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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  bought another 2009 dodge journey - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By roushpolice - November 14 - 5:46 pm

  bought the first rt journey with everything but sunroof loved it so much i bought another one on march24 it is black rt with everything besides nav and sunroof got a great deal, dont know of any problems besides when we got the new one when we parked it smelled like something was burning i figured it was from them changing the oil, but i saw other reviews about burning smell and plus it did it again when we took it home and parked it but other than that if it doesnt catch on fire we love everything about it.

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  warning have your seatbelts checked - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By david smith - November 6 - 8:03 pm

  Ive put 17,400 miles on it over 16,900 just going back and fourth to work alone, my wife used it one night to pick are daughter up a car cut her off and my daughter went flying to the windsheild the seatbelt failed the dealer said dont worry your covered but thats not the point it should have never happen, called Dodge -e-mailed Dodge no answer they dont care! One lady who answered the phone ask me what I want didge to do.... If they dont know then they dont need costumers 1 have it checked by a neutral dealership 2 check the part number find out what factory made it and check there qualty reports 3 go to factory a spot check seatbelts 4 contact engineers

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  Minor Problems - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By ray - November 4 - 7:06 pm

  Great handling, good looks, lots of storage, has many of the same features our Chev. Impala had. Gas mileage is around 22 MPG IN THE CITY. WE HAVE TWO PROBLEMS: the air conditioner is making a whistling noise when it reaches 55 mph. Just started making a noise when turning left. so far the dealership has been great to work with.

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  great ride - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By imaso001 - November 3 - 11:40 am

  The ride on this suv is amazing. The R/T has a performance suspension and it is well worth getting. The suv hugs the corners and stays steady through out and handles rough roads easily. Has a very quiet ride at high speeds as well. The V6 mated to the 6 speed auto works great together. Dont get the 4 it is underpowered The drive train provides plenty of power and the 6 speed shifts up and down smooth. The third row seat came in handy when my nephews rode to town with us. DVD system kept all 4 kids entertained and the sound quality with the infinity system is excellent. I have had the car for a month now and can find nothing negative to say about it. You can do anything with the MYGIG system

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  A Great Choice - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By jhrapp - October 31 - 1:20 am

  So far I cannot find anything to complain about. It has preformed very well and is getting 16,6 City and 25.8 Hiway. The Ride is very good. I travel between Fla and Geo. once a month and drive 10 Hours at a time. It handles very well. As of this time I am very pleased. This is my first CHRY. Product and I think its a great BUY. Thank you Dodge.

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  Dodge Journey SXT AWD loaded - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Jeff - October 24 - 12:03 am

  I like this midsized SUV alot, Tows 3,500 lbs None of the others in its class are capable of towing at all not even recommended for a bicycle rack! I would have preferred a top chrome cross bar on the grill, I have rally raced it and won every time against all the usual rally cars - Suvs, I do not know why they offer a four cylinder engine in the SE model, anyone one who buys with the four and than complains about power and some of the lower priced trim do not have anyone to blame but themselves

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  Good car bad problems - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By wanda - October 17 - 3:10 pm

  I like most of the interior features, the only things I have a problem with are, the air conditioner has a slow cool down when car is started. Also I have a touch screen dvd stereo, why put a dvd player on console if u cant see dvd while driving I would have preferred in in the back so kids could see it I have two seater no 3rd row seats. No air in back only from vents in front I can have floor storage but cant have back air? also fabric is White or light colors, they should use less light and more darks colors, even for grownups White is too hard to keep clean, my brakes sound funny when stopping, and have a lot of residue from brakes. I like the ride, less noisy just want better gas mileage20 hwy

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  Sweet - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By SAW - September 26 - 7:46 pm

  Overall very happy with our purchase of this vehicle. So many bells and whistles its hard to keep my eyes on the road. Very comfortable, plenty of space, love the third row seating. Handles well, great on road trips. Gas mileage is very good, all in all a super family car that we are very happy about.

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  New brakes at 20,000 - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Jerene - September 7 - 11:23 am

  I also needed new brakes and rotors at 20,000. Normal wear and tear?? I think not. Now the low tire pressure light is flashing... the tire pressure is fine. Im totally aggravated I have to go back so soon after the brakes to have this looked at. Im disappointed to say the least.

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  My New Journey Is In !!! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Rockfsh32 - August 4 - 10:16 am

  My loaded R/T finally arrived on 02Mar09!!! - beautiful. After thinking I wanted an SXT, my wife convinced me to move up to the R/T, its great! Much nicer interior, and the subtle chrome is a nice touch. This car drives/rides like a dream. Eats up the bumps and road noise. The leather seats are surprisingly comfortable. Love the satellite radio, dont know how I lived without it if for all these years. I havent noticed any of the problems people have been complaining about on other feedback sites. Im getting used to the stereo location. I think it would have been more distracting if it were up higher (thats why I didnt get GPS). Well so far so good. Ill report more as I log more miles.