Dodge Journey SUV Review
SUV Reviewer
The 2012 Dodge Journey SUV underwent a makeover last year that turned this vehicle into an acceptable mid-sized crossover that makes a great family hauler. Without the third row seat that really is designed for kids, the Dodge Journey SUV is a practical vehicle for the type of urban and suburban driving that most families do these days. A more robust six cylinder engine and improvements in steering and suspension make driving the Dodge Journey SUV a more pleasant experience. Passenger enjoyment has also seen improvements with a high quality cabin and the latest in technological gadgets.
The Dodge Journey SUV is available in four trim levels. The base level is the SE and features cruise control, heated mirrors, 16-inch steel wheels, climate control with two zones, keyless ignition and entry and an audio system with six speakers, a CD player, a touchscreen interface and interfaces for an iPod and a USB port that can be controlled from the steering wheel. The next level is the SXT which adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a V6 engine, LED tail lamps, satellite radio and an optional premium audio system. The next level is the Crew level and includes 19-inch wheels, climate control with two zones, a steering wheel wrapped in leather, chrome-like exterior trim and a premium audio system. Options are leather upholstery and an entertainment system for the rear seats. The last trim level is the R/T and will be available later in the model year. This trim level will have special 19-inch wheels, black leather upholstery with red stitching and a monochrome exterior.
The engine in the base Dodge Journey SUV is a 2.4-liter four cylinder that is able to produce 173 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. Standard are front-wheel drive and a four-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy for this configuration is rated at 19 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg combined. The standard engine in the other trim levels of the Dodge Journey SUV is a 3.6 liter V6 that is able to produce 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is also standard but the transmission is a six-speed automatic; there is an option for all-wheel drive. Fuel economy for this engine with front-wheel drive is 17 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway and 20 mpg combined and with all-wheel drive the fuel economy is rated at 17 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway and 20 mpg combined.
The Dodge Journey SUV can seat either five or seven passengers depending on whether the optional third row of seats is used. The interior is very family-friendly with integrated child seats and cleverly-placed storage bins. These complement the cargo capacity of 68 cubic feet when all the seats except the front are folded down.
Driving the Dodge Journey SUV is best done with the V6 engine as the four cylinder engine just does not have the power to get the vehicle moving. With the V6, the vehicle has a smooth ride, robust power and handles securely with an added bonus of reasonable fuel economy.
The Dodge Journey SUV is available in four trim levels. The base level is the SE and features cruise control, heated mirrors, 16-inch steel wheels, climate control with two zones, keyless ignition and entry and an audio system with six speakers, a CD player, a touchscreen interface and interfaces for an iPod and a USB port that can be controlled from the steering wheel. The next level is the SXT which adds 17-inch alloy wheels, a V6 engine, LED tail lamps, satellite radio and an optional premium audio system. The next level is the Crew level and includes 19-inch wheels, climate control with two zones, a steering wheel wrapped in leather, chrome-like exterior trim and a premium audio system. Options are leather upholstery and an entertainment system for the rear seats. The last trim level is the R/T and will be available later in the model year. This trim level will have special 19-inch wheels, black leather upholstery with red stitching and a monochrome exterior.
The engine in the base Dodge Journey SUV is a 2.4-liter four cylinder that is able to produce 173 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. Standard are front-wheel drive and a four-speed automatic transmission. Fuel economy for this configuration is rated at 19 mpg in the city, 26 mpg on the highway and 22 mpg combined. The standard engine in the other trim levels of the Dodge Journey SUV is a 3.6 liter V6 that is able to produce 283 horsepower and 260 pound-feet of torque. Front-wheel drive is also standard but the transmission is a six-speed automatic; there is an option for all-wheel drive. Fuel economy for this engine with front-wheel drive is 17 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway and 20 mpg combined and with all-wheel drive the fuel economy is rated at 17 mpg in the city, 25 mpg on the highway and 20 mpg combined.
The Dodge Journey SUV can seat either five or seven passengers depending on whether the optional third row of seats is used. The interior is very family-friendly with integrated child seats and cleverly-placed storage bins. These complement the cargo capacity of 68 cubic feet when all the seats except the front are folded down.
Driving the Dodge Journey SUV is best done with the V6 engine as the four cylinder engine just does not have the power to get the vehicle moving. With the V6, the vehicle has a smooth ride, robust power and handles securely with an added bonus of reasonable fuel economy.
Just a new owner of a Journey but a previous 8 year Caravan owner and I must say, the new caravans don't rate but these Journeys are a wonderful replacement - so far so good.
The Dodge Journy, 4cylinder, front wheel drive is terrible in the winter and doesn't feel safe. The wheels lock up and it doesn't have enough power to get up an incline. I hope they stop making front wheel drive SUVs.
I brought the Dodge Journey 4 cyl and I love it. I drove from Orlando, fl to Gastonia, NC with one tank of gas and was able to keep up with traffic and it had enought power as my Chrysler Pacifica which I traded in for the Journey.
I recently purchased a 2011 Dodge Journey after trading in my Chrysler Pacifica, I havent taken it on a raod trip get but so far I'm loving it. Oh and I love the fact that I have now went from a 6 passenger to a 7.
so far so good just traded in my 07 dakota for this 11 journey that has the 3.6 I am getting around 22.6 mile to gallon which is better than the 17 to 19 I was getting in the Dakota also don't have to listen to the kids fight in the back seat because the 3 are to close they can be split up with the seating
bought 2009 Dodge Journey, since then we become regular customer to the car service, internal compartment can't close properly, gear box making strang noise al the time, within a year front break replaced, within 2 years back break replaced. I hope the 2011 model is better. very disappointed with the quality, and only two years later the resale value is only half of the purchased price. never gonna look back Dodge anymore, move on to Toyota.
Just bought a 2011 dodge journey r/t and was disappointed to find out that it did not come equipped with the 8" unconnected system as indicated in the sales brochure and website. I wrote to Chrysler and they told me tough luck. You got what you got and too bad for you....sucker. They will not remedy the omission so now I'm stuck with a top of the line r/ t model that's missing one of the major upgrades over lessor models. Very disappointed in chrysler's after sales customer support. This is my first and last Chrysler product!!!
We have had a 2012 Journey Crew AWD for about a month now. Having previously driven Mercedes-Benz ML's for the last ten years, it was really fun to see all the new technology in the Dodge, at only a fraction of the cost! We love the ride and the solidness of the Journey, especially now that winter is starting. Overall we are very satisfied with the Journey.
I bought Dodge JJurney R/T 5 monthhs ago. 2.5 Ltr, I was struck by another car on the passenger side second door. It was considerable accident with big impact. The door smashed completely. To a surprise the air curtain did not go off. Can any body tell me why? It wa a scary situation. Luckily there was no personal injury.
We love the 2012 Journey for the first 3 weeks...bought brand new but after 3 weeks no radio,AC or heating,not able to charge iPod or cell and the screen w all this features did not work @ all!! Almost 3 months dealing w this and not fixed yet they can not get it fix. Worse night mare the reason I got a brand new car was that I did not wanted to worried about taking the car to a shop and I had been 3 times and is not an HR or two is 4,6.entire day or over night!!
We have the 2011 Journey Express with 7 seats and the 4 cylinder. Bought it brand new and haven't had any problems with it yet, 5500 miles. The 4 cylinder is perfectly adequate as long as you're not loaded down with a lot of people or cargo. Then it helps to use the auto-stick. Run synthetic oil and don't be afraid to rev it. Overall I'm getting about 19-21 mpg city and 24-26 hwy.
My husband just bought me a 2012 Dodge Journey-Crew. I absoutley love it! It is hands down the funniest car I have ever driven. V-6 AWD with just enough features to make it family friendly without being over priced. I must say, I love my new rig!!!!!!