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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  Awesome Family Car - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Colorado Cruiser - May 23 - 12:06 pm

  Weve had the car a short time and absolutely love it! Were getting 27- 29mpg on the highway and low 20s in town. We have 4 kids ranging from 8 months to 15yrs, and everyone fits comfortably! There is no road noise and the vehicle hands very well! You can definitely feel the German technology and handling in the vehicle! We live in Colorado and with the traction control the vehicle handles awesome in the snow. We purchased the FWD model. If you want the convienence, and mini van features without a mini van feeling, this is the vehicle!

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  Never Again - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By AG - April 19 - 7:23 am

  Very poor vehicle. Brakes/rotors gone at 12k (didnt use Dodge brakes to replace-now rotors warped due to axle problem), front axle repl at 17500, steering wheel moves left to right when braking hard.

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  146,000 km still going with a lot of $$$$ - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By steve - April 9 - 7:16 pm

  Had my journey for two years now and have had most of the problems on this review and more. No trouble with motor or tranny luckily. Here are major troubles I have had brakes, power steering, wheel speed sensors, wheel bearings, tie rods, ball joints, rear differential seals twice, transaxle seals, replaced rear cv axles 4 times due to faulty design, rubber door seals falling off, needed to replace tires after 35,000 km/6 months and was unable to get 19" tires from any tire dealer or Dodge, had to buy new tires and rims. Replaced all struts. Rear heater motor. I drive 75,000 km mostly highway, some gravel. Nice car to drive and handles well but costs way to much to keep running not a good buy

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  journey not reached - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By long journey - March 2 - 8:26 am

  I purchased a journey r/t 1/09 and before it had 2500 miles i had to add motor oil, and had gear oil leaking on the exhaust, the sunglass holder fell apart, the remote start only works sometimes, the remote entry is the same, only when it doesnt work and you finally do get into the car the radio is changing cds, it has been in the garage 5 separate times for days at times, the transmission doesnt shift down or doesnt shift up, there is a whining and clicking that is still there, the dvds play on the dash along with the navigation screen at times,or doesnt work at all, we looked around at many other crossover type cars, and picked the wrong one, for this journey... take the bus...

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  I LOVE my car! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Leo - February 16 - 2:00 pm

  I have owned my Journey for just over 18 months. I love this car! I have about 18.5K miles on the car. I will have to have the brakes redone very soon, as they have not worn very well, but considering the weight of this car I am not surprised. I have OEM Kumho Solus KH-16 (225-65-19) and I have had no problems thru two winters in the Pocono Mts of PA!! They still have plenty of life in them and have been very reliable in snowy conditions. The only problem I have had was a leak in the AWD transfer case. Took it to the local dealer and had it replaced under the lifetime powertrain warranty. This car is VERY quiet, and is a pleasure to drive. Its a keeper for me!!

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  Luv it - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By wadd - January 21 - 1:26 pm

  Took it on a 1000 mile trip to Florida first month. 4 adults no one crowded. Good ride for an 8 hour trip.

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  Smooth Sailing until 15 months - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By kjsherman77 - January 10 - 5:53 am

  Overall we have really loved our journey. We purchased when they first came out and the first issues I had were the heat/radio/windows not working at random intervals (I would have to turn the car off and restart several times) The dealership couldnt find any problems with it. I also hear a weird noise when I make hard left turns and my dash vibrates when I go over 50 mph. The latest thing that makes me regret the purchase is that the front brakes/pads/rotors are completely shot and it only has 21k miles on it.

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  Saved our lives in a rollover - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By Javaphile - January 7 - 12:08 pm

  We bought a gently used journey and traveled cross country for Thanksgiving, honestly I didnt love it and hated the weird headrests, although the various compartments were great. Someone clipped us going 90 on the highway and we rolled 5 times, ending up on the roof 165 feet into a field. The side curtain airbags and those behind the front seat headrests saved our lives, we bought another one immediately. We had small children in the back, and we all walked away. Cheap interior, yes, but that car saved our lives so we can celebrate Christmas this year.

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  Its OK - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By tg - January 4 - 11:53 pm

  The first weekend we owned the Journey the brake module went out and then during service found the cv boot was torn and about 2 months ago had to have the wrieless ignition or whatever it is replaced. Overall though it has been a good vehicle and the service has been great. Havent paid for a service yet nearing 11000 miles. MPG can get up there as long as your not in traffic but thats any. Got it based on room being we have two full sized dogs that ride in the back(no thrid row). Tranny whines a little too loud i think. But its quiet for the most part.

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  LOVE MY JOURNEY!!! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By DodgeGirl09 - December 23 - 3:43 pm

  I really havent had it that long, but I must say, for a crossover, you really get a lot of features and extras for teh price. It has a lot more leg room that it looks like from the outside. Drives smooth, and handles very well. I have seen in other reviews that customers were not happy with the way thinterior is made, that it is too cheap, but I disagree. Yes, its not a lexus, but for a mom driving her 5 yr old, and 17 yr old around, it is very sturdy and functional. Its easy to clean, and takes the abuse that my boys have to offer (LOL). Its also very easy to fold the seats down, or scooter them forward, very user friendly for a mom on the go!