click above image to view high-res gallery of the Dodge Journey
Chrysler fired its biggest salvo yet in the CUV wars by officially unveiling the Dodge Journey in front of a throng of mildly interested in journalists. Truly, if you've seen one CUV, you've seen them all, and the Dodge Journey is all kinds of derivative. Coming from the automaker that brought us the Viper, Charger, Magnum and Challenger Concept in recent years, the Journey's design comes off as eminently safe. Perhaps Dodge is playing to the middle with this one, hoping to boost sales by appealing to the masses. What will sell the Journey are some of its clever interior storage solutions, including two bins in the floor directly behind the front seats, and more storage underneath the front passenger seat cushion. While the Journey could seat seven in a pinch thanks to its optional third row, it's obvious after having seen it in person that those venturing aft must be small and limber. What won't help the Journey is its powertrain lineup, which includes a 2.4L World Engine four-cylinder with unimpressive fuel economy, a 2.7L flex-fuel V6, and a 3.5L V6 that produces a meager 235 HP. The latter mill is mated to a six-speed automatic, but is still noticeably underpowered compared to other 3.5L V6 engines offered by its competitors while not delivering an appreciable gain in fuel economy to make up for it.
Europeans, however, can also choose 2.0L turbo diesel producing 140 HP and 229 ft-lbs. of torque, which is then mated to a trick dual-clutch six-speed automatic. Sigh... the grass sure is greener over here in Frankfurt, at least for Dodge Journey customers.
PRESS RELEASE:
All-new Dodge Journey makes its World Premiere in Frankfurt
- An all-new "right-sized" crossover for the Dodge brand worldwide
- Journey blends the practicality of a minivan, the capability of an SUV and the overall efficiency of a passenger car
- Dodge shifts its global expansion into overdrive
Frankfurt, Germany – Dodge is putting more muscle behind the brand's expansion in volume markets outside North America with the world premiere of the all-new Dodge Journey at the 2007 International Motor Show (IAA) in Frankfurt.
Dodge designers and engineers have answered the needs of the global passenger car market, as well as the needs of individual drivers, and delivered the all-new Dodge Journey: a global vehicle that meets life's changing demands by offering a unique combination of versatility and flexibility in a sporty, sexy package. This all-new vehicle takes the practicality of a minivan, the capability of a sport-utility vehicle and the overall efficiency of a passenger car and blends all the best attributes of each into an all-new "right-sized" crossover for the Dodge brand.
The Dodge Journey is built on the company's global D-segment platform and is designed to give customers the flexibility to do more in terms of seating people or storing gear. Journey is unmistakably Dodge, with powerful, muscular exterior styling cues and available 19-inch wheels and tyres. Journey also delivers a stylish, comfortable interior with unique features such as available integrated child booster seats and MyGIG™ cutting-edge multimedia infotainment system with optional navigation.
Clever, flexible seating and storage combinations include standard five-passenger seating with spacious cargo room, and available 5+2 seating for times when additional passengers are along on the journey. Spacious storage bins, hidden in the floor and under the front passenger seat cushion, combined with a variety of fuel-efficient and powerful petrol and diesel powertrain options, make Journey flexible, functional and fun-to-drive.
Safety also is at the top of mind for customers, and the Dodge Journey delivers with standard multi-stage front driver and passenger air bags, front-seat-mounted side air bags, three-row side-curtain air bags, standard four-wheel disc anti-lock brakes (ABS), standard Electronic Stability Programme (ESP), standard Electronic Roll Mitigation and an available ParkView™ Rear Backup Camera.
The all-new Dodge Journey will be available in global volume markets outside North America, in both left-hand and right-hand drive, starting in mid-2008.
For more information on the all-new Dodge Journey, please refer to the Dodge Journey press kit or visit the special website: www.dodgejourney.com
Dodge Expansion Goes Galactic
Dodge has shifted its global expansion into overdrive, and one could even say it has gone "galactic" with the debut of another new Dodge brand vehicle on the silver screen: the Fantasticar. In the film "Fantastic Four: Rise of the Silver Surfer" from 20th Century Fox, the vehicle of choice for the Fantastic Four superheroes is the one-of-a-kind Fantasticar, which can reach speeds of up to 885 km/h (550 mph) and an altitude of over 9,100 metres (30,000 feet). The Fantasticar also can separate into three sections. Each one has deployable wings and can maintain the same speed and performance as the entire craft... and yes, it has a HEMI®. A model of the Fantsticar is on display at the Frankfurt Motor Show outside of the Dodge stand.
Dodge Brand
With a U.S. market share of 6 per cent, Dodge is the best-selling brand for Chrysler and the fifth-largest nameplate in the U.S. automotive market. In 2006, Dodge sold more than 1.3 million (1,345,517) vehicles in the global market. The Dodge global portfolio includes a range of cars, trucks, minivans and sport-utility vehicles.
The expansion of the Dodge brand in markets outside North America has helped to raise its year-over-year international sales 160 per cent to 29,859 units sold in 2007 through July. Dodge Viper first teased the brand, and the Dodge Caliber spearheaded the brand's expansion in 2006. They are followed by the Dodge Nitro and Avenger in 2007 and high-performance Caliber SRT4 in 2008.
By adding the Dodge brand to its international portfolio, Chrysler aims to achieve 1.4 per cent market share in Western Europe by 2009 – more than doubling the Chrysler share compared to 2005. With continued strong sales, Dodge could account for approximately 30 per cent of Chrysler total sales outside North America by the end of 2009.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 2)
gouzizi @ Sep 11th 2007 7:03AM
Hope for chrysler, they've done something with safety. 2007 Voyager was on of the worst car ever tested by the EuroNcap with only one and half stars.
Woodenduck @ Sep 11th 2007 7:35AM
To John Neff-
You are up to your old tricks again. Slam almost anything and everthing Chrysler produces and develops, even though their current products are extremely well designed, styled and executed. You are very adept at mentioning only the items you pronounce to be inferior while not mentioning the vast number of design and other features which make this vehicle not only competitive, but superior. My hope is that those reading your pieces, like this article, will realize just how biased you are & that you are promoting hidden agendas which you, as the self-proclaimed 'elite', are hiding as straight-up reporting. John, you are a disgrace to your profession.
acidic @ Sep 11th 2007 8:12AM
I don't think there is bias here. Chrysler seemed like they may have been on a bit of a revival with the 300C and Magnum...then they fell flat on their faces.
I would rather a journalist that points out all the bad things about a car than the good things. The reason why Chrysler gets a bad rap about certain things is because they are major issues that have been there for years. Almost every article you look at about a new Chrysler points out that, though some of the things they do are innovative (Stow-n-Go for instance) and really great ideas, they really need to pick up the slack in the fit and finish department.
You would think after sucking at the proverbial teet of Mercedes for as long as it did, they would grab a German or two to help with these major flaws.
Dave in MI @ Sep 11th 2007 7:41AM
Woodenduck, you sound far more biased than he does.
I'm not sure I like the storage behind the back seats. Slushy kids feet in the winter and mud/sand in the summer. Look at those big grooves next to the cooler. That could be a real pain to keep clean. Not sure how useful the under cushion storage is. Honey, pick up that big butt of yours so I can get my ipod.
Maybe there is a reason nobody else has introduced those features.
Edmund Dantes @ Sep 11th 2007 7:42AM
Europe gets a DSG!!! US gets a lazy 4 speed automatic. That sucks. If Dodge wants some market share and a change to differentiae itself, why not offer turbo diesels accross the line with a DSG.
Frank @ Sep 11th 2007 7:49AM
They will. But first they have to build the factory to make them. Which they are. Just google Chrysler DSG Gertrag. It's too expensive to import them from Europe with the currency exchange the way it is.
Dodgestuff @ Sep 11th 2007 7:56AM
Dodge Journey Preliminary Specifications
The information shown is based on data available at the time of publication (August 2007) and is subject to change without notice. All measurements are in inches (mm) unless otherwise noted.
General Information
Body Style Four-door, five- or seven-passenger
Assembly Plant Toluca Assembly, Mexico
U.S. EPA Vehicle Class Sport-utility Vehicle
Engine: Diesel 2.0-Liter CRD DOHC 16-Valve I4 (available in markets outside North America)
Availability Optional All models (in markets outside North America)
Type and Description Four cylinders in line, turbocharged
Displacement 120 cu. in. (1968 cu. cm)
Bore x Stroke 3.19 x 3.76 in. (81 x 95.5 mm)
Compression Ratio 18:1
Power (SAE net, estimated) 138 bhp (140 DIN hp) (103 kW) @ 4000 rpm (68 bhp/liter)
Torque (SAE net, estimated) 229 lb.-ft. (310 Nm) @ 1750 rpm
Maximum Engine Speed 5000 rpm (electronically limited)
Fuel Requirement Cetane 49 diesel, DIN EN 590
Oil Capacity 4.4 qt. (4.2L) with filter
4.1 qt. (3.9L) without filter 5W-30 synthetic
Coolant Capacity 7.9 qt. (7.5L) single or dual-zone climate control
9.8 qt. (9.3L) tri-zone climate control
Emission Controls Cooled EGR, oxidation catalytic converter, standard diesel particulate filter for all European vehicles; meets Euro IV emission requirements
Engine: 2.4-Liter, DOHC, 16-Valve, VVT, SMPI I4
Availability Standard Journey SE
Type and Description Four cylinders in line, tuned intake manifold with electronic active charge motion control valves, dual counter-rotating balance shafts
Displacement 144 cu. in. (2360 cu. cm)
Bore x Stroke 3.46 x 3.82 in. (88 x 97 mm)
Compression Ratio 10.5:1
Power (SAE net, estimated) 173 bhp (129 kW) @ 6000 rpm (71 bhp/liter)
Torque (SAE net, estimated) 166 lb.-ft. (225 N•m) @ 4000 rpm
Maximum Engine Speed 6500 rpm (electronically limited)
Fuel Requirement Unleaded regular, 87 octane (R+M)/2
Oil Capacity 5.0 qt. (4.7L) SAE 5W-20
Coolant Capacity 7.9 qt. (7.5L) single or dual-zone climate control
9.8 qt. (9.3L) tri-zone climate control
Emission Controls Single catalytic converter, dual heated oxygen sensors and internal engine features1
Engine: 2.7-Liter, DOHC, 24-Valve, SMPI V6
Availability Standard Journey SXT FWD United States and Canada and SXT outside North America
Type and Description 60-degree, liquid-cooled, dual-tuned intake manifold
Displacement 167 cu. in. (2736 cu. cm)
Bore x Stroke 3.38 x 3.09 in. (86 x 78.5 mm)
Compression Ratio 9.9:1
Power (SAE net, estimated) 186 bhp (138 kW) @ 6400 rpm (70.4 bhp/liter)
Torque (SAE net, estimated) 191 lb.-ft. (258 N•m) @ 4000 rpm
Maximum Engine Speed 6464 rpm (electronically limited)
Fuel Requirement FFV: unleaded regular, 87 octane (R+M)/2 or E-852
Oil Capacity 6 qt. (5.7L) with dry filter SAE 5W-20
Coolant Capacity 9.8 qt. (9.3L) single or dual-zone climate control
12.0 qt. (11.4L) tri-zone climate control 12.0
Emission Controls Dual, close-coupled three-way catalytic converters, quad heated oxygen sensors and internal engine features3
Engine: 3.5-Liter, SOHC, 24-Valve, SMPI V6
Availability Standard Journey R/T, Optional on SXT — United States and Canada
Type and Description 60-degree bank angle, liquid-cooled, three-plenum intake manifold with electronically controlled manifold tuning valve and short-runner valves
Displacement 215 cu. in. (3518 cu. cm)
Bore x Stroke 3.78 x 3.19 in. (96 x 81 mm)
Compression Ratio 10.0:1
Valve System SOHC, 24 valves, hydraulic,
center-pivot roller rocker arms
Fuel Injection Sequential, multi-port, electronic
Power (SAE net, estimated) 235 bhp (175 kW) @ 6400 rpm (67.1 bhp/liter)
Torque (SAE net, estimated) 232 lb.-ft. 315 Nm @ 4000 rpm
Maximum Engine Speed 6800 rpm (electronically limited)
Fuel Requirement Unleaded mid-grade, 89 octane (R+M)/2 preferred
Unleaded regular, 87 octane (R+M)/2 acceptable
Oil Capacity 6 qt. (5.7L) with dry filter SAE 5W-20
Coolant Capacity 9.8 qt. (9.3L) single or dual-zone climate control
12.0 qt. (11.4L) tri-zone climate control
Emission Controls Three-way catalytic converter, electronic EGR,
and internal engine features4
Transaxle: MP T355, Manual Five-speed Overdrive
Availability Available with 2.4L Engine in markets outside North America
Description Five-speed, overdrive, synchronized in all
forward ratios, cable-operated, three-plane shifter
Clutch Hydraulic actuation
Gear Ratios
1st 3.77
2nd 2.16
3rd 1.41
4th 1.026
5th 0.81
Reverse 3.417
Final Drive Ratio 4.12
Overall Top Gear 3.34
Transaxle: Aisin BG6, Manual Six-speed Overdrive
Availability Standard with 2.0L diesel engine in markets outside North America
Description Six-speed, overdrive, synchronized in all ratios, cable-operated, four-plane shifter with reverse lockout ring
Clutch Hydraulic actuation, dual mass flywheel system
Gear Ratios
1st 3.538
2nd 2.045
3rd 1.367
4th 0.974
5th 0.897
6th 0.791
Reverse 3.831
Final Drive Ratio Gears 1–4: 4.059
Gears 5, 6 and Reverse: 3.450
Overall Top Gear 2.728
Transaxle: Getrag MPS6, Dual Clutch, Six-speed
Availability Available with 2.0L diesel engine in markets outside North America
Description Six-speed, dual clutch transaxle with electronically controlled, hydraulically actuated multi-plate clutches
Gear Ratios
1st 16.244
2nd 9.283
3rd 5.990
4th 4.404
5th 3.551
6th 2.961
Reverse 15.683
Transaxle: 41TES, Automatic Four-speed Overdrive
Availability Standard with 2.4L (all markets) and 2.7L engine (North America)
Description Four-speed overdrive, adaptive electronic control, electronically modulated converter clutch
Gear Ratios
1st 2.842
2nd 1.57
3rd 1.0
4th 0.69
Reverse 2.21
Final Drive Ratio 4.28 with 2.4L engine
4.08 with 2.7L engine
Overall Top Gear 2.95 with 2.4L engine
2.82 with 2.7L engine
Transaxle: 62TE/62TEA, Automatic Six-speed Overdrive
Availability 62TE Standard with FWD 3.5L engine
(United States and Canada and 2.7L engine outside North America)
62TEA Standard with AWD 3.5L engine
Description Six-speed, adaptive electronic control and electronically modulated torque converter clutch
Gear Ratios
1st 4.127
2nd 2.842
3rd 2.283
4th 1.452 Upshift
1.570 WOT kickdown
5th 1.00
6th 0.690
Reverse 3.214
Transfer Ratio 0.95
Final Drive Ratio 3.43
Overall Top Gear 2.248
Drivetrain
Front-wheel Drive
Availability Standard with all engines
All-wheel Drive
Availability Available with 3.5L V6 engine United States and Canada
Type Electronically Controlled Coupling (ECC) with
variable torque output
Rear Differential Open
Body/Chassis
Layout Transverse front engine, front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive
Construction Steel unibody
Suspension
Front Independent MacPherson strut, coil spring over gas-charged shock absorbers, stabilizer bar with isolated suspension cradle
Rear Multi-link independent with coil springs, link-type stabilizer bar, gas-charged shock absorbers and isolated rear suspension cradle
Steering
Type Power rack and pinion
Overall Ratio 18.6:1
Turning Diameter (curb-to-curb) 38.5 ft. (11.7 m)
16-in. or 17-in. wheels and tires
39.0 ft. (11.9 m) 19-in. wheels and tires
Steering Turns (lock-to-lock) 3.3
Electrical
Battery 525-amp maintenance free — Standard with all petrol engines
700-amp maintenance free — Standard with 2.0L CRD engine
Alternator 140-amp Standard with all petrol engines
160-amp Included with seven-passenger vehicles
210-amp Standard with 2.0L CRD engine in
markets outside North America
Brakes
Four-wheel Disc Standard on all models
Front
Size and Type 11.9 x 1.1 in. (302 x 28 mm) vented rotors with 2.6 (66.0) single-piston floating caliper
Swept Area (total front) 55.0 sq. in. (355 sq. cm)
Rear
Size and Type 12.0 x 0.47 in. (305 x 12 mm) Solid Rotors with 2.6 (66.0) single-piston floating caliper
Swept Area (total rear) 54.3 sq. in. (350 sq. cm)
Power Assist Type 8 x 9 in. (204 x 230 mm) tandem-diaphragm vacuum
Parking Brake Type Foot lever with integral parking brake
Electronic Chassis Control Features
Four-wheel Anti-lock (ABS) Standard
Electronic Stability Program (ESP) Standard
All-speed Traction Control Standard
Trailer Sway Control Standard
Electronic Roll Mitigation (ERM) Standard
Dimensions and Capacities
Dimensions represent SXT FWD 2.7L/4-speed automatic transaxle except where noted. All measurements are in inches (mm) unless otherwise noted.
General
Wheelbase 113.8 (2889.8)
Track, Front 61.8 (1570.8)
Track, Rear 62.3 (1581.8)
Overall Length 192.4 (4887.6)
Overhang, Front 38.9 (989.3)
Overhang, Rear 39.7 (1008.5)
Overall Width 72.2 (1834.5)
Body Width, including Mirrors 83.7 (2127.0)
Overall Height (with P225/70R16 Tires) 67.0 (1701.0)
Vehicle Height including Roof Rack Assembly
Complete (with P225/70R16 Tires) 69.9 (1774.7)
1 Meets Federal Tier 2, Bin 4+ emission requirements. Meets PZEV NMOG + NOx emission limits under ULEV II for California, Massachusetts, New York, Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Washington and Oregon. Meets Euro IV emission requirements for Europe.
2 E-85 fuel is a blend containing 85 percent fuel-grade ethanol and 15 percent gasoline. Federal FFV (Flexible Fuel Vehicle) can operate on both unleaded
gasoline or E-85 fuel, or any mixture of these fuels.
3 FFV Meets Federal Tier 2, Bin 8+ emission requirements for 42 states. Meets ULEV II NMOG + NOx emission limits under ULEV II for California, Massachusetts, New York, Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Washington and Oregon. Standard petrol engine
meets Euro IV emission requirements for Europe.
4 Meets Federal Tier 2, Bin 5+ emission requirements. Meets ULEV II NMOG + NOx emission limits under ULEV II for California, Massachusetts, New York, Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Washington and Oregon.
Chris @ Sep 11th 2007 7:59AM
Wow, could those seats be any flatter or the design blander?
Keep it up with your illuminated cupholders, innovative coolers, and dome flashlights Chrysler. You have absolutely nothing going for you in your powertrain department after years of lackluster, inefficient and extremely unreliable engines. I'm amazed they still even produce the self destructing 2.7. I've never seen one go past 100k miles without having significant work done to it. The 2.4 was a bad engine to begin with...smooth but nothing to offer in terms of power or fuel economy. And the 3.5...why are they still bothering?
Hopefully the Phoenix engines are as good as they're cracked up to be. Aside from the Viper and Hemi (NVH issues aside), they haven't had a worthwhile engine in years.
Frank @ Sep 11th 2007 11:32AM
"I've never seen one go past 100k miles without having significant work done to it."
You are not looking hard enough. When I was thinking of replacing my LeBaron convertible with a Sebring convertible, I too was worried about the sludge issue. What I found out on the various Sebring convertible and "cloud cars" (Stratus, Cirrus, Breeze) forums was that sludge was not such an issue as it was in the LH cars (Intrepid, etc.)with the 2.7 engine. The 2.7 is configured differently in the JA cars (Sebring etc.).
As you can imagine sludge is a big topic of dicussion on these forums. As long as you change oil regularly (synth reccomended) and change the timing belt per the manual (it's an interference engine) you can get over 200,000 miles on these engines - and that's exactly what the owners are getting. Owner forums are a great thing, you hear the good and the bad about a particular car, engine, dealer body, ect.
Fosterdad @ Dec 6th 2007 4:14PM
Never seen a 2.7 liter Chrysler engine go past 100K miles without problems? I guess you've never seen my car. 2002 Sebring with 2.7 liter engine, 115K miles, regular oil changes every 3000 miles. NO PROBLEMS! Still runs great. I changed the spark plugs at 110K miles and they were still in pretty good shape. Very reliable engine and car. In fact, I just yesterday changed one of the headlamps and it's the first time I've had to do that. Even the headlamps last a long time.
Fosterdad @ Dec 6th 2007 5:50PM
I've taken care of my car and it has lasted me 5 years and 115K miles. Just how does that make me an idiot? If I didn't take care of it and it blew a rod at 75k miles, then I would be an idiot. Frankly I don't care what you think of Chrysler. Just don't go make blanket statements like you did and then call someone an idiot who disproves your statement.
The fact is, if you take care of just about any car out there, the odds are pretty good you can get 150K miles without major work. If you don't take care it of it, it'll fall apart. That's true for Chrysler, Chevy, Ford, Honda, Toyota, VW or any company.
After 115K miles, all I have replaced are normal wear items like tires, brakes, rotors, belts, and lights. It still even has the original battery, oil pump, water pump, and fuel pump. Total maintenance costs (excluding oil changes) has been about $1000 and most of that was tires. The Sebring has been a workhorse and I'd buy another Chrysler/Dodge product in a heart beat.
Fosterdad @ Dec 6th 2007 9:10PM
Bad fuel economy? I get 25 in town and 32 on the highway. Pretty good for a V6. And I don't know what you mean about being underpowered. There's plenty of pickup and when I merge onto the highway, I have to be careful b/c the car really wants to go about 85 and I really don't want a speeding ticket.
I got a great deal. A realiable sedan with good mileage and good pickup for about $3K-4K less than a V6 Accord or Camry. What's the downside? I still am not seeing the idiot part. And don't talk about trade-in value. I won't trade it in. I'll just keep running it (and taking care of it) until it dies. It should be good for another 5 years and 115K miles.
Chris @ Sep 11th 2007 8:02AM
Chrysler does have some decently styled cars, yes. But their interiors are all pretty much the same and have the same gimmicks to trick uninformed consumers into buying them. Chrysler is quickly becoming the car company for people who don't care about cars - how they drive, how they perform, or how reliable they are. Just how cool they look and how many gadgets they have. Nice company.
Jeff @ Sep 11th 2007 12:40PM
"Chrysler is quickly becoming the car company for people who don't care about cars."
I think you have it backwards, Chrysler is the car company that only appeals to car enthusiasts. Their "higher end" models (Dodge Magnum SRT8, Chrysler 300C, Dodge Charger R/T and SRT8) are stylish, powerful and a blast to drive. However, for the average person that isn't into cars and just want transportation, they are fuel-inefficient and less reliable than other makes. Their products that are aimed at the fuel-efficiency/practicality/boring market (people that normally drive Toyotas) tend to fall flat. The Dodge Journey seems to be a vehicle for the latter market. Hopefully it works out.
Chris @ Sep 11th 2007 2:48PM
Powerful, yes...Stylish, depends on who you ask...Blast to drive? Uh, not really in its class. Compared to the crap Chrysler used to make it's true, but compared to any Japanese or German sedan in that price range it's not even close. The fact that you can't find a stickshift in any of them is further proof of the target audience. I rarely see someone below the age of 50 driving a 'Hemi' car. The 300C and Charger have great drivetrains, but their interiors fall short of a 1998 Honda Accord. Just my opinion, obviously, but the 300/Charger have a very real rental car ambiance on the inside. Not what I'd be spending $30-40k on. If the Challenger gets the same interior that every single Chrysler product has gotten since the 300, I'll be mad.
I'll take a G8, BMW 335i or a G35x for the type of money they charge for an SRT car.
Toledo Guy @ Sep 11th 2007 8:35AM
I like the looks, but I'm very disappointed in the engine/tranny choices for the US. I hate this current trend at Chrysler of restricting the best engine to the high end model. Why can't we have the 6 speed auto across the board? Chrysler is falling behind big time. Ford only runs one engine/tranny combo in the Edge/Taurus X/Flex. Why does Dodge offer 3 craptacular choices instead of spending the money on one good one? I'd love to see the diesel here as well.
Firley @ Sep 11th 2007 8:41AM
Don't Stop Believin'!!!!!!!
felipe @ Sep 11th 2007 10:11AM
wow what an innovative design!
DIE DODGE DIE.
Harold Kerrick @ Sep 11th 2007 10:27AM
"....Chrysler is quickly becoming the car company for people who don't care about cars"
To some extent, Chrysler has always been a company that did what it took to get "the butts in the seats" even while occasionally offering something different from what it's competitors offered, in the way of engineering or marketing...such as the torsion bar front suspension, slant six cylinder engine or the Road Runner. Afterall, this is the company that rebuilt itself from near collapse almost entirely on the back of the "K car". EXECUTION has always been a stumbling block at Chrysler.
Don't get me wrong, I like the "idea" of Chrysler. As a former Plymouth owner/fan, I told myself Chrysler concentrated on engineering....often to the detriment of styling. But even the engineering is lackaluster, nowadays.
I would buy a Journey over a Caliber, tho I guess they aren't supposed to be seen as similar. The Journey will probably be marketed as a new alternative to a minivan...though not to today's version of a minivan. I'd also rather own this than own a Nitro....again, that's not saying much.
Papi L-Gee @ Sep 11th 2007 10:50AM
I like the exterior some, but that's about it.
But there's nothing about this CUV that would make me want to buy it over the Edge or Taurus X.