Dodge was first with a modern minivan, and the new Dodge Journey crossover vehicle combines minivan attributes with the more aggressive styling of an SUV and carlike ride and handling.
The sporty looking 2009 Journey from Chrysler is based on the Dodge Avenger/Chrysler Sebring sedan front-wheel-drive platform and is available with all-wheel drive (AWD). It seats five, but there's room for seven in an optional third-row seat offered for the two higher-line models.
The new Dodge is a "global" vehicle, suitable for sale in foreign countries with less road and parking space than in America. That's one reason it debuted at the 2007 Frankfurt auto show in Germany. It's smaller than it looks -- only 1.9 inches longer than the mid-size Avenger sedan for easier maneuvering and parking, although it has a longer wheelbase (distance between axles) and is 7.7 inches higher than the Avenger at 66.6 inches.
The Journey is aimed at young singles, couples and families with small children, besides "mature" families who need room to haul a variety of people and cargo, said Chrysler spokesperson Wendy Orthman. It's easy to slide in and out -- and to reach the third-row seat -- partly because rear doors open fully 90 degrees.
This crossover is especially user-friendly for those with kids, offering a pair of built-in second-row booster seats that cost $295 for both and eliminate the need to install portable child seats. Also, the Journey has a thoughtful "child-presenter" seat that works by letting the 60/40 split fold-flat second-row seat slide forward about 5 inches to bring children closer to the front seats so front occupants -- especially a driver -- can reach them without lots of straining.
In fact, Dodge concentrated a lot on user-friendly comfort and convenience features for the Journey. Practical touches, not glitz, dominate. For instance, there is a dual-level glove box containing a "chill zone" to keep beverages cool, available fold-flat front-passenger seat with a hidden storage area under it, in-floor storage bins behind the front-row seats and rear in-floor storage bins for seven-passenger Journeys. There seems to be no end to such features, which include an interior observation mirror to keep tabs on booster seat occupants, grocery bag holders and front seat storage areas for various items. All doors have decent-sized storage pockets and bottle holders.
There are the usual power accessories (windows, mirrors, locks), various sound systems and a rear DVD entertainment system.
Safety features include front-side air bags with a driver-inflatable knee blocker, three-row side-curtain air bags, electronic stability control, traction control, roll mitigation system, anti-lock brakes with a panic brake assist feature and trailer-sway control. There's also a remote-start feature and optional back camera.
The Journey comes as the entry $19,360 SE front-drive four-cylinder model. The top-line model is the $27,670 R/T with a V-6, AWD and standard leather upholstery, heated front seats and automatic climate control. In between are the $22,360 front-drive SXT, $24,905 SXT with AWD, 19-inch wheels and performance suspension and $25,920 front-drive R/T.
Five-passenger seating is standard, while a $1,220 option package with a 50/50 split-reclining third seat, accompanied by air conditioning, turns the Journey into a seven-passenger vehicle. It's fairly easy to reach the third seat, which is comfortable enough for two adults if the standard sliding second row seats are moved forward a bit. "Stadium" seating gives second- and third-row occupants more ability to see outside the Journey. However, front seats could use more side support.
The Journey SE has a sophisticated 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 173 horsepower and four-speed automatic transmission. It provides acceptable performance for the 3,801-pound SE but is just average when passing on highways, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.6 seconds. A 235-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6 in the 4,001-4,233-pound SXT and R/T provides much stronger acceleration (0-60 mph in 8 seconds) and works with a more modern six-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift feature. (A fuel-stingy diesel engine powers the Journey in Europe. So far, there's no talk of a hybrid version for America.)
Estimated fuel economy of the 2.4 engine with front-drive is 19 mpg in the city and 25 on the highway. Figures for the front-drive 3.5 Journey are 16 city, 23 highway -- or 15 and 22 with AWD. Only regular-grade 87-octane fuel can be used in either engine, although Dodge says 89-octane is preferred for the V-6, which comes with prominent dual exhaust outlets.
The Journey is pleasant to drive, and V-6 models have a sportier feel than one might suspect. There is quick, rather firm steering with decent road feel. The rather soft ride is carlike. Handling is good, as is braking -- although the pedal occasionally felt as if it needed a more linear action.
Interiors haven't been a Dodge strong point, but the Journey's quiet cockpit is fairly upscale, with tight panel fits and soft-touch plastics. However, while outside door handles are large, interior door handles are small. There's a deep, covered console bin, but front cupholders are a stretch because they're put low at the front of the console. Rear cupholders are easily reached in a big fold-down center armrest. The nonstop fasten-seatbelt warning bell will drive you crazy if you don't fasten belts.
Gauges can be read at a glance, and sound system and climate controls are easy to use. Occupants sit high, with raised theater seating for the second row. The driver faces a large windshield, but thick windshield posts partly obstruct vision. So do rear roof pillars, although rear glass on the hatch's lower edge follows the curvature of the taillights to improve visibility through the back window.
Cargo room is spacious without the third-row seat, but there isn't much cargo room with third-row seatbacks in their normal position. However, second- and third-row seatbacks easily flip forward to create a large cargo area, and straps help you pull them back to an upright position without straining.
The Journey is generally impressive, with its user friendliness and myriad features.
2009 Dodge Journey Prices: $19,360-$27,670
Likes: Strong V-6. Carlike ride and handling. Roomy. Child-friendly. Available third seat. Many safety features.
Dislikes: Just adequate four-cylinder engine. Low front cupholders. Rather small inside door handles.