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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sxt fwd 3.6 6 speed auto - 2012 Dodge Journey
By dipstick5 - December 16 - 6:20 ambought car last month and love it! quiet smooth ride with plenty of power when needed. not a grocery getter but a highway cruiser capable of towing 2500 lbs. great features inside especially the 8" screen for sat radio / climate control, LED interior lighting. went 100 miles in the rain yesterday and was really impressed with the handling and control of the road conditions while getting almost 30 MPG on the highway. after driving this car i would never consider honda or toyota again dodge did a great job building this car!
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worst car ever owned - 2011 Dodge Journey
By moose5506 - November 7 - 7:46 pmThis has been the worst 18 months of my driving life! I have had my third set of brakes just put on my car...I have 21,000 miles! I have had my radio replaced, I have random transmission shifts, no acceleration, and crappy tires! I have had my car into the shop NINE times in 18 months! I am always on the phone with the complaint line, and no one gives a crap about me or the crappy car! When my brakes fail, and I kill someone, I hope the people at Dodge are happy! I was told to talk to the owner of the dealer where I bought it....like that will do any good! ITs just horrible!
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Best Blend of Performance and Size - 2012 Dodge Journey
By lightaddict08 - November 7 - 3:01 pm2012 3.6L Crew AWD w/Heated Seats. Although I do work for Chrysler I found the Journey to be the best choice for my lifestyle. As a young adult I was looking for something sporty, but cargo space was a must after my previous coupe. Looking for a blend of fuel economy, performance, and interior space the 3.6L AWD Journey fit the bill perfectly. Coming from a 5.7L F-Body I was very pleased with the acceleration and handling the Journey offered with much better fuel economy. Additionally I am now able to fit a whole bedroom furniture set in the back. The dynamics of the vehicle hold the tires firm to the ground even in the tightest turns. Overall I am very pleased with the vehicle.
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GREAT SUV. - 2013 Dodge Journey
By jbl0114 - November 1 - 9:47 pmI love my Journey kids love it and they have plenty of room.I have the crew and the ride and the feel is just awesome.I traded my terrrain for this suv and I dont regret it at all.That little 4cyl on it was already starting to scream and sound like crap.Just not enough power for the trk and I got it now.
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Lemon - 2010 Dodge Journey
By xhelbi - October 2 - 9:21 pmI have spent more time at the dealership than I have at home. I think I bought a lemon. I have had so many problems with this car, I have had more Dodges in the past but this will be the last. I think if enough people fill a class action about the vehicle they will have to do something. I am going to see what I can do. I am paying for a electrical piece of crap. Dont know from day to day what is going to be wrong.
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Dodge journey is a Lemon - 2011 Dodge Journey
By molly32 - September 17 - 9:58 amThe worst car ever! I have had three sets of brakes and rotor under 25k I have had squeacky windows repaired several times radio has a mind of its own. I am at 27k now and brakes are bad again! now when I start it it makes a clicking noise and I have no idea what that is. the tires are bald and they some wierd brand of tire that costs $250 per tire plus installation and they are on backorder everywhere! I tried to get them take it back and they wont and not to mention that the car is work a fraction of what I paid I have the crew and it is now valued at 14,000 dollars so I cant even get rid of it. I called an attorney who said I have a good case but turns out I dont Chrysler only offered 25k
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RUN FROM 2010 DODGE JOURNEY - 2010 Dodge Journey
By nojourney - September 4 - 4:43 pmI have owned many dodge vehicles over the years, about 20, and I have never had so many problems with any vehicle like I have had with this one. Brake system is terrible. Replaced pads and rotars twice in 10 months. Chrysler aware of brake system problem, unwilling to take responsibility. They made car model knowing it could only take 1 type of tire, no snow tire. Tires run over $220 per tire. There are many recalls. Car can cut off because of the the key fob system can easily slip from on to acc, this is very dangerous, loss of power steering and brakes, and other recalls. Spoke with Chrysler about issues, denial is their best defense. Needless to say, I will not be revisiting dodge.
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A different perspective - 2012 Dodge Journey
By mitomom - August 19 - 6:44 pmI am a mother with a child with a life threatening disease. I traded in my Grand Caravan for a 2012 Journey and love it. I honestly hated the owning a minivan (even with ALL the options we had). The only downside to the Journey is lack of TVs, which is easily fixed with her Ipad and her portable DVD player. The wheelchair fits wonderfully in the back with the 3rd row folded down. The emegency medical supplies fit perfectly in the storage area in the back. I drive to our local childrens hospital 2-3 times a week (40 miles one way) and our mpg is averaging 21.5. The interior is beautiful. The details are great!
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Best value in America - 2012 Dodge Journey
By mikeyinthed - August 14 - 6:26 pmI got a great deal on my 2012 Dodge Journey after the $4,500 in rebates currently offered. This is the best value in America. Great gas mileage for the size of the vehicle, good performace from the 3.6L engine, quiet, smooth, refined interior compared to Chrysler products from the past, exterior styling offers some spice to a bland category. There is nothing I would change about my Journey. The Safe & Sound package is a must on the SXT models. It adds the rear parking sensors, rear camera, and the 8.4" screen. The screen is amazing and the interface with Apple products is my favorite feature. The other options I added was the 19" wheels and the perferred package.
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Have a Journey Problem? - 2009 Dodge Journey
By mpnight93 - August 12 - 7:45 pmLike many of you I have had problems with my Dodge Journey also....... Take a look at http://www.change.org/petitions/dodge-journey-s-defects because we all know Dodge will NOT fix them. Brakes, win module and more cost you and me $300 to $600 each time due to their defects! Please take a minute to sign and pass along the link above thanks, Mike
