The SUV market is saturated with options, some great and some not so great. But one stands out, and not for a good reason. The Dodge Journey has been chugging along for a decade, but it hasn’t been able to keep up with the competition, even after 11 years in the race.
The Journey crossover as long been speculated to be on the cutting block, and with Dodge’s new claim of Hellcat V8s for everything, that officially puts the kibosh on it as well. So Long Journey. See good deals, great deals and more on Used Dodge Journey SUV / Crossovers in Louisville, KY. Search from 49 Used Dodge SUV / Crossovers for sale, including a 2009 Dodge Journey SXT, a 2010 Dodge Journey R/T, and a 2013 Dodge Journey SXT ranging in price from $5,500 to $29,890. The 2011-2017 Dodge Journey crossover (a/k/a Fiat Freemont) The Dodge Journey was redesigned in 2011, with a retuned suspension, new V-6 engine, and an interior which 'wowed' the critics. A mildly retuned Fiat Freemont version, with a diesel and manual transmission, started selling at several times the volume of the Dodge Journey in markets outside North America.
Dodge finally discontinued this compact crossover SUV, and it doesn’t surprise anyone, including MotorTrend. Let’s look at what made the Journey so lackluster.
Where did the Dodge Journey go wrong?
On the market for over a decade, the Journey has done little to compete with others in its class. Dodge installed a 2.4-liter four-cylinder under the hood that generated only 173 hp. That’s not much for a crossover that seats seven.
Thanks to its weak engine, the Journey can tow no more than 1,000 pounds. If you’re planning to haul a snowmobile or an ATV on a trailer, this vehicle won’t do it for you unless your toys are lightweight. Plus, the Journey doesn’t possess much power to accelerate. This SUV’s 0-to-60 split is a sad 8.8 seconds.
The outliers are the people-hauling Grand Caravan minivan and Journey crossover SUV, each of which delivers value instead of outright speed. Select a Dodge Category Sedan. Are you looking for an adventurous crossover that's ready to take your family's everyday commute to the next level? The 2019 Dodge Journey was engineered with your daily grind in mind, offering the comfort, convenience, and capability you need to make the most of every trip you make.
The Dodge Journey isn’t known for storage space either. It offers 10.7 cubic feet behind the third row. If you bypass the backseats, you can get an admirable 67 cubic feet, but you won’t be to haul more than one passenger.
Was it ever any good?
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The Dodge Journey has always been just an average SUV with really only one thing going for it: the price. It’s one of the most affordable crossovers on the market.
When it first rolled off the production line in 2009, the Journey didn’t impress reviewers, including MotorTrend, all that much. They thought it was OK, but nothing made it stand out in the crowd of other crossovers.
However, in 2012, after a redesign, the Journey contended for MotorTrend‘s Sport Utility of the Year. It didn’t win, but it brought hope that the Journey was finally on a course to make a name for itself.
In 2017, MotorTrend reviewed a V6 version, which somehow impressed the publication a bit, but there wasn’t much else to recommend it. Now that engine is no longer available.
The best part of the 2020 model is the $25,000 starting price. It’s more affordable than other SUVs of its caliber. But, alas, it doesn’t offer many features.
The Journey comes to an end
After a decade, Dodge finally decided to end the Journey’s production run. The few improvements the manufacturer had made weren’t enough to overcome the vehicle’s shortcomings.
Though Dodge announced the Journey’s retirement, the automaker hasn’t yet mentioned what, if anything, will replace it. Axing its compact crossover leaves a huge void, especially considering Dodge also discontinued the Grand Caravan. The only family vehicle remaining in the automaker’s lineup of muscle cars and pickup trucks is the midsize crossover Durango.
Whether Dodge will replace the Journey with a more competitive compact crossover remains to be seen. In the meantime, you’re better off avoiding the Journey and choosing one of its competitors.
Dodge Suvs And Crossovers
Beginning production in 2008, the Dodge Journey has been on sale in the United States for over a decade, and it really hasn't changed much during that time. Which means by default, it's been getting a bit worse every year. Who wants a four-speed automatic in 2020? Still, the Journey is a hardworking soul, a $23,675 answer to the question of the cheapest legal way to transport seven people. But the journey ends in 2021—Autoblog reports that Fiat-Chrysler is finally retiring the budget crossover next year.
Dodge Durango 2021 Build
Frankly, it's about time. Starting life as a cheap CUV for families, the Dodge Journey has gradually evolved into—at least within the car salesman community—a symbol of uninformed consumers, predatory loans, and the cynicism of today's auto industry. The world needs cheap cars, but the Journey was past its sell-by date. Let's go back to a happier era, like when it first came out in the middle of the worst global financial crisis since the Great Depression.
Dodge Journey Crossover 2018
For the 2009 model year, the Journey was initially available with the option of either a 2.4-liter inline-four cylinder making 173 horsepower or a 3.5-liter V6 making 235 hp. Front-wheel drive was standard, with all-wheel-drive as an option. By 2011 the crossover was set for what Chrysler must've assumed to be a mid-cycle facelift, but of course, this facelift would last much longer than three years.