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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  The worst vehicle ever! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Cheryl - March 18 - 2:23 pm

  I have owned my vehicle for approximately 11 months and my car has been in the shop more days than I can count. Everything that has been mentioned in the other negative reviews has happened to my vehicle. My car acts like it is going to die on a regular basis and the dealership cant find the problem. My radio decides to stop working for no reason. My strut tower was not bolted in. Nice workmanship!! My door locks decide when they will work. Some days the locks will work and some days they wont. I have nothing nice to say about the vehicle or the dealership!!! I do not feel safe driving this vehicle!! Stay away from the dodge product!

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  Awesome affordable buy!!! - 2016 Dodge Journey
  By Lissa - March 17 - 11:29 pm

  Went from a 2004 Toyota Sienna to this. Was amazed at the space and storage areas. Especially having 3 ypung kids. I needed a decent amount of space! Mileage has been great! I went with the crossroad edition. 4 cylinder instead of the 6 cylinder. Awesome features. With rebates I saved a ton of money. Started out at $27,000 and got down to $19900. Absolutely love it!!!

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  Ride of our LIFE - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Ride of our LIFE - March 14 - 6:46 pm

  My family and I think it is an awesome vehicle. Wasnt too sure at first but I really like it now. Glad we bought it now.I really like the quiet smooth ride. My husband loves the sunroof and the fog lights. I think overall it is a great start to what could be an awesome vehicle if they just make a few changes.

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  Great value, very good vehicle - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By former GM guy - March 9 - 12:00 pm

  Weve have about 16,000 on the Journey now and still love it as much as we did when it was brand new. Great road vehicle, innovative interior. One issue, the groaning steering was a recall that was promptly fixed.

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  Love it.. - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Chrysler Baby - February 26 - 2:33 am

  When I went to purchase my car, I was looking at a used Pacifica but saw this and decided to test drive it. It sits high enough that I can see things but low enough that my older mother can get in w/o any problem. I drive a lot of highway miles and there is very little road noise which is wonderful! I love the eletrical plug in too! Makes it great to have a Wii plugged in for my son on our long trips back and forth to Grandmas.

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  Enjoying my Journey - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Angela - February 13 - 7:33 pm

  Just got my Journey one week ago but I love it. I am a little upset over buying the convience group II and buying the third row seating and finding out that the cargo cover that is included in the convience group II does not come with it if you get 3rd row of seats. Why do they offer both and not list the exception. It is a rip off! I also ordered mine with a $500 owner loyality rebate but they would not give it to me when the vehicle came in. I think this is a breech of contract but I am investing both of these. I bought the first Journey this dealership sold and they were not aware of the cargo cover not being able to be installed with 3rd row seating till I ask about it.

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  Very Happy - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Craig - December 29 - 7:56 am

  The ride with the appearance group/sports suspension is so smooth and quiet. The engine seems well mated with the six speed auto and once again is very quiet. I also like the drivers seat. I have manual lumbar, power adjusting seat, tilt telescoping steering wheel. The adjustments are almost endless.

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  Downsizing to a Journey - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By inuvik - December 17 - 4:33 am

  We traded our 2007 Dodge MegaCab in on the Journey. We wanted something smaller that still had all wheel drive, could tow 3000 lbs or more and could seat 5 comfortably. The Journey meets all of those qualifications. Its extremely quiet at highway speeds and has been delivering good highway mileage, 24-25MPG. We love all of the storage, the transmission shifts smooth, and really enjoy sirius satellite radio. All in all, we are very happy with our purchase.

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  Poor Paint and loud interior noise - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Lynda Wood Favre - December 6 - 9:53 pm

  I love my Journey, dont get me wrong, BUT I have had to have the drivers mirror replaced once already due to peeling paint. Now, its peeling off again. AND, the passenger side mirror paint is starting to peel! Another problem is when you are driving and roll the rear window (s) down a bit, it sounds like youre in a helicopter! The noise is terrible! Wonderful car, just a few quirks!

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  Overall a Great Value - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Bear - November 21 - 4:46 pm

  I commute 85 miles each way daily, so I need a solid vehicle and so far, the Journey R/T AWD does the job well. I am also a big guy...long legs, broad shoulders. Although I wish the seat were larger, I must admit that overall, the car is very roomy, even with the sunroof. Far more room than my 2005 Chevy Trailblazer. There is a TON of room for the 3rd row of seats that I did not take and lots of storage. Still learning all the features including voice commands! Great value for the $$$ spent. CVT tranny is cool too.