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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  Good value for the price - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Mopar - October 29 - 5:43 am

  We traded in a Dodge Durango for this smaller SUV. I did have to take it in for a steering problem two days after I took delivery, they replaced the steering reservor and the streeing is great. No real complants, other than I am disappointed with the in town gas mileage.

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  Nice car, but the brakes are terrible - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By concerned - October 21 - 6:33 pm

  My wife and I really like this car for all of the extra features and the nice ride. Weve had some problems though. The first issue was a clunking sound when the car made a sharp turn. Turns out the engine mount wasnt secured at the factory. Also, we had to replace the brakes at 12000 miles and Dodge wouldnt cover it. Set back over $160 for a repair that shouldnt be made for another 40,000 miles. Very upset about that, but the other features are great.

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  very pleased!! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By grear car - October 17 - 3:10 pm

  Have owned this veh. for 3 months and I just have to say I LOVE IT! just have very minor issues like one piece of trim needed replacement , just took it to the dealership for an oil change while there they did some tsbs on the harness , there was some squeaking noise coming from the left rear tire, turn out it was the emergency brake cable at the rear suspension just needed some spray lubricant and the noise is gone!The radio location makes sense when you have the NAV (REU) one can rest the hand on the shifted while using the nav controls. VERY PLEASED so far!

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  Front brakes - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By TOMMY SMITH - September 27 - 3:30 pm

  This seem like a nice vehicle. But its had a lot of brake dust on the front wheels for a while. Now at 20,000 miles it is metal to metal on the left front wheel and the right front is very close. On top of that the day after I purchased this vehicle m&m Dodge went out of business & the nearest Dodge dealer is about 20 miles farther & they wont give a loaner while its being worked on plus they wont cover this anyway because there are no recalls. I have been a dealer mechanic in my earlier years. I am quality control person on vehicles that belong to the federal government & we have to make quality deficiency reports on poor performance. Dodge is not doing it. Shame shame!

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  Just bought one - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Mom - September 22 - 8:23 pm

  My husband and I just bought one tonight. Traded in our beloved Escape. So far I am happy, the kids like it (well, my son thinks we should have went for a Mustang GT--oh well). Affordably priced and there was a $1000 rebate on it. Fine family car, drives nice. It probably wont turn any heads but that is not what I am interested in anyway. If it gets me to ballgames and gymnastics meets safely then I am 100% satisfied.

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  Do Not Put Yourself In this position. - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Jennifer - August 16 - 11:36 pm

  I have had mine for less than 4 months and it has been serviced 13 times and have been in the shop a total of 28 days (accumulative). It made a noise when turning left, which took them forever to figure out, the windshield made a buzzing sound on the interstate, the dashboard rattled, the back vents didnt work on low. So I have had a new power steering pump, new brakes, new shocks, new rotors, a new blower switch, 2 new cal panels, a part in the dashboard, a new air conditioning belt, and 5 new tires, which made the gas mileage worse. Heres the kicker, the steering wheel vibrates as well as the driver and passenger seat vibrates and they cannot fix it. DO not buy one of these.

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  Bad Breaks on the Dodge Journey - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By EffieCA - August 11 - 12:23 pm

  Like so many other Dodge owners I have had to replace my breaks at 9,000 miles. It was NOT covered by Warranty so I had to pay out of pocket. One month later the same front breaks began to make terrible squeaking noises again. I had to take it back to the mechanic two more times and eventually had to have the rotors cut. Im sure this is not the end of my break problems but just the begining. When is Dodge going to recall the breaks??????

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  Made in Mexico - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Rasko - July 26 - 4:50 am

  My Journey has less than 2000 miles and it already has been to the dealership to get serviced for a broken left visor, my drivers side of the dashboard makes noise and my MPG is 12, my rear bumper on the drivers side is not even like the passenger side. This car is a true lemon please dont buy it, is my first American and my last one.

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  dont buy this one - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By nywoman77 - July 19 - 4:30 pm

  All I can say is dont ever buy a dodge journey. I have had the worst experience with this car. Its been in the shop four times and Im still having problems. Check engine light has come on three times. The wire harness in my engine has been repaired. Ive had three O2 sensors replaced and Ive had continuous transmission problems that Chrysler engineers are supposedly working on. I got a lemon. I hate my vehicle. Dont buy dodge!

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  Love our Dodge Journey - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Pete & Kathy Avon NY - July 6 - 3:56 pm

  Recently purchased the 2009 Dodge Journey at Genesee Country Dodge- Chrysler in Avon, NY. We traded in our 2002 T&C (that my wife hated to depart with) but, in just one day she forgot about the mini van and loves the new Journey. Price, comfort, style and Lifetime Warranty are all excellent!