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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  Great afordable vehicle - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By mpguy30 - August 3 - 9:10 am

  We bought ours in May being in the military and leaving country we needed a more reliable vehicle, and we found the Dodge Journey fit all our needs. We have a family of 5 so we got the 3 rows and we are in love with the vehicle.

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  Disappointed - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Disappointed - July 28 - 2:16 pm

  MY wife loved the Dodge Journey. She has hip problems and it was easy for her to get in and out of.However, we have had it into the dealership several times and I am bringing it in tomorrow again.Loud noise when turning left. This was resolved by dealership. Sometimes when backing up the transmission slams into gear. The first time I heard It I thought we were rear ended. Dealership cannot find the problem, because it only does it on occassion.When going down the road and exceeding 55 mph. front end shakes. Does not do all the time so it is hard for dealership to correct. We are taking in tomorrow for a recall on brake sensor. Not a problem now but it could be. Gas mileage is poor also.

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  Great in snow - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Dianag - July 18 - 5:33 am

  We down sized from Infinity Q-56 to this Dodge Journey because we travel up to the Adirondacks every winter weekend and needed a car that was good in the snow-yet good on gas. The Journey is amazing in the snow and has never let us down. We are very happy with the get up and go that this car has. Another plus, is the amount of room this car offers, especially with the seats folded down. We often have our 3 dogs and our grandson with us and there is plenty of room. The only thing I really dont like is that the Nav screen needs to have a control on it-because its too bright at night and during the day you can not see it if you dont manually adjust it by going into settings.

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  Love my new Journey! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Miguel G - July 7 - 11:33 pm

  Before buying my SXT Journey with 3 row seating went and checked the Equinox, Outlander, Santa Fe, and Explorer. We went back to the Dodge dealer and we loved it since the test drive. The interior is modern, its fun to drive, love the touchscreen radio (though its placement is a little weird, but you get used to it). Love all the compartments and the fuel efficiency. For us, it has been a great buy.

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  Amazing value with some uncertainties - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By jmjenn - May 18 - 7:33 pm

  Leap for the V6 and the AWD with performance suspension. You will not find a better value for towing, passenger capabilities and comfort with an AWD feature amongst any of its competitors. There is a glaring difference in the vehicle performance with either the 4-cyl or just the standard FWD/suspension unit. All around solid and have not had any significant quality or performance issues the first 3000 miles. V6 with AWD will now only be available on the 2010 R/Ts. Model will be cannibalized by upcoming Durango and Jeep Grand Cherokee as they are heading into the CUV platform. As Iacocca used to say, "If you can find a better car, buy it".

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  Worst new car ever! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By T - April 27 - 12:56 pm

  Within the first few months the thing that squirts windshield wiper fluid broke (twice), the stick that holds up the hood broke (dangerous!), and both cover over the visor mirrors broke off. I need to replace a tire and it was extremely difficult to locate a Kumho. After 2 years I needed to replace all 4 tires at $250 apiece. And the brakes needed replacing. The stain resistant seats are not stain resistant. Still had 3 years left on my loan - took a loss and traded that sucky lemon in!

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  Dont Drive in the Snow! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By BBD - April 22 - 3:36 am

  I got my Journey in July 2009 and absolutely loved it until winter came. This car does not do well in snow or ice. I have gotten stuck 3 times this winter in just a light dusting of snow because of the front wheel drive traction control. We were parked on a small incline and it was a little slick and the wheels just spun. My husband had to get out and push until we got come traction. Also I was going through an S-curve and the road was again lightly dusted with snow and the back end started to swing around on me. I turned the wheel back the other way and it started coming back around the opposite direction until I came to the stop sign where the snow plow had salted the road.

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  Hope the new ones are better than 09 - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By tess - April 17 - 3:26 pm

  Needed to replace a tire and it was the biggest pain to find one. Needed all new tires after 2 years @ $250 apiece. The thing that squirts windshield wiper fluid out broke - twice. The stick that holds up the hood broke off right away. Both visor mirror covers broke off. Brakes needed replacing. All within 2 years! Crummiest new car experience ever.

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  Brakes/Rotors - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By April C - April 17 - 12:46 am

  I brought my car brand spanking new 2 whole miles on it. This Dodge Journey has given me nothing but trouble, at 21,000 brakes and rotors are completely gone?! Now I am researching and many people have the same problems. The dealers state that it is normal, no that it is not. There is a defect somewhere and somebody needs to do something about it.

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  its not a JEEP - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By dojodriver09 - March 29 - 10:46 pm

  Got this ride last year when my lease was almost up. For a long time felt like I had traded DOWN from the Grand Cherokee.. I still feel that way BUT when gas was over four bucks a gallon I was smiling at my Improved mileage. I was a bit worried about what it would do in snow since I couldnt find meatier tires. I have to say it went every bit as good at the GC and I was even going thru snow on roads that werent even plowed this past winter. When I got home I had snow caked in the grill.. So I guess I will live with it for another 24 months and see whats available when this lease is up. There arent that many on the road where I live.