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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  Taking the Journey in Style! - 2017 Dodge Journey
  By Crysco - November 20 - 10:08 pm

  Navigation is only available in the upper models even though you purchased the 8.4 screen you cannot add the Nav option.

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  Great price - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By brandon - October 17 - 9:10 am

  The engine is fine getting around with amazing jump and even highways but when in upstate New York and the steep hills, I had to hold the pedal to the floor to get decent pick-up. Handles great on sharp turns. Radical gated shifter that leans down when in park is the easiest gated shifter to use and does not move into another gear if hit into easily. Interior is amazing with the YES essentials stain resistant cloth and DVD players and built-in booster seats. Great value and looks

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  2009 SXT Dodge Journey - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Rich Gordon - October 7 - 9:13 pm

  Ordered it from dealer. Got the SXT with all of the options at 3000 less than an RT. Hi Quality SUV for a low price. Good "value" car. 24mpg on the Highway, 18 in town. Super Crash rating, quiet, and comfortable. 20000 miles on it and absolutely no problems. High Tech car on inside. Would definitely buy it again.

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  Second review - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By KBA - October 4 - 5:26 pm

  I wrote a review in June of 08 and have had some problems since. The driver seat shimmys and the dealer doesnt seem to feel it. It also had a tapping noise coming from the engine. Brought it in and they had it for 3 days. Said there was a recall on tabs for the rocker arms.They put these tabs in and it didnt solve the problem.They ended up replacing the rocker arms.I have also had a prolbem with the express window feature on the driver side not working, and the doors auto locking on there own once Ive closed the doors. Ive been locked out twice. Really thinking this car wasnt the best choice. I now know why the give a lifetime powertrain warranty.

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  So Far, So Good - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By New Dodge Guy - September 8 - 4:20 pm

  Im up to 7k miles on the Journey. So Far this car has been great! I was considering a Murano and after a friend bought one and had many issues, I started looking at other options. Came across this vehicle and the price/options/warranty that it offered were too good to pass up. The storage in this vehicle is awesome! Very comfortable seats for longer rides.

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  Don’t buy a Dodge Journey - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By Scothalas@gmail.com - August 22 - 5:45 am

  I have nothing but problems with this car, and would never wish for anyone to buy it. Fobes, Consumer Reports and JD, power all gave a poor rating.

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  Why not more??? - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Yvonne from Vegas - August 15 - 9:20 am

  My main complaint is its a wimpy V6. Now maybe Im used to the bigger Cummins Diesel power, but this thing needs a little more juice, and the gear ratio makes shifting a full time job when traveling & doing hills. If you want the best performance, you MUST shift manually, and that gets tiring, after all, I bought an automatic! I think they could have done better. I also think the passenger side seat should be power also. The ride is very comfortable, my husband finds it almost impossible to stay awake when we are traveling, thus, I end up doing all the driving! For the price, I love the car, will I keep it? Probably not after 2 years.

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  Happy Journeyman - 2016 Dodge Journey
  By Marc Kent - August 12 - 8:45 pm

  Despite some of the bad reviews this thing gets online, my wife and I love our Dodge Journey Crossroads Plus. Its comfy, spacious, has plenty of power for us with the 4 cylinder, looks sharp with the Crossroads Plus trim, and the infotainment system is arguably the best in the world. You can get all kinds of add-ons that are mostly just preference items - we have some key upgrades like the 8.4 Uconnect system, power seats, and back-up camera. The only real cons I can think of is the 4-speed transmission is kind of choppy at lower speeds (not noticeable for highway driving and such). For the price, this is the most spacious SUV you can buy, and its packs a nice ride to boot. If you want a sports car or full size monster SUV, then well, get one of those. This is an affordable family mover and fills that role very well.

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  Regret - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By swade - July 16 - 12:13 am

  I had my car for a year and started having issues with it. It gets terrible gas milage. Had to have new break and rotors, new water pump, now the heater is being fixed. Not to mention all the "little" issues. Worste car I have ever purchased. The gas milage is terrible. Nothing like the sticker in the window when I bought it. I would not recommend this car to anyone.

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  Not HAPPY With My Journey! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By gd1234 - June 23 - 12:13 pm

  Have only had the car 4 days and the engine light has been on twice, going in the shop for the second time! Makes a noise and the car vibrates between 40 and 45 mph. I am concerned that I have bought a LEMON! Only 4 days and going in the shop again and they dont know whats wrong! I should have never bought this car! Buyers beware!