Is Dodge Journey a good car to buy?
In most cases, the Dodge Journey is not a strong buy today. It’s an aging, discontinued model with mixed reliability and dated technology. It can be tempting on a very tight budget if you need seven-seat versatility, but you should know you’re choosing an older design with higher maintenance risk compared with modern rivals.
What the Dodge Journey is
The Dodge Journey is a mid-size crossover SUV that Dodge sold from the late 2000s through the late 2010s. It offered flexible seating for up to seven people and was pitched as a practical family hauler with a budget-conscious price in the used-car market. Over its lifespan, it relied on a combination of a four-cylinder engine and a V6, with front‑wheel drive as standard and all‑wheel drive available on select trims. Production effectively ended before the 2020 model year, so any Journey you buy today will be a used vehicle with aging technology and higher potential maintenance needs than newer crossovers.
Key details and evolution
Early Journeys were powered by a 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine and a 3.5-liter V6, paired with a relatively simple transmission. Some updates over the years added refinements to the interior and optional all-wheel drive, but the core package remained a practical, space-focused family vehicle rather than a modern tech-forward SUV. As a result, buyers today encounter an older design with basic safety features and limited advanced driver assistance options by today’s standards.
Pros and cons
If you’re evaluating the Journey, here is a quick look at its main advantages and drawbacks.
- Low upfront price on the used market: The Journey tends to be inexpensive to acquire compared with more modern crossovers.
- Seven-seat versatility: A third-row seat makes it possible to carry more passengers when needed.
- Spacious interior and flexible cargo space: The cabin can be configured for people or luggage, which is appealing for families.
- All-wheel drive available on some trims: For buyers in colder climates or with variable road conditions, AWD is a useful option.
- Simple, familiar controls: Its interior design mirrors older Chrysler products, which some buyers find easy to use.
These attributes underscore why some budget-conscious buyers consider the Journey, but the car’s age and reliability questions temper the upside.
Reliability, maintenance, and ownership costs
Reliability has been a common concern with the Journey, particularly as models age. Ownership costs can rise with maintenance and repairs, and parts availability for an aging vehicle can become more challenging and expensive over time. The Journey’s older technology also means fewer standard safety features and driver-assistance systems than modern crossovers.
- Mixed reliability history: The Journey has a reputation for maintenance needs that can include transmission and electrical issues on some older models.
- Shifting parts availability: As production ended, finding replacement components may require shopping from multiple sources or used parts.
- Average fuel economy for its class: Expect lower efficiency than newer compact SUVs, particularly with the V6 or older four-cylinder options.
- Lower resale value: Perception as an aging model can push resale values down compared with newer rivals.
In sum, ownership requires a willingness to manage the risk of aging components and potentially higher repair bills compared with buying a newer used or certified pre-owned SUV.
Who should consider buying a Dodge Journey?
The Journey may appeal to buyers with specific needs or constraints, but it’s important to match expectations with the realities of an old, aging design.
- You need seven seats on a strict budget: A Journey can be the most affordable way to acquire a seven-passenger configuration, at least upfront.
- You prioritize interior space and practicality over latest safety tech and efficiency: If you value room and seating flexibility above all else, the Journey fits that niche.
- You’re comfortable with ongoing maintenance: Accepting the possibility of repairs and sourcing older parts is part of owning an aging Dodge.
For most buyers who want reliability, modern safety tech, and solid resale value, other options will be more prudent investments—even in the used market.
Better alternatives to consider
Several modern used SUVs offer better reliability, safety features, and efficiency without sacrificing space. Here are common picks to consider as you shop.
- Used Honda CR-V or Toyota RAV4: Known for reliability, fuel efficiency, and strong resale value.
- Midsize crossovers with three rows: Kia Telluride, Hyundai Palisade, Toyota Highlander, or Honda Pilot—offer newer technology and better safety ratings, though they may cost more on the used market.
- Compact crossovers with good safety records: Mazda CX-5, Subaru Forester, or Toyota RAV4 Hybrid for improved efficiency and modern driver aids.
Considering these alternatives can yield a more contemporary ownership experience with better long-term value and fewer reliability concerns than a used Journey.
Tips for buying a used Journey
If you decide to explore a used Journey anyway, use these steps to protect yourself and maximize value.
- Check maintenance history and recalls: Look for documented service on the transmission, engine, brakes, and electrical systems, and verify that open recalls have been addressed.
- Test drive the drivetrain: Listen for clunks or rough shifts, and assess acceleration and braking performance to spot transmission or suspension issues.
- Inspect the electrical system: Ensure lights, power windows, and infotainment operate properly; watch for warning lights on the dash.
- Examine tires, brakes, and suspension: Worn components can signal broader wear; factor in replacement costs if needed.
- Check for leaks and engine condition: Look for oil leaks, unusual smoke, or rough idling; a used-car inspection can uncover hidden faults.
- Review the interior condition and fit-and-finish: The Journey’s interior may show age-related wear; assess seat integrity, wiring, and trim fixes.
- Have a trusted mechanic inspect before purchase: A professional pre-purchase inspection can identify costly issues before you buy.
Following these steps can help you avoid common pitfalls and make a more informed decision when considering a used Dodge Journey.
Conclusion and takeaways
Bottom line: The Dodge Journey is not a typical smart buy in 2025. It’s an aging, discontinued model with mixed reliability and limited modern safety features. It can still serve as a budget-friendly seven-seat option for very specific needs, but most shoppers will be better served by a newer used SUV with proven reliability and better fuel efficiency. If you already own a Journey, prioritize routine maintenance, address any mechanical issues promptly, and stay aware of potential repair costs as the vehicle ages.
Summary
The Dodge Journey offers space and a low entry price in today’s used-car market, but its age, reliability concerns, and lack of modern safety tech make it a marginal choice for most buyers. For those who must have seven seats on a tight budget, it can fill a niche, but for durability, resale value, and long-term ownership costs, exploring newer used SUVs is typically the wiser path. Always conduct thorough pre-purchase inspections and compare against solid alternatives before deciding.
