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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  Happy Journey - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Cameron - March 13 - 12:06 pm

  I now have 15,000km on my dodge journey SE. So far, so good. The 4 banger is not that powerful but I did get it for the gas mileage (which is great on highway!). Still has pick-up and I dont find it too noisey. Curious how it will be long term though. I am happy with the Journey and will let you all know if problems start.

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  Should have asked a driver - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Acajin - March 1 - 12:20 pm

  This is a company vehicle, my last vehicle was a 2004 Dodge Caravan (which I loved). Ive only had it 2 weeks and so far so good. Ive just come back from a 1000Km trip and liked the feel and quietness of this vehicle on the highway. Handling is good, ride is a bit harsh, but Im assuming thats because of the winter tires. My biggest complaint about this vehicle (to date) is the way it was designed to handle dirty road conditions in winter, ie. salt. First off the rear window wiper only wipes about a 135deg sweep. The wiper pivot is on the wrong side leaving a 45deg swath of dirty window right where you would normally be looking to find where a car should be when passing it.

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  Brand New Junk - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By geri - February 27 - 11:36 am

  What an embarrassment. I really got took on this and now that I want to trade it in, I find out that its not worth anything. The seat broke, the mirror cover broke. You cant breath on the seats without staining them. I have never hated a car like I do this one and I had a Chevette once. The Chevette had more power. Need I say more?

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  Dont Waste your money - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Darla - February 11 - 8:06 am

  This is the worst car i have ever bought. After 20,000 miles i have had to replace the brakes. I took it into the dealership today because the check engine light came and I need to have the breaks done again. The seats stain like crazy. This is not a good car for little kids. My son spilled a soda in the seat and now it is stained and i cant get it out. I definitely dont recommend this car.

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  Not loving this car anymore! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Mindy - February 7 - 1:53 pm

  I loved it when I saw it-even though the inside is mostly plastic. It has been almost 2 months since I purchased it and my service engine light has been on for 3 days. My ESP (stabilizer) keeps coming on and I am getting a message to change the oil already, I only have 2650 miles on the car.I knew it was a risk buying a brand new model but my husband insisted we buy this because the gas mileage was supposed to be decent-I really wanted a Jeep before we saw the Journey.It is a nice looking vehicle and when it runs properly its great but I am concerned that there will be more trips to the dealer than we expected.

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  Happy Family - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Tracy K - January 24 - 6:06 pm

  We purchased the Journey R/T AWD and we are so very happy with it. Its sporty, handles well, has lots of room and storage. We bought one with all the bells and whistles and are having fun with it. My kids love the DVD player and the temp control in the back.

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  Best choice for our family - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By seveninavan - January 12 - 7:03 pm

  Overall, we have had a fantastic experience with our Journey. One minor trim problem that was corrected quickly. Love the seating configuration for our five children. Easy access to back row. Comfortable ride. Plenty of power. Traded in my Grand Caravan for this. With luggage rack and lots of neat storage, we love it! The seats fold down easily for hauling all kinds of stuff. Be careful of 90° opening rear doors...tend to bang other cars in garage or parking lot. Love the Sirius radio and climate control! So much better than our Honda Odyssey (yes, I know...but we NEEDED one 8- passenger vehicle and the domestic options are so limited). LOVE this car! And out the door for $19000.

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  brakes and dust on beautiful wheel cover - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By john myers - December 24 - 2:30 pm

  We like our vehicle and it handles well. Hosweer, we have contacted several dealers in our area regarding the brakes catching and the brake dust on our wheel covers. We were told that this is normal. Why would you put beauktiful wheel ocers if they are covered with black dust all thetime. We also purchsed a extended warranty and not one dealer is will to fix this problem. We had an intriped some time ago and got the same runn around. We are very sorry we purchased this car. We thought Chrysler had improved its service. We were wrong.

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  Horrible Brakes - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By jon - December 12 - 9:20 am

  Do Not Buy a Dodge Journey!!! At 13000 miles I had to replace the front brakes. At 19000 miles I had to replace the front brakes again as well as the rotors. Chrysler is doing nothing about it. The dealer says that its normal. No it is not!!! I have owned numerous cars and have never had to replace any brakes before hitting 50,000 miles. I loved the car at first for the features and the ride, but the brake issues have destroyed everything. Do Not Buy a Dodge Journey!!! You will regret it!!!

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  Wish I Never Traded - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Terry - November 26 - 1:46 am

  Steering pump went out very quickly. Had to stay with dealer 3 days no loaner. Dash has too much plastic, pops and cracks all the time. A/C acts crazy, makes funny air noises on take off and drain stopped up which flooded passenger floor on 6 hour trip. Transmission cannot find proper gear. 6 speed shifts up and down all the time, manual mode is a laugh. Tail pipe rubbing making funny noise. Dealer no help, service adviser had never been inside one. Worst new car I have owned. Have other issues but not enough space to tell them all. Think I got a Lemon.