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:

• 

  Better than the Liberty or Nitro - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By NJH - July 4 - 6:03 am

  Was this or the Nitro (Liberty). The Journey is quieter, drives smoother and has far more features. No contest.

• 

  Brakes & Rotors Out After 18 Months! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Jen - July 3 - 3:56 pm

  I just read all the reviews and wish I had BEFORE we bought this car... I have accepted the minor problems (broken visor, inconvenience of early recalls, and panic alarm going off when using the keyless entry); but the expense incurred for brakes and rotors going out after 18 months is just NOT acceptable! And to be told it is a "normal wear and tear" problem not covered by warranty adds insult to injury. I wish dodge understood that people buy new because they dont want to deal with these types of problems. I dont know how to do it, but I am hoping someone reads this and know how to get a recall effort going because this is seriously concerning!

• 

  Good vehicle for the price - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Satisfied - June 29 - 4:13 am

  I have a had my Journey for a year now and so far, no problems at all. It is a comfortable ride, reliable, reasonable gas mileage for its size, lots of storage and plenty of leg room for back seat passengers. Quiet, and has good visibility when changing lanes.

• 

  Cant get fixed - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By RonLiv - June 14 - 2:00 pm

  Decent car but cant get fixed. Dealer says cant get parts due to Dodge bankruptcy. Car in shop almost 3 weeks. Wont give loaner. Contacted Dodge and they will get back to me in 3 or 4 days. This is my first Dodge and it will be my last.

• 

  A little soggy - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By CB - June 13 - 8:00 pm

  I have had my Dodge Journey for a Year and love the car. It had been raining all day on Sunday and when my husband and I went to take friends out to dinner, the passengar side in the front was flooded with water. You could see where it looked like it ran down the door. Windows and door where shut tight and the overhead console when I turned the corner, had water running out as well. Have an appointment on Thursday. Hopefully, the car will not start to smell and they fix the problem. Will see how it turns out. Also, the car could get a little better gas mileage. Its almost like to much car for the size engine.

• 

  one of the better - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By hemidakota - June 12 - 1:06 pm

  3.5 liter in sxt has enough go for money, good ride on lot of roads, has a lot of standard equipment for being one of the base models. handles pretty good in snow for fwd. its one of the better cars dodge has done in awhile.

• 

  transmission trouble - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By jmm - June 9 - 2:43 am

  We had the Journey one day and every time we braked the car would feel like it jumped into another gear. To make a long story short, the car had less than 300 miles and the transmission needs to be replaced. Yes, that is right. We requested the dealer please just give us a new vehicle but they explained since it was already titled in our name they cant. We were assured they have the top service center at this dealership. Very dissappointed and upset.

• 

  Brakes! UGH - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Amy - May 16 - 7:46 pm

  I bought my Journey in June of 2009. Loved it thought it was really nice and had lots of cool features. At 7k brakes and rotors replaced. Now with 19k the brakes and rotors need to be replaced again at my own expence. ARE YOU SERIOUS!!! Ok Chrysler has a serious problem here. They need to either make quality products for these cars or quit selling them! I am sensing a pattern that I am NOT happy with. Want to get rid of it now!

• 

  What a Journey - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Chris Hussey - April 13 - 8:40 pm

  The Journey was the answer to all our questions. We didnt want a minivan, but wanted something with optional seating for 7. Lambdas were too big and too expensive. Love the design. Love the storage options. Fuel economy on a recent trip averaged 24.5, mixed city and highway, and I have the 3.5 V6. Built in booster seats are perfect for our two girls. It has plenty of power when you need it and handles great. Hanling is tight. Love the 19" wheels and the MyGig. Only negative is the huge blind spot, but I bought some spot mirrors and the problem was solved. I recommend everyone give this vehicle a chance. Dodge was right on target with the Journey.

• 

  I with the other worst car i ever bought - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Julie - March 25 - 7:53 pm

  one year old, new radio replaced, new brakes and rotars, mirrors replaced, strips on door entry, break lights and tail lights fixed twice, i guess can figure out problem because out again with no tail lights and the dealer can seem to fing the urgent issue even though i am driving around with my kids in the car, sure i will wait another week again for the past few month to get my car in to have it looked at. and trans in slipping at time, oh they cant never feel anything when they drive it around the parking lot and if that not enough 5 complaint that when turn in or out of a parkinspot, driveway loud noise, sound like a pump prb, and the response ikeep gettingis all new cars sound like that