Chrysler LLC is like that Rocky Balboa character from the epic movie series of the same name. Hobbled, bloodied, and grasping for the ropes, he is only hoping for a sudden burst of aggressive adrenaline, a desperation move like throwing in the towel, or sympathetically, the final ringing of the bell.

And then, that sudden burst of adrenaline flows through the veins of the formerly stout automaker/pugilist, in the form of the 2009 Dodge Journey. Could this be the desperation move that the company needs? Or is it too little, too late? Or a combination of the two? Let’s take a look. At deadline, it is way too early to be sure, but if the venerable automaker continues to produce vehicles such as the Journey, they may not be in the pickle they presently find themselves in.

What is it?
A five+two passenger crossover utility vehicle, it appears as a Jeep-inspired, right-sized, right-height hauler that has more cubbyholes and hidden storage than imaginable. Just don’t let the kids stash a sandwich for safekeeping. It may never be found. It’s geared for singles, young families, and more maturing families (empty nesters).

What’s it up against?
The usual gang of suspects ranging from the larger Ford Edge, Honda Pilot and Hyundai Veracruz to more compact competitors like the Mazda CX-7 and Subaru Forester (which Leftlane reviewer Andrew Ganz recently drove). comprise the Journey’s competitive set. For the most part, these competitors know how to “bring it.”

Needless to say, Dodge has its work cut out – especially to be able to compete both up and down.

Any breakthroughs?
Well, if you consider the shape closely resembles the s-word (that’s S-as in station wagon), that’s a breakthrough in its own right! But wait! There’s tons of underfloor storage area in between the front and middle row of seats. These can be loaded with ice and up to 12 cans of soda. A “Chill Zone” in-car-cooler is also located in the glove box to chill two 12-oz cans of sody-pop. With all the drinks and juice boxes that are sure to be floating about, it’s a good thing that YES Essentials fabric is utilized for a stain, odor and static resistant interior.

How does it look?
Starting with the front end, expect that you would see the typical Dodge “Crosshair” target in the snout of the car. From various angles you’ll see sheetmetal that looks as though it came from the Caravan, a Jeep-like attitude as it hunkers down, and doors that make it look like a really tall station wagon.

The Journey has a decidedly Asian vibe to it, looking from the side, at least, that it came from a Kia or Mitsubishi design studio. Clear driver and passenger side glass give way to smoked rear and “way-back” glass panels that give a semblance of privacy to the contents and rides in the rear. Come to think of it, looking at the front reminded us of some of the characters in the Japanese Transformers movie franchise! The rear displays surprising restraint and manages to not go overboard with strakes, creases, and so on.

Overall we’d have to say the Dodge Journey is a successful exercise in restraint, and as a result has a design that will go the distance, instead of looking like yesterday’s bad styling exercise.

And inside?
Our Journey test ride was in the top-of-the-line R/T FWD version, which, while not including all the high-zoot accouterments of the R/T AWD version, seemed to come up short in just the lack of a navigation system. The Dashboard has a look that although not too fresh, is still rather functional. A single binnacle houses the speedometer, tachometer, fuel and temperature gauges, along with an assortment of idiot lights. The leather-wrapped steering wheel gives decent feel and dresses it up a bit, though the Leftlane staff was divided on the little audio control nubs on the backside of the wheel.

Speaking of audio, Dodge has seen fit to locate the audio head unit in the bottom of the center stack, instead locating the climate dials in the middle, just below the center vents. A largish center console houses a storage cubby up front with two power ports being a nice touch. Head back and you will notice two cupholders, the shift lever, and more storage before hitting an armrest. A clever hidden storage compartment sits under the passenger’s front seat and offers a place to hide small valuables. The seats are leather-covered, but from a rather plebian sort of cow. Other storage compartments including a “duplex” glovebox round out the equation.

Head to the middle of the Journey, and you’ll find two ports for a car lighter, as well as a 110-volt household socket. It’s just the thing to plug the Playstation II into, for those longer excursions. By the way, the rear seat offers good legroom for all but the longest of leg passengers. Flipping a lever and having the seats fold forward into an entry position accomplish access to the way-back seats. Overall, the interior does everything you ask of it. We just wish its construction offered a higher grade of materials.

But does it go?
While not designed for land speed record attempts, the Journey is equipped with a 235 horsepower 3.5-liter V6, which outputs 232 lb-ft. of torque. Mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with electronic torque converter, it is more than sufficient in launching the Journey during around-town and cross-country excursions. Interior noise was well dampened to keep it to a minimum, and no signs of abnormal yelping from the engine room managed to squeak into the cabin.

Although tipping the scales at a generous 4064 pounds, and possessing a rather tall greenhouse, the Journey still managed to allow for confident wheel-whipping on our test course. Credit definitely goes to the front mounted MacPherson struts and coilovers and rear-mounted multilink suspension, again with coilovers. Or maybe it’s something to do with the added electronic roll mitigation device (ERM) which, along with Anti-lock-brakes (ABS), and an Electronic stability program (ESP), which all work together to make sure the greasy side stays down.

The EPA’s mileage ratings for the Journey place it pretty much in the middle of the pack of its competition, with ratings of 16 mpg city, and 23 mpg highway.

Why you would buy it:
You believe Chrysler LLC deserves a last chance and you like what this new seven-passenger Dodge Journey brings to the table.

Why you wouldn’t:
You want to wait for it to carry a GM badge on its flanks. (Or not)

2009 Dodge Journey R/T FWD base price, $25,920. As tested, $29,880.
Package 28X, $695; 5+2 Flexible Seating Grou, $1,220; Trailer Tow prep group, $130; Power moonroof, $795; Infinity premium audio, $495; Destination, $625.

Words and photos by Mark Elias.

    Print This Post