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:

• 

  This car stinks - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By catwise4@yahoo.com - June 6 - 7:03 am

  I purchased this car after Thanksgiving and in less than a year of ownership I spent over $1200 on the same issue and still not fixed. Dealership doesnt seen to know what is wrong with it, horn honks at random, from time to time it goes dead and wont start, sometimes windows wont roll down or heater for this trip wont work, air pressure alert goes off for no reason.....This SUV has been the worst ....... unreliable, and right down irritating! Dodge is of no help

• 

  Best U turn I made! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Toolman - May 21 - 1:00 am

  I love the Journey, found by accident while turning around in Dodge dealership. Had a hard time finding Green, Was not able to get features I wanted, still ironing that out with dealership. Almost bought Pontiac Torrent but found it a waste of space. Journey is loaded with space. Only had two weeks and there is a creaking noise when I hit bump from drivers side rear. Excellent handling with 19" tires

• 

  Mixed Review - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Brandi - May 16 - 8:56 pm

  I have been a dodge fan for over 10 years. This car has been great on the since that it has more room, and I can deal with the gas mileage. I had a noise every time I turned left, they fixed it, and I had vibrating in the dash, they fixed that the second time. But now my brakes are completely gone on the driver side. There is no way that should happen at this many miles. Chrysler said they would pay for the labor, well I guess that is something. If I have to go back in another year or after 26000 more miles because the brakes are gone, we are going to have major problems.

• 

  Near perfect - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Alex - May 6 - 6:13 am

  A great crossover! Love all the storage space and built in coolers! Only trouble so far is the cramped back seat. Average gas mileage for a mid- size crossover

• 

  More car for the money!! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By very pleased! - April 30 - 4:10 pm

  Bought the fully loaded r/t in black ,nav, 3 row seating , interior looks good (black-grey leather)even by reading all the reviews I gave it a chance, traded a 08 T&C LX this one ,no issues for now!gas mileage is average 19mpg

• 

  Its an okay car. Poor quality. - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By linndzee24 - March 5 - 2:20 am

  I have owned this car for a few months and overall I like the car. My main problem with the car is the interior. Just plain water stains the seats and with two small kids that is not a good thing. Also, I have had problems with the check engine light coming on. I read the book and it says if the light goes off after a couple times of driving the car its ok. That doesnt sound right to me. The light did finally go off though and I havent had it come back on.

• 

  I like it but could use improvememnts. - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Tex - February 22 - 12:56 am

  Overall, I like the Journey. It is kinda small but it is for us and one child. The DVD player keeps the kid entertained and was well worth it. The interior lighting is nice (LEDs are nice). Drives great. Dont like the cheap chrome hubcaps (wheel covers) on the exterior of the R/T. But otherwise is very nice on the exterior.

• 

  Very Pleased Overall - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Always on the GO GO - January 22 - 2:23 pm

  Needed a vehicle that would be comfortable/functional and modestly priced. Im always on the road for both business and pleasure(16K since buying mine Sept 08). I work hard, play harder and often haul gear, a minimum of two additional passengers their skis, snow boards, camping equipment, golf clubs...the list goes on! My Journey has handled it all with ease. Just returned from a 5 hour road trip and my passengers all raved about how comfortable it was...even compared it to my friends BMW X5 but with more space and a far lower price tag! Did have one BIG problem with breaking system and after 4th visit it was fixed. My dealer rocks and treated me right so overall I am very pleased.

• 

  BRAKES - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Angie - December 1 - 3:43 am

  We have had this car for going on 2 years now. We are seeing issues and after reading on here it is nice to see that we are not the only ones with issues. Today my brake light came on at 27,400 miles. I went to the dealership to find out that my front brakes are totally shot, I need new pads and rotors and my back brakes are almost shot too. So having a fairly new vehicle and sticking over $700. is not my idea of great. I am seeing alot of brake issues and yet Dodge wants to deny that there is a problem.

• 

  Should have asked a driver part 3 - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Acajin - November 14 - 4:10 pm

  Well here it is March 24th 2010. Ive now had this vehicle for 15 months. It has 34,000 km on it and I still love this car. I had to change the brakes at 30,000 km but I got the repair shop to install aftermarket ceramic pads. This winter the power steering hose busted (twice) it was -26c when this happened and the dealer told me that it was due to the cold weather thickening the power steering fluid. The hoses are made cheap and they cant take the extra pressure. Warranty covered the problem. Get this, the best mileage I could get driving 100 kph on a flat road was 7.2 L/100 km, awesome! I usually average about 8.3 L/100 km (34 imp. mpg) on the highway and 10.5 L/100 km in the city.