Filed under: Frankfurt Auto Show, Crossovers/CUVs, Dodge
2009 Dodge Journey: More images released
click above image to view new high-res pics of the 2009 Dodge Journey
We're still divided on our feelings about the 2009 Dodge Journey, and after reading the comments can tell that many of you are, too. To help us decide one way or the other, Dodge has released some new pics of the CUV, all of which show the vehicle being driven on the open road. Truthfully, these shots were conspicuously absent from the batch we received when the Journey was unveiled a few days ago, as it always helps when judging a design to see it in the environment we expect it to be used.
The design of the 2009 Journey is by far the safest introduced by Dodge in a long time. This is the brand that brought us the Charger, Avenger, Nitro and Caliber, all of which stand out in their segments for better or worse. Perhaps Dodge knows that the CUV market is ripe, and just offering a product in the segment will attract sales. With that in mind, they may have settled on the design that was least offensive to the masses in order to maximize sales.
[Source: Dodge]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
Golferal 2:42PM (8/28/2007)
Meh, pretty bland and it looks too much like a minivan.
[yawns]
Reply
srivendel 2:43PM (8/28/2007)
Seriously, who cares about the Journey? It seems completely unremarkable in every way. I guess it gives Dodge loyalists a way to stay in the fold when shopping for a crossover, but who buys this instead of a CX-9, Flex, Veracruz, Highlander, Outlook, or Pilot?
Reply
BenW 2:45PM (8/28/2007)
http://www.autoblog.com/photos/2009-dodge-journey-1/368249/
Button lovers edition
Reply
jas12niss 2:59PM (8/28/2007)
What's the differents between this and the Mitsubishi Outlander.
Reply
Guenther 4:40PM (8/28/2007)
Has nothing in common with the Outlander. Totally different platforms.
I think its great- now they can scrap that useless Nitro abortion.
John Cressy 7:09PM (8/28/2007)
The Caliber,Patriot,Compass,Avenger,Sebring,Lancer,Outlander,Galant Fortis,and Lancer Evolution share some common architecture underneath. They also share a common engine block in the 2.4L four. Hyundai/Kia, and Mitsubishi share the block but, can have the rest of the engine their own way. Like 1.6L,1.8L,2.0L,2.4L with or without turbo. When you have a front drive chassis/floor pan you can lengthen it and get an SUV or maybe a mini-van. Shorten it, you get a compact or convertable. Kinda like civic/cr-v, Corolla/RAV-4, Sentra/what ever it is? Like Japan has two automatic transmission companies Honda and JATCO. Just about everybody except Honda gets a JATCO tranny if it's built in Japan. You spec it they build it.
Justin 3:09PM (8/28/2007)
Oh cook they're bringing back the regular caravan
Reply
whofan 3:10PM (8/28/2007)
It would be remarkable in every way with a different grill and a T comprised of two ovals.
Reply
srivendel 3:53PM (8/28/2007)
That would look too much like the Toyota logo. I like the current Dodge logo just fine.
whofan 4:52PM (8/28/2007)
Me too!
m. 3:23PM (8/28/2007)
Is it just me that see Ford Freestyle designed being copied here - or today's Ford Taurus X. Why are designers doing this?
Reply
fd 3:23PM (8/28/2007)
Get ready to wear sunglasses all the time with such a silver ~ white (?) dash. What were they thinking / drinking / smoking?
And, great job on the privacy siding in the gauge cluster! Sjeez.
Reply
Drewboy 3:28PM (8/28/2007)
A little bland but I like the design. I'd never buy one though. My first 2 cars were Dodges, but the older I get the less interested in the brand I am.
Reply
Jugomugo 3:32PM (8/28/2007)
Sweet! It's the new Dodge Jou... err, wait, Caravan!
Reply
LBuzzer 3:48PM (8/28/2007)
Already looks 7 years old...
May as well just get the Nitro if you absolutely need a Chrysler product...
This is just another biiiig yawn from Chrysler.
I'd say the same thing regardless of the logo on the grille, btw.
Reply
Bill 3:51PM (8/28/2007)
I kind of like it. I can't quite discern the size of it though. They should have had something like this upon the intro of the Sebring/Avenger, and also should have toned down the styling of those to be be more like this.
Reply
jon 4:34PM (8/28/2007)
What's up with the interior's of most Chyrsler products. They all look the same. My 06 Commander is supposed to be tan but looks grey. It's so much grey hard plastic in most of their cars and trucks. Anything that is coming out now is still a result of the "old" Chrysler. Hopefully the "new" Chrysler will get the interiors looking much better real soon!
TriShield 3:57PM (8/28/2007)
Looks better for it's market than most Autobloggers will give it credit for. It's good to see more manufacturers putting out wagons, even if they are marketed like crossovers. Taurus X *cough*
Reply
Level 4:37PM (8/28/2007)
I think its the perfect car for the segment its trying to get at....Some of you said it's "Bland" thats perfect because its supposed to be Bland lol....Toyota and Honda being doing "Bland" design for years now might aswell have Dodge follow on their footsteps it works for Toyota and Honda....and another note this car is not going after the car junky like we all are its going after the buyer that shops for Bland desings practical and likes a car that doesnt stand out too much...It's a perfect car for them....Theres are a lot more shoppers for "Bland" design then there are for "In your face designs" just my 2 cents...............
Reply
Glenn 4:02AM (8/29/2007)
Yes, I agree. Everyone is going after Chrysler for conservative looks yet virtually every competitor is at least as conservative. So Chrysler would be silly to go against the flow in this very successful market.
More importantly the interior looks like it has some improvement. Hurray for that.
I believe it will do very well. Also, the competitors SHOULD be better as they are many thousands of dollars more expensive. I had fellow tell me the Toyota Rav was finished nicer then the Caliber -- but gosh at $10,000 more it better be. Same here .. sheesh the Mazda CX9 is over $50,000 in Canada, it better be a lot better then the Jouney.