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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  Brakes - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Thom179 - March 22 - 9:03 pm

  Most complaints seem to be about the brake system. I had to replace the brakes and rotors at 24,000 miles. The vehicle wants to "take-off" going down hills because of the 6th gear. I learned to use the shift lever, placing the transmission in a lower gear, to slow the car down and stay off the brakes. Its disturbing when the service rep tells you that the rotors are "throw-away". This is a good vehicle and I would buy another one in the future.

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  Nice car for the price - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By KBA - February 28 - 7:53 am

  Love the look.Radio is a little low,have to look down. Not great on gas locally. Stylish and roomy, did not want a minivan.

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  Dont Buy - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Bigguy - February 14 - 11:20 am

  Had wiring harness done. Noise when turning left. Paint blistering and peeling. And Chrysler Canada would do nothing

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  Headache - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Dode - February 1 - 7:30 am

  Less than 10K miles, 4th time in shop; this time for CV shaft replacement. Twice for cowl, which is currently on backorder. Car made thunking noise, found out the motor mounts were never tightened at factory. When pulling into the grocerly store parking lot, this car creaks and groans like a 10- year old used car with 150K miles. My brother-in-law told me to buy new to avoid someone elses headaches. Ha! I deserve this for listening to someone elses opinion.

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  Frustrated - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Frustrated - February 1 - 5:06 am

  We bought our first car the day before Mothers Day. The next day, while driving, the car started smoking and the inside filled up with smoke. The car was leaking something from below which was actually dripping in little fire balls. The car went back the next day. They said it was a bad axle seal and that the company wants them to replace the part not just the seal b/c something may not be right with the whole part. Long story short, some hot words from my husband the manager found us a new car. Picked it up on Tues, brought it back Wed. There is a short somewhere preventing the controls on the steering wheel, horn, interior lights from working. So two cars in a week, both returned.

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  Love It! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By Melissa - January 31 - 11:33 am

  I bought my Journey in 02/09. Have loved it since then. I love the minivan features in a car. Weve been on three long distance (1000+ miles) trips and it has worked great. As with any SUV the mpg could be better. We have had a problem with muffler noise which was fixed and the brakes have been changed at 19,000 miles (dang!). Also, in the NM heat I have had some issues with compartment doors opening/closing. I really do love this car. Its great for the family. We have the Video Entertainment Package which is perfect for travel. My husband will watch movies on the front screen while I run into the store which keeps him content. Would buy it again in a heartbeat!

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  From Hell - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By AHHHHHHHHHH - January 26 - 12:56 am

  Ive leased a Grand Caravan a Pacifica a Durango a Town and Country and now this and by far the last 5 years have been great but this car is from HELL The AWD coolant case broke and spilled all over my driveway leaking toxic fluid everywere My MYGIG on top of the dash came apart and short circuted causing a minor fire! After backing into a pole in Spokane [my MYGIG is broken] it caused $7000.00 and the dealer is stupid and saying my backup camera is working and I TORE THE WHOLE ______ UNIT APART!!!! Cant through Chrysler without getting a automated message saying Get Lost! THIS IS MY LAST CHRYSLER EVER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

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  So Far So Good - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By JON - January 8 - 12:00 am

  Went to the dealer for a hole in one sponsorship for a golf tourney, parts guy remembered that we had been there a year ago looking for a crossover, and asked if we had seen the journey. long story short, I saw it, loved it, called my wife to come down. She test drove it and told me that it was what she wanted. We had looked and driven many in the $26,000 and under range, and she only liked the Mazda Tribute, until the Journey that is. The journey drives great, and is comfortable. It is perfect for us. Controls are good, sound system is good, plenty of room and storage. After 1000 miles we average about 20.5 mi per gal. It is no speed demon, but as a family vehicle it is perfect for us.