Dodge Journey

By Kelly Foss, www.car-data.com

Notwithstanding all the market analysis and long term engineering plans that the auto companiesemploy, sometimes dumb luck is their best ally. The fact that Dodge really did a fine job on theirnew Journey midsize CUV is only magnified by the fact that it’s a very good vehicle to have in thelineup at this particular time. With high gas prices, the Journey is a modestly priced vehiclewith good looks, lots of room and good fuel economy for its size.

For perspective, the Journey is larger than the Dodge Caliber yet smaller than the Dodge Caravanminivan. This 5 or 7 passenger crossover vehicle is large enough to handle almost any size offamily yet small enough to be offered with a 4 cylinder engine for descent fuel economy.

The Journey is a handsome looking vehicle which is a compliment considering the packagingrequirements of this model. By design it needs to be boxy just to have the space to handle thestuff it is designed to do. Vehicles occupying this space in the automotive pallet are sometimesdifficult to categorize and describe. The Journey is derived from a front wheel drive unibody carplatform. It is larger and somewhat more rugged yet maintains its carlike comfort and handling.

The Journey comes with a 2.4 liter 4 cylinder engine and a 4 speed automatic transmission or anoptional 3.5 liter V6 with a 6 speed automatic. Front wheel drive is standard and all wheel driveis optional for those who live in the mountains and have real winters. The 4 cylinder engine isadequate but the V6 is more enjoyable. You’ll have to decide if the cost of the V6 option plus theadditional fuel will work for you. The Journey drives very nicely offering up great handling and asafe, controlled ride. A solid body structure and well sorted out chassis make the Journey drivesmaller than it really is. This solid structure along with lots of airbags and 4 wheel anti-locbrakes, stability and traction control provide above average passenger safety.

The interior of the Journey is a land of discovery. There are all kinds of surprises in store.The Cool Zone glove box will chill 2 – 12 oz. cans while you’re driving. Under the front passengerseat is a hidden storage area. The voluminous center console also houses a 115 volt plug. Thereare 2 storage bins under the floor by the second row of seats each capable of 12 cans of soda. Thelast 2 rows of seats fold flat providing a very large cargo area.

The Journey will appeal to a very broad band of customers with its modest price and efficientpackaging.