- 2013
2009 Dodge Journey
- For SaleDodge Journey
- RepairsDodge Journey
Used Car: 2009 Dodge Journey Review
Used Car Scores
| Overall: | 7.2 |
| Critics' Rating: | 8.0 |
| Performance: | 7.0 |
| Interior: | 7.4 |
| Operating Cost: | 7.4 |
| Safety: | 9.5 |
| Reliability: |
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The first model year for the Dodge Journey was 2009, but reviewers thought its debut was lackluster. They complained about the base engine’s performance and the crossover’s cheap-feeling interior. Though the Journey gets great safety scores, its poor reliability rating is among the worst in the class.
The 2009 Dodge Journey is ranked:
- #39 in Used Compact SUVs under $18K
- #21 in 2009 Affordable Compact SUVs
The 2009 Journey was Dodge’s first attempt at a crossover, and when it was new, test drivers said Dodge got a few things right. They thought the SUV’s interior was roomy and pleasant, with lots of family-friendly features. They also praised the base four-cylinder engine for getting good gas mileage. However, the available V6 engine has a big appetite at the pump, and all-wheel drive isn’t available with the base engine. Additionally, the available third-row seats aren’t very comfortable. Reviewers also wrote that the Journey’s interior felt cheap and low-quality when compared with most other 2009 compact SUVs. Overall, the Journey isn’t a bad crossover for families, but rivals offer higher reliability scores and better performance, along with better fuel economy.
The base Dodge Journey comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and front-wheel drive, but was available with a more-powerful 3.5-liter V6 paired with either front- or all-wheel drive. The base Journey SE is fairly well-equipped, with seating for five, a tilt and telescoping steering wheel and a six-speaker, six-disc CD audio system with an auxiliary input jack. Higher SXT and R/T trims offer an available third row, and can come with more upscale features like a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather-trimmed seats and a universal garage door opener.
See the full 2009 Dodge Journey specs »
Other Cars to Consider
If you’re let down by the Journey’s performance and can make do without a third-row seat, consider the 2009 Mazda CX-7. Reviewers agreed that the CX-7 is one of the best-handling SUVs in its class, noting that the available turbocharged four-cylinder engine makes the CX-7 particularly fun to drive. The CX-7’s safety scores aren’t as impressive as the Journey’s. However, the CX-7 has a much better reliability score.
The 2009 Ford Escape outshines the Journey with better performance and good fuel economy. Like the CX-7, the Escape won’t meet your needs if you’re considering the Journey for its available third row. However, the Escape has a better reliability rating than the Journey, and it comes close to matching the Journey’s safety score.
Compare the Journey to the CX-7 and Escape »
