The 2009 Dodge Journey is comfortable, capable, roomy, well-built, and it even packs a DVD player as a standard feature. It’s also unlikely to make the trip home after you drive it off the lot. The SUV is priced to move at around $5,000, but with a long list of mechanical issues and a shorter-than-average life expectancy, it’s not worth it.
Is the 2009 Dodge Journey a Good Used Car?
- Overall Rating 7/10 – If it weren’t for the SUV’s short life expectancy, the Journey would be a winner.
- Interior, Comfort & Cargo 8/10 – Basically a living room on wheels with more cargo space than you expect in a mid-size crossover.
- Reliability 5/10 – It’s not exactly a lemon, but there are a lot of expensive repairs to look out for, and you’ll probably scrap it the first time the mechanic gives you a four figure estimate.
- Safety 8/10 – Standard safety equipment is generous and crash test scores are good.
- Gas Mileage 7/10 – The base model gets 19/25, which is perfectly acceptable for this size class and this model year.
- Value 4/10 – The only way the $5,000 price tag makes sense is if the Journey has under 50,000 miles on the odometer.
Positive Owner Reviews
Negative Owner Reviews
What Do Critics Say About the 2009 Dodge Journey?
Consumer Reports liked the car-like handling of the 2009 Journey, they liked the versatile interior with its third-row seating and tons of storage areas, and they liked the lack of excessive road noise. They note that cornering can feel ungainly, the suspension rides a bit bouncy, and fuel economy could be better.
Kelley Blue Book noted the generous interior space, both for passengers and cargo, as a major upside to owning a Journey, reporting that the SUV is bigger than either the Escape or the Equinox for that model year. Cheap interior trim quality cost the vehicle a few points in the final review.
Edmunds praised the Journey for it’s “minivan-like” convenience features with advanced entertainment systems and a smooth, quiet highway ride. Cheap interior trim and unwieldy cornering were the biggest concerns.
What Common Problems Does the 2009 Dodge Journey Have?
The 2009 Dodge Journey has generated 1,581 complaints with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. That’s a lot. Even for a Dodge. This number is inflated in large part by 807 electrical complaints pointing to ignition switch failure, among other issues.
285 airbag complaints see airbag lights staying on despite having already been subjected to recall repairs. Three airbag recalls were issued between 2009 and 2016, but complaints persist well into the early 2020s.
There are 228 complaints on file for the hydraulic service brakes, with reports of the brakes failing to work properly even after replacing every individual component of the braking system.
The 2008 Dodge Journey has been recalled 8 times in total, which is higher than usual for an SUV this old.
How Long Will the 2009 Dodge Journey Last?
The 2009 Dodge Journey is expected to last around 150,000 to 200,000 miles before it gets to be too expensive to bother fixing. Some drivers may report mileage as high as 300,000 and beyond, but these are outliers. As soon as you hit 150,000 in a Journey, you should start shopping around for a new vehicle.
Repairpal estimate an annual maintenance cost of around $582, which isn’t terrible, but expensive repairs like new cylinder heads, starting at around $3,139, can pop up at inopportune moments.
My only issue with it is that it does not shut the check lights off automatically. It is hard to reset after getting an oil change, or fixing a flat tire.
I am currently having issues with the dual thermometers in my car. But the car is 10 years old and I consider that a reasonable repair for the years it has been running.
Yes it's a gas guzzler but its definitely reliable and spacious on the inside of the truck. My CD player along with the GPS is inoperable.
The only problem I had was a recall with the ignition switch but the dealer replaced the part. It drives really well in all types of wheat. Starts up fine.
The dash sensor is a bit off and the paint chips over time. No big issues over all. I have not had to take it to the mechanic yet.
Yes reliable. Only problem was the ignition switch recalled we took that in to the dealership and they fixed it for us. The gas mileage is not that good that is really the only bad thing about it.
The dodge journey is extremely reliable. Personally, I have not had problems with my dodge Journey. I have the usually and normal maintenance that you would have with any car. Fingers crossed!
It is a very reliable car, we have never had any problems with it. Outside of routine maintenance and care. Oil changes and things of that nature
How Is the Technology?
Entertainment technology in the 2009 Dodge Journey is pretty good. You’ve got a CD/MP3/DVD player with 6 speakers as a standard feature. Back seat DVD players were around in 2009, but not exactly commonplace yet.
Safety features are good, too. Anti-lock brakes, traction control, electronic stability, roll mitigation, and occupant sensing airbags are all standard.
Is the 2009 Dodge Journey a Good Value?
The 2009 Dodge Journey is cheap. That doesn’t mean it’s a great deal. An SE model typically lists for around $4,760, and can be found for as low as $3,657. That sounds like a bargain you’d be crazy to pass up, especially considering the relatively low cost of ownership.
Unfortunately, these prices are for models with around 140,000 miles on the odometer, and many Dodge Journeys don’t make it past 150,000 miles. You could be looking at a $3,000 repair less than a week after you drive it off the lot.
What are the Different Models of the 2009 Dodge Journey?
The 2009 Dodge Journey is available in three trim levels, from the entry-level SE to the high-end R/T.
With the base SE you’re getting:
- Heated mirrors
- Cloth seating
- CD/MP3/DVD player with 6 speakers
- Manual air conditioning
- Anti-lock brakes, traction control, and stability control
The mid-range SXT adds:
- Remote keyless entry
- Premium cloth seating
- 6-way power adjust driver seat
In the top-of-the-line R/T you’re adding:
- Heated front seats
- Leather seating
- Fog lights
- Dual-zone automatic air conditioning
What Engines Come In the 2009 Dodge Journey?
- The 2009 Dodge Journey’s base engine is a 2.4L inline-four delivering 173 horsepower and 166 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 4-speed automatic transmission in front wheel drive, and it averages 19/25 miles to the gallon, city/highway.
- SXT and R/T models pack a 3.5L V6 engine delivering 235 horsepower and 232 lb.-ft. of torque. This is paired to a 6-speed automatic in all wheel drive, averaging 16/21 miles to the gallon.
What Colors Does the 2009 Dodge Journey Come In?
How Comfortable Is the 2009 Dodge Journey?
The 2009 Dodge Journey is pretty comfortable. You’ve got a decent 54 inches of hip room in the back with amble leg and head room, and the sofa-like seats are comfy without being unsupportive. The only issue some drivers may have is that the suspension can bounce a bit on bumpy roads.
How Much Storage Space Does the 2009 Dodge Journey Have?
For its class, the 2009 Dodge Journey is one of the leading vehicles of its model year for storage space. You’ve got 40 cubic feet of cargo space with the seats up, 67 with the seats down, and so many compartments, pockets, slots, and cup holders that you might be able to pack everything you need without even using the back end.
What Are the Differences Between Years?
2009 was the first model year for the Dodge Journey, running for a single generation until 2020 when the nameplate was retired.
2009: Dodge debuted the Journey as essentially a rebranded Dodge Caravan, built on the same chassis with a pair of engines and front or all wheel drive.
2010: No big changes for 2010.
2011: The front end was redesigned for 2011, with a new front fascia, and a sleeker grille. Suspension, powertrain, and steering were retuned, as well.
2012: Privacy tinted glass and LED headlights in the SE were new for 2012.
2013: No major changes for 2013, although optional packages were rearranged a bit.
How Does the 2009 Dodge Journey Compare to the Competition?
The 2009 Dodge Journey may be the worst minivan-style SUV to buy for this model year. It’s a fine SUV from top to bottom, but its best years are behind it, and it might not last another 10,000 miles after you drive it off the lot.
If you’re looking for some alternatives, a Ford Explorer sells for just a bit more, but is far more likely to hit 250,000 miles on the original powertrain, proving to be one of the automakers more reliable vehicles.
The Equinox is a fine choice, too, typically selling for quite a bit more, at around $7,000 at the entry level. But it’s one of the more rugged, capable SUVs in its class for this model year.
It’s a shame, because the 2009 Dodge Journey has a lot going for it. But, with such a short life expectancy, it’s a better candidate for the scrap yard than it is for your driveway.
Do Owners Recommend the 2009 Dodge Journey?
Yes. I have had no issues with it so far, I bought the car used and have driven it over 10,000 miles. It is comfortable, has tons of storage space, and gets great gas mileage.
Yes, I have enjoyed it so far. Gets pretty good gas mileage for it being a SUV. I particularly enjoy the third row seating or the option of putting it down for more trunk space.
Yes it is. The sxt is a good reliable vehicle that gets me where I need to go. However I think the truck could be gas guzzler. Its spacious on the inside offering plenty of legroom and storage for grocery and other shopping items.
Yes it is. It has a lot of room, very comfortable and. It drives great. Good access to the fluids. Good on gas mileage. The dash has many options air heat radio Bluetooth CD player etc. The heat and defrost work so well for it being a large vehicle. Easy access to the gas cap for fueling your vehicle. I have 2 wheel drive it drives great in all types of wheat including rain and snow.
The dodge journey is an excellent vehicle, smooth ride, spacious and comfortable. I also love the body shape and colors it comes in.
It is mostly good. Had a few issues with it like a recall and things. It drives really nice and smooth gas mileage is not that good. There is a lot of room and space.
Yes, absolutely. I love my journey and I hope they never stop making them. I love the gas mileage, how comfortable it is on long drive, and I love the amount of storage I have most of all.
Yes I love it and wouldn't trade it for the world. We have taken many trips, gone camping, fishing and on family vacations. As well as to the snow and every time everything we've needed has fit into the car.
