Dodge News
You’ll want to make this Journey a lifetime ride.
The 2009 Dodge Journey has arrived. As it joins the midsize crossover category, it is certainly worth a look. The Journey gets all of the basics right and offers more amenities than other competitors in its class do.
Fans of the Dodge Avenger sedan will recognize some of its characteristics that have been carried over to the 2009 Dodge Journey. The Journey has a much longer wheelbase and room for up to seven. The most noteworthy characteristics of the Journey are its features and conveniences, which are skillfully and carefully designed with driver and passengers’ needs in mind. It’s completely loaded with clever features such as a cooled glovebox for soda or water bottles – very handy on road trips. There are several storage bins, compartments and cubbyholes plus an iPod holder in the center console.
The Journey is available in three trims, SE, SXT and the top-of-the-line sporty R/T. Buyers may choose front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive. Standard equipment includes a tilt steering wheel, air conditioning, a six-CD changer and power windows, locks and mirrors on the base SE. Choosing the SXT will add 17-inch alloy wheels and features such as keyless entry, six-way power driver’s seat and heated side mirrors.
The base Journey has either a 2.4-liter DOHC four-cylinder engine with dual Variable Valve Timing that puts out 173 hp and 166 lb/ft of torque, or a 3.5-liter V6 that produces 235 hp and 232 lb/ft of torque. The four-cylinder engine is mated to a four-speed automatic transmission, a combination that’s ideal for urban drivers. For driving enthusiasts, the High-Output 24-valve MPI V6 delivers excellent drivability. It’s mated to a six-speed automatic transmission with AutoStick® manual shift control and offers nice handling around town and on the open road. The Detroit News says of the Journey driving experience, “We never felt the need for more juice.”
The exterior shape of the Journey resembles a combination of an SUV and a wagon. The Journey has good handling and a smooth ride. ConsumerGuide reports that all versions of the 2009 Dodge Journey “filter out road imperfections with commendable ease.” Towing capacity tops off at 3,500 pounds, only slightly less than the Dodge Grand Caravan minivan. The Journey is super quiet on the highway, even at those higher speeds.
Inside, the cabin provides ample room for both driver and passengers, and it offers possibly the best use of space in its class. Tip n’ Fold™ seats in the second row provide easy access to the backseat while both the front passenger’s seat and the 40/60 second-row seats fold to offer a flat surface. There’s additional storage in the front passenger’s area underneath the seats and in the footwells of the second row. Then, the optional third-row seats fold flat for expanded cargo room in the back. Use of space is simply amazing in the Journey. Its 67.6 cubic feet of cargo space is more than enough to suit all your needs. Families who routinely strap children into safety seats will appreciate the wide-opening rear doors that flip back as far as 90 degrees.
Journey options include topnotch technology such as Bluetooth connectivity, a rear-seat entertainment system, MyGIG™ entertainment and navigation and a backup camera. Another example of Dodge innovation is the power outlet that can be shut off by the driver, protecting children from shocks.
In crash testing, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the Journey a rollover rating of four out of five stars. The Journey offers antilock disc brakes, rollover-sensing stability control, front-seat side airbags and side-curtain airbags for all rows, making the Journey a safe choice for families.
With all of these amenities and conveniences, you’d think the Journey would be priced accordingly, but the Journey is more than reasonable with a starting MSRP below $20,000. Buyers will think it’s a dream come true!
The Journey’s 2.4-liter four-cylinder is EPA-rated at 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway. It’s the perfect family-friendly vehicle with all of the practicality of an SUV and the comfort and handling of a sedan. Perhaps Motor Trend sums it up best. “The Journey is the perfect example of a thoroughly modern vehicle: designed to have the ride and handling of a car, the looks and ride height of a truck/SUV and the passenger capacity and handy storage of a minivan.”
One test drive will show you what they’re talking about. Call us to arrange one.
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