2007 Frankfurt Auto Show: All-New Dodge Journey Crossover

• Competes with: Mazda CX-9, Hyundai Veracruz, Toyota Highlander, Ford Edge
• Looks like: Dodge wasn’t happy with its Dodge Durango SUV or Magnum wagon, so it met somewhere in the middle on this one
• Drivetrain: 235-hp, 3.5-liter V-6 with six-speed automatic; 186-hp, 2.7-liter V-6 flex-fuel engine or 173-hp, 2.4-liter four-cylinder with four-speed automatic; front- or all-wheel drive
• Hits dealerships: Early 2008

We knew it was coming, we just didn’t know the name would be so … 1980s. That’s right, the all-new crossover Dodge is hoping will compete with the Toyota Highlander and newcomers like the Hyundai Veracruz has the unimpressive name Journey, just like the 1980s rock band. Unlike most new crossovers on the market, the Journey comes standard with seating for five, with a two-seat third row optional. Having that choice is good for consumers, but before we start talking about the Journey — no, we can’t restrain ourselves from writing the name over and over — we’ll just point out the fatal flaw: It has three engine choices that are all less-powerful and just as thirsty as the competition. Perhaps the Journey will be to the gas station.

OK, enough of that. The new crossover has a nice look to it, with a profile reminiscent of the Dodge Magnum wagon and a much more pleasing shape than the bulbous Dodge Durango SUV. The interior, however, looks just as plastic-laden as most of Dodge’s current products we’ve tested. Without seeing the Journey in person we can’t say for sure that the quality is as poor as, say, the Avenger sedan, but the photos make us believe it is.

Instead of improving its interiors, Dodge delivers more gadgetry in the Journey. Like the Caliber’s Chill Zone glove box and the Nitro’s Load ’N Go floor, the Journey has a nifty new feature we’ve never seen before: There’s a drink cooler built into the floor in front of each of the second-row seats. Both can hold 12 cans of soda and ice, and can be removed and washed out. Oh, and the Journey has the Chill Zone glove box, too, just in case 24 cans of soda isn’t enough.

Comments

Haven't even test driven it and all you instantly do is put it down. I've noticed this dislike and bias everything an american car company shows off a new idea/ car. If your plan is to block buyers from going to this car because it has the same name as an 80's rock band, Why not compare the toyota highlander to Sean Connery. People are still going to buy this car over an import because they want something different. Most people are buying dodge cars and trucks because they want to be different. How many avengers are on the road compared to the camry? Dodge owners probably want to stand out from the sea of blandness.

good car!
looking forward to its production released

You said it Anon! I like it myself, I am guessing it will fit in above the Nitro and below the Durango. I only have two complaints and that is what's up with the speedometer cluster? Looks nothing Dodge like, and the other is way too much two tone, it's not ugly or anything, I just like one color except for the trim. Kudos Dodge!

Any dimensions on this puppy? Can't seem to find them anywhere, I'm guessing they're close to the 07 Highlander.

What is the interior capacity? I had to be in the back seat of an 06 Highlander and it was ver small.

Anon,

It's so easy to rebuttal on your statement, "[H]aven't even test driven it and all you instantly do is put it down"

Before anyone can test drive a vehicle, the 1st thing - and the ONLY thing - that he/she will be paying attention to, IS THE LOOK & Name!!! You do internet research, words of mouth, etc...these are all DONE before you go test drive the car. Thus, with a name and (to me) a look that screams "80's" to me, it's hard not to give the Journey it's 1st and most important drawback.

P.S. The car is a concept/new debut - so no test drive. Any review now can only be based on the looks and name (plus whatever available info).

Oh, and one more thing - you can put down the Highlander as bad as you want (and I am no fan of Highlander either), but - if you have gone on to college and study Math, there's a logic concept that you would have learned - Just because you bring out a bad example of something else, it won't diminish ANYTHING on the bad things you try to protect from. It's similar to the kiddie concept of - if everyone's gonna jump off a cliff (to kill him/herself), then it's ok for me to jump off a cliff too! So no matter how BAD the highlander is, it doesn't mean that all the criticism on the Journey will go away.

Take what DT has said 'bou the Journey as just an opinion. If you don't like it, then so be it. Beside, YOU yourself haven't seen the vehicle at all, so his opinion is actually much more valid than yours.

BTW, I've seen an observation on this, and many other blogs - there are 2 groups - pro-domestics and EVERYONE Else (so these can be people who like Europeans, Japanese, or simply just give their true feedback on domestics vehicles). The Everyones Else tends to back their opinions up with 3rd party and official facts, as well as industrial reports, observations, and studies. The pro-domestics, otoh, tends to speak from their hearts and make passionate statements - which have come back to bite their behind many times (I've already seen 2 examples this week). Unfortunately, the pro-domestics group will like to throw insults and many times sexual, political and racial remarks to those who "bite their behinds" - calling people riceorni, gay, and go back to your own country/freedom. You know, just because you use your heart and not your brain to think, it doesn't make you right.

Amuro Ray-
I totally agree. Those that are pro domestic tend to speak from their hearts and those that like foreign vehicles speak with their heads. Keep in mind that most japanese vehicles are now made in the US but yet we consider them foreign. I make my buying decisions on my ownership experience and the research that's done on reliability and quality. I can't see why we would need another larger SUV. It's like once you get larger than the smaller utes like the CRV or Sante Fe - does the size of the SUV matter. It's an overcrowded market segment where sales have decreased over the last 2 years.

Two things that bother me:

(1) the gauge cluster. Too black.

(2) The stereo controls on the BOTTOM of the center stack!!

Other that that I like it, like the looks outside, but yea, the interior needs some works looks wise. (I hate the steering wheel, looks like the Calibers and Avengers!)

This post says the three engines are just as thirsty as the competition but doesn't give any numbers. Do you know the estimated fuel economy?

Guys, Anyone who thinks that only pro-domestic people make angry comments not based in reality might want to check out the Altima recall post. Once you've concluded that it's only domestic fans posting such stupid comments you'll remember those comments and ignore the ignorant flames from import fans – especially if you tend to prefer an import make. I think the reality is there's more than enough ignorance and anger to go around.

A stretched Compass, anyone? Well, slapped on with an Avenger's front.

Please everyone; this is a CUV (Crossover Utility Vehicle), not SUV (Sport Utility Vehicle). The market for CUVs are hot right now, so it’s no wonder Dodge is finally jumping in. Now, I agree that the Journey does not really excite an already crowded field of CUVs, but that’s a decision the market will determine. I know I won’t be buying one.

I don't think the Journey is competive enough in the already crowded SUV market. Why? There's no innovation (the coolers will be clutter catchers), it already looks dated, it looks heavy so the uninspring engines are sure to feel underpowered, too much "cheapness" in the interior, kinda looks like a new Scion xB from certain angles (not such a bad quality), and oh yeah... a name that seems to be tacked on after the thing was built from the various model stockpiled Dodge parts.

The Journey..... "If you can't Ram it, Dodge it".

Looks good. Unfortunately I can't buy any product made by Chrysler. In the early 90's they flat screwed me with a defective paint job. They denied anything was wrong and I later found out they knew it was defective all along. Made a promise to never touch another Chrysler product again and will not. Too many other good products out there.

As always the folks commenting about us instantly putting down domestic products don't read this blog every day. We're pretty even handed and Chrysler's interiors are well-known for being second rate. I think saying something to the effect that the company should pay more attention to quality than to gadgets is pretty darn fair. I'll get you guys mpg numbers when I get into the office later today.

I like it, but agree the cluster is kind of strange. The upgraded HVAC and radio look 10 times better than the base. They should be putting that in everything.

I prefer these types of vehicles, since they balance people hauling room and fuel economy. Minivans really aren't mini anymore, so if you've got a couple kids and don't want fuel economy in the teens, these types of wagons (that's really what they are) are the way to go. The way back seat looks short of head room. We'll see.

...and Journey is not such a bad name for a people hauler...Caravan was already taken. I'm just glad they didn't name it after an explosive.

Amuro,
You've forgotten the 3rd group besides Pro Domestic and Everyone Else.
Anti-Domestic. I've had discussions with you before, and would say that you sometimes slip into an "anti-domestic" attitude. Generally people that are anti-domestic rely solely on statements questioning the reliability of domestics as compared to Toyota or Honda to the exclusion of any other factor.

That being said, I am part of "Everyone Else". The cars in my household are a Mazda and a Scion, but I still respect what the Domestic makers have some good products and designs, several of which I feel have more soul and character than any Camry or Accord. But yes, reliability and quality of product is nowhere near as high.

The gauge housing looks so dated and old for such a new looking car..Outside looks ok but the interior looks low quality..

EPA mileage
2.4 World Engine
19/25

2.7 V-6
17/23

3.5 V-6
16/23

Straight from http://allpar.com/SUVs/dodge/journey.html

"It has three engine choices that are all less-powerful and just as thirsty as the competition. Perhaps the Journey will be to the gas station."

So besides the hybrid Highlander name one in the same class that gets that good of miliage. Look it up right here on cars.

This shows that this site is on the side of bashing domestics and loving all imports.

Who is Chrysler kidding? This is a slightly reworked Jeep Grand Cherokee just like the Nitro/Liberty. Another bad case the 'ol brand engineering. It looks a little better than the Cherokee but they won't sell a lot with out a Hemi option regardless of gas mileage.

Well, I think the vehicle will have its appeal. I could see owning this car after my children are out of car seats. Will have to see how this vehicle does once it is out there in production. We purchased a 2005 Grand Caravan Sport used over a year ago and so far is doing well. For what we have in options, it was far better deal then a comparable Toyota Honda minnivan. The van does what it is supposed to do. We spent about $14.2K and had 28K miles. I can't see spending tons of money for a vehicle that will have ketchup stains from kids on it, and whatever else they do to it.

CORRECTION: Journey is built upon a modified Avenger/Sebring platform (which is even worse) and not the Grand Cherokee. Forgot to do my homework...

Anon, I wonder if you realize those are pathetic MPG figures for a vehicle of its size. 17/23 for a V6 and 19/25 for a 4-cyl. is just awful. For comparison, the Highlander gets 19/25 for a 4x2 V6 and 22/28 for a 4x2 4-cyl. I was figuring the Journey would be more mated with a RAV4, in which the MPG for a 4-cyl is 23/28.

I hope Dodge/Chysler can fix many of their sticking points in the past. I've test drove every one of their new vehicles over the past year, and their interior is something to be ashamed of. Very cheap, hard plastics, noticeable gaps, and a thirsty engine. Reliability on Chrysler vehicles as a whole is pretty dismal, but I surmise that Anon forgot to mention that little detail.

The 2008 Highlander gets 18/24 which is slightly better or AS THIRSTY as the Journey with a V-6. If you want to read it literally than we are still correct with that statement.
The Pilot is 16/22 which is 1 mpg worse on the hwy than the V-6 here. Or AS THIRSTY as the Journey. And that's the old Pilot. When they redesign it I'd expect it to get the same as the Toyota.

It does not matter if you call it a CUV or an SUV - it's all symantics. Sure they're based on different design features but gas mileage doesn't change much. There are currently over 40 on the US market to select from (GM having over one fourth of those)and one more isn't realy necessary.
JP
I own the sienna and have over 130K miles on it - never had it in the shop for any reason. I know 4 people that own the town and country and they each have it in the shop for repairs at least 4 times before it turned 30k miles. With kids I perfer to pay a little more for peace of mind.

This thing sucks! look at the interior for instance holy 1980 gauge cluster batman! what a piece of crap.

Hmm, not surprised to see it degrade to this (as usual) but a little surprised to see Dave T doing it. I do agree that Chrysler needs to update their V6 engines.

Testimonials of "I know a guy who has a crappy Chrysler" etc. FYI, everyone knows a guy who has a crappy something... Oh well.

Well,
I guess it's an alternative to a minivan. I can see the pluses of the Journey and I suppose it's unfair to judge it until my cheeks get some seat time.

Why not they come out with a 6-seater vehicle with 3 in front and 3 in back so there may not be a need for 3rd row.

Minivans are going down and CUV's are going to take over. Chrysler is known for bringing innovative vehicles. Its good to offer a Flex-fuel engine.

Those who blindly favor imports should realise that US jobs and economy depends on domestics.

"Those who blindly favor imports should realise that US jobs and economy depends on domestics."

Would you please let me know why do I constantly see US autoworkers got lay off, but never a single pay cut on the executives? Why am I hearing a plant being build in Mexico at the same time?

It is because the US autoworkers COSTS WAY TOO MUCH when comparing for the labor in Mexico. And they are using the NAFTA to bring those finished products into the US.
Why does GM build their Equinox engines in China not US? Didn't we heard all those recall for products made in China? Same idea, cost overrides all these issues.
I do not blindly favors import, but since the so-called domestics are build in Mexico, and the so-called imports are maybe build in Mexico too. I just want the biggest bang for the buck. Whichever has the best reviews will be on the selection list.

People let's stop all this bickering and re-create that great Episode of Family Guy:

"Just a small town girl,,,, livin' in a LONELY woooorld. She took a midnight train going annnnyyyy where."

"Just a city boy, born n' raised in SO-DE-troyyy. He took a midnight train going annnnnyyy where."

(and what are they singing in Auburn Hills?)

"DON'T STOP,,, BELIEVEING!
Someday we'll make cars worth buying at,
FULL PRICE,,, NO LEASING!
OOOOOHH-AAAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!"

Those figures for the highlander that you all have provided are not consistant with the ones on cars.com

Also i would like to point out the bias of the site again. The Highlander is pictured three times on the front page.

I just love reading these forums. The first 5-10 repsonses actually have something to say about the article and the rest are either people complaining about each others responses or trying to show of their automotive expertise. It's so funny to see the die hard domestic lovers battle it out with the import lovers. When it all comes down to it - america loses. Let's face it foreign countries own most of this country - who do you think finances our national debt? Enjoy it while it lasts.

I think the affects of the mortgage crisis will have long lasting affects. Never again will foreign banks look at American mortgages the same way. I don't think there will be a succession but will be along time in repairing our image. I don't think many foreign countries will float our debt anymore. I think this will hurt the car industry alot. If it can have a price adjustment weaking the dollar and making it to expensive for other countries to sell to us, might be a good thing.

Don't worry, they have plenty of things to worry themselves... just wait until September and the BCE is going to screw up all Europeans with a new higher interest rate...

This a good moment to buy cars, even Toyota is discounting their trucks 8k in my local market.

We'll see how this car does in the market, more beautiful than a Highlander is, and I hope it is more confortable, my coworker has one, and it is a nice car... but paying so much he expected more.

Here I'm, to defend Dave T. again...whether he wants me to or needs it...or not.

Anon, please look at Dave T.'s comment again:

"It has three engine choices that are all less-powerful and just as thirsty as the competition. Perhaps the Journey will be to the gas station."

The point of this is NOT 'bou whether the mileage is good or not (in fact, they all suck - both Toyota and Chrysler). The point is - NOT ONLY ARE THE ENGINES LESS POWERFUL, but the less powerful engine doesn't translate to better mileage than its competitor! As you should know, the general rule is that less powerful = better fuel efficiency in most cases.

Now do you see why you statement, "[S]o besides the hybrid Highlander name one in the same class that gets that good of miliage. Look it up right here on cars," was utterly pointless, and in no way to counter Dave T.'s original comment?

Now if you did list the hp/torque figures, vs mileage b/n the Journey & Highlander, then that's a different story...

You'll have to show the following things:
(1) Journy has high hp/torque than Highlander, or the same hp/torque b/n the 2 vehicles;
(2) Mileage is better or same in the Journey vs Highlander.

If you can show Journey has at least the same power as Highlander, but equal mileage, then you have successfully counter D.T.'s argument.
If you can show Journy to have more power, and in this case if mileage is worse, then you've also successfully showed that D.T.'s statement has problem.
However, you must compare the same engine, that is, V6 to V6 (and of similar displacement), I4 to I4 (similar displacement again), and not I4 to V6.

So you see...this is why your points are so easily to be struck down, and why quality education can help yourself in an argument.

And to the person who says that there is a bias on this blog...let me give you a taste of your own medicine:
Hey, this is a FREE country. The blog master has his right to put whatever pictures he wants in his blogs! That his freedom! What - are we living in a communist country, when only American vehicles can be shown on American websites, and if he shows 3 Highlanders, then that's a bias? That's what the Chinese gov't does all the time, and so is Cuba, and the former USSR - support only for the local industry and country, and if someon's showing off a different opinion about his/her own country or industry, then there'll be all these "patriotic" forces come smashing down...until that person complies with the patriotic forces and can say nothing but support for its own country. You know, in a communist country, there's just 1 opinion and way of doing things, and NO FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION WHAT-SO-EVER! Try going to mainland China and yell "death to the leader," or do the same thing in Cuba too!

BTW, I am NOT going to "NAME NAMES" here...as that's what those "patriotic" people in a communist country does all the time.

P.S. Sorry to going off-topic here...I just love kicking these pro-domestics people's behind, because they always say things from their guts, not their brains. :)

Marky...do you mean your co-worker has a Highlander? The Journey isn't available until 2008, so how could your cowoker buy one, and at an expensive price?

"Thx J, and KC is completely going off topic now, which is usually the case when one's argument stop to make any sense or support, and have o pull in a whole bunch of irrelevant examples to try to save face...very typical of kids like behavior :)" - Amuro Ray

Taste your own medicine too.

I am with Kyle C on this issue. Unlike you who will Follow Davw T. whereever he goes and to what ever he does I have my own opinion on this.

Yes this is a free country, and we all have a right to freedom of expression, but why do you think you don't see that many domestic defenders on this site? They have left to comment on other car websites that arn't as bias. And Luckly car shoppers go to other websites besides just this one to check up on the car of their current needs or wants or dreams. People buy American cars still not just because they are patriotic, but because they are a much better deal then the imports.

The highest starting price of a 07 Ford Fusion is $24,020. However over at Honda, the 07 accords highest starting price is $27,400. Both cars can get around the same options but smart buyers would much rather not pay more for basically the same thing. And before anyone says later retail value or trade in value think. The only reason the accord is worth more is because it was bought at such a high of price.

Your right this site does have that right to be bias as you stated. Luckly most buyers arn't sheep and follow the herd to the import lot.

CODY, you are right. All auto compamies have their issues. Everybody should just wait and give this car a chance.

Prediction: The drink cooler, along with many other features, will disappear in year 2 or 3 of production due to Dodge's rampant decontenting. Memo to Dodge: Neat, thoughtful features are what make a car easy to live with for the long haul. Take them away by decontenting (like you did with the Charger), and you end up with a car that is hard to endure.

They are making their awful 2.7-liter engine available, and offering it with a four-banger? I recently rented a Charger with the 2.7, and it was desperately underpowered.

I don't need to defend this blog about anything. If you read it every day you know we are not biased towards anyone. We rip everyone when they deserve it and praise in the same manner.

The Highlander numbers I list are for the new 2008 Highlander which is just arriving at dealers and may not be in the "Buy" side of Cars.com. If you go to the "Research" side of Cars.com it will list the 2008 mileage figures.

For more on Bias on Cars.com go to Joe Wiesenfelder's eloquent take on it here:
http://ask.cars.com/2007/03/q_why_are_autom.html

BTW Chrysler's top design exec has said their next big area to tackle is to improve the interiors. The company is not blind to it. GM and Ford both stressed their interiors with their respective turnarounds. GM is on its way and Ford is slowly changing but not in great strides.

Dave T. or someone in the know, correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't the Dodge Durango RIP starting next year or in '09 anyway, so wouldn't this technically be it's replacement? If that's the case, then I say kudos to Daimler-, er, Chrysler for replacing that aging bulbous, gas-swilling dinosaur with something at least a little more modern, on the outside anyway.

Yes, my fried had a Highlander and he was pretty disapointed because he felst he had paid too much money, nice, yeah, but nothing special.

Interesting comments. I've had 3 Chryslers in a row, 1985 Dodge Aries with 156k miles, 1991 Dodge Dakota with 123k miles, 1997 Dodge Dakota with 113k miles. I haven't had any major problems with any of my vehicles. It's not about where it's made, it's about where the money is repatriated. I'll walk before I send my money overseas... whether its Japanese, Korean or European.

Interesting...you don't have to buy a foreign car to send your money overseas. When you buy gas you're likely to be helping purchase foreign oil. Almost all clothing and electronics are foreign. When you pay your taxes a portion goes to pay the national debt that is financed by foreign countries. Even some of the food you eat is imported.

When you buy an american made car it is actually about 60% made in the USA. Most interior fabrics, carpeting, some engine parts, in some cases entire engines, some tires, and some interior parts are made overseas.

Dodge rules! the functionality is on the high level and this car will be pet in the family. We can see everything at the Frankfurt Auto Show.

P.S. It is a good idea to exchange the links with each other, let the community be bigger and friendlier

"GM and Ford both stressed their interiors with their respective turnarounds." They did? Tap on the interior panels of a new Explorer and hear how hard, hollow, and un-deadened they are.

Seafault,

I gotta agree with you on that one. Just rented a 07 Mustang for the weekend, thinking of American Muscle, and nice labor day weekend. The first thing my significant other complained was: The glove box's hard plastic cut her knees.
Knocking on the passenger airbag's panel, I can hear echo from inside, which made me wondered if there is actually an airbag packed inside or is it simply hollow.
Everywhere I touch is plastic. Reminding me of the young days of sitting inside the plastic toy chest.

They can not bring this to market with a 4 speed automatic.
The Mazda Cx-9 was just up-powered with the 3.7 V6 (bigger bore version of 3.5)
So Chrysler needs to make the 3.5 for front drive, and integrate the 4.0 for 'awd', unless that will eat into the Pacifica too much.

The 2.7 for front drive (drop the 2.4) and 3.5 for 'awd'

Don't put down Journey or Dodge. Both kick @#$! You must be some young punk who listens to Britney Spears or Five Cent. Duh! This is going to be a great car. I've owned Dodges and love their product.

This is a right sized car - not too big and not too little. Unfortunately for Chrysler corporation I won't be buying one, not even if they offer a substantial discount. They lost me as a customer decades ago.

This car is a pathetic attempt to attract Americans to buy domestic cars. The market is saying that imports are better because they value them more. Sorry, patriots but, even the government doesn't think that America make quality products. They are signing a contract with the makers of Airbus to manufacture their aerial tankers.http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MEUA9zRR5yk