is 2011 dodge journey a good car

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2011 Dodge Journey

But easily lost behind tip-of-the-spear debuts such as the all-new Grand Cherokee and Dodge Charger are foot soldiers like the Dodge Journey , which is merely overhauled. To transform the rental-fleet darling Journey, Chrysler has granted the crossover more power, a sharper chassis, and a vastly improved interior for 2011.

Priorities Inside Out

Dodge focused less on the Journey’s styling and more on its interior and chassis, a decision we support. And so the exterior changes are minimal. Up front, all models get a new grille and V-6 Journeys a square-jawed front bumper. Circular LED taillights and a revised rear bumper soften the rear end’s previous angularity, and new 19-inch wheels enter the range on higher trim levels.

Open any door, however, and the Journey is virtually unrecognizable. No longer is the cabin a hard-knock blend of Fisher-Price and ugly. Shiny plastic is as scarce inside the 2011 model as soft-touch materials were in the 2010. The cabin’s centerpiece is the new dashboard, wrapped in a low-gloss, one-piece padded panel with bezeled components, zero-gap tolerances, a new steering wheel, and classy black-on-white instruments set within Mercedes-like angled wells. Six interior color themes boldly embrace chroma and contrast like no other crossover in the class—one striking combo features ivory leather and orange stitching against black carpets—making the gray-scale misery of the previous Journey a hazy memory.

With the prior model’s most loathsome interior characteristics banished, the Journey’s innately sensible traits—the comfortably elevated seating position, standard underfloor bins in the second-row, and reasonable space for the occasional carpool in three-row form—are vastly more appreciable. Over-the-shoulder vision remains at a premium due to the Journey’s high waistline and chunky pillars, but the sightlines can be enhanced by dropping the revised second- and third-row headrests forward onto the seatbacks when they’re not in use.

An Interesting Journey

Two engines are available for 2011. The 2.4-liter four-cylinder carries over with 173 hp and 166 lb-ft of torque and is still mated to a four-speed autobox. It is the exclusive domain of the base Express trim level. The rest of the Journey lineup—Mainstreet, R/T, Crew, and Lux trims—features Chrysler’s new 3.6-liter Pentastar V-6, tuned for 283 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque and mated to a six-speed manumatic. All-wheel drive is an option for all but the front-wheel-drive-only Express. Our brief stint in a Journey Lux with all-wheel drive, estimated to weigh somewhere north of 4200 pounds, proved that the 2011 Journey isn’t a total slug. The V-6 has a far easier time with 4200 pounds than with, say, 5000 pounds of Dodge Durango , and we estimate the Pentastar-powered Journey should hit 60 mph in the low-seven-second range.

The squiggly, bucking coastal roads north of San Francisco provided as appropriate a venue as one could find to evaluate the Journey’s heavily reworked chassis, which benefits from revised rear-suspension geometry; larger, retuned shocks; new spring rates; new jounce bumpers; and beefier steering components. Within a few miles, we were impressed with the Journey’s composure and feedback. Our tester was shod with the top-dog 225/55-19 all-season tires, which handled our flogging with remarkably little protest. Additional credit for the planted feel goes to a partnership between the electronic all-wheel-drive and stability-control systems; they conspire to send power proactively to the rear wheels while cornering at speeds between 25 and 53 mph, roughly the same range of speeds we could safely explore on those bumpy ribbons of asphalt.

Competitive, but Will Anyone Believe It?

Within its competitive set, which includes mid-size vehicles like the Hyundai Santa Fe and larger three-row trucks like the Honda Pilot and Mazda CX-9, the Journey is aggressively priced at $22,995. The bump of $1400 over the 2010 model is more than worth it given the 2011’s newfound competence. The $24,995 Journey Mainstreet represents $2000 well spent for the stronger engine and transmission alone, although Dodge tosses in larger wheels (17 inches), dual exhaust tips, body-color mirrors, cargo area accessories, Sirius satellite radio, and more. From there, Journey prices leap to $28,995 for the R/T and $29,990 for the Crew, which are mechanically identical and laden with roughly the same smattering of creature comforts (remote start, premium audio with a hard drive, automatic climate control, and more) but delineated by specific paint schemes and 19-inch wheel designs. The Lux piles on heated leather seats, multiple parking assistants, a premium instrument cluster, and shiny chrome-clad wheels, for $33,490.

Three years after its introduction, the Journey is finally the crossover it should have been all along and is perhaps capable of bettering its last-place finish in its only comparison test . But that could be only half the battle. The other half? Since the 2011 looks so much like the 2008–10 Journey, Dodge might have to spend as much money marketing the much-improved crossover as it spent fixing it.

Specifications

VEHICLE TYPE: front-engine, front- or 4-wheel-drive, 7-passenger, 5-door wagon

BASE PRICE: $22,995

ENGINES: DOHC 16-valve 2.4-liter inline-4, 173 hp, 166 lb-ft; DOHC 24-valve 3.6-liter V-6, 283 hp, 260 lb-ft

TRANSMISSIONS: 4-speed automatic, 6-speed automatic with manumatic shifting

DIMENSIONS: Wheelbase: 113.8 in Length: 192.4 in Width: 72.2 in Height: 66.6 in Curb weight (mfr-s est): 3800-4200 lb

PERFORMANCE ( C/D EST): Zero to 60 mph: 7.2-9.6 seconds

FUEL ECONOMY (MFR-S EST): EPA city/highway driving: 16-19/24-25 mpg

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Review & Competition Comparo: 2011 Dodge Journey

When I first heard that Chrysler had revised nearly every one of its models for the 2011 model year, I cynically assumed the changes couldn’t possibility make much of a difference. After all, how much could they have done with little money and even less time—and with Detroit’s tendency to make minor changes and expect them to have a major impact? Then I drove the new Dodge Grand Caravan, and was amazed at how much its ride and handling had improved. For those seeking something smaller, or who simply refuse to buy a minivan, Dodge offers the Journey crossover. Underwhelming before, does it now similarly surprise?

The Journey’s sheet metal remains the same. It’s nearly as boxy as the minivan’s, but with the higher stance and the longer, more horizontal front clip of a crossover. Nothing fancy, but nothing off-putting, either. Of course, paint it “mango tango” and even a basic box will get noticed. A revised front fascia and the new 19-inch alloys fitted to the Crew and R/T trim levels suggest that the Journey is now a driving machine. The chrome-clad wheels fitted to the tested Lux, though equally large, aren’t as aggressively styled. One potential mod: even the 19s don’t begin to fill the wheel openings, and the rear in particular could be lowered a couple of inches.

The Journey’s interior revisions are much more extensive, and have an immediate impact. The tan leather fitted to the seats of the tested car looks and feels rich. It attractively contrasts with the black stitching and the soft-touch black trim panels. The thickly padded faux leather on the door panels extends to the inner surface of the door pulls—a premium touch too rarely found even among much more expensive cars. The doors shut with reassuring solidity. The instrument panel was already a soft-touch affair, but the new one has a cleaner, more upscale appearance to match. The various switches aren’t quite up to the rest of the interior. Even so, this is now easily the most upscale interior in the segment. Now in the bottom spot: the Honda Pilot.

The Journey’s ergonomics are also much improved. A large touchscreen, shared with the redesigned Charger sedan, is located where it’s easy to see and reach, without being awkwardly perched atop the instrument panel (as it was previously). The screen’s graphics are larger than most, making it easy to quickly find and tap the desired control (in distinct contrast to the Ford’s newest system). The screen does wash out at times, but simply designed and conveniently located knobs and buttons remain for key functions. A potential source of confusion: the fan speed knob is located between two for the audio system. But I never had the slightest trouble finding the right one. The Bluetooth for the phone works well. It’s possible to dial using the touchscreen, but the voice recognition system got the number right on the first try (simply hit the phone button on the steering wheel then say “Dial 1-234-555-1212”).

The front buckets continue the Journey’s newly premium character, with ample padding and enough contour that you’re coddled within the seat rather than sitting upon it. The driver gets an effective four-way power lumbar adjustment—but oddly a manual recliner. The view forward is very car-like, similar to the Chevrolet Equinox (but with much less of a sense of tunnel vision) and not nearly as high and upright as in the Kia Sorento or Toyota Highlander. The view rearward: not so good thanks to a small rear window and tall headrests that fill most of it.

Unfortunately, nothing could be done about the tight rear seats – short of reworking the metal. The second row—which continues to lack contour but is comfortably high off the floor—must be nearly all of the way back to provide enough legroom for adults, but if this is done there’s almost no legroom in the optional third row.

Adults might occupy both rows in a pinch, but the rearmost is best suited for pre-teens. (Built-in booster seats are an option in the second row.)

The Sorento offers a little more rear legroom (but less headroom in the third row) while the Highlander offers much more. The latter offers more shoulder room as well. The GM crossovers offer about the same amount of shoulder room as the Dodge, but far more rear legroom—easily done since they have no optional third row. Even the Mazda5 microvan, much smaller on the outside, is roomier on the inside.

There might not be much room in the back of the Journey, but Chrysler has equipped it like a large minivan. Every outboard seating position gets an airliner-like aimable LED reading light that looks classy and works well. The third-row seat package includes rear automatic climate control with vents in the ceiling.

In its original iteration, the Journey included an unusually large number of places to stash things. Storage compartments inside the front passenger seat and beneath the floor in the second row have been carried over. A well at the base of the center stack could easily hold a large camera.

There’s a couple inches more cargo space behind the third row than in the Sorento and Highlander—so unlike in those competitors, a single row of grocery bags would fit with no crushing of the eggs. Every seat save the driver’s can be folded to extend the cargo area. The load floor is high off the ground, though, a casualty of the crossover stance.

Like just about every other Chrysler product, for 2011 the Journey can be outfitted with the corporation’s new “Pentastar” 3.6-liter DOHC V6 engine mated to a manually-shiftable six-speed automatic. With 283-horsepower, this mill is considerably more powerful than last year’s 235-horsepower 3.5-liter and competitive in terms of both performance and refinement with the V6s in the Highlander and Sorento. GM’s 3.0-liter feels weak and sounds strained in comparison. Especially when prodded with a heavy right foot, the Chrysler automatic’s shifts have an unusual, firm feel—sporty perhaps, but less refined than the engine. The optional all-wheel-drive effectively blunts torque steer.

Fuel economy as reported by the EPA is a little better than last year, 16/24 vs. 15/23, but the city figure still lags the most efficient competitors. The trip computer confirmed the EPA ratings in real-world driving. Willing to sacrifice performance and/or all-wheel-drive for a couple additional MPG? A 173-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine remains standard in the base trim level. It’s good for 19/26, well below the 22/32 of the Equinox and 2012 Sorento.

The Journey’s chassis tweaks aren’t substantial. In turns, lean is moderate and body motions are fairly well controlled, but the revised steering is too light and lacks feel, especially on center. For the first 90 degrees, the wheel doesn’t load up at all. The Kumho Solus tires further indicate that sporty handling wasn’t a priority. Chrysler should let the people who tuned the minivan’s chassis have a go at the Journey.

So, if you’ve been looking for the domestic auto industry’s answer to the Audi Q5, this isn’t it. Not that most crossover buyers will mind. Instead, they’ll find a vehicle that is easy to drive and that rides very smoothly and quietly, with a cushier character than the Chevrolet and Kia. The Dodge doesn’t only look more expensive. It also feels more expensive.

The 2011 Journey Lux with all-wheel-drive, third row, sunroof, and nav lists for $36,685, about $3,000 more than the 2010. Roughly $500 of this increase pays for additional features like keyless ignition, Bluetooth, and the four-way power lumbar, according to TrueDelta’s car pricing tool . The rest covers the engine and interior material upgrades. A GM executive once told me that if only the bean counters would let him spend $300 more on interior materials he could charge $3,000 more for the car. Now we have a test. Does the resulting price seem steep? A Chevrolet Equinox LTZ is very close in price to a two-row Journey Lux after a small adjustment for feature differences. A similarly-equipped Toyota Highlander Limited lists for another $3,000 more. Then, of course, there are the Koreans. A Kia Sorento EX V6 with these features lists for nearly $2,000 less. But the Kia has a more truck-like driving position and doesn’t ride as smoothly.

Previously, the Dodge Journey had little to recommend it aside from a relatively low price. Its tight, cheaply outfitted interior did put it at a severe disadvantage. Now, the interior isn’t any roomier, but it is much nicer, even the best in the segment. The new V6 is similarly a match for the segment’s best. Between these two improvements, the Dodge Journey’s higher but still competitive price seems justified. The Dodge Journey’s now deserves a serious look by crossover buyers who don’t need a lot of interior room. Chrysler’s people clearly took the company’s recent brush with death seriously, and in this case accomplished a surprising amount, especially considering the time and money they had to do it.

Dodge provided the vehicle, insurance and one tank of gas for this review.

Michael Karesh operates TrueDelta , an online source of car reliability and pricing information.

Michael Karesh lives in West Bloomfield, Michigan, with his wife and three children. In 2003 he received a Ph.D. from the University of Chicago. While in Chicago he worked at the National Opinion Research Center, a leader in the field of survey research. For his doctoral thesis, he spent a year-and-a-half inside an automaker studying how and how well it understood consumers when developing new products. While pursuing the degree he taught consumer behavior and product development at Oakland University. Since 1999, he has contributed auto reviews to Epinions, where he is currently one of two people in charge of the autos section. Since earning the degree he has continued to care for his children (school, gymnastics, tae-kwan-do...) and write reviews for Epinions and, more recently, The Truth About Cars while developing TrueDelta, a vehicle reliability and price comparison site.

More by Michael Karesh

Join the conversation

my wife drives a 2009 journy r/t ,has every option except AWD,we love it, does great in the snow ,only if it got better gas mileage.She wants to trade it in on a new 2013 ford focus for the gas mileage,SHOULD I STOP HER?

Transport Canada has just issued a recall on the Journey because the Ignition module will switch to the Accessory position all by itself, thus shuting off the engine! Has anyone else experienced this problem? Also the CBC TV Program Market Place did a article on this very problem that happened to a Customer in British Columbia, the dealer there could not find the problem?

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2011 Dodge Journey

• Crash Tests

The Car Connection Expert Review

• Excellent ride quality
• Roomy, minivan-like interior
• Distinctive look
• Numb steering feel
• Unintuitive nav system
• Dash cuts into knee room
• Clunky downshifts, awkward manual mode

features & specs

The 2011 dodge journey is a crossover wagon for seven, not a le mans intender; it's well-suited for a practical family journey..

From its original introduction in 2008, the mid-size Journey crossover was right on target with respect to packaging, sheetmetal and some of the flexibility features. Dodge kept the Journey's target audience in mind—those crafty new families who need an "everything" car. What it didn't have was a cabin we'd want to sit in, or a modern six-cylinder drivetrain worth our extra dollars.

Most of those shortcomings are fixed in the 2011 Journey. It looks essentially the same from the outside, but what's been tossed on the junk heap—where it always belonged—is the old dash, with its funny, tilted, squared-off gauges and sheeny, brittle plastics that brought back bad memories of the Omni hatchbacks. The new dash design isn't a home run, and it does carry over lots of contact with front-seaters' knees, but it gut-checks the cheap feeling entirely.

Look aside from the fleet-ish four-cylinder, four-speed drivetrain that keeps the Journey's pricetag under $20,000. With its trade-offs in shift quality, you'll still want to opt up to the Journey's new Pentastar V-6 option. It replaces the old 235-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 that felt old and hoary when it first made the rounds, back in Chrysler's Mitsubishi period. The new V-6 is a bit riper, a bit more plush-sounding, and even if it doesn't feel quite up to its stated 283 horsepower, it's a magnitude better than what passed before. The new six-speed automatic's shift quality? Give it a mulligan for now—it's just too shuddery and hesitant. Handling is reasonably responsive in the Journey, and some of the changes to the suspension—like stiffer, better-responding shocks and lowered ride height—have honed some of its duller responses. The ride quality remains a strong point, with the proper damping and roll control for a family vehicle, but steering feel still leaves a lot to be desired.

Back inside, the Journey's unchanged packaging gets topped with a sprinkling of new features and improved actions. Four adults, or two adults and three or four kids, are happy enough inside the Journey, with flat seats and right-sized head and leg room taking good advantage of the Journey's proportions. On mid-grade-and-up Journeys, the second-row seat slides fore and aft to free up more leg room, and on the same versions, front seats have storage built in beneath the seat cushion, and the center console gets a new tilt-and-slide top. Bins and cubbies abound, and the cargo hold specs out at a swell 37 cubic feet behind the second row, and a smooshed 10.7 cubic feet behind the raised third-row seat. Flip everything down behind the front seats, and you can fit a half-dozen flat-screen TVs in the Journey's 67.6 cubic feet of space.

The Journey sports some of the most extensive offerings for entertainment in this class, but to get them all, you'll be spending considerably more than the base price of $20,000. Standard features include air conditioning; cruise control; power locks/mirrors/windows; a cooled glove box; a telescoping steering wheel; and an AM/FM/CD player with MP3 capability. Options include a not-terribly-intuitive Garmin navigation system; Sirius Satellite Radio, TravelLink and Backseat TV, an on-the-go service with a small selection of kid-friendly programming; a DVD entertainment system; and a premium audio system and uConnect multimedia with MP3 player controls. A USB port is standard now, but it's buried deep in the center console, so there won't be any texting and driving without a long connector. Bluetooth is added on the top three models for free, but it's available on the base and Mainstreet trims.

2011 Dodge Journey Styling

The 2011 dodge journey offers a smoother, better-sculpted interior, along with an improved butch-wagon exterior..

A quick walkaround doesn't reveal a lot of newness outside, and that's just fine. It's still a wagon with some overt SUV cues, like the squared-off corners, pronounced fenders, and straightforward grille. Those ribs are thicker and meatier—always a good thing—and what was already a decent looking package looks a bit better.

What's been tossed on the junk heap—where it always belonged—is the old dash, with its funny, tilted, squared-off gauges and sheeny, brittle plastics that brought back bad memories of the Omni hatchbacks. Open the door and a vector of metallic trim guides you around all the suave finishes and tight fits of the new interior. The sculpting of the center stack doesn't entirely match with the cut-tube gauges and blocky geometrics of the steering wheel, but they play nice with each other—and so do the big LCD screen (on some versions) and the no-fuss climate controls that ride above or below that rollercoaster of bright trim. The new dash does carry over lots of contact with front-seaters' knees, but it gut-checks the cheap feeling entirely.

2011 Dodge Journey Performance

Although the new pentastar v-6 brings much-needed responsiveness and refinement, the rest of the package isn't quite up to the task..

The new six-speed automatic's shift quality? Give it a mulligan for now. In the Journey, and both the related Avenger and Chrysler 200 sedans, we picked up on some shuddery shifting that betrayed some glitchy programming. Call for a downshift, and the transmission doubts you're ready for it—then it slides through a long shift action, stripping out the potential for tossing the kids around in the backseat like a summer seasonal mix. The manual shift mode doesn't always listen, and it's actuated on the shift lever—so you'll be driving one-handed if you're trying to drive with some pizazz, which is exactly wrong.

Handling is reasonably responsive in the Journey, and some of the changes to the suspension—like stiffer, better-responding shocks and lowered ride height—have honed some of its duller responses. Braking is strong, and wheel sizes range from 16-inchers on base vehicles up to optional 19-inchers. It's the steering feel that's still gone awry: numb before, the Journey now zips off-center quickly, weightlessly, without much effort or feedback. For a hydraulic-power-steering setup, it's eerily electric in feel, and not an improvement except for people who aim cars, instead of driving them.

2011 Dodge Journey Comfort & Quality

The 2011 dodge journey is positively vanlike inside, with great ride comfort, reconfigurable seating, and plenty of cubbies..

Four adults, or two adults and three or four kids, are happy enough inside the 2011 Dodge Journey, with flat seats and right-sized head and leg room taking good advantage of the Journey's proportions. On mid-grade-and-up Journeys, the second-row seat slides fore and aft to free up more leg room, and on the same versions, front seats have storage built in beneath the seat cushion, and the center console gets a new tilt-and-slide top.

Bins and cubbies abound, and the cargo hold specs out at a swell 37 cubic feet behind the second row, and a smooshed 10.7 cubic feet behind the raised third-row seat. Flip everything down behind the front seats, and you can fit a half-dozen flat-screen TVs in the Journey's 67.6 cubic feet of space.

Ride quality remains a strong point, with the proper damping and roll control for a family vehicle, and the cabin feels tight and quiet compared to other on-a-budget crossovers.

2011 Dodge Journey Safety

While crash-test results aren't yet available, the 2011 dodge journey looks like one of the safer picks in its class..

Standard safety equipment on the 2011 Dodge Journey includes dual front, side, and curtain airbags; stability and traction control; active head restraints; and four-wheel disc brakes with anti-lock control on all models. A rearview camera and parking sensors are available on all but the base version; integrated second-row child booster seats are optional across the board.

Used Dodge Journey for sale near

2011 dodge journey features, there are many standout features available on the 2011 dodge journey, but you have to pay considerably more to get them..

Standard features include air conditioning; cruise control; power locks/mirrors/windows; a cooled glove box; a telescoping steering wheel; and an AM/FM/CD player with MP3 capability.

Options include a not-terribly-intuitive Garmin navigation system; Sirius Satellite Radio, TravelLink and Backseat TV, an on-the-go service with a small selection of kid-friendly programming; a DVD entertainment system; and a premium audio system and uConnect multimedia with MP3 player controls. A USB port is standard now, but it's buried deep in the center console, so there won't be any texting and driving without a long connector. Bluetooth is added on the top three models for free, but it's available on the base and Mainstreet trims.

2011 Dodge Journey Fuel Economy

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Cars.com Reviews the 2011 Dodge Journey

By Colin Bird

Unlike the previous-generation Dodge Avenger sedan and Caliber hatchback, the 2010 Dodge Journey showed promise: Cars.com editor Bill Jackson called that model a “mixed-bag.” Ye olde Chrysler probably considered the faint praise a compliment. The automaker is now under Italian management and the 2011 model has received a significant upgrade. The 2011 Dodge Journey has a new high-quality interior with big, comfy front seats and an intuitive, functional multimedia system, called UConnect, according to Cars.com editor Joe Bruzek. Did Chrysler intervene enough with this model to make it a true cross-shopper to the Chevy Equinox or Kia Sorento?

2011 Dodge Journey Review

2011|Dodge|Journey

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2011 Dodge Journey Performance

# 21 out of 22 in 2011 affordable midsize suvs.

See Photos »

Average Price Paid

$ 6,840 - $ 10,493

2011 Dodge Journey Performance Review

Overall, reviewers like the performance on the 2011 Dodge Journey.  They say power from the new V6 engine is good, but complain about the underpowered four-cylinder engine that’s standard on base models. The new suspension and steering setup gets praise, with reviewers saying the Journey is pleasant around town.

• Performance 7.8

2011 Journey Photos

• "At the top of this list of major improvements is an all-new 283-horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 that's significantly more powerful and refined. A similar makeover has been applied to the suspension and steering, and as a result the Journey is noticeably more buttoned-down." --  Edmunds
• "Driving the Journey is utterly prosaic, and that's not a negative. The transmission is slightly sluggish but under normal driving conditions passengers will be unaware the crossover is swapping gears. A high driver's seating position aids visibility. Its 128-foot stopping distance from 60 mph is a middle-of-the-road number for its class, but more than adequate." --  Motor Trend  

Acceleration and Power

The base engine in the 2011 Dodge Journey is a 2.4-liter in-line four cylinder that makes 173 horsepower. That engine is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission and is standard on the Journey Express trim.  Reviewers say it’s underpowered and recommend avoiding it.

All other trims get a standard 3.6-liter V6 engine that makes 283 horsepower and is mated to a six-speed automatic transmission. Reviewers like this engine better, and say it has enough power to hustle the Journey onto freeways with no problem. However, going for a trim with the V6 will add $2,000 to the Journey’s base price.

The EPA hasn’t released fuel economy estimates for the 2011 Journey, but Dodge says the four-cylinder engine gets 19 miles per gallon in the city and 26 on the highway. The V6 gets 17/25 city/highway in two-wheel drive and 16/24 with all-wheel drive.  Since these estimates come from Dodge, you may want to take them with a grain of salt, and remember that the EPA estimates may be different, as will your real-world fuel economy.  

• "Our brief stint in a Journey Lux with all-wheel drive, estimated to weigh somewhere north of 4200 pounds, proved that the 2011 Journey isn’t a total slug. The V-6 has a far easier time with 4200 pounds than with, say, 5000 pounds of Dodge Durango, and we estimate the Pentastar-powered Journey should hit 60 mph in the low-seven-second range." --  Car and Driver
• "We'd suggest avoiding the four-cylinder engine that's standard on the base Express model, as it just doesn't have enough oomph to get this 5,000-pound beast up to speed quickly enough in common scenarios like merging onto a freeway. The new 3.6-liter V6 is a far better choice, as it produces quicker acceleration with only a slight sacrifice in fuel economy." --  Edmunds
• "Our [V6]-equipped Journey tester with all-wheel drive and six-speed automatic was good for a 7.5-second 0-60 mph time and 15.9-second quarter-mile run, which is spritely enough for the more heroic merges onto the highway. As peak torque and horsepower come later in the powerband -- 4400 and 6350 rpm, respectively -- drivers may experience the need to get the six-cylinder's revs up. There's 4350 pounds of aluminum, steel, and plastic that won't get moving on its own, after all." --  Motor Trend
• -“With only 173 horsepower and 166 lb-ft of torque in a seven-passenger van with a curb weight of 3,800 lbs, the Express won't live up to its name when it comes to acceleration, however, and uphills will be a challenge as well." --  Examiner.com
• "The V6 doesn’t offer direct injection, but it does feature variable valve timing and gobs of solid power. Smooth and refined, it powered our all-wheel-drive Journey feature vehicle with impressive performance. Front-wheel-drive is standard, but we only had the opportunity to spend time in the snow-belt model." --  Left Lane News

Handling and Braking

For 2011, the Dodge Journey gets a revised chassis.  The result, reviewers say, is a crossover that rides smoothly, with a planted feel.  Reviewers also say the steering is direct and nicely weighted, though a few say it is too light.  It’s no sports car, but reviewers say the Journey is pleasant to drive.

• "Within a few miles, we were impressed with the Journey’s composure and feedback." --  Car and Driver
• "This year's complete redesign of the suspension and steering gear has completely transformed the driving experience. Handling feels much more confident now and the ride, while not silky-smooth, is still quite good. The steering is now much more precise and predictable, with a light but still nicely weighted feel to it." --  Edmunds
• "Our first drive in the 2011 Dodge Journey, however, proved the value of the Journey's basic suspension upgrade. The Journey doesn't hustle around corners like a sports car or even most four-door sedans. It's taller and has a higher hip point for the driver, and its longish wheelbase means it's not a quick turner." --  Examiner.com
• "Our test Journey rode smoothly and confidently and gripped well through curves. Its steering is still very light and devoid of sports car feel, but it is certainly more confidence-inspiring than its chief rival, the Toyota Highlander. The package feels refined and well worth the roughly $33,000 price tag of our tester." --  Left Lane News

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Here Are The Dodge Journey Years To Avoid

Dodge Journey  by Vauxford —  CC-BY-SA-4.0

The Dodge Journey is a mid-size crossover SUV manufactured from 2009 to 2020. Although it’s not in production anymore, there are many excellent used models for purchase. If you’re interested in this vehicle, you might wonder - what are the Dodge Journey years to avoid?

There’s a lot to consider when investing in a new vehicle for your life. If you’re going to spend money on a car, it should be a great one that will last. Read on to learn more about which Dodge Journey years to avoid and which one to look at as a potential future investment.

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Dodge Journey Years to Avoid

The Dodge Journey has had some great models, but there are also some Dodge Journey years to avoid if you are thinking about investing in a used model. There are many reasons why you should stay away from these versions.

The Dodge Journey years to stay away from include:

These are some of the worst years in existence for the Dodge Journey.

Many factors have made these years of the Dodge Journey challenging for the average driver. We’ll dive further into these next so you can better understand the reasoning behind selecting these as the Dodge Journey years to avoid. We can help you with the decision aspect of your next vehicle investment. 

What Makes These Years Worth Avoiding?

As we mentioned, several things make these Dodge Journey years worth avoiding. There are more than three issues with these years, but we’ll go over three of the most prominent to give you a solid idea of the most common problems you’ll encounter. According to carcomplaints.com , some of the top reasons that make these years worth avoiding include:

• Brake problems 
• Engine issues
• Interior accessory troubles 
• Interior water leaks
• Malfunctioning remote keyless entry

These were not the only problems with the Dodge Journey years listed above, but they were the most apparent.

Read on to learn about each of these issues in more detail. The more you know about the potential problems you can face with the faulty models, the better a decision you can make about your next car choice. There are lots to consider when preparing to make an investment this large.

THE MOST RELIABLE YEAR FOR THE DODGE JOURNEY

Although there’s a ton of information, we’ve narrowed down the critical portions for your car-hunting needs. Read on to learn more about the most reliable year Dodge Journey , the least reliable selection, and anything else you should know.

Brake Problems

Brake problems were the most prominent issue that emerged with the Dodge Journey, especially the 2009 model. This is an inconvenience and wildly dangerous for those who drive at high speeds. You don’t want a vehicle that struggles to maintain proper brakes.

Some brake problems include:

• Premature brake and rotor wear
• Noisy brakes
• Calipers that lock up

These are just a few brake problems that can emerge if you select one of the problematic Dodge Journey years.

Brakes are a critical aspect of any vehicle. If you select one of the above models and don’t maintain your brakes, you could face danger and wild expenses in the future. This issue stands out as the worst of the Dodge Journey’s faulty years.

Engine Issues

Engine issues are the second problem in the faulty Dodge Journey years. Engine problems can be expensive and even dangerous depending on where they occur. If you’re a driver, engine problems are not something you want to deal with daily.

Some of the engine problems include:

• Dying engine while driving
• Ticking sound from the engine
• Check engine light always on

It’s safe to say that none of these engine issues appeal to drivers, no matter how small they seem.

You’re paying lots of money for a used Dodge Journey, so why pick one with severe engine faults ingrained in its system? Go with a more reliable model to ensure that you stay safe on the road and save money.

Interior Accessory Troubles

Finally, interior accessory troubles are one of the final issues that plague some models of the Dodge Journey. These problems can deal with anything from the vehicle’s door to the car’s window and everything in between. 

These issues are both a nuisance to the typical car owner and an unnecessary expense. The more things break, the more it will cost to fix them. It’s vital to invest in a version of the Dodge Journey that has a stable interior so you can avoid the pain of fixing interior accessory breakages regularly.

Interior Water Leaks

Owners of the 2009-2018 Dodge Journeys have compromised their comfort of dampness inside the cabin. Apparently, the cabin is susceptible to water leaks which may occur at the low mileage of 58,000 miles.

According to the reports, the driver seat floor of the Dodge Journey may become moist whenever you’re driving in the rain. In some complaints, there are also leaks found near the rear side of the Journey, which may get your floor and carpet wet. Leaks were also reported near vents, windows, and headliners. You may need a professional to seal the leaky areas and solve this issue.

Defective Remote Keyless Entry System

There’s no shortage of neat features offered by the 2009-2017 Dodge Journeys – unfortunately, the remote keyless entry function isn’t one of them. The remote keyless entry system is one of the most reported issues with the Dodge Journey.

According to frustrated owners, the system refuses to work properly as you’ll either get wrong key readings or the dreaded “key not detected” message. In some cases, the system also interfered with the key fob that prevented drivers from locking or unlocking the doors. A software update is required to fix the issue.

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Which Years Are Safe to Buy Used?

We talked about some of the worst years of the Dodge Journey, but what about the best? It’s vital to understand your options before you go all in and put your money down on a used vehicle. We’ll go over some of the best choices for Dodge Journey years below.

According to carcomplaints.com , some of the best years for the Dodge Journey include:

• 2015 Dodge Journey - If you want a used SUV that seats up to seven passengers, the 2015 Dodge Journey is a great option. However, make no mistake, the 2015 Journey is simply an OK SUV and you’re probably better off with its competitors. However, it offers good long-term reliability along with reasonable pricing.
• 2016 Dodge Journey - The 2016 Journey is better than the previous year, and it’s more affordable than its segment competitors. It offers an intuitive infotainment system, versatile seating and cargo features, and fair reliability ratings.
• 2017 Dodge Journey - The 2017 Dodge Journey comes with a low average list price, which is great if you’re buying used. Furthermore, it provides a comfortable ride and a sleek infotainment system. In terms of reliability, it received some fair scores but nothing too impressive.
• 2018 Dodge Journey - Although the 2018 Journey may be more reliable than the models to avoid, it doesn’t have strong predicted reliability scores. Its main selling points are affordable pricing and low ownership costs.
• 2019 Dodge Journey - The 2019 Journey offers good dependability and fuel economy. Other than that, it can be a hit or miss, especially in build quality. If you can find a good price for it, then by all means. Otherwise, this model is certainly a skip.

These years have been some of the best to date with the Dodge Journey.

If you are looking for the best Dodge Journey year to buy, these make for excellent options to choose from for your future. Look into each of them a little more to determine if they’re right for you. Whichever one you select, it’s sure to be better than the faulty years listed above.

Understanding which Dodge Journey years to avoid can save you lots of trouble in the long run. Many problems come with some models, such as engine failures and transmission breakages. If you can find a version of the car that won’t leave you with expensive repairs, you should purchase it as your next vehicle.

The Dodge Journey is an excellent car, but some years have faults. We hope that this information was helpful so you can select your next car without issue. There’s a lot to consider when dealing with a used car investment, and we hope to make it a little easier for you. There are lots to consider.

Frequently Asked Questions: Dodge Journey Years To Avoid

Q: which dodge journeys should potential buyers be wary of when considering a used vehicle.

A:  If you’re in the market for a used Dodge Journey, avoid the 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012 model years. These particular years have been identified as the most problematic.

Q: What are some of the most common issues reported by owners of the Dodge Journey model years to avoid?

A:  Owners of the 2009-2012 Dodge Journeys have reported a variety of problems, including brake issues such as premature wear, noisy operation, and locking calipers; engine troubles like dying while driving, ticking sounds, and persistent check engine lights; and interior accessory malfunctions.

Q: What engine problems have been reported for the problematic years of the Dodge Journey?

A:  Engine issues are another significant concern for the 2009-2012 Dodge Journeys. Owners have experienced problems such as the engine dying while driving, ticking sounds coming from the engine, and the check engine light remaining constantly illuminated.

Q: Which model years are considered safer options?

A:  If you’re in the market for a used Dodge Journey, consider the 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, and 2019 model years. These years have generally received better reviews and had fewer reported problems than the earlier model years mentioned above. 

Are Dodge Journeys typically reliable?

First appearing for the 2009 model year and being discontinued after 2020, the Dodge Journey has a mixed reliability record. In particular, buyers will want to stay away from the initial model years for a more dependable ownership experience. 

How much does a used Dodge Journey typically cost?

The high demand for affordable family vehicles and tight supplies have significantly increased the cost for used Dodge Journeys. According to CoPilot Price Pulse , a 2013 Journey has a typical asking price of $10,020, which is 37% higher than what it would be in normal market conditions. A 2019 Journey costs $20,601 (including a 29% market premium). 

Is the Dodge Journey a good car to purchase?

Not every Dodge Journey model year is known for reliability. That’s something to consider before making a purchase. Research the most reliable years of the Dodge Journey before looking for what to buy. 

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Used 2011 Dodge Journey Mainstreet SUV Review

Consumer reviews

Read what other owners think about the 2011 dodge journey mainstreet suv., most helpful consumer reviews, 2011 dodge journey sxt, teriffic value - perfect family vehicle, extremely happy with affordability, worst car ever owned, edmunds summary review of the 2011 dodge journey mainstreet suv.

Pros & Cons

• Pro: Family-friendly size
• Pro: low price
• Pro: wide-opening rear doors
• Pro: sophisticated interior with many useful features.
• Con: Base model's lackluster four-cylinder engine
• Con: limited third-row legroom
• Con: short on cargo space.

Full Edmunds Review: 2011 Dodge Journey SUV

The 2011 Dodge Journey receives a number of significant changes, including a new, more powerful 3.6-liter V6, retuned suspension and steering, and a revamped interior featuring higher-quality materials and a new touchscreen interface.

Edmunds says

The 2011 Dodge Journey is significantly better than the model it replaces, and so now merits consideration by anyone in the market for a small-to-midsize crossover.

Vehicle overview

Know that old expression about the journey being its own reward? Well, in the case of the 2011 Dodge Journey, we can definitively say that this new version is a lot more rewarding than the 2010 model it's replacing.

To be honest, we haven't much cared for Dodge's midsize seven-passenger crossover SUV since it debuted back for 2009. While it featured a number of clever details like multiple hidden storage bins and family-friendly wide-opening rear doors, its anemic engines, lackluster handling and low-budget interior made it difficult to recommend.

Well, that's all changed now that the folks at Dodge have given the Journey a thorough makeover that addresses those specific complaints. At the top of this list of major improvements is an all-new 283-horsepower 3.6-liter Pentastar V6 that's significantly more powerful and refined. A similar makeover has been applied to the suspension and steering, and as a result the Journey is noticeably more buttoned-down.

An even more noticeable aspect of the 2011 Journey's transformation concerns the interior. The combination of a handsome new design and soft-touch plastics gives the interior a level of sophistication that was sorely lacking in the previous version. An 8.4-inch touchscreen that dominates the dash of upper trim levels adds to the modern look and allows easy access to both audio and climate controls and cutting-edge features like the available Sirius Travel Link satellite infotainment service.

All these tweaks make this Journey a much more serious contender for a crossover SUV. The Journey's size and price also give it some niche appeal; it's larger and roomier than similarly priced small crossovers like the 2011 Honda CR-V , 2011 Kia Sorento and 2011 Toyota RAV4 , yet less expensive than most midsize and large offerings such as the 2011 Chevrolet Traverse , 2011 Ford Flex and Toyota Highlander.

That's not to say it's perfect -- the four-cylinder engine is underwhelming, for instance, and cargo capacity isn't all that impressive. Ultimately, though, we think these well-targeted improvements make test-driving the 2011 Dodge Journey a trip that's definitely worth taking.

2011 Dodge Journey models

The 2011 Dodge Journey is a midsize crossover offered in five trim levels: Express, Mainstreet, Crew, R/T and Lux.

The entry-level Express model comes reasonably well-equipped with a four-cylinder engine, 16-inch steel wheels, heated outside mirrors, roof rack side rails, dual-zone air-conditioning, illuminated cupholders, a 4.3-inch touchscreen interface, keyless ignition/entry, cruise control, full power accessories, a tilt-and-telescoping steering wheel and a six-speaker audio system with a CD player, a USB/iPod interface and an auxiliary audio jack.

Move up to the Mainstreet trim level and you get a V6 engine, 17-inch alloy wheels, firmer suspension tuning, body-color mirrors, a rear cargo compartment cover and satellite radio. The Crew model adds 19-inch alloy wheels, foglights, tri-zone automatic climate control, a power driver seat, a fold-flat front passenger seat with built-in storage compartment, reclining 60/40-split second-row seat with fore-aft adjustment, an overhead console with conversation mirror, an auto-dimming rearview mirror, a leather-wrapped steering wheel, remote engine start, a 115-volt AC power outlet and a premium Infinity audio system with an 8.4-inch touchscreen and SD card slot.

The R/T model gets you all the Crew's standard features but with dual-zone climate control and distinctive interior and exterior trim. The top-of-the-line Lux adds a handful of desirable extras, including 19-inch alloy wheels, leather upholstery, heated front seats, a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, Bluetooth and a Garmin-sourced navigation system.

Many of the features included on the upper trim levels can be added to the lower trim levels via optional packages. Other notable options include a sunroof, a 50/50-split third-row seat, built-in child booster seats, a navigation system and a rear-seat entertainment system.

Performance & mpg

The 2011 Dodge Journey is available with a choice of two engines. The entry-level Express model gets a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine rated at 173 hp and 166 pound-feet of torque. It drives the front wheels through a four-speed automatic transmission. EPA fuel economy estimates are expected to be 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway and 21 mpg combined.

All other Journey trim levels are powered by a 3.6-liter V6 that puts out 283 hp and 260 lb-ft of torque. A six-speed automatic transmission with a manual shift feature is standard, as is front-wheel drive. All-wheel drive is offered as an option. Dodge estimates fuel economy at 17 mpg city and 25 mpg highway for front-drive and 16/24 mpg with all-wheel drive.

For 2011, the Dodge Journey is equipped with antilock disc brakes, stability control with a rollover sensor, traction control, active front head restraints, front-seat side airbags, a driver-side knee airbag and side curtain airbags for all three rows.

The Journey has not been rated using the government's new, more strenuous 2011 crash testing procedures. Its 2010 ratings (which aren't comparable to 2011 tests) were a perfect five stars in all front- and side-impact categories. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety has given the Journey its highest "Good" rating for both frontal-offset and side impacts.

On the road, the 2011 Dodge Journey's character depends greatly on what's under the hood. We'd suggest avoiding the four-cylinder engine that's standard on the base Express model, as it just doesn't have enough oomph to get this 4,000-pound vehicle up to speed quickly enough in common scenarios like merging onto a freeway. The new 3.6-liter V6 is a far better choice, as it produces quicker acceleration with only a slight sacrifice in fuel economy.

This year's complete redesign of the suspension and steering gear has completely transformed the driving experience. Handling feels much more confident now and the ride, while not silky-smooth, is still quite good. The steering is now much more precise and predictable, with a light but still nicely weighted feel to it.

The 2011 Dodge Journey's switch to top-quality soft-touch plastics, along with a sleek new design, projects a far more refined image. Worthy of special mention here are details like hidden storage bins and available child booster seats.

The long and wide-opening (nearly 90 degrees) rear doors make getting little ones in and out of car seats a hassle-free affair. The second row is comfortable for two good-sized adults. The third-row seat is best left for small children. With both the second and third-row seats folded down, the Journey offers 68 cubic feet of total cargo capacity -- a useful amount, although many competing models offer more.

Perhaps the most significant change for the 2011 Journey is the incorporation of the huge 8.4-inch touchscreen that dominates the dash of upper trim level models. Besides providing a slick way to access everyday controls, the screen plays a role in some of the cooler tech features offered here, including displaying the image from the rearview camera and the wide range of useful info delivered by the available Sirius Travel Link service.

Edmunds Insurance Estimator

The Edmunds TCO ® estimated monthly insurance payment for a 2011 Dodge   Journey in North Dakota is:

Related Used 2011 Dodge Journey Mainstreet SUV info

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