2009 Dodge Journey
By: John Deming Dodge
brand’s first crossover vehicle, the midsize Journey combines
attractive styling, a smooth ride, confident handling. Just to
mention a few of the features, you'll find theater-style seating, a
window line low enough for children in back to see out, an optional
emergency-size split third-row seat (on SXT and R/T models),
available rear-seat entertainment, integrated booster-seat cushions in
the second-row bench, which slides fore-and-aft, telescoping steering
wheel, LED interior lighting, Bluetooth connectivity, double-decker
glove boxes with an air-conditioned upper section and optional
voice-activated MyGIG infotainment system. One of the negatives that we
did notice was that the radio faceplate is located down at knee level,
requiring the driver not only to take his or her eyes off the road. On
the other hand the navigation-equipped MyGIGs come with a separate
screen at the top of the dash that displays the map in what is
otherwise a covered storage bin. The second-row seats slide and fold
forward for third-row access in a one-handed operation, and the
third-row seatbacks split, fold forward, or recline up to six degrees.
The rear doors open nearly 90 degrees for ease of entry and loading.
There's a concealed storage area under the front-passenger seat
cushion, and a standard, removable underfloor cooler/storage bins that
can hold a dozen cans of soda—on ice—without leaking. The front head
restraints angle forward a bit but I kinda like that. Most cars has you
leaning back.
The entry-level Journey SE model is relatively well-equipped considering its starting price. The base SE is offered only with the 173-hp, 2.4-liter inline-four mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The SE is the lightest of all Journeys. Standard features include 16-inch wheels with full wheelcovers, air-conditioning, cloth upholstery, power windows, door locks, and heated outside mirrors, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, variable intermittent windshield wipers, and a decent stereo with a six-disc in-dash CD changer and six speakers.
The mid-grade SXT and top-of-the-line R/T models come standard with a 235-hp V-6 paired with a six-speed automatic with manumatic control. The R/T with all-wheel drive and a third-row seat adds more than 500 pounds to the SE's base weight. The V-6 would have a much better time handling the vehicle's weight when full of cargo and/or passengers. Fuel economy rating is19/25 for the SE compared with 16/23 for the front-wheel-drive V-6 and 15/22 for the all-wheel-drive V-6).
While the SE offers buyers an affordable way to get into a midsize crossover, we expect most folks will be happier with the SXT model. The SXT adds a V-6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission, dual exhausts, 17-inch wheels, and a slightly firmer “touring” suspension. Inside, it gets a number of little luxuries including a power-adjustable driver’s seat, keyless entry, cruise control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, overhead console with a convex “conversation” mirror, a trip computer with compass and outside temperature display, and Sirius satellite radio with a one-year free subscription. There are several practical additions here as well, including stain-resistant fabric upholstery and a fold-flat front passenger seat with a nifty flip-up under-seat storage area.
The top-of-the-line R/T model is about as well-equipped as anything on the market with the addition of 19-inch alloy wheels, a “performance” suspension, and front fog lights. Cabin upgrades include leather upholstery and a matching leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a universal garage door opener, and bright LED map lights front and rear that swivel to put their cool white beam exactly where you want it.
There’s a long list of available options, starting with all wheel-drive (SXT and R/T models only), larger alloy wheels, a roof rack with crossbars, and a trailer towing package. Inside extras include three-zone climate control, built-in child booster seats, and a two-passenger 50/50-split third-row seat (SXT and R/T models only).
The SE model carries a MSRP of $19,985, including a $625 destination charge. Starting prices for the SXT and R/T models are equally attractive at $22,985 and $26,545, respectively. Load up a Journey R/T with all-wheel-drive, third-row seat package, and the other available goodies and you’ll write a check for just over $35,000.
The entry-level Journey SE model is relatively well-equipped considering its starting price. The base SE is offered only with the 173-hp, 2.4-liter inline-four mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The SE is the lightest of all Journeys. Standard features include 16-inch wheels with full wheelcovers, air-conditioning, cloth upholstery, power windows, door locks, and heated outside mirrors, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, variable intermittent windshield wipers, and a decent stereo with a six-disc in-dash CD changer and six speakers.
The mid-grade SXT and top-of-the-line R/T models come standard with a 235-hp V-6 paired with a six-speed automatic with manumatic control. The R/T with all-wheel drive and a third-row seat adds more than 500 pounds to the SE's base weight. The V-6 would have a much better time handling the vehicle's weight when full of cargo and/or passengers. Fuel economy rating is19/25 for the SE compared with 16/23 for the front-wheel-drive V-6 and 15/22 for the all-wheel-drive V-6).
While the SE offers buyers an affordable way to get into a midsize crossover, we expect most folks will be happier with the SXT model. The SXT adds a V-6 engine and six-speed automatic transmission, dual exhausts, 17-inch wheels, and a slightly firmer “touring” suspension. Inside, it gets a number of little luxuries including a power-adjustable driver’s seat, keyless entry, cruise control, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, overhead console with a convex “conversation” mirror, a trip computer with compass and outside temperature display, and Sirius satellite radio with a one-year free subscription. There are several practical additions here as well, including stain-resistant fabric upholstery and a fold-flat front passenger seat with a nifty flip-up under-seat storage area.
The top-of-the-line R/T model is about as well-equipped as anything on the market with the addition of 19-inch alloy wheels, a “performance” suspension, and front fog lights. Cabin upgrades include leather upholstery and a matching leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob, heated front seats, dual-zone automatic climate control, a universal garage door opener, and bright LED map lights front and rear that swivel to put their cool white beam exactly where you want it.
There’s a long list of available options, starting with all wheel-drive (SXT and R/T models only), larger alloy wheels, a roof rack with crossbars, and a trailer towing package. Inside extras include three-zone climate control, built-in child booster seats, and a two-passenger 50/50-split third-row seat (SXT and R/T models only).
The SE model carries a MSRP of $19,985, including a $625 destination charge. Starting prices for the SXT and R/T models are equally attractive at $22,985 and $26,545, respectively. Load up a Journey R/T with all-wheel-drive, third-row seat package, and the other available goodies and you’ll write a check for just over $35,000.
