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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Dodge Journey

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2013 Dodge Journey

Overview

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2009 Dodge Journey Review

By KBB.com Editors

Based on the same D-segment platform as the Avenger, the 2009 Dodge Journey is a new crossover utility vehicle that fits in between the compact Caliber and family-hauling Grand Caravan. The Journey provides the utility of an SUV, the passenger capacity of a minivan, the driving characteristics of a car and has a multitude of storage bins and spaces. Making its debut into the crossover marketplace, the Journey compares favorably with the Chevy Equinox, Ford Escape, Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota RAV4, and it's especially ideal for those with families, or those looking to start new families, as it offers different trim levels with a choice of seating configurations and amenities that should suit a variety of needs and budgets.

You'll Like This Car If...

If you're looking for minivan utility and storage space, without the minivan look, the Journey is a viable option. With its available third-row seating, it offers more room than the Ford Escape and Chevy Equinox.

You May Not Like This Car If...

The Dodge Journey lacks in interior quality compared to other cars in its class. The dashboard and paneling and available leather seating are not the Journey's strong points.

What's Significant About This Car?

According to Dodge, the all-new Journey is a "right-sized" crossover, which fills the needs of young singles or families with children with its available seven-passenger capacity and many storage solutions for numerous types of cargo, big or small.

Driving the Journey

Driving Impressions The 2009 Dodge Journey indeed drives like a car, but with the comfort and space of an SUV. On our test drive its tall ride height didn't affect stability much...

as the suspension had a good amount of firmness to handle corners but was still comfortable, as compared to the rugged stiffness of the Ford Escape. The four-cylinder engine was peppy and had enough power to get us up moderate inclines, but the V6 seemed to be a better fit, although not as powerful as the V6 in the Toyota RAV4. We also appreciated all the convenient storage spaces. The Chill Zone beverage cooler above the glove box kept drinks cold surprisingly well, and the second-row in-floor bins, that were holding snacks, didn't leak a single drop of melted ice-water during a two-hour drive along bumpy back roads.

Favorite Features

Flip 'n Stow Storage
The front passenger-seat cushion flips forward to expose a big storage bin that can hide valuables from prying eyes, or just keep things in place.

In-Floor Storage Bins
Behind the front seats are two bins in the floor that can accommodate up to twelve 12-ounce cans and ice -- or whatever else you can put in there. The bins have locking lids and are removable for easy cleaning.

2009 Dodge Journey Details

Interior

The spacious cabin of the Dodge Journey is lined with soft-skin paneling and chrome trim accents, is available with cloth, YES essentials stain-resistant fabric or two-toned leather seating and can accommodate up to seven occupants, depending upon the trim level. The front passenger seat, second and third rows fold flat for nine feet of load capacity, and in-floor storage bins are located in the second row and rear cargo areas. Other convenient features include the available Flip 'n Stow compartment in the front passenger seat and the Tilt 'n Slide feature, with which the second-row seats fold upward and slide forward to allow third-row access.

Exterior

For a crossover, the Dodge Journey is fairly large, with a wheelbase almost ten inches longer than those of the Toyota RAV4 and Ford Escape, which allows for more cargo and third-row room. The Journey has an aggressive look, with its sculpted wheel arches and angled beltline giving it a sportier, SUV-like appearance. The front of the Journey exudes muscularity, with a signature Dodge crosshair chrome grille and Ram's-head stamp in between quad-halogen headlamps and available fog lamps. To finish off the look, the composite lightweight rear liftgate has an integrated spoiler that provides form and function, improving the Journey's aerodynamics.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

A base 2009 Dodge Journey comes with a 2.4-liter four cylinder engine with a four-speed automatic transmission, four wheel anti-lock disc brakes, power steering, power windows, power locks, air conditioning, Chill Zone beverage storage, AM/FM radio with a six-disc CD changer and six speakers, second-row in-floor storage and a rear-cargo area covered storage bin. Standard safety features include dual front and side airbags, side-curtain airbags in all rows, Electronic Stability Program and Electronic Roll Mitigation.

Optional Equipment

Available options for the Dodge Journey are a MyGIG infotainment system, UConnect Hands-free Communication, ParkView rear back-up camera, navigation, rear-seat eight-inch screen, wireless headphones and video remote control, six premium speakers with subwoofer and 368-watt amplifier, third-row seating, Tilt 'n Slide second-row seats, Flip 'n Stow compartment, automatic temperature control and heated front seats. These options are made available by opting for certain packages.

Under the Hood

Engineered for commuting and good gas mileage, the 2.4-liter, four-cylinder provides a sufficient amount of power for the weight of this crossover, but the potent 3.5-liter V6 does the job even better. The 2.4-liter is fit outfitted with a four-speed automatic transmission, while the 3.5-liter has a six-speed.

2.4-liter in-line 4
173 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
166 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4400 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 19/25

3.5-liter V6
235 horsepower @ 6400 rpm
232 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/23 (FWD), 16/22 (AWD)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Dodge Journey vehicles for sale near you.

Trading in or Selling? Know where you stand with the most up-to-date Kelley Blue Book Value at your fingertips. See your car's value

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2009 Dodge Journey Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

6.6

Out of 10

Based on 282 Ratings for the 2009 - 2013 models.

Review this car

Value

7.0/10

Quality

6.6/10
Reliability

7.0/10

Performance

7.0/10
Comfort

7.6/10

Styling

7.6/10

It's a very good choice

By augrpeters (PA) on Sunday, June 09, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 88,000

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 9/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have a 2010 Dodge Journey SXT AWD, which I never wanted. I had a 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan that got totaled from a very horrible accident. I had to settle for the Journey (bank was picky.)I now have 88000 miles on my car, and I've never really had any trouble with it. I drive about 80 miles a day and average about 23 mpg. I love how cold the a/c gets even on the hottest days, it is a very comfortable vehicle. My Journey has never let me down, I do not regret buying it. I just got a new job which will bring my daily mileage up to 200 miles a day. I will be buying a brand new Journey very soon."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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BIGGEST MISTAKE EVER

By mommyjess04 (TX) on Friday, June 07, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 42,500

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: Not Rated
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 2/10
Styling: 6/10
Comfort: 3/10

Pros: "Lots of space, good gas milege for SUV"

Cons: "TOO MUCH!!"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"I bought this 2010 Journey used with only 19000 miles. After owning it for just 6 months had to replace back brake and roters. At 30000 the AC started making a horrible noise and eventually stopped working and had to have condenser replaced ($1800). It was covered under the extended warranty I had purchased. Now, here we are 4 months later and the AC has stopped working again and its not covered under warranty ($875). Dodge has horrible customer service and they DO NOT stand behind their vehicles. Oh and the transmission is slipping from 3rd to 4th gear and will eventually stop shifting all together. AND the brakes and roters need to be replaced again. Often times the car won't turn on until I remove the key and move the shifter a bit. Here I am stuck with a car that is losing value rapidly and I still owe a lot on it. Biggest mistake ever, will NEVER buy a dodge again."

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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The right size, feature laden - and priced right!

By tramse1 (TX) on Thursday, June 06, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 2,200

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "All the features for the money, unique style."

Cons: "It doesn't get 40 mpg; gasoline isn't free."

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought one of these - a new 2013 FWD R/T model - for my daughter-in-law to carry my new grandson around in. I couldn't believe the deal I got on the car, and I can't believe the features the car came with: Leather, a peppy V-6, Sunroof, a big flat-screen command center with navigation, a 6-speed automatic, comfortable seats, airbags everywhere, creature comforts and accessories galore, all the room in the world, great handling and a confident ride, a creased and folded style in an era when nearly everything else looks like a bar of soap that's been in the shower too long, and a lifetime service contract that covers virtually everything! She loves the car, the baby seems to like it, and judging by all of them I see on the highway these days - many others do too. I cannot find fault with the vehicle; it's that good!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Great car for price

By grumpy (NY) on Wednesday, May 29, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 49,052

10 9.0

overall rating 9 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 9/10
Value: 9/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 9/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "Space and a people mover"

Cons: "A little underpowered"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 9

"I own a base model with a 4 cylinder. Great Mileage Mixed driving highway rural and some city. Car still looks like new except for recall on breaks and key fob all I had to do is put a set of tires on this vehicle and a rock pierced the radiator. Just had a trans service done as recommened and the car runs like it did the first day. 3,000 mile oil changes and two gas treatments. This car has a lot of space and can handle 4 300 pund adults with ease. I do travel ball with my daughter, Ohio, Penn,Jersey, Kentucky- never missed a beat."

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Too Many Service Calls

By AL (CA) on Tuesday, May 28, 2013

I owned and sold this car
Reason: lemon - My approximate mileage is 20,350

10 3.0

overall rating 3 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 3/10
Value: 2/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 3/10
Performance: 6/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Very comfortable on long trip and good gas milage"

Cons: "brakes, engine, transmission not very good. Fit"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 1

"With less than 20,500 miles this SUV had 4 major service calls. Engine V6 has issues, 2 cam shaft sensors replaced, brake rotors and pads went after 12,000, had to replace number 4 cylinder at 20,300. Would not recommend this vehicle for reliability reasons. Transmission didn't seemed to be in sync with engine and engine had a hesitation when pushing gas pedal. Fit of exterior panels not up to high standards."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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