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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  Vibration in the rear end - 2012 Dodge Journey
  By dodgejourney - March 5 - 7:57 pm

  We have a 2012 dodge journey bought it December 2012 we have at it at the shop 7+ times with a vibration in the rear end. If anyone can have someone drive them ride in the back and you will feel it. Starts around 40 and gets worse around 46. They dont want to fix it. So please if you have this problem go to dodge and complain. They have gave us the run around. If we can get a case against them then lets do it. We have drove a 2010, 2012, and 2013 they all do it. Time for them to have a recall.

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  nice while it lasted - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By hannahbgreat - February 28 - 8:18 pm

  This was a high school graduation gift in 2009. I was excited to get a brand new car that I could depend on lasting for a long time. Within 2 years, there was a "re-call" on the breaks. This worked out just in time, because I was looking into buying new break pads. My break pads were squeaking so bad, I had to do something about it. I dont think I misuse my breaks. And surprise! One year later, they are squeaking again. The interior parts are falling apart (just getting in and out normally). The tire hubcap/covering paint is chipping off and discoloring. final complaint: there is too many bind spots. I literally have to get out of my seats to see all around me. Very unsafe

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  The best overlooked crossover on the Market... - 2013 Dodge Journey
  By jmacd79 - February 25 - 2:40 pm

  Me and my wife purchased a 2013 Journey 4 cyl. about 3 weeks ago, and absolutely love it! We got it out of neccesity as we took in our 2 nephews and 1 niece, on top of our daughter, so we needed a vehicle with 3rd row seating. We dont want to spend a boat load of money, and we really didnt want to take a risk on something used. So after much research I found the Journey is the most affordable new SUV with 3rd row seating on the market. Dodge is definitely on the way up, and this vehicle doesnt disappoint with features of interior, even in a base model. It has touch screen interface, keyless entry and keyless engine start. Plenty of storage all things considered with the 3rd row.

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  Attitude of its own - 2011 Dodge Journey
  By badcarday1 - February 21 - 1:28 pm

  The car in general is the perfect car for my family. Unfoutunatly the last month, the Front passenger door refuses to close. I believe it is the cold weather causing something to freeze up and cause a died door syndrom. After about 20-30 minutes the door "resets" itself. It has been to the dealer four times now and they dont understand what is wrong. They have contacted a Dodge engineer, they did what he instructed and it agian is acting up. Just about feed up, rather riduculous that I have to have my seven year old hold the door as I hold him to get this thing to the shop 20 miles away, for no one to know what the problem is. I can not be alone on this one, am I?

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  JUNK!!! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By lettau - February 11 - 8:24 pm

  Dont buy this car. check engine light came on three times in one month, wiring harness replaced twice, window components, starter and then 2 weeks later the rack and pinion went. Chrysler wont do a thing about it. dont buy this car. I went back to dealer and they wouldnt help either.

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  2011 Journey AWD - Sixth Chrysler/Dodge Vehicle is a Disaster - 2011 Dodge Journey
  By michiganmom - February 11 - 2:39 pm

  I admit, I made the mistake of trading in an 08 Chrysler Aspen with no problems (60,000 miles) for the 2011 Journey AWD in the hopes of better gas mileage. DUMB!!! Gas Mileage: 12 avg. mpg in the city & 15.8 avg. mpg on the hwy. Sound System: Broken CD player, stations change when traveling over a bump, no sound due to poor wiring located under passenger seat. OE Tires: Worn pre-maturely, Over $1000.00 to replace on a lease, unusual size & hard to find. Remote keys and push button start not communicating - car would not start Constant brake noise and grinding after 100 miles. Accelerator stopped working while driving 70 on a hwy - car died on hwy with kids in the vehicle. Lemon??

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  Dont Buy One - 2011 Dodge Journey
  By arcop223 - January 15 - 10:58 am

  I’ve had this car about two years. The oddball tire size makes tires very expensive (tires are cheaper for my 1 ton 4X4). We are on our third radio system. The amp has been replaced twice, now the backup camera has quiet. Check Engine light keeps coming on with a code for a miss-fire. And as of recent, the front end sounds like something is breaking lose every time you get on the breaks’. This car has 24000 miles on it. The electronic gremlins live in this car. At my job we have a lot of new Dodge cars most of them have the same type of problems.

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  Dont buy this car - 2011 Dodge Journey
  By samaro - January 11 - 3:28 pm

  Since I purchased this vehicle in September of 2011 I’ve had problems from the radio not working, power outlets not working, bad cylinder heads, bad gas tank and fuel pump. According to the technician at the dealer the Journey has a problem with the cylinder going bed within the first year. The fuel pump had to be replaced twice. The first time they replace it I broke down in the middle of the freeway 3 days later with my family in the vehicle. The breaks and steering wheel locked up and the vehicle shutoff. I was a sitting duck waiting to be hit be oncoming vehicle s. I had the vehicle towed back to the dealer and 3 days later I’m told that the vehicle is fixed but I need to replace the b

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  not sure yet. - 2013 Dodge Journey
  By marioa23 - December 30 - 9:29 pm

  I bought the 2013 dodge journey and fell in love with it but after about 300 miles on the odometer the vehicle started pulling to the right . My first thought was that the tire pressure was the cause but tire pressure was ok. Also the vehicle started riding rough and so I took it back to the dealer. 2 days later I picked up the vehicle from the dealer and according to the work order description some adjustment had been made to correct the problem. But as soon as I drove off the dealer I realized that the problem was still there only this time was not as bad as before. I bought a new vehicle to avoid going to the mechanic but ironically Ill be going back a second time already.

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  BIG MISTAKE!!! Done with Dodge!!! - 2009 Dodge Journey
  By bargomommy - December 29 - 3:01 pm

  Check engine light came on within a week of buying this piece of junk! Both O2 sensors needed replaced. Then the alternator to a dump and needed replaced! When you go to accelerate, you dont know whether its going to go or be sluggish and need to push down harder on the gas. N matter how many times I clean it, it is a dust collector. The gas mileage has never been what was stated. Then there are the recalls. We are trading this in as soon as we get our taxes and never looking back!!! I will never buy a Dodge again!!!