Dodge Journey (2008 – 2010) Review
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Dodge Journey (2008 – 2010) At A Glance
Chunky, SUV-like design with lower emissions than a 4x4 seven-seater and Getrag Powershift twin-clutch auto option.
Not cheaper than a seven seat MPV, not special to drive, Volkswagen 2.0 TDI PD a bit weak for the weight.
If you think of the Qashqai +2 as a 7-seater Qashqai, then you'd be forgiven for looking at the Journey as a 7-seater Caliber.
But it's a bit better than that.
Like the Caliber, it's front-drive only, not the 4x4 it appears to be. So it's easier on fuel, yet shrugs off kerbs and speed cushions as effectively as an SUV.
Reviews for Dodge Journey (2008 – 2010)'s top 3 rivals
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Dodge Journey (2008 – 2010) handling and engines
- Engines range from 2.0 CRD to 2.4
- Readers report Real MPG to be between 29–44 mpg
There's a choice of two engines: Chrysler's 168bhp 2.4 litre petrol, or VW's 138bhp Pumpe Duse diesel, with five or six manual gears respectively. Or, on the SXT, you can have a Getrag dual clutch auto, the same as in the Focus and small Volvos, rather than VAG's DSG, giving an interesting new angle on powertrain sharing. CO2 is 209g/km for the petrol, 171g/km for the diesel and 186g/km for the diesel auto, none of which are bad for a 7 seater with the street presence of an SUV.
The diesel engine will move the car's considerable 1,895kg bulk along, but weak low-down torque means a lot of gearchanges to keep it on the boil. It feels like a slightly less refined Mitsubishi Grandis with the same powertrain. It will go round corners without any drama up to a point. Though it's best driven in the same manner as a pick-up or 4x4. Its seat height gives it a distinct advantage pulling out of side roads because you can see over the tops of parked cars.
There's a point in the vehicle. It's a relatively cheap 7 seater with some SUV attributes, a diesel auto option, and not too punishing CO2. A lot of families have taken to the Caliber and if more offspring are expected it's a logical move up. While DIY dads will be very happy with the ability to carry timber, and flatpack wardrobes. Perhaps even a surfboard if they don't drive too far onto the beach.
| Engine | MPG | 0-62 | CO2 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.0 CRD | 45 mpg | 11.6 s | 165 g/km |
| 2.4 | 32 mpg | 10.1 s | 209 g/km |
Real MPG average for the Dodge Journey (2008 – 2010)
Real MPG was created following thousands of readers telling us that their cars could not match the official figures.
Real MPG gives real world data from drivers like you to show how much fuel a vehicle really uses.
Average performance
89%
Real MPG
29–44 mpg
MPGs submitted
8
Dodge Journey (2008 – 2010) interior
- Boot space is 303–1914 litres
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4888 mm |
| Width | 1878 mm |
| Height | 1691 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2890 mm |
It has a lot of showroom appeal. The LED dash lights up like a small aircraft's and is very clear in all lighting situations. (Our two-hour test drive contrived to give us every kind of climatic condition of a lousy English summer.) The ‘Tilt ‘N Slide' centre seats fold up and slide cleverly forwards in one movement for access to the rearmost. Being sort-of American there are cupholders everywhere.
All three centre-rear seats have ISOFIX tethers, so one kiddy can sit in the middle with a clear view forwards, though they won't take three child seats across. The rear side doors open 90 degrees making installation of child seats less back-breaking than usual. Seats are progressively 40mm and 17mm higher helping rear passengers see forwards. There are bins under the floor with removable wet liners, like small washing up bowls, so they are easy to clean. The upper glovebox is air conditioned and contains removable rubber can holders, so Coca Cola won't rattle in there.
There are separate roof mounted a/c controls for the rear seats. And on SXT and RT versions, the front passenger seat folds flat so long loads can be accommodated alongside the driver and four passengers sitting 1-2-1. Rearmost passengers get slots to push their toes under the seats in front and more room than in a Qashqai, Outlander, C Crosser or 4007. But don't expect adults to thank you for a lift if they have to sit there.
Dodge Journey (2008 – 2010) models and specs
| Dimensions | |
|---|---|
| Length | 4888 mm |
| Width | 1878 mm |
| Height | 1691 mm |
| Wheelbase | 2890 mm |
| Miscellaneous | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight | 1805–1905 kg |
| Boot Space | 303–1914 L |
| Warranty | 3 years |
| Servicing | 8000–9000 miles |
| Costs | |
|---|---|
| List Price | £16,995–£22,595 |
| Insurance Groups | 20–22 |
| Road Tax Bands | G–K |
| Official MPG | 32.1–44.8 mpg |
| Euro NCAP Safety Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Adult | - |
| Child | - |
| Pedestrian | - |
| Overall | - |
On sale until January 2011
| People Carrier | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.0 CRD RT 5dr | £22,595 | 44.8 mpg | 11.6 s |
| 2.0 CRD SE 5dr | £19,595 | 44.8 mpg | 11.6 s |
| 2.0 CRD SXT 5dr | £20,595 | 44.8 mpg | 11.6 s |
| 2.4 SE 5dr | £16,995 | 32.1 mpg | 10.1 s |
On sale until March 2009
| People Carrier | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.4 SXT 5dr | £18,395 | 32.1 mpg | 10.1 s |
On sale until December 2008
| People Carrier | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Version | List Price | MPG | 0-62 |
| 2.0 CRD RT 5dr Auto | £22,511 | - | - |
Model History
September 2007
Dodge Journey revealed
Launched Frankfurt Show September 2007 to supplement Chrysler Voyager in Europe. Dodge Journey "is a seven-seat vehicle that combines the space and practicality of an MPV with the style of an SUV and the ride, handling and fuel efficiency of a family saloon."
4,888mm (16') long x 1,878mm (6' 2") wide.
May 2008
Journey launched in the UK
Featured a 2.4-litre petrol engine or a 2.0-litre diesel engine. Both powertrains available with either a manual or Getrag Powershift automatic gearbox. 5+2 with flexible seating system, spacious storage bins and underfloor storage areas. Safety enhancements include ESP and three-row side curtain airbags.
Dodge Journey adapts the platform also used on the 2008 Dodge Avenger. Dodge Journey’s 113.8-inch (2,890 mm) wheelbase is 4.9 in. (124 mm) longer than the Avenger to accommodate its 5+2 seating and additional cargo space. The Dodge Journey effectively replaced the SWB Chrysler Voyager model in the Chrysler Group range.
With 5+2 seating standard across the range, the front-wheel drive Dodge Journey was available in the UK from August 2008 and featured a 2.4-litre petrol engine or a 2.0-litre diesel engine. VAG diesel engine available with either a manual or Getrag Powershift two clutch automatic gearbox.
Family-friendly features that include tilt and slide second-row seats; rear doors that open to 90-degrees for easy access when installing child seats and air-conditioning that works in all three rows will all help take Journey owners to a new level of family motoring.
The new Dodge came with a choice of a 2.4-litre petrol engine or a 2.0-litre diesel engine. The diesel engine was available with either a manual or Getrag dual-clutch automatic gearbox and returned up to 43.5 mpg (combined cycle) in the EC tests.
The entry-level SE model came with three-zone climate control; a tilt and telescope steering wheel; tyre pressure monitoring; power-folding and heated wing mirrors; electric windows and six-disc CD with MP3 compatible sound system all as standard.
The 2008 Dodge Journey was available from August 2008 priced (on-the-road) as follows:
Journey 2.4 Petrol SE Five-speed Manual £16,995
Journey 2.0 CRD SE Six-speed Manual £17,995
Journey 2.0 CRD SXT Six-speed Manual £19,995
Journey 2.0 CRD SXT Six-speed Automatic £21,195
Journey 2.0 CRD R/T Six-speed Automatic £22,995
Gives the SUV/pick-up driving experience to a 7 seater 2WD MPV.
January 2010
2010 Model Year Dodge Journey models on sale in the UK. The entry-level 2.4-litre petrol SE now £16,990 and offered Tilt ‘n Slide™ flexible seating system, spacious under-floor storage bins and under-seat storage areas and three-zone climate control. The model also came with 16-inch steel wheels, a tilt and telescopic steering column, tyre pressure monitoring, power-folding and heated door mirrors, electric windows and six-disc CD with MP3 compatible sound system all as standard. New equipment on SE models includes second-row integrated child booster seats, odour and stain repel cloth and cruise control.
The SXT for 2010 was priced from £19,990. In addition to the SE specification it features six way power driver seat, lumbar adjustment, fog lamps and 17 inch alloy wheels. The 2010 Journey SXT also got second-row integrated child booster seats, roof rails and crossbars, sunscreen glass, leather steering wheel and gear shifter and steering wheel audio controls.
The top-of-the range R/T for 2010 cost £21,990 and featured all the SXT equipment plus leather-trimmed seats and 19 inch alloy wheels. New for 2010 includes uconnect® phone with voice recognition, a hands-free communication system using Bluetooth technology, iPod® connectivity, roof crossbars and second-row integrated child booster seats.
The 2010 MY Dodge Journey had improved its CO2 emissions and therefore dropped a tax band. The 2.0-litre diesel manual decreased its emissions by five grams per kilometre, moving from tax band H to G, saving £25 of vehicle excise duty, and the 2.0-litre diesel automatic model decreased by 10 grams per kilometre, saving £40 of vehicle excise duty and moving from Band J to I. The frugal 2.0-litre diesel engine returned up to 44.8 mpg on the EC combined cycle.
What to watch out for
A/c condenser failure reported just within 3 year warranty and replaced under warranty. Then Getrag Powertshift twin clutch transmission control unit solenoids began to disengage forward or reverse gears. Need for new Transmission Control Unit diagnosed at a cost of £3,000, minus a £500 contribution from FIAT.
More feedback welcome
