2009 DODGE JOURNEY

March 17, 2008

BY DAN JEDLICKA Chicago Sun-Times Auto
Editor

Dodge was first with a modern minivan, and the new Dodge Journey crossover
vehicle combines minivan attributes with the more aggressive styling of an
SUV and carlike ride and handling.

The sporty looking 2009 Journey from Chrysler is based on the Dodge
Avenger/Chrysler Sebring sedan front-wheel-drive platform and is available
with all-wheel drive (AWD). It seats five, but there's room for seven in an
optional third-row seat offered for the two higher-line models.


The Journey is aimed at young singles, couples and families with small
children, besides "mature" families who need room to haul a variety of
people and cargo, said Chrysler spokesperson Wendy Orthman. It's easy to
slide in and out -- and to reach the third-row seat -- partly because rear
doors open fully 90 degrees.

This crossover is especially user-friendly for those with kids, offering a
pair of built-in second-row booster seats that cost $295 for both and
eliminate the need to install portable child seats. Also, the Journey has a
thoughtful "child-presenter" seat that works by letting the 60/40 split
fold-flat second-row seat slide forward about 5 inches to bring children
closer to the front seats so front occupants -- especially a driver -- can
reach them without lots of straining.

In fact, Dodge concentrated a lot on user-friendly comfort and convenience
features for the Journey. Practical touches, not glitz, dominate. For
instance, there is a dual-level glove box containing a "chill zone" to keep
beverages cool, available fold-flat front-passenger seat with a hidden
storage area under it, in-floor storage bins behind the front-row seats and
rear in-floor storage bins for seven-passenger Journeys. There seems to be
no end to such features, which include an interior observation mirror to
keep tabs on booster seat occupants, grocery bag holders and front seat
storage areas for various items. All doors have decent-sized storage pockets
and bottle holders.

There are the usual power accessories (windows, mirrors, locks), various
sound systems and a rear DVD entertainment system.

Safety features include front-side air bags with a driver-inflatable knee
blocker, three-row side-curtain air bags, electronic stability control,
traction control, roll mitigation system, anti-lock brakes with a panic
brake assist feature and trailer-sway control. There's also a remote-start
feature and optional back camera.

The Journey comes as the entry $19,360 SE front-drive four-cylinder model.
The top-line model is the $27,670 R/T with a V-6, AWD and standard leather
upholstery, heated front seats and automatic climate control. In between are
the $22,360 front-drive SXT, $24,905 SXT with AWD, 19-inch wheels and
performance suspension and $25,920 front-drive R/T.

Five-passenger seating is standard, while a $1,220 option package with a
50/50 split-reclining third seat, accompanied by air conditioning, turns the
Journey into a seven-passenger vehicle. It's fairly easy to reach the third
seat, which is comfortable enough for two adults if the standard sliding
second row seats are moved forward a bit. "Stadium" seating gives second-
and third-row occupants more ability to see outside the Journey. However,
front seats could use more side support.

The Journey SE has a sophisticated 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine with 173
horsepower and four-speed automatic transmission. It provides acceptable
performance for the 3,801-pound SE but is just average when passing on
highways, with a 0-60 mph time of 9.6 seconds. A 235-horsepower, 3.5-liter
V-6 in the 4,001-4,233-pound SXT and R/T provides much stronger acceleration
(0-60 mph in 8 seconds) and works with a more modern six-speed automatic
transmission with a manual shift feature. (A fuel-stingy diesel engine
powers the Journey in Europe. So far, there's no talk of a hybrid version
for America.)

Estimated fuel economy of the 2.4 engine with front-drive is 19 mpg in the
city and 25 on the highway. Figures for the front-drive 3.5 Journey are 16
city, 23 highway -- or 15 and 22 with AWD. Only regular-grade 87-octane fuel
can be used in either engine, although Dodge says 89-octane is preferred for
the V-6, which comes with prominent dual exhaust outlets.

The Journey is pleasant to drive, and V-6 models have a sportier feel than
one might suspect. There is quick, rather firm steering with decent road
feel. The rather soft ride is carlike. Handling is good, as is braking --
although the pedal occasionally felt as if it needed a more linear action.

Interiors haven't been a Dodge strong point, but the Journey's quiet cockpit
is fairly upscale, with tight panel fits and soft-touch plastics. However,
while outside door handles are large, interior door handles are small.
There's a deep, covered console bin, but front cupholders are a stretch
because they're put low at the front of the console. Rear cupholders are
easily reached in a big fold-down center armrest. The nonstop
fasten-seatbelt warning bell will drive you crazy if you don't fasten belts.

Gauges can be read at a glance, and sound system and climate controls are
easy to use. Occupants sit high, with raised theater seating for the second
row. The driver faces a large windshield, but thick windshield posts partly
obstruct vision. So do rear roof pillars, although rear glass on the hatch's
lower edge follows the curvature of the taillights to improve visibility
through the back window.

Cargo room is spacious without the third-row seat, but there isn't much
cargo room with third-row seatbacks in their normal position. However,
second- and third-row seatbacks easily flip forward to create a large cargo
area, and straps help you pull them back to an upright position without
straining.

The Journey is generally impressive, with its user friendliness and myriad
features.