - 10:31 pm

  Im an old man. I got my drivers license after learning on a 1967 Rambler American and a 1969 Pontiac Bonneville. I made it this far without a nav/infotainment system, traction/stability control, or bluetooth. The 4-cylinder engine in this thing has more horsepower than many older V-8s. That said, I think the 2017 Journey is a fantastic buy. I bought a $21,000 "stripper" - which still has, standard: a 173 hp engine (shared with Hyundai and Mitsubishi - buy one of their comparable vehicles and get the same motor), 4-speed OD automatic transmission, traction control, a six-speaker touchscreen audio system I can plug a USB drive into and "have my own radio station", dual-zone air conditioning, front and rear stabilizer bars, better interior lighting, automatic headlights, daylight running lights, and a nicely (manually) adjustable drivers seat. They even threw in an outdoor thermometer, and a gadget that lets you monitor your instantaneous and average fuel economy! I traded a 2007 Ford Escape for this, after the transmission grenaded at 146,000 miles. I consider this to be a step up, although still a front-wheel-drive "disposacar". Same ground clearance, same fuel mileage, good looks, with MORE standard features, more horsepower, easier for my wife to get in and out of. a better radio, more room (its about a foot longer), and a bigger gas tank. Drives just as nice, handles about the same, much quieter, and I dont have to "drive it like I stole it" to get it moving at an intersection or on to the freeway. Controls same quality or better than the Escape. More power ports. Steering has enough feel for the average driver. 4-wheel power disc brakes "stop on a dime and give 9-cents change". Everything you REALLY NEED is included in the base price - this thing has move comfort and convenience items, and a ride and interior that rival a 1990s Cadillac. Dont option up unless you really need to, as "everybody" says these dont hold their value all that well. At 3800 lbs., its heavy, and has a long wheelbase - probably why it rides so nice. BTW - if you dont plow your 2017 Journey into anything, youll doubtful ever discover the difference between a 4-star and a 5-star safety rating. The Escape had poorer overall ratings, and in 10 years I never had an occasion to find out. If youre driving a 10 or more year old Escape or other, similar small SUV/CUV, and you are looking for a new vehicle with similar dimensions that doesnt look like every other SUV/CUV on the road, and an improved overall driving experience, you could do far worse than the 2017 Dodge Journey.

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  ITS A LEMON!!! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By kmimay - July 23 - 3:36 am

  I had my car for 2 weeks when the check engine light indicator came on. I took it to the dealer and they stated the gas cap was not sealed properly, they opened it and closed it and said it would reset itself in 50 miles of driving. Well I drove it for the weekend and it stayed on. I took it to the shop for the second time. They reset the indicator light and sent me home. I drove about 20 miles, the light returned. I took it to the shop for the 3rd time and they said I needed to replace the catalytic converter. They sent me home for the weekend. I traded in my Mazda for this and Im regretting every minute of it. The reason we buy new is to avoid these things right? Its a lemon!

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  Totaled Journey - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Bill - July 10 - 11:16 am

  We had our Journey for 3000 miles, and got T-boned by someone going 60 miles an hour. The car held up extremely well, and the side airbags deployed. Nobody was seriously injured, but the car is a loss. We just ordered a new one. I really like the car design overall, though I admit some of the plastic pieces inside come across as a little cheap. From 55 to 75 (i.e. passing someone) this car will flat fly. It has lots of hidey-holes to store stuff. Our best fuel economy has been 27 mpg on the highway.