Review: 2009 Dodge Journey

By Russ Heaps – MyCarData

With the shorter length Caravan missing from Dodge’s lineup, it needed an appropriately sized vehicle to assume those duties; enter Journey. Built on the Avenger platform, Journey features a wheelbase longer by about five inches than the sedan. Its styling is more minivan-like than aggressive as reflected by other recent additions to the Dodge lineup such as the chiseled Caliber. It carries Dodge’s distinctive crosshair grille, but otherwise its lines are softer and friendlier.

Blurring the lines between sedan, minivan and SUV, Journey’s available all-wheel drive qualifies it as a crossover. It may not be the best or roomiest in its class, but solid value and a few nifty options open some sunlight between it and its competitors.

If you think you can be satisfied with a 173-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, you can get into a Journey for as little as the $20,750 needed to buy the base SE. It has 16-inch steel wheels, air conditioning, full power accessories, tilt/telescoping steering wheel and a six-speaker audio system with CD player. Offering a bit more grunt, the $23,750 SXT and $27,410 R/T trim levels use a 235-horsepower 3.5-liter V6 with a six-speed driver-shiftable automatic to turn the front wheels. A $2,545 option in the SXT and a $1,750 option in the R/T, AWD provides additional mobility and stability in foul weather.

Dodge provided a FWD R/T for this evaluation. It builds on the standard equipment list of the SE, as well as including SXT features such as a trip computer, automatic headlights, six-way power driver’s seat, heated outboard mirrors and keyless entry. Also standard in the R/T are 19-inch alloy wheels, dual-zone automatic climate control, heated front seats, leather seating, leather-wrapped steering wheel with redundant audio controls and remote engine start.

As should be expected, fuel economy with the four is better than the V6 – particularly for city driving where the Environmental Protection Agency rating is 19 mpg and 16 mpg respectively. On the highway the four delivers 25 mpg and the V6 23 mpg. When AWD is added, the fuel numbers drop to 15 mpg in the city and 22 mpg on the highway.

Primarily a tool for moving people, Journey won’t provoke grins or wild whoops from its pilot. Even with the V6, the experience is low key. It is a competent performer that is satisfied with transporting its cargo from point A to point B safely, quietly and efficiently. Its four-wheel independent suspension consists of MacPherson struts up front and a multi-link setup in the rear. The emphasis is on ride quality rather than crisp handling; although, the steering is light and responsive. It probably wouldn’t be the last one picked when choosing sides in a gym class basketball game of crossovers, but neither would it be team captain.

When equipped with AWD, Journey is still better suited for paved surfaces. Its transparent AWD system doesn’t include a four-wheel low setting for attacking rugged terrain, but it improves stability and control in rain, slush and snow.

Dodge has given more than a quick nod to Journey’s passenger safety. Four-wheel disc brakes with antilock provide the basis for stability control, traction control and electronic brakeforce distribution. A tire pressure monitor is also standard. Inside, front seat-mounted side-impact airbags, as well as full-length side-curtain airbags help cushion passengers if things should go wrong.

A bit smaller inside than some competitors such as the Toyota Highlander, Journey can still seat up to seven. When equipped with the third-row split bench seat, the second-row seat slides fore and aft. Both the second- and third-row seats recline and fold flat, as does the front passenger seat. Journey’s cabin is brimming with cupholders, bins, cubbies and storage compartments. It is certainly a segment leader in this regard. Two of the storage bins are located in the floor in front of the second-row seat and can be used to ice down beverages. These are in addition to the “chill zone” glovebox that cools beverages. Another hidden bin is located in the rear cargo floor. A rechargeable flashlight is also built into the rear cargo area.

The seats are comfortable enough and the third-row seat easily accessed. Taller passengers may feel a little cramped in the third seat, but it is roomier than expected. Large gauges and simple-to-use controls help keep the driver’s attention on the road. There is no shortage of high-tech add-ons available. Pony up the money and you can wow passengers with a DVD-based navigation system, dedicated iPod hookup, MyGIG music hard drive to store music, rear-seat DVD entertainment system and Sirius satellite radio.

Versatile, value-priced and easy on the eyes, Journey is a suitable replacement for the departed Caravan. Although playing in an ever-growing and highly competitive segment, it holds its own. A more-than-capable people hauler, it provides minivan utility without that minivan stigma.

Dodge Journey R/T – A Diva’s “Crossover” Vehicle

By Sandi Pedersen – www.car-data.com

Dodge’s new Sport Utility Vehicle is just that…fit for any Diva. This “crossover” is built on the Dodge Avenger platform with almost five inches added to its overall length. The package starts with the basics; Midsize, five-door, five or seven-passenger, front or all-wheel drive and either a four-cylinder or V-6 power. Add three trim levels; base SE, midlevel SXT, top of the line “sporty” R/T models and you end up with lots of options.

Government Safety Ratings speak for themselves. Frontal and side crash rating for both driver and passengers are 5 stars. Rollover get 4 stars, which is based on the risk of rollover in a single vehicle crash. Standard are 4 wheel antilock disc brakes, side-impact airbags for the front, three row side curtain airbags, a tire pressure monitoring system and an electronic stability system all of which give you peace of mind when driving the Dodge Journey.

But let’s get down to the nitty-gritty. All women, or should I say all Diva’s, love accessories and the Journey is like being in a huge shoe store. Lot’s and lots of variety. Let’s start with my favorite, an optional “Flip n’ Stow” compartment underneath the front passenger seat bottom which easily hides a purse or briefcase from plain sight. Next, the Chill Zone. This is a cooler with a waterproof bin insert, right above the glove compartment, and can hold 12 beverages and ice or juice boxes and chocolate treats without melting in the heat. This and the in-floor second row storage bins which can be used to hold muddy shoes can easily be removed and washed in the dishwasher.

The optional integrated child booster seats are also a favorite of mine. They raise up a child seated in the second row by 4 inches and are designed for children up to 4 feet 9 inches and from 48 to 85 pounds. When you combine the size of this vehicle and the Journey’s theatre seating, visibility cannot help but be compromised. The Park View rear backup camera, which is available in the optional Safe & Sound package, is in my opinion totally worth it and a must-have.

Cargo storage is not a problem because the third row of seats fold flat. The ninety-degree-opening rear door is so wide you can easily stow over-sized luggage, big boxes or the ever growing child strollers that get bigger every year. The second row of seats also easily folds flat, which comes in extremely handy for passengers getting in and out of the third row. All this, along with a removable rechargeable flashlight plus an observation mirror, to keep your eyes on the kiddies in the back, make this diva give the Dodge Journey two thumbs up.

I have come to the realization that when I get into a vehicle for the first time, I immediately look at the cup holder options. Call me shallow or just an avid coffee drinker, who is seldom without a cup, but I found in talking to other people, women in particular, that this is a very important aspect of how we feel about the vehicle.

On a scale of 1-10
Cup holders – 8

Just like the variety it has lot’s and lot’s of cup holders.