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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  Value for Money - SE Plus - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By First Dodge Owner - June 17 - 11:40 am

  I live in Toronto, Canada. Canadian market has SE Plus model, same 4.0 L engine except for $1,000 more you get more features (remote keyless entry, sunscreen glass, speed control, roof rack, security alarm). I had additional upgrades like Premium seats (same as SXT) for $375 and auto dim rear view mirror plus bluetooth for $300. Engine is noisy at high rams and lacks power. Otherwise quiet on highway.

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  Worth the money, with rebates - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Wiesbaden.Soldier - June 11 - 11:23 pm

  Purchased this vehicle one month ago, and were still smiling. It handles like a bigger sedan, thanks in part to the larger rims and performance suspension. Gas mileage could be better, but no worse than a mini-van. We are pleased with our purchase so far. Handles like a sporty vehicle and does get positive looks from other people. Interior is perfect. Americans tend to want the "soft feeling" interior, but this vehicle reminds me of a European car on the inside, which is great. I dont sink into the cushions of the car, which gives it a more confident feel. Chrysler is on the right track. We traded our Caravan SXT for this vehicle, and we are thoroughly pleased. SUPPORT OUR TROOPS.

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  A Roaring Journey - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Ed Williams - June 10 - 9:10 am

  On a road trip after purchase, got about 24-24 mpg on interstates. Running 19-20 in town. Biggest complaint is a mysterious roaring noise that occurs on acceleration in the 35-45 mph range. Dealer says it is an exhaust resonance issue that cant be fixed, but is common to the Chrysler 6-cyl. engine. My wife bought the vehicle and swears she would not have if the noise had occurred during the test drive. I think Chrysler should come up with a diagnosis and a fix, for what is otherwise an extremely good value for the price.

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  Sewing machine sounding engine / The worst Vehcle - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By Tony - June 1 - 9:14 pm

  My engine sounds like a sewing machine. now that I am dealing with this and looking into it. I am finding out that theres been several engine issues with the 3.5 v6 engine. Many different causes and situations that all make the engine have a sewing machine sound. I have been buying the extended warranties because I didnt trust this vehicle from the beginning for some reason. I was right, there has been about $7,000 of repairs done to this vehicle and I am sure we are not done. Cant get rid of the sewing machine sound. Basically I have to live with it and drive it the way it sounds until it dies. DO NOT BUY A 2010 DODGE JOURNEY. PLEASE TRUST ME ON THIS. I have had over 50 different vehicles in my lifetime. This one is the worst of all of them.

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  what else can go wrong - 2010 Dodge Journey
  By Hazmine - May 21 - 7:34 pm

  I loved my jorney didnt love the problems that came with it loves the space and storage this car from day one had problems we put in a total of $4,000 in a 5 yr period just to keep it road safe

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  Classy and Fun to Drive - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Momcat - May 7 - 2:33 pm

  Got this car in May to replace my previous SUV. So far, I love it! It has so many great features, and my kids love the comfort. I love the safety features. I would have the the R/T, but I did not want leather seats (I hated them on my last SUV) - these cloth seats look great, are comfortable, and I am quite happy with my choice. Drives beautifully,and is so very quiet. My only complaint to date is there is a pretty good blind spot in this car, but it helps leaving the extra backseat mirror down to help with this. I love this vehicle and would recommend it to anyone not wanting to be a minivan mom!

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  Worst vehicle I have ever owned! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By wjwheeler - April 13 - 1:43 pm

  My transmission has had problems since day one and the dealership has been unable to duplicate the problem. 2 weeks ago it stuck in first gear. I drove it about 3 miles to the dealership and let the service manager ride with me to verify that I had a valid complaint. We drove several miles and it would not change out of 1st gear. I left it at the dealership and returned several days later only to learn that the transmission was working fine. Normally the transmission will slip and jerk in to gear after a delay. The Journey also will "die" for no apparent reason. The seats are uncomfortable and the ride is terrible! I would not recommend this vehicle.

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  great price - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By chops 29 - April 12 - 11:40 pm

  I was looking for the best value for my buck. The R/T I bought - 3.5 V/6, power seat, traction con- control, ESC self dimming mirror 5 star front and side crash rating etc., etc. some of the plastic appointments in the interior are a bit much, but a out the door price of $19,222- No other deal on any car came near that price. Oh yeah, I forgot to mention the dual exhaust.chrome tail pipes and great fit of the exterior.

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  48 hour ownership - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Michael Arbuthnot - April 9 - 6:20 am

  We had our RT for 48 hours! Woman on a cell ran a stop sign in a rural area and we drilled her! The air bags performed perfectly.... I had a small contusion on my left knee and my wife has lingering aches in her chest from the shoulder harness. Thats all. The car was declared a total loss and the crumple zones worked as they were engineeered to. We replaced it with an identical vehicle and hope to hell this one lasts a bit longer. We are both 70 years young!

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  Dont Buy One - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By ruth brown - March 26 - 2:06 pm

  After having the vehicle a month, the computer had to be replaced. It has a honking noise when I turn left. I just got it back after a third visit, it still honks. The right strut squeaks on bumps (a new strut is ordered), has a squeal (like a water pump sound) who knows what that is, and has a high pitch whistle when I excellerate. The plastic pieces are falling off the interior and constantly have to be popped back on.