Are Dodge Journeys Good Cars? An Honest Look

No, the Dodge Journey is not a good car for most people. It has major problems with quality, safety, and value that make it a poor choice. When you ask, “are Dodge Journeys good cars,” the answer is clear for most buyers.

This SUV has been around for a long time. It was sold from 2009 all the way to 2020 without many big changes. That means it felt old even when it was new. Many people bought it because it was cheap upfront. But they often found out later why the price was so low.

Let’s talk about what makes a vehicle good. You want something safe, reliable, and cheap to own over time. The Journey fails in most of these areas. It’s a classic case of getting what you pay for.

What Makes a Car “Good”?

First, we need to set some ground rules. What do we mean by a “good” car? It’s not just one thing.

A good car should keep you safe in a crash. It should not break down all the time. It should be cheap to fix when it does need work. It should also hold some of its value if you want to sell it later.

Comfort and features matter too. But safety and reliability come first. No one wants a car that leaves them stranded. No one wants a car that is dangerous for their family.

When we use these rules, the Dodge Journey struggles. It has a long history of poor crash test scores. Its reliability ratings are very low. Its value drops like a rock after you drive it off the lot.

So, are Dodge Journeys good cars based on these basic rules? They simply do not measure up. Other choices in the same price range do much better.

Safety Concerns and Crash Test Scores

This is the biggest reason to avoid the Dodge Journey. Its safety record is not good at all.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) is a top safety group. They gave the Journey poor ratings in several crash tests. This was for many model years. A “Poor” rating is their lowest score.

Specifically, the small overlap front test was bad. This simulates hitting a tree or a pole. The Journey’s structure did not hold up well in this test. This means higher risk of injury in a real-world crash.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also tests cars. You can check their full ratings on their official .gov website. The Journey often got three or four stars out of five. Many rivals got perfect five-star scores.

Are Dodge Journeys good cars for a family? I would say no. Keeping your family safe is the most important thing. There are much safer used SUVs you can buy for the same money.

Reliability and Repair Problems

Next up is reliability. This is another weak spot for the Journey.

Consumer Reports and J.D. Power give it very low ratings for dependability. Owners report lots of problems. These issues often start before the car hits 100,000 miles.

Common trouble spots include the transmission. The four-speed automatic in base models is very old. It can be sluggish and prone to failure. The electrical system also has many gremlins. Things like power windows and radios stop working.

The V6 engine is a bit better than the weak four-cylinder. But it’s not great on gas. Repair costs can add up quickly. Parts are not as cheap as you might think for a Dodge.

Are Dodge Journeys good cars if you want something trouble-free? Sadly, they are not. You will likely spend more time and money at the shop than with a Honda or Toyota. The Consumer Reports website has detailed data on this.

The Value Proposition: Cheap Upfront, Costly Later

Now let’s talk about money. The Journey’s low sticker price is its main trick.

Dodge dealers often had big discounts on new Journeys. They were some of the cheapest three-row SUVs you could buy new. This attracted many budget-conscious buyers.

But that low price comes with big trade-offs. We already talked about safety and reliability. The other cost is depreciation. This is how much value a car loses over time.

The Journey loses value extremely fast. A three-year-old Journey might be worth less than half its original price. A similar-age Honda Pilot will hold its value much better.

So, are Dodge Journeys good cars for your wallet in the long run? Not really. You save money on day one. But you lose it later on repairs, gas, and when you sell it. It’s a bad financial deal.

Driving Experience and Comfort

What is it like to actually drive a Dodge Journey? The answer is not exciting.

The ride is okay. It soaks up bumps decently. But the handling is mushy and vague. The steering does not give you much feel for the road. It feels like driving a big, numb box.

The base four-cylinder engine is painfully slow. It struggles to merge onto highways. The V6 is the only engine to consider. It provides adequate power for passing and loading up the car.

Inside, the materials are very cheap. Hard plastic is everywhere. The seats are flat and not very supportive on long trips. Some versions have a clever hidden storage bin under the front passenger seat. That’s one of the few clever features.

Are Dodge Journeys good cars for a comfortable road trip? I would look elsewhere. The noise level is high. The seats get uncomfortable. The overall experience feels dated and low-rent.

Fuel Economy and Running Costs

Gas mileage is another downside. The Journey is a thirsty vehicle.

With the V6 engine and all-wheel drive, you might see 19 miles per gallon combined. In today’s world, that is not good. A modern three-row SUV will do much better. Even some older models are more efficient.

The four-cylinder gets better mileage on paper. But it’s so weak that you have to push it hard. In real driving, you may not save much gas. The U.S. government’s fuel economy site shows the official numbers.

High gas use means higher costs every week. This adds up over years of ownership. Insurance costs can also be higher. This is due to the poor safety ratings we discussed earlier.

Are Dodge Journeys good cars if you care about monthly costs? The answer is no. The gas bills will be high. The potential repair bills will be high. The total cost of ownership is high.

Are There Any Good Things About the Journey?

It’s only fair to mention a couple of positives. The Journey is not all bad.

It does have three rows of seats. This makes it one of the cheapest ways to get a third row. The rear seats are small, okay for kids only. But they are there if you need them in a pinch.

The infotainment system in later models, called Uconnect, is actually pretty good. It’s easy to use. The screen is responsive. Apple CarPlay and Android Auto were available.

You can also find them for very low prices on the used market. A five-year-old Journey costs a lot less than a five-year-old Toyota Highlander. That low entry fee is still tempting for some.

So, are Dodge Journeys good cars in any specific situation? Maybe if you need a cheap, short-term third-row vehicle. And you understand all the risks. For almost everyone else, the bad points outweigh the good.

What Are the Better Alternatives?

You can do much better for your money. Let’s look at some smarter choices.

For a used three-row SUV, consider a Honda Pilot or Toyota Highlander. They cost more upfront. But they are far safer. They are much more reliable. They will last longer and cost less over time.

If you want something newer on a budget, look at a Kia Sorento or Hyundai Santa Fe. These Korean SUVs offer great value. They have good warranties. Their safety and quality are in a different league than the Journey.

Even a minivan is a better family hauler. A used Honda Odyssey or Toyota Sienna is more practical. It is also safer and more reliable. The SaferCar.gov website can help you compare safety info.

Are Dodge Journeys good cars compared to these options? Not even close. The competition is better in almost every single way. Spending a bit more money at the start saves you a lot later.

Common Problems Reported by Owners

Let’s get specific about what goes wrong. Real owners have shared many stories.

Transmission failure is a big one. The car may jerk, hesitate, or refuse to shift. Replacing the transmission is very expensive. This often happens around 80,000 to 100,000 miles.

Electrical issues are everywhere. The dashboard lights may flicker. The power locks might stop working. The radio or screen can go black. Fixing electrical problems is tricky and costly.

Brake problems are common too. Rotors warp easily. Calipers can stick. You may find yourself replacing brakes more often than in other cars.

Are Dodge Journeys good cars that you can trust for 150,000 miles? The evidence says no. The chance of a major repair is high. This is a car that can become a money pit fast.

Final Verdict: Who Should (Maybe) Buy One?

It’s hard to recommend the Dodge Journey to anyone. But let’s be realistic.

The only person who might consider one is a very savvy used car buyer. You must get it for a rock-bottom price. You must have a good mechanic check it first. You must plan to drive it for a very short time.

Even then, you are taking a risk. A major repair could wipe out all your savings. A crash could be more dangerous than in a safer vehicle.

For 99% of people looking for a used SUV, the answer is clear. Look at other options. The small amount of money you save is not worth the headaches.

So, are Dodge Journeys good cars in the end? My final answer is no. They are not good for safety. They are not good for reliability. They are not good for your long-term budget. The search for a good used car should continue elsewhere.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Dodge Journeys good cars for a first-time buyer?

No, they are a poor choice for a first car. The potential for costly repairs is high. A first-time buyer needs something dependable and safe. The Journey is neither.

Are Dodge Journeys good cars for long road trips?

They are not ideal. The seats are not very comfortable for long drives. Fuel economy is poor, raising the cost of the trip. Reliability concerns also make them a risky choice far from home.

What year Dodge Journey is the most reliable?

Later models, like 2017 and newer, had some improvements. But no model year is known for great reliability. All years have the same basic design flaws and safety issues.

Are Dodge Journeys good cars if I only need it for a year?

Maybe, but it’s still risky. You could buy one cheap and sell it in a year. But a major repair could happen in that year. A transmission failure would cost more than the car is worth.

Why are Dodge Journeys so cheap used?

They are cheap because of low demand. People know about the poor reliability and safety. The fast depreciation and high running costs make them a bad value. The low price reflects all these problems.

Are Dodge Journeys good cars compared to a Ford Explorer?

Even an older Ford Explorer is often a better choice. It may have its own issues, but it typically has better safety scores and more power. The Explorer is generally a more capable vehicle.

Conclusion

So, are Dodge Journeys good cars? The evidence gives us a firm answer. They are not good cars for almost every buyer. The serious safety flaws are the biggest red flag. The poor reliability is the second major problem.

The low purchase price is a trap. It tricks people into thinking they are getting a deal. The real costs show up later at the gas pump and the repair shop. You end up paying more for less.

Your money is better spent on a different used SUV. Look for a Honda, Toyota, Hyundai, or Kia. You will get more peace of mind. You will get better safety for your family. You will get a vehicle that lasts. The Dodge Journey is a car you should skip.