By James Bergeron
Photo Gallery:
2009 Dodge Journey
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When Dodge introduced the new Grand Caravan and its Chrysler sibling, the company decided to no longer offer a short wheelbase version. That little family hauler was being cleared out for peanuts at the end of its life; it was surprising that Dodge decided to no longer offer the smaller van, especially with gas prices on the rise. But now comes the Dodge Journey for 2009: an SUV with a small engine, ripe to fill that gap.
No, it is not a minivan,but it is available in a seven-seater configuration and the starting price is a ridiculously low $19,995! Surprisingly, you get some goodies at that price, including: power windows, power mirrors, air conditioning and an automatic transmission.
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My tester is almost a stripper. It is the SE Plus, which for $1,000 over the base model adds: cruise control, a roof rack, an air filtration system, assist handles, sun visors with lighted vanity mirrors, a conversation mirror and front and rear floor mats. In other words, this is the model that will sell, while the $19,995 model will be hard to find.
The Journey SE and SE Plus are both powered by a 2.4-litre engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. For those looking for a large vehicle with an economical engine, here you have it; the remaining models (SXT, R/T and all-wheel drive variants) come equipped with Chrysler’s high output 3.5-litre V6 engine and a six-speed automatic transmission.
In standard form, the Journey seats five, but a flexible seating package is offered for $1,175 on the SE and SE Plus that adds the third row of seating for a total of seven seats. The pricing structure is a little complex when you move up to the other various models, as they requires specific packages to be selected.
On paper, so far the Journey looks like the bargain of the year: optioned with everything you really need, freight included, it works out to only $22,295. Certainly seems like this Dodge could be the replacement for that short-wheelbase Caravan.
2009 Dodge Journey
MSRP as tested (including destination): $22,295
For more information on Dodge and the Journey visit Dodge Canada
