Fast Forward: 2009 Dodge Journey SXT Review
I don’t know how we went from this to this, but I do know the Dodge Journey is Chrysler’s attempt to keep their promises of future.
Even after ‘inventing’ the first contemporarily packaged, attainable mainstream minivan in the 1980s, Chrysler continued to dream aloud through moonshot concept multi-purpose vehicles. The Dodge Epic, Plymouth Pronto, and Chrysler Citadel concepts employed emerging “Cab-Forward” architecture to maximize interior volume. Somewhere along the road to retail, cost-cutting and stagnance took their toll on ChryCo’s bottom line. Bankruptcy ensued. Here we are today.
In execution, the Dodge Journey feels like a Hyundai-built Ford Edge — like the first-generation Chevrolet Equinox, engineered before GM gained “product religion.” Ergonomics oddities abound, and its lagging powertrain fails to deliver power or fuel efficiency superlatives. However, hope hides in each cleverly concealed crevice. The Journey’s suite of storage crannies proves that Chrysler is still staffed with real moms and dads who understand what it means to take a family roadtrip. If these creative engineers are given the tools and support to radically redefine automotive interior packaging, Chrysler could one day be a multi-purpose vehicle leader. Otherwise, the company will wither.
That undifferentiated hunk of plastic under the hood screams "I've given up on life".
That said the form factor offers a lot of room in an SUV alternative. If you're willing to give up the actual driving dynamics of a wagon, you can gain a lot of room.
It's also a hell of a lot better looking than that damned Avenger.
Fisher Price interior, yuck.
This is a poor substitute for the late short-wheel base (Not-Grand), four banger Caravan. Another stupid decision by Chrysler, no wonder they went bankrupt (should have been C7 though).
Had a Journey as a rental for about 10 days in NC a few weeks back. Wasn't even an SXT, was actually about as base as they get.
I was not impressed. The engine was pitifully weak and should never have been considered for a vehicle this size. This also considering that I was driving at nearly sea level as well, not the 6,000ft. I'm used to. I can't imagine driving one of these anywhere near CO, where I live.
I was also disappointed that it did not have cruise control or keyles entry. Granted, those are minor annoyances, but I'm so used to them now that it their absense was glaring.
As far as utility, it did seem to have a fair amount of room, but I've just got to figure that pretty much any other competitor in the same class would be better.
Your video is beauty, Dude! Awesome!
I agree with you on point of " promise for the future"
2009 Dodge Journey is chick & good pick with 0 to 60 mph in an unremarkable 9.2 seconds, 173 horse power and 166 pound feet of torque & my personal favorites like remote engine start system & steering wheel with integrated audio controls. I wanted better brakes, though. What say?
The deals on 2010 models are better than on 2009 models. Furthermore, with the high customer rebates, it is usually better to take the rebate instead of a low-interest loan — except in those cases where Dodge is offering both rebates and low-interest loans that can be combined.
The dual-clutch transmission is an automatic transmission which utilizes dual launch and shift clutches with a manual transmission style lay-shaft gear arrangement, instead of a conventional torque converter and planetary gears. One clutch drives the odd numbered gears and reverse, while the other clutch drives the even numbered gears. During shifts, the next gear is anticipated and pre-selected. Then one clutch is opened while the other is closed, allowing shifting without torque interruption. The result is quicker acceleration and refined shift quality. Further, with the lay-shaft arrangement of gears, there is increased flexibility to optimize gear ratio selection for performance and fuel economy.