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 Part 2 - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Vince&Sara - October 29 - 6:50 am

  As promised we were going to write another review of our Journey when we came back from our road trip. We went on a 8700 km (5400 mile) 10 state trip. We came back about 2 weeks ago . Our Journey now has over 17,000 km(11,00 miles on it.) To date we have had no problems with it! Everything is working great. Sorry to hear others are having problems with yours. Gas mileage was better than we expected, the seats were great, the a/c kept up to 106 degree Las Vegas temps, even with the 2.4 L it easily cruised the interstates at 70-75-80 mph. Only the steep hills of Colorado made the 4 cyl work really hard. We had already knew the 4 cyl version was a little underpowered though, so we expected it.

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  Great Car that is a Step above the Rest - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Justin - September 20 - 2:46 pm

  We purchased this car new and could not be happier. The size is great, and the style is the best out there. Freeway miles for a V6 23-24mpg is awesome, and even city around 19-20mpg is great. Have not had to bring it in for anything small, but its a good feeling that the engine and powertrain are covered for as long as we own the car, which I have a feeling will be a very long time. Dodge built a great vehicle, that I think will be a favorite for a long time. So happy with this car, that when I go to trade my truck in this spring, we are going to buy a Dodge Ram, cant wait!!!!!

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  Dodge Journey Rocks - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Impressed Guy - September 20 - 3:50 am

  I have had this vehicle for three months now and have had it on two long roadtrips. I get better gas mileage then posted. It is well built and very reliable. I have tried the safety features with almost getting in accidents while driving through Montreal Quebec of which were not my fault. I have owned 4 Chrysler Vehicles and have had no problems with any of them. If people would slow down and actually do the posted speed limit then maybe they would see better gas mileage. Everybody thinks that driving is a right, WELL ITS NOT. Keep up the good work Dodge.

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  Should have asked a driver part 2 - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Acajin - September 15 - 9:00 pm

  My original review was on Jan2/09. To date this has been a good vehicle. It performed great during our northern winters and now has 14,000Km on it. The only problems so far (besides my original review) is the panic alarm has gone off a few times when I use the key fob to unlock the doors. You need to manualy use the key to enter the vehicle and start the car to turn the alarm off. Very annoying for the neighbors at 4:30 am. This is a fun vehicle to drive and is very quiet. No defects other than what I have mentioned. Reliability is excellent. Im getting ready to leave on a 5000Km trip. Gas mileage could be better, the best I got was 8.9L/100km on highway (with the air conditioning off).

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  Great Car for the Price - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Acerx1 - August 11 - 7:46 pm

  Probably one of the quietest cars in its class. Stunning with the 19 in chrome wheels. More storage than I could ever use. I love the green LED floor board lights, handy if you drop something. A fun car to drive...love that Auto Stick...Im used to rowing my own gears. Cool the way the middle seats pop up and forward out of the way. The wide opening door are great getting grandma in and out but you must watch the kids opening them to far in tight parking lots. Overall I love this car. Waiting for the Chrysler version.

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  Too soon to tell ?? - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By ggk86 - August 7 - 9:23 pm

  I was put off at first by the very plastic interior. We added leather seats to the mid line and it seems to help it not look so cheap. I tried not to judge gas mileage too low because it was my choice not to buy a compact car. But some bad news, it has been in the shop twice now. Once for a back seat that would not slide forward and today for a brake light that will not go out. The seat could have happen while they were putting on leather but ...

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  Disappointed - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By chris - July 3 - 1:36 am

  Was very excited about buying this car but now have been let down have had the brakes done 3 times at 48,000 and they tell me its the way I drive. Both visor mirror covers broke off. Passenger window needed to be fixed 3 times. Diver door needed paint because the tape was peeling off. Had to have it brought in because the car would start but no lights, radio, or signals would work. And never mind bringing it in for the recalls. Will never buy Dodge again

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  Death trap! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By dmsmith - June 24 - 11:30 am

  I have had this car for a year and 4 months. I let my 19 year old daughter drive it to Florida. While there she was in a minor fender bender. Minor for the person she hit. Major for the damage that was caused to my car. She hit the rear of a 2001 Saturn scratched the bumper. My car had a bumper frame (not the bumper cover) that was pushed into the radiator then into the condenser fan this was a 25 mph hit no airbags deployed. I hate to think how this car would have performed in a more serious accident I cannot wait to get rid of this car not impressed with it before this happened. Also FYI parts are ridiculous. I wish we had just let her take her jeep with a bad tire it would have been safer.

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  gps - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By bob - June 3 - 3:33 pm

  Nice fun to drive, how ever the gps need work. $2200. For the mygig is a little high, I have a 250.00 handheld garmin that dose more and is easier to use, plue it lock out some of the functions when your moving.

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  Great Family Car with Room to Grow - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By RT - May 24 - 9:20 am

  I love my Journey! This is our first crossover, moving up from a 4 dr car that just didnt have enough space with two car seats. I have 1500 miles on the odometer and average 22-23 mpg hwy, 19 city. Note that I accelerate slowly (dont get the RPM up to 3000 very often), coast when possible, use cruise, etc, to maximize fuel economy. If you like to rev it, dont expect to get great gas mileage. My 62" hubby and I (55") are both comfortable riding in this vehicle for extended periods. With the front seat pushed all the way back, there is still ample room for a toddler seat in the back. As for the blind spot, check your mirrors, turn and look, recheck mirrors, and its not an issue.