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By 
Marty Padgett, Executive Editor
TheCarConnection.com’s editors read all the competitive reviews of this new 2009 Dodge Journey crossover to produce this conclusive review and to steer you through the shopping process. TheCarConnection.com also drove the Journey, and we’ve added our expert opinion on the car where it helps you make a better purchasing decision.
Likes:
- Snappy styling
- Tidy size
- Wide range of features.
Dislikes:
- Interior styling and materials
- Steering feel on all-wheel-drive models
- Pricey if you don't watch it.
The 2009 Dodge Journey is a crossover vehicle, which means it marries a wagon body to available all-wheel drive, and has some sport-utility styling cues, though it’s largely based on car components. It also features gear you’d expect to find in the company’s Dodge Grand Caravan minivans.
The Journey comes in SE, SXT, and R/T trims; offers front- or all-wheel drive; can be ordered with either a 2.4-liter, 173-horsepower four-cylinder (SE versions) or a 3.5-liter, 235-hp V-6 (SXT and R/T models); and has seating for five or seven.
Dodge's first shot at the crossover market competes well with small and mid-size crossovers, from the Saturn Vue and Subaru Forester up to the Chevrolet Equinox, mainly on the strengths of its exterior styling, good ride quality, braking, and excellent blend of features and functionality.
But the Journey’s interior styling is below par, and its handling can be sluggish. And if you're shopping for the next larger class of crossovers--Highlander, Edge, Murano, and Pilot--the Journey will seem tighter and somewhat pricey when equipped with all the bling.
The Bottom Line:
As a smaller crossover, the Journey's a good alternative to the Saturn Vue and Subaru Forester, maybe even to a Dodge Grand Caravan--just don't pile on the expensive options.
Other Choices:
If you like the 2009 Dodge Journey, also consider:
- Saturn Vue
- Subaru Forester
- Honda CR-V
- Toyota RAV4
The Journey has many competitors in the crossover segment, including the substantially heavier Ford Edge, Hyundai Santa Fe, and Chevrolet Equinox. TheCarConnection.com’s favorite vehicles in the class include the new Honda CR-V, which got a controversial new look in its recent restyling; the Toyota RAV4, which now offers a third-row rear seat; and the Saturn Vue, a far more handsome vehicle than it used to be, and one coming in a hybrid version this fall. Subaru’s Forester is also a worth a look, particularly in its base trim.
Buying Tip:
The base 2009 Dodge Journey is the best value in its lineup. At $19,995, it carries plenty of standard equipment, all the safety gear a family needs, and many of the convenience features families want for road trips. The four-cylinder powertrain isn’t the best or the most efficient, but the base Journey delivers almost all the functions of the more expensive versions minus some power and the optional third-row seat.
Comments (1 total):
Keyless entry
Brooke Marticek | Posted: 17/6/2008
I am so mad that the standard se does not come with keyless entry, it has satellite radio,and other extras but NO REMOTE!!!! I think that sux!
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