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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Owner - 2009 Dodge Journey
By Patricia Fleischhaue - April 18 - 7:50 amI love driving my Journey. I like the idea that you have the feeling of a larger vehicle in a crossover. The interior is very convenient in many ways. My only complaint is that for a 6 cyl I do not get good gas mileage. I am getting only 10.4 to 11.1mpg on local traveling. I get the same mileage as on my 8 cyl Tahoe which is a much bigger vehicle. After reading all the other reviews I do not understand why I am getting so low mileage. On a longer trip I only get 14mpg. I truly hope this improves because I would highly recommend this vehicle to others if it was not for that one complaint.
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Jorney handles tough list of requirements - 2010 Dodge Journey
By David Dewey - March 15 - 12:36 amI wanted 7 passengers capacity with high mpg. This car is a great answer to that problem.
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Great Value for the Price - 2009 Dodge Journey
By DodgeMan - February 16 - 6:40 amCompared to Equinox, Acadia, Edge, Flex this is a great vehicle for the price. Overall its a great utility vehicle. Tows 3500 lbs, has a ton of features and storage. It looks cooler than a van and has a peppy engine. This vehicle has good some bad reviews for being under powered. First off if you are going to by a cross over that seats 6, why would you buy it with a 4 cylinder engine? I have a Chevy Cobalt (which I love) that is 1/2 the size that has a 4 cylinder. Have common sense. Brake issues have also been sited as a common problem. Ride 10 from the car in front of you and the brakes will go out in 10,000 miles. Have common sense. I love the Journey. I recommend it.
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Brake Recall Please! - 2009 Dodge Journey
By irate - December 22 - 12:23 amI have had my car for just 2 years, I had to replace the front brakes in January again like everyone else was told I was riding the brakes, then yesterday got to pay another $300.00 for the rear brake pads. Have never had brake pads wear out before at least 40k-60k miles!! There is a problem and they are waiting for something drastic to happen? Do not buy one unless you are excited to spend an extra $600 every year or two on brakes! Also the interior stains horribly no matter how careful you are. Even water stains. Look elsewhere. If it were worth anything I would trade in.
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love it - 2009 Dodge Journey
By gloworm - December 21 - 5:50 amLove it, cant complain about anything at this time. It has 2600 miles on it. I would buy another in the future.
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Loving It So Far. - 2009 Dodge Journey
By Gretchen - December 4 - 9:43 pmI loved the look of the Journey when it came out. I leased mine in July when I turned in my much hated town & country. I dont have all the great available options in mine, but I have what I need. Love the 19" wheels, storage compartments, exterior styling, comfort seats, etc.
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Good Journey - 2009 Dodge Journey
By JR - December 4 - 9:20 pmOur Dodge Journey has been fun to drive. Recent recall not an issue with us. We are glad to have the issue fixed. We do not have children so our concerns are safety, fuel economy, and comfort while on the road. Fuel economy does me little good if I am too stiff to get out of my vehicle when I get to my destination. Chrysler has always had top notch interior comfort in my book.
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A good value for money - 2009 Dodge Journey
By eric - November 28 - 3:30 amSo far, no probs whatsoever. Good buy.
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Doesnt brake well in the snow - 2009 Dodge Journey
By Kathy - November 18 - 1:00 pmThis is my second winter with my Journey and I make sure that I go to the store the day before a big snow. I do not feel safe driving this car in the snow. It doesnt brake well at all. Also, when I make sharp turns, it makes a horrible clunking sound. I read in one of these reviews that it is an engine mount problem. I have to drive my Journey real easy it seems. Wouldnt buy this car again and would not recommend it to anyone.
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Beware - 2009 Dodge Journey
By Denise - November 2 - 2:26 pmThis car has been nothing but headaches and stress. A ticking noise coming from the engine, per dealer rocker arms replace. Making same noise toke it back said Chrystal redesigned the rocker arms and replaced them again. Still making noise, per Chrystal this is the characteristic of the rocker arms and I have a life time powertain warranty. Thats crazy. Why would they redesign something to make the some noise?? I pursing the lemon law. FIX THE PROBLEM!!!
