Dodge has a
proven track record of creating vehicles that can quickly transform
from people mover to cargo hauler with minimal fuss. Add to that
Dodge's characteristically muscular exterior styling treatment, and you
have factors that make the Journey stand out in a crowded room.
As
a crossover SUV with available seating for seven passengers, the Dodge
Journey is appealing to families wanting something versatile and stylish.
Current Dodge Journey
The
Dodge Journey is an all-new model for the 2009 model year. It's built
on the Dodge Avenger/Chrysler Sebring platform, and therefore shares a
similar suspension design and powertrain selection. There are three
trim levels: base SE, midlevel SXT and the top-trim R/T. The base level
SE packs a 2.4-liter, four-cylinder engine rated at 173 horsepower and
mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Both the midlevel SXT and
top-of-the-line R/T share a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 235 hp. These
models come with a six-speed automatic. As is typical for this type of
vehicle, the Journey can be ordered with either front-wheel drive or,
on the SXT and R/T, all-wheel drive.
The Journey's interior
receives a dose of inspiration from Dodge's minivans. There's a wealth
of storage containers that double as coolers and an innovative hidden
compartment under the flip-up front passenger seat cushion. The
second-row seats adjust fore and aft to allow a parent riding shotgun
easier access to children seated there. Integrated child booster seats
for that row are also optional. In standard trim, the Journey seats
five people with adequate legroom and can hold up to seven with
optional third-row seating; both of them fold flat for additional cargo
capacity. Major optional interior appointments include a
hard-drive-based multimedia system, a rear-seat entertainment system, a
navigation system and a sunroof.
In reviews, we've found that the
Dodge Journey's flexible seating, smooth ride and slew of storage
spaces make it family-friendly. If these features are what you
prioritize, then the Journey is a sensible choice.