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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  BIG Transmission issue - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By jlcc - April 24 - 4:43 pm

  My family loved this car...while it worked. We took it back to the dealer when the transmission literally broke into a thousand pieces and it will be, at the earliest, July 16th b-4 there will be any transmissions available. NOT OKAY! Not sure where to go from here... save your money and buy a Ford

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  Pleasant surprise - 2017 Dodge Journey
  By RLester - April 23 - 7:57 am

  We tried the Journey because of rebates. Expecting a loud jerky experience with a 4 cylinder 4 speed. To our surprise, we found a very smooth, quiet, European feel, quality and comfort driving experience. We came from a Toyota Camry to Dodge Caravan to the Journey. We found the experience of a true crossover, car like ride and drive with the features of an utility vehicle. We are in our sixties, so ease of getting in and out of a vehicle is very important to us. The journey has the perfect seat height for us and very easy to enter and exit. The Camry has the cheapest, thinnest, and uncomfortable seats in a very good car. The Caravan was a comfortable entry but the ride was bouncy and hard on old bones. Also, our senior friends just could not get in the back seats. They are too high and too far over, you have to climb in, which, is okay for the kids and grand-kids but not seniors. The Journey comes in AWD and the 3.6 v6 engine with 6 speed. One needing more power might look for these options. But I am in the south, no ice and flat terrain so I find the 2.4 quite adequate. I will admit the 2.4 is a bit under-powered. It will not win any awards in gas saving either. Looks like in town driving will yield the same mpg as the 3.6 in the Grand Caravan around 23 mpg. However, again surprised how smooth the 2.4 is with the 4 speed. The 6 speed in the Caravan was bad to hunt and shift down, very annoying. I need to mention the high quality pleasant ride is only found in the 2017, in which, suspension and quietness are upgrades for the 2017. We tested a 2016 and there is a significant difference in ride and feel. In the 2017 , I can hardly hear the engine. Very quiet cabin. I am a part-time transporter for a major rental company and I drive a lot of new vehicles of all brands. The Journey ride is at the top. Try the Journey before you buy a Rogue or RAV4. I got the 7 passenger, seats fold flat for cargo space, easy entry, European feel, cargo comparments (ice chest) in the floor, premium seats and very nice road trip ride. This is a true crossover, car like features with SUV benefits. Hard to beat value and quality.

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  Theres a reason there was only 1 left! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By mopar - March 25 - 3:00 pm

  Good grief! My Canadian SE PLUS edition is a piece of junk! I was looking at Journeys and my dealer only had 1 journey left CC91601 to be exact and I know why its a piece of junk. First my doors paint peels off due to mosture. Brillant Black fades easy and Ive been fighting Chrysler about my noise when turning left.

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  Too many problems in such little time - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Keri - March 14 - 7:16 pm

  I purchased my Journey SXT in May and have had it in the shop three times. The first time was for a noise the car made when turning left. I got the car out of the shop and a hour later something went wrong with the transmission and I had to take it back. I then got the car back and noticed while driving home the car made a loud grinding noise when accelerating and then took it back the next day. It has been 3 days since I have received my car back and it is know making a loud popping noise every couple of miles. I would not recommend this car to anyone.

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  Keep Waiting For the Other Shoe to Drop - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By BarryE - March 9 - 6:16 am

  I am approaching 36,000 mi & have had no problems at all. I keep waiting for something to give me a reason to trade, but its almost perfect. Im in Eastern NC & easily average 28 mpg on our rather flat terrain. My wife likes the vehicle size & heated cloth seats. My hands-free phone through my cell is better than her setup through her Camry.

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  brake problem - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Eric - February 4 - 1:36 am

  i have my journey since april 2008. at 18000 a need to change front brake and rotar. at 38000, i need the change the rear brake and rotar. and now, at 42000 the front brake and rotar and too use again. im sorry im french. my english is not very good but, i want to say its not normal than i have to change two time the front brake and rotar and chrysler dont want to pay for second time. it is normal to change front brake and rotar 2 times at 42000 KM ?i dont think so. i love my car but if dodge have big trouble with 19" tires vs break and retors, i dont want to pay 500 $ for that.

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  This car is worthless - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By mygrace02 - January 29 - 10:00 pm

  We bought our journey less than a year ago..we took it in 2 wks after purchase for excessive brake dust and brakes didnt brake well. It has now been there 5 times for the brakes. They resurfaced rotors at 9000 and replaced back rotors at 12500miles. I have had it back 3 weeks and my brakes squeal and grind still. It is a horrible braking system. I have 3 children i drive in this car and absolutely do not feel safe. If I wanted this many probs. i would have bought a used car. All this not to mention it feels like it stalls when i accelerate and it always makes some horn like noise when i start it all of which they cant seem to correct. HORRIBLE CAR!!!!!

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  From Happy ... to Crappy - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By DLD - January 25 - 12:30 am

  I was ecstatic when my journey finally came in (took 10 weeks, was promised 8). I have had it for less than 2K miles and I have had it in the shop twice for the electrical system, when I start the car on occasion (about once a week) nothing runs but the engine, no lights, radio, turn signals, gauges etc) and am having a problem with the transmission skipping and hopping and also it is pouring transmission fluid on the ground when it is parked. Been waiting on a part for over 2 weeks. I have been told twice that the electrical problem has been fixed but it is still happening. I really loved this car in the beginning but not any more unfortunately.

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  Great Vehicle - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By hdm - January 22 - 6:40 am

  We are very happy with our Journey. We bought it out of town and on the trip home it got over 25mpg by the built in computer. Loaded with items that are options on other cars and at a very good price. Ride is great and people can talk without shouting over road noise. 6 disk CD player and 6 speakers are standard, rear air and heat an option that is not over priced. Great vehicle!

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  dealer want help - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By class6kayak - January 4 - 4:40 am

  Ive had my Journey for 3 months and already have had the sunroof, power steering, transmission, and main wiring harnesses worked on. The oil light came on before 3000 miles and I got the recall about the wiring harness about the same time. I made an appointment and had the service department look to see why the car made a load noise when turning left. The Power steering was replaced and the transmission started slipping between 1st and 2nd gear also gets stuck in 5th gear and causes my mpg to be about 16.5. Now the the dealership is leaving it up to Chrysler to figure out.