Used Dodge Journey Review: 2008-2010
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It's not news that people aren't sexy.
It's a practical and efficient vehicle for large families, but with the Journey, Chrysler has tried to up the box-on-wheels image by making it a more attractive SUV.
Although the Journey looks like an SUV, it is actually a front-wheel drive seven-seater. But this is not the huge monster that the term "man-eater" suggests; it is actually modest in size, especially since it can accommodate seven adults in reasonable comfort.
It's inside where the stars travel. First, there are three rows of seats arranged in a studio style; with each row higher than the one in front as you move backwards in the vehicle. This means that everyone gets a good view, which is not always the case with people.
In addition, the second row seats can be split, slid back and forth and tilted, while the third row seats can be folded or split 50/50, providing the flexibility a family on the move needs.
Behind the third seat, there is plenty of hauling space, as well as plenty of other storage space with drawers, pockets, drawers, trays, and under-seat storage scattered throughout the cabin.
Chrysler offered two engines for the Journey: a 2.7-liter V6 petrol and a 2.0-liter common rail turbodiesel. While they both did the hard work of promoting the Journey, they both struggled under the weight of the task.
Performance as a result was adequate, not brisk. There were also two proposal transfers. If you bought the V6 you got the regular sequential automatic transmission, but if you opted for the diesel you got a six-speed dual-clutch DSG transmission.
Chrysler offered three models in the line, from the entry-level SXT to the R/T and finally to the diesel R/T CRD. They were all well equipped, even the SXT had dual zone climate control, cruise, power driver's seat and six stack CD sound, while the R/T models had leather trim, a rearview camera and heated front seats.
NOW
The earliest Journeys to reach our shores are now four years old and have averaged up to 80,000 km. The good news is that they are mostly serviceable to date and there have been no reports of problems with engines, gearboxes, even DSGs or transmissions and chassis.
The only serious mechanical problem that was found was the rapid wear of the brakes. There seems to be no problem with actually braking the car, but it seems like the braking system has to work hard to stop the car and wears out as a result.
Owners report having to replace not only the pads, but also the disc rotors after 15,000-20,000 km of driving. This usually results in a bill of around $1200, which owners may face on an ongoing basis while they own the vehicle, and which potential buyers should consider when considering travel.
While brakes are generally not covered under a new car warranty, Chrysler is partnering with free rotor replacements when owners have an arc. Build quality can vary, and this can manifest itself as squeaks, rattles, failure of interior components, their falling, warping and deformation, etc.
When inspecting a car before buying, carefully inspect the interior, make sure that all systems work, nothing will fall off anywhere. We had one report that the radio stopped flashing and the owner had been waiting months for a replacement.
Owners also told us about the difficulties they had in obtaining parts when their cars actually got into trouble. One waited over a year for a catalytic converter to replace the one that had failed on his car. But despite the problems, most owners say they're more than happy with the Journey's practicality for family transport.
SMITH SPEAKS
An exceptionally practical and versatile family station wagon disappointed with the need for regular brake changes. 3 stars
Dodge Journey 2008-2010
New price: $ 36,990 to $ 46,990
Engines: 2.7-liter petrol V6, 136 kW / 256 Nm; 2.0 liter 4-cylinder turbodiesel, 103 kW/310 Nm
Gear boxes: 6-speed automatic (V6), 6-speed DSG (TD), FWD
Economy: 10.3 l/100 km (V6), 7.0 l/100 km (TD)
Body: 4-door station wagon
The options are: SXT, R / T, R / T CRD
Safety: Front and side airbags, ABS and ESP
