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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  Great Value - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By collegestudent - December 6 - 5:43 pm

  Having put in over 8k miles in 3 months, Ive come to intimately know my car (yeah 60 mile commutes to internship). It is overall a really great vehicle. Yes there are downsides, the third row is cramped, but to get a crossover with out that, Highlander, Flex, costs around 5 grand extra. For the money that the Journey costs, you get a lot of things no one else offers in the price range. The biggest downside Ive found is fuel economy, but I chose to sacrifice it for the other features. Hybrid Highlander, near 40k, awesome, yes, worth 12k extra, no. I will say, cruise control is friend, it changes economy by 1.8 mpg on my experience (120miles/day), and instead of going 75, go 65,

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  complaint - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Don & Loretta Pontri - November 30 - 2:13 pm

  Ever since we have had this vehicle one thing or another has been happening. The mirror where you can put you glasses dropped down and would not stay up. We have had to have a new part ordered for that. The prop that hold the hood up came out and a piece came off so we have had to order a new piece for that. They tried to put it back three times so we finally took it to another dealer and they ordered a new part. Just this morning my husband raised the hood and a piece fell off that cushions the hood when it goes down. It is minor things but we are really unhappy with all these happenings. We have to drive about 40 miles to the dealers to keep getting it fixed.

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  Nobody asks, "Are we there yet?" - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Paul - September 27 - 2:06 pm

  My 11 and 13 year old daughters love the Journey. They like to fold down the seats and stretch out during road trips. AC plug keeps all the electronic goodies charged. Beverages in the chill zone, snacks under the floor and movies playing on the DVD. I consider the Journey a good value. I paid less than 24K with AWD, 3 row seating, MyGig, Infinity Speakers and Sirius radio. I could not price anything within $5k that seated more than 5. I frequently recommend the Journey to others. PS I think the MyGig radio below the heating controls works better in bright light.

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  Dont buy one - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By Dont buy a Dodge Journey - September 23 - 10:18 am

  I purchased a 2010 in 2015 one owner prior, 52,000 MILES, FIRST MONTH - had to replace the front tie rods drivers side. ONE YEAR OF OWNERSHIP 62,000 MILES, leaking transmission cooling lines & transaxle coupling etc going out so after one year of ownership its cost me $4,300.00. Worst car Ive ever owned in 31 years of driving. Its a nice looking car and the sound system in great but, thats about it. Acceleration is sluggish at best, average MPG in town 17 MPG 20 HWY, interior is low end but that why its priced low, Seating is not comfortable for longer travel. Hidden Storage is pretty much non existent, Back storage is o.k., good if you fold all rear seats down. Visibility is terrible with the very wide corner post on each side of the front and rear windows.

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  Total Dis-satisfaction - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By lemomade - September 12 - 1:56 am

  I bought a 2009 Dodge Journey SXT in July 2008. At this date (04/07/09), I have only 3000 miles on it. Frankly, I cant afford to drive it more. I get only 12 mpg combined city & highway. My local dealer tells me they will NOT check it until I have 8000+ miles on it. The brakes are making noises already. The engine sounds awful when accerating. Worst mistake I ever made in purchasing a new vehicle. At 8e years of age, I shouldnt have to put up with this.

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  Journey Problems - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By John - September 6 - 3:13 am

  After the first 3 months of having my journey, it started having nothing but problems. It uses quart of oil every oil change. Transmission problems already, components falling apart or not working now, when filling up with gas it stinks inside it, no matter if u fill it up or put a couple gallons in. The antenna fall off when driving down the road. Which is not covered under warranty. After buying this, I would not refer this vehicle to anyone. Let alone purchase another chrysler/dodge vehicle again. Very unreliable and quality is very poor.

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  Loving It for The Most Part - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Diane - September 3 - 7:56 pm

  It is making a strange baffling noise that is coming from the exhaust system. My dealer-ship has tried its best to fix problem, now need to wait for Dodge to fix. Noise gets on your nerves at time. Radio should be where ac/heat unit located, more detail on dash and interior.

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  Love this car! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Whitney - September 3 - 6:43 am

  My husband and I purchased this car in April of 08. We LOVE it. Its our first car of our own and we feel we have made a wonderful choice. Its safe with the curtain air bags in the back. The seats are very comfortable. I love the fact that all the seats will fold down to put large objects in the car. The back doors opening 90 degrees make it much easier to get our daughter in and out of the car. I love all the storage. I can keep diapers and toys in the car for our daughter without having to see them 24/7. I love the style of this car. Im a young mom and I get the features of a mini van without the look. My husbands mother loved ours so much 2 weeks later she got herself one! Great Car!

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  dealer special....JUNK.!!!!!! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By BAD Journey - August 30 - 6:50 am

  This car has been nothing but a headache since a month after we purchased it. It had an axel seal to bust causing oil to leak on the exhaust, the transmission is always shifting gears, sometimes it wont shift down when going up hills, then when it does shift down it wont shift back up, it down shifts to low gear while in cruise control going 70 mph on the interstate & almost got us hit,Chrysler says thats the way the car is designed to work, power steering whins all the time, Chrysler says that is normal also. Any problem that this car has Chrysler says it is normal so it doesnt do any good to call them with your problems. All i can say is LEMON, this car should have been YELLOW.

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  Love it! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By THE9TH1 - August 21 - 6:16 am

  Bought this in May, took a 2600 mile road trip 2 weeks later. Got excellent gas mileage for a AWD crossover vehicle (averaged about 24 mpg). The DVD/Rear entertainment system was a lifesaver for our kids. Already had to replace the radio though. Not a big deal, just a couple hours in the shop. Still trying to figure out all the options that the radio has. Hopefully the updated CD we got in the mail this week fixes the problems we had with it. Love the amount of room and the storage compartments. Glad we went with all the options the SXT had to offer. We use all of them!