2009 Dodge Journey SE Review (video)

Cars are like people: some can be hard to figure out and full of character issues. That's especially true when an automaker, like Dodge, wants to pioneer a new genre with a vehicle that combines many different styles, like the Journey.

The Dodge Journey is part minivan, part SUV.

The Dodge Journey is part minivan, part SUV, yet it fails to be categorized as a true crossover. Similar to the introduction of the "revolutionary" Autobeaucoup in the 1980s, Dodge wants to resurrect an overlooked though functional market segment: full-size family cars.

Not a minivan at all
I can hear young dads express their dissatisfaction: "yet another minivan that wants to look hip and trendy". These men, who are used to drive their own little cars, can't bear the idea of being seen behind the wheel of such vehicles. They still have their pride!

But what Dodge has done with the Journey is a smart move, actually. In terms of size, it's smaller than a traditional minivan, although it can still accommodate, in some configurations (like my tester's), up to seven passengers with decent room.

Of course, the third-row seats are not suited for everyone. Access is complicated, the cushions are hard and the freedom of movement is limited. But if you want to take your kid and his soccer friends to the practice field, the Journey proves to be an interesting hauler.

You don't need a third row? No problem. Simply fold the seats into the floor and you'll wind up with a spacious and functional 5-seat truck, offering a generous cargo area complete with a wonderful reversible floor panel (fabric on one side, washable vinyl on the other).

The Journey has a large and practical cargo space once the third row seat is folded.