2009 Dodge Journey Review
2009 Dodge Journey Review
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Edmunds' Expert Review
by the Edmunds Experts
Pros
- Minivan-like interior conveniences, plenty of advanced entertainment and communications options, quiet highway ride.
Cons
- Some down-market interior trim, lackluster driving dynamics.
What’s new
The 2009 Dodge Journey is an all-new midsize crossover SUV derived from the Avenger sedan and capable of seating up to seven passengers.
Edmunds says
The 2009 Dodge Journey is the brand's long-overdue pitch to buyers who want minivan conveniences without the minivan stigma. It's versatile and spacious, but it doesn't really stand out against more polished competitors.
Cost to DriveCost to drive estimates for the 2009 Dodge Journey SE 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A) and comparison vehicles are based on 15,000 miles per year (with a mix of 55% city and 45% highway driving) and energy estimates of $3.31 per gallon for regular unleaded in Kentucky.
Monthly estimates based on costs in Kentucky
$191/mo for Journey SE
Journey SE
vs
$190/mo
Avg. Midsize SUV
Vehicle overview
A late arrival on the bustling midsize crossover SUV scene, the 2009 Dodge Journey serves as a timely stand-in for Chrysler's departed short-wheelbase minivans. The Journey is related to the Avenger and Chrysler Sebring midsize sedans, but thanks in part to a 4.9-inch-longer wheelbase, it offers ample room for up to seven occupants.
The Journey excels on the inside, where the influence of Chrysler's minivans is unmistakable. From the Flip 'n Stow storage compartment under the front passenger seat to the Chill Zone glovebox beverage cooler, the Journey is loaded with clever, well-conceived minivan-style conveniences. It can also be had with MyGIG, Chrysler's hard-drive-based navigation and entertainment system.
Pricing is one of the Journey's strengths, as even the base SE model is fairly well-equipped and slips in just beneath the $20,000 mark. Unfortunately, however, the standard four-cylinder engine and four-speed automatic transmission aren't quite up to the task of motivating the hefty SE's 3,800 pounds with anything close to authority. The uplevel SXT and R/T models fare a bit better, thanks to a more capable V6 engine and six-speed automatic, but there's little doubt that athletic prowess isn't the Journey's strong suit. Even the sport-styled R/T comes off less planted and certainly less fun to drive than some of its rivals.
Overall, the 2009 Dodge Journey gets the basics right -- it's attractive, quiet and reasonably spacious. But it falls a bit short in a few key areas. Its interior is less refined than those found in competitors like the Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota RAV4, for instance. It's also less enjoyable to drive than the Mitsubishi Outlander and not as roomy as the Ford Taurus X. Still, the Journey's attractive pricing and interior amenities will likely make it worth a look.
Performance & mpg
The base-model Journey SE comes with a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated for 173 horsepower and 166 pound-feet of torque. It drives the front wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. Uplevel SXT and R/T trim levels employ a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 235 horsepower and 232 pound-feet of torque. It's matched to a six-speed automatic transmission with manual shift control. On these trim levels, buyers have a choice of front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive.
The EPA gives an AWD Journey a 15 mpg city/22 mpg highway fuel economy estimate, about average for this segment.
Safety
Every 2009 Journey includes antilock disc brakes, traction control, rollover-sensing stability control, front-seat side airbags and side curtain airbags for all three rows. A rearview camera and hands-free communication system are optional, as are very handy built-in second-row child booster seats, a first in this segment.
Driving
The 2009 Journey is no lightweight, with even the base SE model tipping the scales at a hefty 3,800 pounds. The standard four-cylinder engine from the Avenger sedan, although reasonably frugal, is simply out of its league here. The V6 in the SXT and R/T models is decidedly more appropriate, returning decent acceleration and passing power.
On the open road, the Journey is tranquil enough, but it often feels insubstantial and fussy. Body roll, even in the sporty R/T model, is disconcerting at times. Standard four-wheel antilock disc brakes provide good stopping power, but more pedal feel would be appreciated.
Interior
Although the 2009 Dodge Journey offers somewhat less passenger and cargo space than such rivals as the Toyota Highlander, the overall impression is of a bright, reasonably spacious, straightforward family hauler. The Journey will accommodate as many as seven occupants in decent comfort; second- and third-row seats feature reclining backs, and the second-row seats also slide fore and aft, allowing parents to scoot small children closer to the front seats. Access to the third-row seats is a breeze, easily accomplished by older kids, with only an easy pull of a lever required to operate the second-row seats' tilt-and-slide mechanism. There's also obvious influence from Chrysler's minivans, as the Journey's interior is awash in cupholders, lidded storage bins and cubbyholes, including tubs beneath the second-row floor and an ingenious compartment beneath the front passenger seat. Maximum cargo capacity is 67.6 cubic feet, a bit less than what's available from other midsize crossovers.
2009 Dodge Journey models
A midsize crossover SUV, the 2009 Dodge Journey comes in SE, SXT and R/T trim levels. All models have seating for five or, with the optional 50/50-split folding third-row bench available on the SXT and R/T, seven.
The base SE comes with 16-inch steel wheels, a tilt/telescoping steering wheel, air-conditioning, a six-speaker stereo with a six-disc CD/MP3 changer, and full power accessories. The midgrade SXT adds 17-inch alloy wheels, automatic headlamps, heated side mirrors, a trip computer, keyless entry, enhanced interior storage, stain-resistant cloth upholstery, a six-way power driver seat, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a 115-volt power outlet and satellite radio. Finally, the top-drawer R/T features 19-inch alloy wheels, roof rails, dual-zone automatic climate control, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a leather-wrapped steering wheel with integrated audio controls and a remote engine-start system.
Dodge bundles most of the Journey's optional features into packages, and one can get much of the upper trim levels' features as options for the lower trims. Other major options include a chrome appearance package, Bluetooth, auxiliary rear air-conditioning/heating, a rear-seat entertainment system and the MyGIG hard-drive-based navigation and entertainment system with a back-up camera.
Reliability Ratings by RepairPal
3.5 out of 5 stars3.5/5Above Average
#19 out of 32 among Midsize SUVs
RepairPal Reliability Ratings are based on the actual cost, frequency, and severity of unscheduled repairs and maintenance on make/model data for select 2008-2022 vehicles. The reliability of a specific vehicle may vary depending on its maintenance and driving history, model year, trim, and features.
Cost
The average total annual cost for unscheduled repairs and maintenance across all model years of the Dodge Journey from 2008-2022.$569/yr
vs. $485/yr
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
Frequency
The average number of times this model is brought into the shop for unscheduled repairs and maintenance in a single year. RepairPal calculates this metric by tracking millions of unique vehicles over multiple years to determine an average number of visits per year (omitting small routine visits, e.g., oil changes).1.05x/yr
vs. 1.18x/yr
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
Severity
The probability that a repair will be a major issue, meaning the repair costs 3x the average annual repair cost for all models. This threshold will be higher for vehicles that have higher labor rates and parts costs (such as a premium brand).14.3%
vs. 13.5%
for Average Midsize SUV
for Average Midsize SUV
powered by RepairPal Based on RepairPal reliability data as of 8/23/2023. Ratings are provided by RepairPal and Edmunds is not responsible for their accuracy.
Consumer reviews
Read what other owners think about the Used 2009 Dodge Journey.
5 star(28%)
4 star(25%)
3 star(24%)
2 star(17%)
1 star(6%)
344 reviews
Trending topics in reviews
Most helpful consumer reviews
1.13 out of 5 stars
JUNK!!!
lettau, 02/12/2013
2009 Dodge Journey SE 4dr SUV (2.4L 4cyl 4A)
Don't buy this car.
check engine light came on three times in one month, wiring harness replaced twice, window components, starter and then 2 weeks later the rack and pinion went.
Chrysler won't do a thing about it.
don't buy this car.
I went back to dealer and they wouldn't help either.
1.88 out of 5 stars
Journey To Hell
journeytohell, 08/09/2011
2009 Dodge Journey SXT 4dr SUV AWD (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
My "2009" Journey was a beautiful show room car and thats all the good I can say about it.
This car is a LEMON!
New rotors and brakes every 10,000 miles.
Won't start 3 times a week.
Every time I turn the wheel I have this loud grinding noise like the wheels are going to fall off but, don't bother taking it in to the dealer because they will have it for days and then tell you they have no … clue whats wrong and now that the warrenty is up they don't care if it's an exsisting problem or not, your S.O.L. My advise don't buy a Dodge......
3.63 out of 5 stars
2009 Dodge Journey RT
stadman82, 08/08/2013
2009 Dodge Journey R/T 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
The biggest problem that I have had with this vehicle is the battery needing to be replaced.
Very easy job.
15 minutes if you have tools.
Everyone reading the bad reviews on this vehicle, remember is a couple hundred out of a thousands of vehicles.
I understand the electrical problems.
The starting problems with the key.
Try replacing the battery in the remote.. Runs off a chip (needs … power).
Only complaint is brakes and tires.
If your change brakes, spend the extra money and get quality like Brembo and a high quality set of pads.
Will save hundreds in future.
Tires no answer, suck it up.
My family enjoys this vehicle and have owned it for 3 years 30,000+ miles.
2.13 out of 5 stars
DO NOT BUY!!!
ccknezevich, 10/22/2014
2009 Dodge Journey SXT 4dr SUV (3.5L 6cyl 6A)
So I read the reviews before I bought my 2009 Dodge Journey in May of 2012. I have had this car now for 2 1/2 years and it seems there is always an issue. Multiple batteries, changing the brakes nearly every 10,000 miles, tires are awful, I have had to replace some type of wheel sensor, the key fob doesn't always works so sometimes my car won't crank right away. Electrical problems … where the alarm goes off and takes a while to make it stop. This car has been a nightmare.. not to mention, the value. I still owe 15k and it's not even worth 9k. It loses so much value every year.. and for good reason. If you buy this vehicle after reading this review.. don't say you weren't warned!
2009 Journey Highlights
SE
Base MSRP Excludes Destination Fee | $20,925 |
---|---|
Engine Type | Gas |
Combined MPG | 21 MPG |
Cost to Drive | $191/month |
Seating | 5 seats |
Cargo Capacity All Seats In Place | 39.6 cu.ft. |
Drivetrain | front wheel drive |
Warranty | 3 years / 36,000 miles |
Safety
Key safety features on the Journey include:
- Alarm
- Tire Pressure Warning
- Stability Control
NHTSA Overall Rating
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration offers independent analysis.
- Frontal Barrier Crash RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Side Crash RatingOverallNot Rated
- Side Barrier RatingOverallNot RatedDriver5 / 5Passenger5 / 5
- Combined Side Barrier & Pole RatingsFront SeatNot RatedBack SeatNot Rated
- RolloverRollover4 / 5Dynamic Test ResultNo TipRisk Of RolloverNot Rated
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