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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09 Journey probs - 2009 Dodge Journey
By jhernandez5 - June 13 - 2:09 pmHas anyone found a solution to why the Journey doesnt restart after its been parked? All I hear is maybe the Shifer, IOD fuse, some thing electrical. I recently purchased a used Journey 09, in Chicago, one week later it didnt want to start. Same thing like others, key in, lights, radio good, but no turnover. Not even a choke. Wait about 20 min then it starts. Put in Nuetral, then back to park then turn key and it starts up, sometimes. What is the SOLUTION?
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MOTOR MOUNT - 2009 Dodge Journey
By allan3590 - June 11 - 8:31 pmWe purchased the 2009 Journey back in June 2008 after 5 or 6 months heard this noise on the right front and told the mechanic about it they checked it and said it is the ware of the vehicle and left it at that when we would travel around on the highway and we would here this noise and after we got the vehicle up to 70 miles an hour the sound would go away and we left it at that well we have had that noise and finally in 2013 still have that noise when we would travel around at 40 to 50 miles an hour. my mechanic looked under the carriage of the car and advised me that the motor mount on the right side was totally collapsed and that is why we had this noise for the last 5 years . Cost $275.
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Dodge Journey Nightmare - 2011 Dodge Journey
By journeyjunker - May 20 - 6:34 pmThree visits to install trailer hitch. Four visits to fiX sound system (replaced) 5/20/12 - 14,500 miles brake rotors warped - replaced at cost to me of $50. after contacting Chrysler to complain. July 2012 - Slow leak in sidewall of cheap tires after rotation at dealer. Cannot be repaired. Front tires scalloped. 4 new tires = $800. January 2013 - Check engine light on - Cylinder head replaced. February 2013 - Check engine light on - Re-program powertrain control module. May 2013 - Check engine light on - Oil pump on back order. Brake rotors warping again.
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Pick a different SUV - 2009 Dodge Journey
By rogalski - May 19 - 6:14 pmLook at any other model, this one has been nothing but headaches. The windshield has been replaced 3 times probably due to the angle of the windshield not deflecting debris. The gas mileage is terrible and the "worst" issue is the faulty ignition system, it has an intermittent starting issue that the dealer cannot seem to repair. I have had the fuse box software updated and replaced the starter. Dodge is aware there are issues but either cannot or will not fix it. Pick a different make or model you wont regret it.
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2 Many problems Disappointed - 2009 Dodge Journey
By renesmi - May 12 - 8:19 pmI really wanted this vehicle for starting my new family but all that started happening was problem after problem,I hate it now wish it didnt have so many problems.Have only 80,000 miles on my vehicle to have so many problems.
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AVOID! - 2013 Dodge Journey
By biowrap - April 16 - 11:54 amNot impressed at all. We got this vehicle for my wife to tote the children around based on the safety rating. What we did not know was that Dodge makes a crap product.
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Wasted our money on this car - 2012 Dodge Journey
By tparktrash - March 25 - 12:16 pmJourney with 5900 miles has been in the Dodge shop four times this month due to oil seapage from the transaxle output seal and differential cover. Back in the shop this morning due to likely leakage from the output seal on the passenger side. Last month it was the BCM that needed replacement. Dealership has been accomodating but this issue needs to be corrected.
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Great car for a GREAT price - 2013 Dodge Journey
By joe19462 - March 21 - 8:41 amThis American Value Package is a deal. You get options included that cost additional from other manufactures. The car is great in the City and handles the Interstates well. I cant think of a better car with options for this price. We did not take the third row seating as it eliminates all the storage in the vehicle except for a space about the width of 1 suitcase standing on end. We are only two people and use the car to transport ourselves primarily. However, we take 2 grandchildren on occasion and need the storage behind the seating. I am not sure haw this effects the acceleration but mine get up and goes pretty good!
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I love my Journey!!! - 2009 Dodge Journey
By schaff - March 19 - 1:03 amWe have had our 09 Journey since its had 500 miles on it. It had a major think happen to it under warranty, I cant even think of what its called. It was 1500.00 dollars though to fix it thank The Lord under our coverage. Other than that one time thing we have put brakes on it at 40,000 miles and new tires at 42,000 miles the one tire was breaking down inside but they didnt have to many more thousand miles to go anyway that was last Friday at 900.00 dollars. We put a black wind deflector, and a bra on it too. I love the dependability the car has, and Id trust it to drive anywhere, and not be worried. I feel bad that so many on here have had nothing, but trouble with their Journey.
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It gets the job done - 2010 Dodge Journey
By augrpeters - March 6 - 7:45 pmComing from a Dodge Grand Caravan, I wish I would have bought another van. The Journey is a great car (79000 trouble free miles,) I just miss the space of a van. Ive had no trouble as described by other owners. I do get a very respectable 24 mpg mixed driving everyday. My Journey is AWD, which shows itself in PA winters. The only gripe I have about the Journey is the 3.5 seems a bit underpowered on the highway.
