For those exploring the scenic beauty of Portland and its surrounding areas, the Dodge Journey offers a practical option… with its three-row seating, accommodating families and friends on adventures to the Columbia River Gorge or weekend trips to the Oregon Coast. Its affordable price point makes it an attractive choice for budget-conscious buyers wanting to navigate both city streets and rural landscapes. The extra versatility of seating allows for the transport of both gear and passengers, making it easier to embark on hiking trips or beach outings.
However, the Journey falls short in key areas that might make it less than ideal for the Pacific Northwest’s diverse driving conditions. The lack of an all-wheel-drive option may deter those looking for greater confidence on wet or slippery roads, particularly during the rainy season. Additionally, with a dated interior and limited engine performance compared to rivals, it doesn't quite match the more refined and feature-rich alternatives present in the market. With competitors offering better technology, safety features, and driving dynamics, potential buyers might find themselves drawn to more capable options that align with Portland's vibrant lifestyle and outdoor activities.
Located in Gresham, OR / 16 miles away from Portland, OR
WHY BUY FROM BICKMORE AUTO SALES?WE WORK WITH ALL TYPES OF CREDIT! QUICK FINANCING APPROVAL!WE HAVE OVER 200 VEHICLES IN INVENTORY PRICE FROM $3,000 T...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
21 Combined MPG (19 City/25 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 3C4PDCAB8JT157932 Stock: 12283A Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 03-01-2025
Located in Portland, OR / 8 miles away from Portland, OR
This is a solid running and driving Dodge Journey!!! Clean title with 95k miles!!! Automatic transmission with working air conditioning!!! Third row s...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: No
Personal Use Only: No
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
21 Combined MPG (19 City/26 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 3C4PDCAB1ET284009 Stock: 284009 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 05-01-2025
Located in Oklahoma City, OK / 1,487 miles away from Portland, OR
At Carvana, we go miles beyond the extra mile. That's why we provide you with a convenient, fast, and hassle-free car buying experience that puts you ...
AutoCheck Vehicle History Summary
Accident Free Vehicle: Yes
Personal Use Only: Yes
History Provider: AutoCheck
Title Details: Clean Title
Salvage Vehicle: No
Frame Damage: No
Theft History: No
Lemon Status: No
Free History Report: No
Features and Specs:
21 Combined MPG (19 City/25 Highway)
Listing Information:
VIN: 3C4PDCAB3JT535140 Stock: 2003662561 Certified Pre-Owned: No Listed since: 04-26-2025
I made it this far without a nav/infotainment system, traction/stability control, or bluetooth. The 4-cylinder engine in this thing has more horsepower than many older V-8s. That said, I think the 2017 Journey is a fantastic buy. I bought a $21,000 "stripper" - which still has, standard: a 173 hp engine (shared with Hyundai and Mitsubishi - buy one of their comparable vehicles and get … the same motor), 4-speed OD automatic transmission, traction control, a six-speaker touchscreen audio system, dual-zone air conditioning, front and rear stabilizer bars, automatic headlights, daylight running lights, and a nicely (manually) adjustable driver's seat. They even threw in an outdoor thermometer, and a gadget that lets you monitor your instantaneous and average fuel economy! I traded a 2007 Ford Escape for this, after the transmission grenaded at 146,000 miles. I consider this to be a step up, although still a front-wheel-drive "disposacar". Same ground clearance, same fuel mileage, good looks, with MORE standard features, more horsepower, easier for my wife to get in and out of. a better radio, more room (it's about a foot longer), and a bigger gas tank. Drives just as nice, handles about the same, much quieter, and I don't have to "drive it like I stole it" to get it moving at an intersection or onto the freeway. Controls same quality or better than the Escape. More power ports. Steering has enough feel for the average driver. 4-wheel power disc brakes "stop on a dime and give 9-cents change". Everything you REALLY NEED is included in the base price - this thing has more comfort and convenience items, and a ride and interior that rival a 1990's Cadillac. Good heater, ice-cold air conditioning. Don't option up unless you really need to, as "everybody" says these don't hold their value all that well. At 3800 lbs., it's heavy, and has a long wheelbase - probably why it rides so nice. BTW - if you don't plow your 2017 Journey into anything, it's doubtful you'll ever discover the difference between a 4-star and a 5-star safety rating. The Escape had poorer overall ratings, and in 10 years I never had an occasion to find out. If you're driving a 10 or more year old Escape or other, similar small SUV/CUV, and you are looking for a new vehicle with similar dimensions that doesn't look like every other SUV/CUV on the road, and an improved overall driving experience, you could do far worse than the 2017 Dodge Journey.
UPDATE: While I do miss the styling of the 1st gen. Escape, I do have to say that I still like the 2017 Journey. I stand by all I said above, and will add that while the exhaust note makes it sound like you are driving a sewing machine, it has plenty of pickup, as my wife and I aren't closet autocrossers. So far I have had no issues, and have changed the oil regularly, using full synthetic motor oil. Gets 22 MPG in town if you don't drive it like you stole it. On the highway, at 75 MPH with the cruise control and air conditioner on, it gets a solid 26 MPG. Maybe not as good as some other small SUV/CUV's - but you'll make up for it thanks to the low purchase price. I didn't buy the 3rd row seat, and saved a good bit of cash. Lots of cargo space with the fold-flat rear seats folded down - swallowed a storage shed kit with no problems. I plan on bringing home a load of patio blocks tonight... P.S. I LOVE the manual driver's seat in this vehicle - most comfortable I've ever experienced!
1-year update: I still like it. Everything I said above still holds true. The nice thing about the Journey is that you can find these equipped a hundred different ways, at prices from $22,000 to $40,000. Don't believe the hacks on the car magazine websites - the Pentastar V-6 and 8-speed automatic (which I have in my work van) is a ROCKET engine. The Journey is a fine vehicle for the money. The interior hasn't started coming apart, and everything still works. The only problem I've had is that I ran over something on the highway that ruined a tire, and broke a plastic cover under the front bumper cover. I hope the Journey holds up as long as our Escape did.
1.5-year update: Still runs fine, drives great. Windshield washer squirter supply hose came off between hood and hood insulating pad where I couldn't see it, but friendly oil-change tech figured it out and popped it back on quickly. Otherwise NO complaints - quality remains exceptional.
2.5-YEAR UPDATE: 47,000+ miles, and still VERY satisfied with my purchase. Runs and drives great, gas mileage 28 MPG hwy, no breakdowns. Interior still looks great, exterior like new. I've only spent money for car washes, synthetic oil changes and one tire. Towed a U-Haul trailer w/no issues.
5 year update: 80K mi., still runs great, part failing off after road debris impacted under air dam. Paint still looks like new. Does have 1 pending safety recall. Still worth every dime I paid for it. Periodic maintenance will reward you.
5.5 year (June 2022) update: over 85,000 miles now - almost through the 2nd set of tires, brakes may need service soon. Car has performed great, except that sometimes (since new), at moderate speeds (35 - 55 MPH), the car will stumble a bit at a constant speed as the electronically-controlled transmission tries to decide if it wants to lock up the torque converter or not. Interior still in excellent condition, no exterior or paint issues.
Final Update: Sold the car with just over 90,000 miles, and moved overseas. Only paid for tires and routine maintenance. A solid performer if you choose the base model as I did. Won't win many beauty contests or drag races, but will deliver solid value if maintained. Paid to have it detailed before selling - looked like brand-new - no paint or interior issues, a testament to the materials it was built with. Today's new cars all feature expensive, high-maintenance drivetrains, whether forced-induction liquid fuel, or electric. Cars like this Journey are already becoming prized by smart drivers who want REAL economy (low maintenance).
