Some car models are retired for good reason. One such vehicle is the Dodge Journey, which was criticized by car critics and consumers alike upon its introduction. Despite its low retail price, the Journey got a bad reputation for several reasons, including notoriously poor reliability and handling and weak safety features. One of the Journey’s more overlooked shortcomings, however, was its subpar infotainment, which created real safety concerns for the drivers.
A Brief Look Back at the Dodge Journey
If you’re not familiar with the Dodge Journey, this optional third-row SUV was first introduced in 2009. According to Cars.com, it started at just $20,925, was large and relatively stylish in appearance. It was also far from the best option on the market.
Dodge offered the 2009 and 2010 Journey with different configurations. The base model came with a 173-horsepower 2.4-liter I-4 engine that could generate 166 lb-ft of torque. But you could also buy a 235-horsepower 3.5-liter V-6 version with a six-speed automatic transmission, with SXT trims and up. With the V-6, you get the third row as standard, but you don’t get as much power as other V-6 options in the segment.
The Journey offered fuel economy figures that were average for SUVs of its size. The I-4 got drivers 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, while the V-6 delivered 16 mpg in the city and 23 mpg on the highway.
While performance was average, handling was not ideal. If you had to brake abruptly, you could expect annoying pendulum movements.
At 192.4 inches long and 66.6 inches high, the Journey offered plenty of cargo space and access, although the third row was more suitable for children than adults. There were also some suitable storage areas. However, the inclusion of a trash can under the passenger seat was impossible to access while seated. It also prevented the inclusion of an airbag sensor, posing a safety hazard.
The 2009 and 2010 models were plagued by cheap interior finishes that negatively affected ride comfort and driving pleasure. In addition, the basic equipment lacked the usual advanced safety features in SUVs of this size. According to Kelley Blue Book, the Journey only came with airbags, electronic stability and electronic roll restriction, not items like automatic emergency braking or lane assist.
The Journey’s Terrible Infotainment System
The Journey also stood out for an optional infotainment system that Jalopnik called one of the worst of all time — and rightly so. Of course, most SUVs have a built-in infotainment system, even if the touchscreen is small. But the Journey required an upgrade to install one in the base model, or else for you to purchase a higher trim level.
Although the system was not intuitive, the voice commands allowed drivers to concentrate. But that function was undermined by the placement of the screen. It was placed below knee height, meaning drivers had to turn around and look down to see what was being displayed. This awkward placement forced drivers to take their eyes off the road, which could lead to accidents.
Oddly enough, if you bought a Journey with the navigation feature, you would see the map on a separate screen at the top of the dashboard, making it easier for drivers to follow the directions. This proper placement further begs why the infotainment screen was placed below knee level rather than integrated at the top.
What happened to the 2009-2010 Dodge Journey?
The lukewarm reception the Journey received in 2009 and 2010 prompted Dodge to redesign the SUV. Kelley Blue Book notes that the 2011 Dodge Journey was much improved, with more pleasing interior styling, responsive handling and powerful powertrain option. The 235 hp V6 was replaced by a 3.6-liter Pentastar version that could generate 283 hp and better performance.
Unlike its predecessors, the 2011 Dodge Journey placed its infotainment screen at a more appropriate height, reducing the safety risk posed by the previous one. The higher finishes offered a range of automotive features that made the 2011 Journey even more attractive.
Unfortunately, according to Autoblog, the Journey 2011 did not contain more advanced safety features as standard. But overall, the 2011 version was head and shoulders above its predecessor. Since those early days, the Dodge Journey has evolved even further, though not enough, according to many critics. It was finally discontinued in 2020.
According to CarBuzz, a new 2022 model will be built exclusively for China. But don’t shed too many tears. Despite the substantial improvements over the years, the Dodge Journey is still not a top model in its segment.
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