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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  Love my Journey - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Soccer Momma - April 13 - 2:13 am

  Love this Car!!! I drive a lot of miles every weekend, comfortable and enough room for the dogs kids and grandmas!!!

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  BAD BRAKES AND ROTORS - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By PETE - April 12 - 4:16 am

  my brake pads and rotors went at 16,500 miles. Both front rotors were warped causing me to need replacement. the dealer told me that there was nothing that they could do because the warranty was 12/12 on brakes. i called HQ and they said that until there is a recall I would have to pay for the repairs and that there was nothing that they could do for me. I was told by one of their mechanics that they are using inferior brake components to keep production costs down. If a recall comes out then I could get re- embursed for the brake job at that time. I am not going to buy out the lease now. They are getting this piece of crap back and going foreign. DONT BUY THIS VEHICLE!

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  bEST CAR i HAVE EVER OWNED - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By joeslo - March 31 - 11:26 pm

  I cant believe Chrysler is thinking of doing away with this vehicle. This is the best car I have ever owned. I was always a GM person, being retired from there. But Gm cant come close to the Journey for the same price. Their Travers costs about $10,000 more than the Journey. The excutives better rethink their decision to deep six the Journey. maybe they should do away with the Nitro and the Jeep Patriot instead of the Journey. If they do go ahead and discontinue the Journey I can see why the are the most disfunctional car company in the world. Maybe they should fire some of the excutives that are making these decisions. Why dont they advertise this gem instead their lousy trucks.

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  Very Nice SUV - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Michael Bowden - March 27 - 5:20 pm

  Very nice SUV so far, have owned it for 4 days. Love the style, features, and performance. I purchased several additional options to include Rear DVD, MyGig system, chrome package with performance suspension & steering, pwr sunroof, back-up camera, and the list goes on. Lifetime powertrain warranty is included! Me and my wife really like this new vehicle. Also, lots of storage and we have 7 pass seating.

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  Great rebates and incentives! - 2017 Dodge Journey
  By larry moore - March 24 - 2:08 am

  I traded in my nearly new 2016 Honda Civic for a Dodge Journey earlier this month. I loved the civic but I needed more space and the pilot was a tad bit out of my desired price range. Next door was a dodge jeep dealer so I stopped by to look at the grand cherokee originally and saw the Journey. I thought it looked good, not like a new modern conventional design but more along the lines of the original looking subs that didnt have a bunch of flash. I bought the crossroad plus v6 AWD, and the sticker said $34,560, but the salesman told me dont even think about what that sticker says. When we sat down to do the paperwork I noticed all they really wanted for the car was $27,600!!! I nearly started dancing to see a price offered from a dealer so much lower than the MSRP. I guess the Journey has been around a while and they dont move as quickly as the rest of the new chrysler dodge jeep products. The only thing that I wish it offered was adaptive cruise control and blind spot monitoring. Even budget cars have those options nowadays but for the price I cant complain much. The engine has more power than I really need, all the room I could ask for (including two beer coolers that are removable under the second row seats), AWD, a huge infotainment screen that I still have yet to touch because it kind of intimidates me, and a bunch of other little niceties that I didnt really expect (self-dimming rear view mirror, built in booster seats for kids, removable flashlight built into trunk, actual power outlet in the backseat). One concern I have though is reliability, I see a lot of people have issues with their transmission, brakes and random engine components so *knock on wood* I dont experience any of those problems. It rides like a cloud, smooth and quiet. Though the trim piece around the infotainment screen makes a slight creak on the occasional bump but its nothing obnoxious... YET. Overall I think I am going to be very happy with this car, I like sitting up higher and after the civic it is going to take some getting used to but you certainly cant argue that its an extremely versatile vehicle. If all goes well reliability wise I think I will keep this suv for a long time.

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  what a mistake - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Betsy - March 8 - 5:06 pm

  Where to start. I have had my Journey for 18 months. My seats stain from rain or water, My breaks and rotors just went after 20,000 miles. My pass. window doesnt always work. My front sensor has been replaced. I have a 2009 car and you would think that I would want to show it off but I am embarrassed to have any one ride with me- the seats are horrible!!!!! Want to trade it in on something better!

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  Best car so far - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Rockingham - March 3 - 1:53 am

  I love my new car. Had it for three months now and so far i have been well pleased.

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  Bad in Snow - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By LRS - February 10 - 9:16 am

  I traded in my Dodge Minivan for this vehicle because I wanted something a bit smaller and more stylish. I love the way this car looks and is quite roomy BUT I was VERY dissappointed this winter with how the thing handled in the snow. There were seveal times that I almost didnt make it up some of the hills where I live. I thought it may have been my tires - but when I went to the tire dealership, they said my tires were fine! Also, the seats show everything which isnt good when you have small kids and a dog!

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  Great car for the price! - 2016 Dodge Journey
  By tiago vasconcellos - January 29 - 10:38 pm

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  Brakes are crappy - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Gordon - December 13 - 1:46 pm

  year and a half in and Ive already had to replace the pads and rotors...absolutely not acceptable but the warranty doesnt cover it. Do not purchase this vehicle as it will cost you way more in the long run than a well built import...sorry to say it but its true