2009 Dodge Journey Review | Buyer Guide
A Journey For the family
If you are looking for a comfortable family hauler that’s not a minivan or a traditional SUV, then this new Dodge just might be the vehicle for you. However, if your priorities are geared more toward driving pleasure, then the Dodge Journey probably won’t fill the bill.
Since many people have become disenchanted with minivans—wrong image— and truck-based SUVs—harsh ride—a new type of vehicle had to be created to fill the void. Enter the “Crossovers.” These vehicles look like SUVs, but are built on car platforms. Many midsize models, like the Dodge Journey, offer three rows of seats like a minivan, a sedan-like ride and no sliding doors.
Dodge built the Journey on a stretched version of its midsize Avenger sedan platform. In overall length, the Journey is only a couple inches longer than its corporate sibling. Yet, it offers 125 cubic-feet of space in the cabin. The Journey is a model of good packaging. The optional third seat in the Journey will actually accommodate two adults, and access to the way-back is easy, thanks to second-row seats that fold up and slide forward in one motion.
With the second row seatbacks down, you can carry 67 cu.-ft. of vacation gear, and with the fold-down front seat, there’s room for a nine-foot surfboard. In addition to that, there are bins galore. A tray under the cargo floor will hold flares and emergency equipment. Two receptacles in the floor in the second row will hold a dozen cans of soda each, and a bin above the glove box will chill two cans of drink via the AC. Finally, there’s even a compartment under the front passenger’s seat cushion that will hold a woman’s purse.
Beyond the storage facilities, the Journey offers a number of features designed to appeal to families. Buyers can order second-row seats that have child boosters integrated into them. They can also select the MyGIG system, which works with the navigation unit, and enables them to download music and photos. Furthermore there is also Ipod connectivity, satellite radio and an excellent DVD system available.
In the area of safety, the Journey comes equipped with a full compliment of airbags, as well as electronic stability control, anti-roll technology and an available backup camera that shows what’s behind you every time you engage reverse.
Dodge powers the Journey with a 2.4-liter, 173-hp, four-cylinder engine in the base SE model. It’s mated to a four-speed automatic. The SE comes with front-wheel drive only. The mid-range SXT and the top-of-the-line R/T get a 235-hp, 3.5-liter, V-6 attached to a six-speed automatic. They are available with FWD and AWD. My test car was an R/T with AWD. The performance, while not scintillating, was adequate. It seemed to have just enough power to cope with the vehicle weight of 4233 lbs.
But what I really found disappointing about the Journey was its driving dynamics. Although the Journey is smaller than most minvans, my test vehicle felt clumsy. The steering was heavy, especially in parking situations. The handling was sluggish. The Journey did not respond quickly to driver inputs. On the plus side, the ride was reasonably comfortable, except on really poor pavement.
Although the Journey has its plusses and minuses, it is priced reasonably. The entry-level SE starts at $19,995. The mid-range SXT can be had for $22,985, and the R/T begins at $26,545.
Snapshot Review
Excellent Use of Space
Plenty of Amenities
Sluggish Handling
