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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  Think twice before buying another dodge - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By CL - December 23 - 12:10 am

  Bought this car in December 2008, went for a weekend in Moncton and got stuck on the highway came back in a towing truck we had the car for a month and the problem began. Went for a oil change, they told us that the tires need to be rotate what a joke they forgot to tied the last tire and we lost a tire on the road good thing we were not on the highway. After that then came another major problem we couldnt start the car sometime it start and sometime it didnt they change everything on it from the battery, computer, cable and the last one is that there is a leak of oil in the motor. No way there gonna sell me another Dodge I SHOULD HAVE READ THE REVIEW BEFORE BUYING

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  Great Car for a Low Price - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By nywoman77 - December 14 - 4:23 am

  Ive had my Journey for two weeks now. I looked at many other vehicles and found this one to offer all the features I was looking for. It was the best price in its class. It has fair gas mileage for a vehicle of its size, weight and engine size. I think the space and convenient storage exceed any expectations I had. I cant wait to take it on my first road trip. All in all, its fun to drive

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  NEVER EVER AGAIN! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Apache - December 13 - 12:50 am

  Ok I was so happy at first - never owned a car this nice......never judge a book by its cover they say....it has been in the shop for brake sensor recall, warped rotors X3! MIGIG crashed. Now its sitting in the driveway the past month pending Lemon Law for the rotors. Us brakes and rotors people got to find each other and DO something about it. We paid alot of hard earned money for this vehicle! Everyone else - dont buy one....just say NO!

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  Excellent Value for the Family - 2017 Dodge Journey
  By KS - November 7 - 11:37 am

  Get the V6 if you can. the 4CYL is adequate, but nearly identical Fuel Mileage. Superior technology, all the bells and whistles make this a driving dream. Dodge has some great rebates and incentives, and you can get the top of the line model for a great price.

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  Excellent car for the price - so far - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By John - October 30 - 6:06 am

  We have owned the vehicle for about a year and have been very happy and impressed with it. The only disappointment is that it ate up the front brakes in 20,000 miles.

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  Love my Journey but - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Susan - October 25 - 3:56 am

  Bought my Journey over a month ago. Love the way it looks, love the way it drives. got it in green. Everything works good , except for that strange noise that occurs when turning left. Went to the dealership and was told they havent had any complaints about it. Not sure what it is but I sure hope my doesnt fall off. So far the gas mileage is good, but havent taken a long trip yet. Not really loving the plastic interior though.

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  Journey into Hell - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Journey into hell - October 14 - 11:20 am

  Bought a used 2009 SXT Journey with 11,000 miles on it 6 weeks ago. Last week, the tranny locked up and it has been at the dealership ever since. Boast Dodge in Bradenton, Fl. After many delays, false hope, and mising parts, I am 11 days still with no car. Chrysler provides no loaner or rental, even though the dealerships are overstocked with new and used cars. I contacted the dealership, the general manager, and the Chrysler hotline, all give me the run around. Buyer beware, this is a first year car, plauged with problems, and a company who may not make it till 2010. Do your research before the purchase, if its a good deal, theres bound to be a reason.

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  SE is a good Common Sense Car - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By HMK - September 18 - 11:33 am

  Wanted to replace our compact care with something more practical. Was impressed by the low base price. You get a lot of car for the money. Lots of extras and safety is standard (ABS, ESP, Airbags). Good car for driving around town. Car handles and drives well.

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  Cheap ride - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By sledhead - September 14 - 8:10 pm

  my wife loves the vehicle, but have had issue after issue since driving it off the lot. transmission rattles 35-50 MPH, it cant seem to find the right gear. almost feels like youre driving a standard shift while in the wrong gear. wheel and seats shake during acceleration. also had multiple oil leaks, pulling to the right, a brake problem, and multiple rattles. local dealers have been great and acknowledge the problems, but Chrysler has been useless. i feel like were the dodge test pilots. multiple visits and rentals are getting old. would not recommend buying this or any other Chrysler product until they learn how to treat there customers. have filed lemon law with local dealers help.

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  Fantastic Value For The Money - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By sfriend - September 7 - 12:33 am

  I have read other reviews here and I have to say that most of the complaints about the Journey are just absurd and elementary. Most all brands have plastic interiors,power wise this is not a sports car,we are consistently getting 18mpg in town and 25mpg highway. As far as transmission problems,we have have not experienced any,but thats not to say there arent a few. As I drive around town I cant help notice all of the well marked courtesy vehicles from Mercedes, BMW,Acura and Lexus. Why do your think they are out there? Its not because they are getting an oil change! Most All brands have issues & recalls. We have the SXT model. Overall we feel the Journey is a fantastic value for the money.