Dodge Journey 2010 Review
Holden introduced the new Commodore, which runs on 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline. Caltex is opening its first E85 pumps nationwide with up to 100 pumps available by next year.
The good news is that, in addition to being cleaner and cleaner than gasoline, the fuel company promises that the new fuel will be “significantly cheaper than unleaded gasoline.”
Unlike diesel or hybrid vehicles, you don't have to pay extra for E85 compatibility. And unlike LPG, which is also cheaper than gasoline, you won't have to spend much of your trunk on a tank. However, you will need to buy a car that has an E85 engine. Besides the upcoming Commodores and some Saabs, Dodge's Journey People Mover and its sister Chrysler Sebring Cabrio use an E85 compatible engine.
VALUE
Priced about the same as many of its competitors, the flexible-fuel Journey can be an economical option for families if you have somewhere to fill up.
With the Journey range priced from $36,990 to $46,990, we tested the mid-range 41,990-litre V2.7 R/T petrol R/T for $6. That's the same price as the glamorous leader among vehicles, the Honda Odyssey, significantly cheaper than the class-leading Toyota Tarago, but several thousand dollars more expensive than the base $35,990 Kia Carnival.
While the Journey is considered a seven-seat, it's actually a 5+2, as there isn't much legroom in the third row for anyone but small children, and there's very little trunk space in that mode either. The seats move easily with a lever, making them flexible for a variety of uses and family access.
Integrated booster child seats are standard on the optional row, eliminating the need to carry child seats. There are plenty of cup holders, side and front row central storage compartments, a refrigerator in the glove compartment, but it lacks front row armrests.
The sound system is good, but not great; a rear-view camera is handy in a car of this size, and features such as satellite navigation and TV screens at the rear of the front row headrests are available as options.
When you can buy E85, you will need to buy more to drive the same distance as a gasoline car because ethanol has less energy. The savings lies in the lower price of the pump.
TECHNOLOGY
The 2.7-liter engine delivers 136kW/256Nm, slightly better than the Odyssey and huge Hyundai iMax, but well below the V6 Tarago and V6 Grand Carnival. It's a workhorse with a six-speed automatic transmission. With full use of gasoline, the average claimed consumption is 10.3 l / 100 km, although in urban traffic this figure jumps to 15 liters. Without the E85 pump, we would not have been able to verify this figure.
Design
There are people who look like vans, some look like vans, others look like vans, and none of them look like sports cars. The Journey is unique in that it can easily be mistaken for an SUV. Its tall stance, boxy shape and Dodge grille give it a more masculine look than the competition.
Drivers buy loaders out of necessity, not by choice. For those who don't have large families, don't coach sports teams, or don't work as chauffeurs, it's easy to look down on the many tasteless movers. But not the American Journey, its tougher exterior makes it meaner on the road.
SECURITY
There are plenty of essential safety features on board, including electronic stability control, emergency brake assist, front and side airbags among standard equipment. The high seating position, like an SUV, is also a bonus, allowing you to see ahead in traffic. It's a pity that this model doesn't include the auto-opening rear hatch, as it's hard to lift and reach when you need to close it.
DRIVING
Dodge is a passionate worker. I first tested it with a light load as the only passenger and it showed brisk acceleration and smooth and comfortable driving even over the proverbial bumps and potholes.
He was also loaded with boxes and gear to help move home. Although he seemed to be more lethargic, as you would expect, he showed some courage when he was loaded. In fact the movement was better with some weight on board. This made the car more stable on the road.
One issue is how noisy it is when accelerating from a standstill, with the engine roaring as it searches for the next gear.
VERDICT: The Journey is a versatile, competent people carrier with attractive looks and a comfortable ride. I just wish it had armrests. Its compatibility with E85 fuel could be the key to boosting sales.
DOGJ JORNEY R / T
Price: $ 41,990
ENGINES: 2.7L/V6 136kW/256Nm
Transmission: 6-speed automatic
Economy: 10.3 l/100 km (official), 14.9 l/100 km (tested)
