Dodge Journey

Introduction

The Dodge Journey is manufactured by Chrysler Group LLC and the first generation was introduced in the 2009 model year with production starting from 2008. Dodge Journey is also called as Fiat Freemont. The vehicle is classified as Mid-Size CUV and is offered in the body style of 5-door SUV.  It is related to the Chrysler 200 and is built on the Chrysler JC Platform. It was later updated for the 2011 model year.

The driving team was taken aback when they experienced the 2011 Dodge Journey because the engineers recovering from the Chrysler bankruptcy debacle simply transformed the vehicle into a genuine contender from a no hopper. The transformation was impressive because it was not started from scratch, but refreshed with the existing V-6, dollar-store interior and sloppy dynamics. The comeback vehicle fascia was as dramatic as the comeback of Chrysler which happened subsequently. It is not until the release of the 2013 Dodge Journey that the team could actually quantify the vehicle’s performance with the new updates.

Models and Features

Not all the pre-2011 parts are discarded for the Dodge Journey and the lowest trim still gets the anemic 2.4 L 4-cylinder powertrain and the associated 4-speed automatic. The powertrain which was upgraded is the Chrysler’s lively and well behaved 3.6 L V-6 fortunately and it is coupled to a 6-speed automatic transmission. The top of the heap 2013 Dodge Journey R/T is the test car and it has come with a more rigid suspension. 19-inch wheels have been added with all-wheel-drive as an option but you shall have to upgrade the V-6 to get it. The crossover weights a hefty 4280 lbs and is hauled by the engines 283 hp and 260 lb-ft torque briskly through traffic. The engine comes to its best when you reach the 3500rpm mark hence will have to pay more attention to the pedal to get the best experience. Once you reach there you will enjoy the powertains assertiveness, bare minimum vibration and the quickly increasing revs.

However the transmission throws cold water into the works because it is unresponsive and not spontaneous. You can still choose your own gear to extract the best out of the 6-cylinders despite but with the inertness of the gearbox it is best left alone. Driver’s directions are hard to follow by the transmission when it is left in drive and the downshifts and under acceleration can be abrupt, slow and even to the extent of being absent while the driver is left comprehending. The short sprint at least is understood by the transmission and it dashes the car to a 7.1 seconds 0-60mph mark. This means that the 2013 model is quicker by 1.2 seconds to the Journey of 2009 sporting a SOHC V6 3.5 L churning a 235hp.

The crossover could not be tested for lateral grip due to the snow blanket it was paraded around the down where the Kumho Solus KH16 M+S tires driven by the all-wheel afforded good traction whether it was a snow covered pavements or roads baked by sun. The stop at the test track was a good 172 feet at 70mph and it betters the last model by 17 feet wearing the same rollers. The redesign of the 2011 can be seen with the larger rotors in the front and the rear brakes. One thing that will go against the Journey is the comfort level offered by its chassis. Stiffened suspension, 225/55 tires enveloping the R/T’s 19 inchers the journey through rough roads proved to be brittle and busy.  The compromise is found to be inexplicable for a crossover tasked to take care of road travel for a family. For softer suspensions you can either buy a SXT or Crew trim of the Journey.

The no-nonsense practically has been the best aspect of the late-surging Journey’s best attribute, not performance as a family car. The body design has been pragmatic and it is neither too small not too large. The interior is attractive and ergonomically friendly and the price is reasonable. The top range R/T which is also heavy with options is priced at $34,305 and you can buy the basic model for $7000 less. One drive down the road you will find that the money spent on the update of the Journey is worth its value. The crossover has also gained in braking and so has the acceleration.

Technical Specifications

Powertrain specifications of the 2013 Dodge Journey is a DOHC 24-valve V-6, with port fuel injectin and aluminum block and heads. It is front engine with 4-wheel drive and is available in 5-door wagon with seating capacity of 5 passengers. The engine has a displacement of 3605cc or 220 cu-inches and generates a peak power of 283hp and 260lb-ft torque for the base model. The base price of the car is $27,390. The transmission is 6-speed auto with manual shifting mode and the curb weight of the vehicle is 4280 lb as mentioned above. Wheelbase of the crossover is 113.8 inches, length is 192.4 inches, height 66.6 inches and width 72.2 inches. The 100mph mark is breached at 21.9 seconds while the short sprint is achieved in 7.1 seconds. The Journey will reach top gear in 4.1 seconds accelerating between 30 and 50mph and the top speed with speed governor limitation is a peak 114mph.

Fuel economy and Safety

Fuel economy of the substantially heavy vehicle is a 16mpg in city and 24mpg on highway as per EPA which you can term as acceptable for a family car. However observed economy is an 18mpg overall in all terrain. High point of the vehicle is that it has competent handling while the engine works lively and quick power.  O the lower side we have the unresponsive transmission and the R/T’s stiff-legged ride. The 2014 trim level is limited edition and is offered the same configuration.

 The safe ratings for the Dodge Journey is rated good by IHHS safety standards and offered G rating for moderate overlap front, side, roof strength and head restraints & seats. With the above given in-depth details obtained from the testing driving you can form your own opinion about the crossover. As for we are concerned it is a big muscle car you can cruise your family in and around the town.