2009 Dodge Journey
Based on analysis of 29 Journey reviews and test drives.
Dodge Journey - What the Auto Press Says
The 2009 Dodge Journey ranks 18 out of 26 Affordable Midsize SUVs. This ranking is based on our analysis of 29 published reviews and test drives of the Dodge Journey, and our analysis of reliability and safety data.
The Journey is an all-new model that comes packed with family-friendly features for a very affordable price. However, reviewers complain about the base engine's poor performance and cheap-feeling interior. Overall, it ranks in the bottom half of its class and the crossover SUV class.
As Dodge's first attempt at a crossover, the Journey seeks to incorporate the practicality of an SUV with the comfort and driving experience of a car, all while avoiding the styling of a minivan. "Though it's up against some formidable opponents, the Journey's strengths lie in its optional creature comforts and copious storage," says Popular Mechanics. "Its starting price of $19,985 undercuts the competition, but be prepared to shell out quite a few more bucks for all the bells and whistles that will make the Journey a trip you'd want to take."
Reviewers generally agree that the Journey has accomplished its mission and call it pleasant, roomy, and family-friendly (it features a whopping 15 storage compartments). Reviewers don't stop there, however. Many note that the Journey has a cheap-feeling interior, dated-looking controls, and an anemic base engine. Still, they conclude that the Journey is a decent choice, if only for its very affordable price.
The Journey comes standard with front-wheel drive, though all-wheel drive is an option. Trims include the base, SXT, and R/T. An optional third-row seat is available on the SXT and R/T.
- "The Journey's pricing -- $19,985 base, $22,985 SXT, $26,545 R/T (AWD adds $2545 to the SXT and $1750 to the R/T) -- is pegged to undercut the competition's. That formula, plus general competence and plenty of features, works just about every time." -- Car and Driver
- "The Journey is the perfect example of a thoroughly modern vehicle: designed to have the ride and handling of a car, the looks and ride height of a truck/SUV, and the passenger capacity and handy storage of a minivan while offending no one who holds anti-minivan prejudices." -- Motor Trend
- "The 2009 Dodge Journey is a well-sized seven-passenger crossover with a full collection of cabin tech options to keep occupants entertained, but its thirsty V-6 spells trouble at the pump." -- CNET
- "There's very little 'look at me' in the Journey, which suits it well. Getting noticed is not the most important thing for a family hauler. Instead, with this Journey, the trip can be as enjoyable as the destination. And the best part is: It's still not a minivan." -- Detroit News
Journey Performance - 6.6 (Mediocre)
The 2009 Dodge Journey comes standard with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine. The Detroit News says that the base engine "underperformed, becoming the Little Journey that Could: 'I think I can, I think I can make it up this hill.'" Most reviewers recommend upgrading to the optional V6. Still, the Journey's lackluster driving experience ranks near the bottom of its class. Continue with our full Journey Performance Review to learn why several reviewers find the SUV competent but unremarkable. continue
Journey Exterior - 7.4 (Good)
Most reviewers say that the 2009 Dodge Journey looks so inoffensive that it's almost forgettable. Consequently, its exterior ranks in the bottom half of its class. "I'd love to report that Dodge had broken the mold with Journey, and that the exterior design was a ground-breaking, eye-popping new look at the crossover equation," says About.com. "It's not. Journey will blend in with the crowd." Continue with our full Journey Exterior Review to learn why some reviewers appreciate its non-minivan-like styling, or check out our Dodge Journey Photo Gallery to see it for yourself. continue
Journey Interior - 7.2 (Good)
The 2009 Dodge Journey's interior shines for its standout features, including integrated booster seats, 15 storage bins, and seating for up to seven. Despite these family-friendly innovations, reviewers are disappointed with its quality of materials and dashboard styling. "Build quality, refinement, and interior materials don't convincingly match a fully loaded Journey's sticker price," says CNET. These criticisms puts the Journey's interior score in the bottom half of its competitive class. Continue with our full Journey Interior Review to learn about the SUV's unique underfloor cooling bins or see our Dodge Journey interior photos. continue
Journey Safety - 9.8 (Excellent)
Reviewers note that the 2009 Dodge Journey comes with safety features that are on par with the rest of its class. "Safety-wise, Journey has you covered," says About.com. In government crash tests, the Journey earns five out of five stars for front and side impact crash protection. It also earns a four-star rollover rating. Continue with our full Journey Safety Review to learn about the Journey's optional safety equipment. continue
Journey Reliability - 6.0 (Mediocre)
The 2009 Dodge Journey reliability score shown
is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates.
This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial
quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically
the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS).
Like all Dodge vehicles, the Journey comes with a lifetime powertrain warranty. Continue with our full Journey Reliability Review to learn about a safety recall on the young Journey's engine wire harness.
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