Journey in the Journey
After reading dozens of hands-on reports from the Dodge Journey, all positive, I finally snookered one myself, though only for a few days. So far, I’m very impressed. It doesn’t feel anything like the current Sebring or Avenger; the interior looks great (mine is black, and because it’s an R/T (AWD) there’s chrome accents everywhere); and the ride is quite good, without giving up much in cornering. Acceleration is pretty good, with the 3.5 liter V6 quieter than I’ve ever heard it, and sound insulation is excellent. I think Chrysler has a winner here - especially once it gets the Phoenix engine, diesel option, and automatically-shifted manual transmission to edge the gas mileage up. In the meantime, I look forward to getting my hands on the thriftier four-cylinder.
By the way, EPA-rated gas mileage on this one - remember, it’s AWD - is 15 city, 22 highway. Ack! Full sized minivans can beat that. The price clocks in at around $28,000 base - but mine is pretty well loaded to the gills, with a sticker of $34,240. That’s more than a Hemi Charger and, I think, more than the Challenger R/T… but it has all sorts of options like a sunroof, big wheels, and rear seat video. That stuff all adds up.