2009 Dodge Journey Test Drive
Mistakes can become learning opportunities. Take the Chrysler Pacifica. Chrysler’s first crossover had the makings of something good. Engineered in a corporate environment flush with optimism after the Daimler purchase, the Pacifica hit the road with loads of old Mercedes E-class parts in its bones. Quality and handling were good. About the size of a minivan, the one-box shape looked smooth. But the Pacifica never became the sales hit Chrysler hoped for. Buyers reportedly stayed away because the vehicle was too heavy and it looked boring.
Comments
steve
This doesn't look any more interesting than the Pacifica - from the outside anyway.
16/23 mpg for the recommended engine? No thanks. My 7000 lb diesel truck gets 20.8 combined. Car manufacturers will have to do better to get my attention.
Margie
I have a completely opposite view because to me the Journey sounds like the ideal vehicle. It has all the seating room and cargo space that I'm looking for plus all the interior features sound great for family travel. I think it will be a good option for people like me who are looking for something smaller than an SUV/minivan. I can't wait to take a look at it.
ziggy
"Pacifica never became the sales hit Chrysler hoped for." And this is their idea of a replacemetn that will. "Don't stop believin'"
The Stig
I see they're taking a cue from Ford. Take a car that is not selling well, repackage and rename it, and hope to solve all the worlds problems. I bet it works as well for Chrysler as it's worked for Ford.
Ducati Minor
I think Chrysler's logic was that it needed a vehicle for this "crossover" category that fit into the lower-middle-class price bracket. The Durango, a truck-based SUV, was all Dodge had, and it was neither a good SUV nor a frugal one.
From what I have read and seen, the Journey is a solid...whatever--truck, car, transie, I dunno. WR's as-tested price came to $26,500. That's well below the Ford Edge. A comparable Egde, not a great CUV, passes the $30K mark. I don't see this as being a hit, but it slows Dodge's loser trend.
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