Dodge is the American brand that admitted defeat late last year and ceased selling new cars in Britain. Its last car, however, the Journey, was a respectable effort aimed at families who needed a seven-seat vehicle. It offered them nearly as much as a Ford S-Max for considerably less money.
Introduced in August 2008, the Journey was available with a choice of two engines: a 168bhp 2.4-litre petrol unit and a Volkswagen-sourced 138bhp 2-litre diesel. Unsurprisingly, buyers favoured the more frugal diesel. Adding to the appeal was the availability of a good automatic gearbox on the mid and high-grade trim levels. It was a £1,200 option when new, but costs only about £500 more when you’re buying used.
Inside, the high driving position is complemented by generous adjustment to both the driver’s seat and steering wheel. It’s typically American in design: the plastics aren’t the best quality, and there is nothing subtle about the large dials and super-size buttons and switches, but this is a practical and comfortable environment. All models offer a huge amount of stowage space, including an air-conditioned glove box, several cupholders and large underfloor storage areas. Wide-opening doors and sliding/tilting middle-row seats make access to the back seats as good as it gets in this class, although space is tight for adults.
On the road the Journey feels more like a 4x4 than a traditional people carrier. The body roll becomes pronounced if you push it hard through bends but grip is perfectly adequate and the traction control ensures you should not get into any trouble. Fully laden, the 2-litre diesel feels as if it’s operating at the limit of its abilities. The 2.4-litre petrol has more power but its relative lack of torque means it feels no happier.
Equipment levels are high and even the entry-level SE gets triple-zone climate control, traction control, electric windows and electric folding wing mirrors. Mid-grade SXT models add electric front-seat adjustment, alloy wheels, cruise control and automatic dimming mirrors, while the top spec RT sits on larger alloys and has leather seats.
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Despite Dodge’s UK pullout, a Journey can still be bought new from dealers whose stock has not yet run out. Limited sales mean the car is relatively rare on the used market. That makes it an interesting choice for those who’ve done their homework and thought beyond the obvious choices.
Reliability and servicing
The short service interval of 9,000 miles or 12 months, whichever comes first, could be a hassle for high-mileage drivers, particularly as Dodge service centres are not particularly numerous. Service costs are reasonable and Dodge maintains an aftersales network, for now. Dealers will charge £223 for the minor service and £362 for the major service.
Residuals
The Journey was good value when new. The cheapest option is a 2.4-litre petrol model, with 2008-registered cars now changing hands for as little as £7,500. A diesel will start at around £10,000.
Need to know
Air-conditioning: It can be controlled in three zones; check that it blows icy cold
Alloys: An option on the entry-level SE, but most used examples will be fitted with them from new
Boot: With all seven seats in use, boot space is reduced to 127 litres, although an additional 33 litres of useful storage is available below the boot floor
Isofix: Unusually, all three seats on the middle row come with Isofix attachments — a rare find and ideal for those with three young children
Safety: No Euro NCAP test results are available but all models get front and side airbags, together with emergency brake assist and antilock braking
Seating flexibility: The front passenger seat’s backrest folds forward and flat to accommodate long loads on the SXT and RT models