DODGE JOURNEY

Later models, good bad and ugly.

Considering this instead of a minivan.

All replies appreciated.

Daughter has one, been in the shop alot, junk... esp the awd ones..2018.

Mother in law has had two different FWD models. No problems with either one and she likes them. That said, IMO our Town and Country is as good or better in every way: seats 1 more comfortably, easier to climb into 3rd row, van costs less, same Pentastar V6 engine, better mileage, space is way more versatile when seats are folded down and van holds more cargo, about the same on snow and ice, sliding doors are way more compact in tight parking spaces and garages, and they look a lot alike from the outside. Only reason to choose a Journey over a van is if you are one of those "I'll never drive a van" type guys.

I had a journey as a rental several years ago while I was waiting for insurance to pay for my totalled truck. I liked driving it enough that I'd buy one if i was into that kind of vehicle.

i have a 2018 journey gt. no issues so far. i didnt need or want the newest high tech stuff. for the money . i dont think you can go wrong

I have a 2016 AWD R/T ..its been a decent little car to get to work and back .. has 109,500 on it now

My son bought a 2019 Journey brand new, says he likes it, it has approximately 30k miles on it, it's their only car and they drive it ALOT...only thing he has griped about to me is Uconnect inconsistencies (sometimes it won't connect), I told him to take it to the dealer to get it checked out...but has he....no.... ...kids

We had a 2016 Crossroads FWD for a few years. It was a good car, had problems with the Navigation failing twice under warranty was really the only issue we had. It got decent mileage, had good power for what it was, and was a solid vehicle with no rattles or squeeks.

I can tell you two things:

Sister bought one new and loved it. No problems.

Local dealer sales rep I know: I asked about one because they were running very attractive pricing. Was told " I won't sell you one. We're seeing way too many comebacks on those and I wouldn't want you unhappy with me".

the wife's 2015 Journey just hit 90.000 miles. Oil and braks, no problems. comfortable to drive, but a lot of blind spots.

I had one, put 80,000 miles with no issues other than a battery. FWD with the 2.4L.

I have had 2.
My first one had a fuel pump problem from day 1 but I think that was created because it sat on the lot 1 1/2 years and the crappy fuel clogged it up. I will say it liked batteries but that could be my fault. I listened to the satellite radio a lot. It was a 2013 V6 FWD model. That one was hit from behind at a redlight and totaled with 140,000 miles. I would still be driving it if not for that.
After the total i gave my wife a choice and she said she wanted another Journey. We now have a 2019 GT V6 FWD. I bought it from Enterprise with 16,000 miles. It now have close to 60,000. Tires and oil changes so far and 3 adults and 4 kids rode from Mississippi to Orlando and back with no problems.
I do agree a mini van may have more room but the wife says the Journey rides higher and has a better field of view.
Yes I would get another one and with the seats flat it will haul a good load.
MOFWIW.
Allen

A cheap car that can be hit or miss. If you plan on keeping something like that for a long time get a used Toyota Venza instead.

Bought our 12 SXT AWD like 3 years ago.Now has 118K on it and runs great.Had to replace the battery and alternator along with brakes.Nice ride and commfy.The grandaughter likes the 3rd seat when we go to W Va.4 cylinder models are lots cheaper but heard too many people complain they have no power.Ill probally buy another.Rocky

I bought a 2017 GT AWD mostly for my wife to drive, but I like driving it more than I thought.

Haven't had any issues.

My only complaint (if you could call it that) is the trans calibrations are definitely biased towards mileage and NVH/smooth quiet operation.
I'd prefer more performance oriented trans cals but I am probably not the average customer.

I was told 3.6L is pretty clean/issue free after 2015, which might help since you were looking at mostly later models.

I forget the year brakes were upgraded, but it was sometime before '15.
The very earliest models had a reputation as brake eaters, that's fixed now.

I think they did the brakes in 11 when they upgraded some other things.

The trans calibrations is the biggest complain I read before we bought my wife's old 15 model.

Thanks folks. I just wanted some feedback. Seen one I liked, but we love our minivans.

Probably getting a GC as I do not like the Pacifica styling nearly as much, and figuring the 2020's that are left over, we may get a good deal.

Styling is certainly a huge part of a vehicle purchase. That being said you might want to take a second look at the Pacifica. They sure get good reviews, often rated as the best mini van.

Id take a GC or Journey over Pacifica any day. I don't know about the reviews but the styling is horrible.

Yes but has anyone ever made a mini-van that was really good looking? We had a couple of Caravans when our kids were growing up but it was not for the good looks. My personal choice would be a Durango R/T or SRT.

I have had 3, as my company cars, a 2010, a 2013 and last one was a 2017. All were AWD RT 5pass models . . . except the 2017 - it was GT ! . . . anyhow, put about 40-60k miles on each one, while not the greatest vehicle, they did everything I needed them to do. Decent mileage and size inside. Worst issue was the trans shifting programming - too much on economy, not enough on performance. Too bad FCA only offers them as FWD, 4cyl for 2020 - they forced me into a GM product this go round . . . FCA wants too much $$ for their products, compared to what is out there from other manufacturers.