2009 Dodge Journey Review

The new Dodge Journey promises to move seven passengers wherever you choose to go. While that choice should refrain from heavy travel on off-road passages, the Journey will handle whatever most families are able to dish out. What makes the Journey especially appealing is the Dodge performance attitude that is rooted in athletic looks and a powerful engine that will move your body as much as your spirit.

It's been said that a journey of a thousand miles must begin with a single step. Lofty words that make sense, but a journey that extensive would be a much better experience if one were tackling it in the new Dodge Journey crossover.

Journey strategically fits in with the midsize class of crossovers that are emerging to deliver the room of a sport-utility vehicle with the ride characteristics of a sedan. I really like the balance that Journey has in its design. Dodge's model here is running with the biggest in the segment by offering seven-passenger seating, but it is not too big to be clumsy nor is it too overtly pedestrian to come off boring.

I tested the R/T AWD model and boring is perhaps the very last thought that comes to my mind with regard to the Journey. Exterior styling is established by an athletic stance and Dodge's signature Ram cues. Upfront you have the chrome crosshair grille moving into bold lines that run from the headlamp assembly all the way to the rear tailamp wrap. There is just enough "Ram Tough" here to be believable, and when you add on the outstanding 19-inch chrome rims ($625) you have one 'bad' crossover.

Driving the high-performing R/T model you really get what you pay for: good acceleration on demand and impressive creature comforts on the inside. Unfortunately, you also get EPA mileage on the all-wheel-drive R/T at 15 miles per gallon city and 22 mpg highway. That 1,000-mile trip could be expensive.

The base price on the R/T is $27,670, though my tester had options that saddled the model with a final price of $32,510. My tester's upgrades were the kind most families really want like a rear entertainment system, upgraded audio system and power sunroof. The 5+2 Flexible Seating group ($1,220) option was one of the better thought out ways to get folks into the third-row seats and the Family Value group ($295) option will make many parents hauling car seats around between cars smile with reckless abandon. The 5+2 seating, while it will have to remain in a flat position most of the time due to a lack of utility space when they are up, offers easy access with Tilt 'n Slide second-row seats. The Family value package has two integrated booster seats for children older than infants.

Two powerplants are available on the Journey, but the SXT and R/T models come standard with the 24-valve, 3.5-liter V-6 mated to a 6-speed automatic transmission. You can opt for front- and all-wheel drive configurations. Like most crossovers on car platforms, the tow capacity is low at 3,500 lbs.

My tester had the all-wheel-drive package and it performed well in heavy snow conditions. Maneuverability is good on the Journey and much of that can be attributed to the stout 114-inch wheelbase, a curb weight of 4,233 lbs and a length of 192 inches.

Inside the cabin you don't have to deal with much exterior noise. Highway groan at high speeds was prevalent at times and minimal wind noise seeps into the comfy quarters of the Journey. Stadium style seating gives everyone in the Journey a great seat. It also helps enjoy the ride when you have leather-appointed, highly supportive seats. I had several long trips in the Journey that were more than three hours (only one was because of distance, the other a rush hour snow storm) and I never was uncomfortable.

Dash gauges are well placed and large enough to accommodate only glancing shifts off the road to take a peek. Sightlines for the driver are outstanding and 6-way power adjustments made it easy to find a perfect position.

The center console had some issues that revolved around convenience getting to my 20-ounce drinks. The space between the shifter is too tight and awkward getting to the cup holders on the lower level. Indeed, the position of the cup holders is lower, so much so that it was not ideal if the vehicle was moving. A 368-watt amplifier mated up to the Infinity audio system with 6-speaker layout served the music as well as the entertainment needs for the rear passengers. This option is $495, but I think it is a must for anybody who considers music even remotely important to his driving experience.

The Journey has standard three-row side-curtain airbags, front-row side-impact airbags and dual-front airbags with standard electronic stability control.

The success of the Journey will be decided by families who prefer the convenience of a 7-passenger vehicle with an extra spice of performance and sporty attitude. I love this combo in the Journey R/T and it should fare well in a really competitive market.