Car Reviews

2009 Dodge Journey

Signaling Chrysler Corp.'s global ambitions, the newly independent company took the wraps off the Dodge Journey crossover at the Frankfurt Motor Show. The new people hauler-will be sold in America and export markets beginning early next year as a 2009 model. With two-box edgy styling, the Journey will be available in front- or all-wheel drive and in base models will seat five passengers, with optional third-row seating that boosts cabin capacity to seven occupants.

The Journey, which rides on a 113.8-in. wheelbase, slots neatly between the entry-level Caliber and the full-size Grand Caravan. Adapted from the mid-size Avenger sedan architecture, the new vehicle effectively replaces the short-wheelbase Caravan, which was dropped when the minivan lineup was revamped for the 2008 model year.

In the U.S., buyers will choose among three trim levels, a base SE with a 173-bhp 2.4-liter 4-cylinder engine, the mid-line SXT and its optional 186-bhp 2.7-liter V-6, or the top-line R/T, which has a 235-bhp 3.5-liter V-6. Only the large V-6 comes with the optional all-wheel drive. The base four and 2.7-liter engines offer a choice of a 5-speed manual or 4-speed automatic transmission, while the 3.5 is equipped with a 6-speed automatic. Export markets will be offered a 138-bhp 2.0-liter turbodiesel equipped with a 6-speed manual or a 6-speed dual-clutch automatic transaxle.