Dodge Journey
Encyclopedia
The Dodge Journey is a mid-size crossover SUV
built by the Dodge
division of Chrysler
.
Unveiled first at the 2007 Frankfurt Motor Show, and later appearing at the 2009 Frankfurt Motor Show, the Journey identified internally as the JC49, has an almost identical wheelbase 113.8 in (2,891 mm) as the outgoing Chrysler Pacifica
, and shares a modified platform
with the Dodge Avenger
. Featuring 5 or (5+2) passenger seating with four forward-hinged doors, and as with past models of the Chrysler minivans, the Journey is available with a four-cylinder engine
. The Journey's exterior was styled by Chrysler's Ryan Nagode
.
Production versions of 2009 model year vehicles went on sale in March 2008 in North America
, and mid-2008 elsewhere.
A version for the Chinese
market was unveiled at Auto China in 2008, marketed as the JCUV. Initial model production began in 2009.
Chrysler forecasts that it will stop marketing the Journey in Europe
as a Dodge model after the 2011 model year, instead marketing the vehicle as Fiat Freemont (a Ulysse replacement). The Freemont will still be made in Mexico
. The new Fiat Freemont will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show 2011.
For the 2012 model year, the Journey becomes Dodge's smallest SUV after its smaller but expensive body-on-frame
counterpart, the Nitro
goes out of production.
, "World Engine" class of four-cylinder engines shared with Hyundai and Mitsubishi.
Through 2010, the V6 offered in North America was a 3.5 l (213 cu in) with a six-speed automatic transmission, producing 235 hp and 232 ft.lbf of torque. For 2011, it was changed to the 3.6 liter Pentastar V6, producing 283 hp and 260 ft.lbf torque. Other markets offer the six-speed automatic transmission
with the flex-fuel (E85
compatible) 2.7 liter V6. All wheel drive is only available with a V6.
A Volkswagen
-sourced diesel engine is available outside of North America with an automatically shifted dual clutch transmission
. Chrysler performed primary engineering for the dual-clutch transmission with support from long-time partner Getrag, which was to build the transmission in the United States. Due to funding issues, this did not happen, and the factory, nearly finished, was sold and used for other purposes.
During development, Dodge benchmarked the European Ford S-Max
, a popular multi-activity minivan
.
Features:
after the 2011 model year as Chrysler will rebadge the vehicle as Fiat Freemont (a Ulysse/Croma
/Multipla
replacement), although the Freemont will still be made in Mexico
. In its place, a larger Durango
will replace the Journey after the 2011 model year. The new Fiat Freemont was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show 2011. The Freemont had its Italian launch in the end of May 2011. The Freemont has different suspension tuning and cosmetics changes in front and rear bumpers. The Freemont has two front wheel drive turbodiesel variants the 140 PS and the 170 PS version of Fiat's 2.0 L Multijet turbodiesel. Later will be introduced all wheel drive version of 170 PS diesel and the Pentastar V6.
in Toluca
, Mexico
, on the same assembly line as the Fiat 500 (2007).
" has been used by Isuzu Motors
.
As part of the vehicle's introductory promotion, Dario Franchitti
's No. 40 Dodge Charger
carried a "Journey" paint scheme for the 2008 Daytona 500
on February 17, 2008.
Sport utility vehicle
A sport utility vehicle is a generic marketing term for a vehicle similar to a station wagon, but built on a light-truck chassis. It is usually equipped with four-wheel drive for on- or off-road ability, and with some pretension or ability to be used as an off-road vehicle. Not all four-wheel...
built by the Dodge
Dodge
Dodge is a United States-based brand of automobiles, minivans, and sport utility vehicles, manufactured and marketed by Chrysler Group LLC in more than 60 different countries and territories worldwide....
division of Chrysler
Chrysler
Chrysler Group LLC is a multinational automaker headquartered in Auburn Hills, Michigan, USA. Chrysler was first organized as the Chrysler Corporation in 1925....
.
First generation (JC49, 2008–)
Chrysler Pacifica
The Chrysler Pacifica is a mid-size crossover wagon produced by Chrysler from 2003 to 2007, for the model years 2004 to 2008.The Pacifica was the first jointly engineered product of the 1998 Chrysler-DaimlerBenz "merger of equals."...
, and shares a modified platform
Automobile platform
An automobile platform is a shared set of common design, engineering, and production efforts, as well as major components over a number of outwardly distinct models and even types of automobiles, often from different, but related marques...
with the Dodge Avenger
Dodge Avenger
The Dodge Avenger is a front-wheel drive, mid-size sedan, built by the Chrysler Corporation for the Dodge marque. In its initial debut, the Avenger was produced from 1995 to 2000 as a 2-door coupe...
. Featuring 5 or (5+2) passenger seating with four forward-hinged doors, and as with past models of the Chrysler minivans, the Journey is available with a four-cylinder engine
Straight-4
The inline-four engine or straight-four engine is an internal combustion engine with all four cylinders mounted in a straight line, or plane along the crankcase. The single bank of cylinders may be oriented in either a vertical or an inclined plane with all the pistons driving a common crankshaft....
. The Journey's exterior was styled by Chrysler's Ryan Nagode
Ryan Nagode
Ryan Christopher Nagode was the exterior designer of the Dodge Avenger and the Dodge Journey, as well as the lead interior designer of the 2009 Dodge Ram....
.
Production versions of 2009 model year vehicles went on sale in March 2008 in North America
North America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
, and mid-2008 elsewhere.
A version for the Chinese
People's Republic of China
China , officially the People's Republic of China , is the most populous country in the world, with over 1.3 billion citizens. Located in East Asia, the country covers approximately 9.6 million square kilometres...
market was unveiled at Auto China in 2008, marketed as the JCUV. Initial model production began in 2009.
2010 revisions
With model year 2010, the model name emblem moved to the right-end of the trunklid, replaced by the brand emblem.2011 revisions
Revisions for the 2011 model year include modifications to the grille, lower front fascia, interior, and use of Dodge's new logo, launched in 2010.Chrysler forecasts that it will stop marketing the Journey in Europe
Europe
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
as a Dodge model after the 2011 model year, instead marketing the vehicle as Fiat Freemont (a Ulysse replacement). The Freemont will still be made in Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
. The new Fiat Freemont will be unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show 2011.
For the 2012 model year, the Journey becomes Dodge's smallest SUV after its smaller but expensive body-on-frame
Body-on-frame
Body-on-frame is an automobile construction method. Mounting a separate body to a rigid frame that supports the drivetrain was the original method of building automobiles, and its use continues to this day. The original frames were made of wood , but steel ladder frames became common in the 1930s...
counterpart, the Nitro
Dodge Nitro
The Dodge Nitro is a compact SUV from the Dodge division of Chrysler. Launched for the 2007 model year, the Nitro shares its platform with the second generation Jeep Liberty. It is assembled at the Toledo North Assembly Plant in Toledo, Ohio. The Jeep facility is part of an automobile complex...
goes out of production.
Engines
The available four-cylinder is a 2.4 l (146 cu in), with 173 hp and 166 ft.lbf of torque; a version of Chrysler's GEMAGlobal Engine Manufacturing Alliance
The Global Engine Manufacturing Alliance LLC, or GEMA, is a manufacturing arm of Global Engine Alliance LLC, which was a joint venture of Chrysler, Mitsubishi Motors, and Hyundai Motor Company for developing a line of shared engines...
, "World Engine" class of four-cylinder engines shared with Hyundai and Mitsubishi.
Through 2010, the V6 offered in North America was a 3.5 l (213 cu in) with a six-speed automatic transmission, producing 235 hp and 232 ft.lbf of torque. For 2011, it was changed to the 3.6 liter Pentastar V6, producing 283 hp and 260 ft.lbf torque. Other markets offer the six-speed automatic transmission
Automatic transmission
An automatic transmission is one type of motor vehicle transmission that can automatically change gear ratios as the vehicle moves, freeing the driver from having to shift gears manually...
with the flex-fuel (E85
E85
E85 is an abbreviation for an ethanol fuel blend of up to 85% denatured ethanol fuel and gasoline or other hydrocarbon by volume. E85 is commonly used by flex-fuel vehicles in the US, Canada, and Europe. Some of the benefits of E85 over conventional gasoline powered vehicles include the potential...
compatible) 2.7 liter V6. All wheel drive is only available with a V6.
A Volkswagen
Volkswagen Group
Volkswagen Group is a German multinational automobile manufacturing group. , Volkswagen was ranked as the world’s third largest motor vehicle manufacturer and Europe's largest....
-sourced diesel engine is available outside of North America with an automatically shifted dual clutch transmission
Dual clutch transmission
A dual clutch transmission, commonly abbreviated to DCT , is a differing type of semi-automatic or automated manual automotive transmission. It utilises two separate clutches for odd and even gear sets...
. Chrysler performed primary engineering for the dual-clutch transmission with support from long-time partner Getrag, which was to build the transmission in the United States. Due to funding issues, this did not happen, and the factory, nearly finished, was sold and used for other purposes.
During development, Dodge benchmarked the European Ford S-Max
Ford S-MAX
The Ford S-Max is an MPV/saloon produced by the Ford Motor Company for the European market and by Chang'an Ford Automobile Co., Ltd for the Chinese market. Introduced at the 2006 Geneva Motor Show, the S-Max went on sale alongside the new generation Galaxy in June 2006. It is intended to be...
, a popular multi-activity minivan
Minivan
Minivan is a type of van designed for personal use. Minivans are typically either two-box or one box designs for maximum interior volume – and are taller than a sedan, hatchback, or a station wagon....
.
North American models
The following trims were available in North America from 2008 to 2010:- SE - 2.4L 173 hp I4
- SXT - 3.5L 235 hp V6
- SXT AWD - 3.5L 235 hp V6
- R/T - 3.5L 235 hp V6
- R/T AWD - 3.5L 235 hp V6
Features:
- Aluminum hood.
- Composite plastic tailgate.
- One-third of the Journey's body-structure, by weight, made of high-strength steel.
- Second row H-pointH-pointIn vehicle design and especially automotive design, the H-point is the theoretical, relative location of an occupant's hip, specifically the pivot point between the torso and upper leg portions of the body, either relative to the floor of the vehicle or relative to the height above pavement level...
is 1.6 inches (40 mm) higher than the first row; third row 0.6 inches (17 mm) higher still. - Rear doors open 90 degrees.
- Markets outside North America in both left-hand and right-hand drive.
- Under-floor storage lockers behind front seats.
- Rear climate control vents and optional rear climate control panel.
- Extra power outlets.
- Optional hard-drive-based stereo/navigation/phone system.
- Interior child-view mirror.
- Rear doors open to a 90 degree angle allowing for easy rear access and helping child-seat installation.
- Optional booster seats (these are not integrated child seats but are aimed at older children).
- Theatre seating (second row is substantially higher than the first row).
- Third row of foldaway "occasional use" seats (with minimal seat height and legroom).
- Gas mileage: 16-19 city, 23-25 highway (2008 United States Environmental Protection Agency figures).
- Standard (US & Canada) 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), electronic stability program (ESP), and electronic roll mitigation, brake assist.
- Traction control, rollover sensing, trailer sway control, tire pressure monitors, and a rear backup camera.
Fiat Freemont
Chrysler will stop selling the Journey in EuropeEurope
Europe is, by convention, one of the world's seven continents. Comprising the westernmost peninsula of Eurasia, Europe is generally 'divided' from Asia to its east by the watershed divides of the Ural and Caucasus Mountains, the Ural River, the Caspian and Black Seas, and the waterways connecting...
after the 2011 model year as Chrysler will rebadge the vehicle as Fiat Freemont (a Ulysse/Croma
Fiat Croma
The Fiat Croma is a nameplate used for two automobiles produced by Italian automaker Fiat, one a large family car built from 1985 to 1996 and the other a cross-over wagon built from 2005 to 2011.- Fiat Croma :...
/Multipla
Fiat Multipla
The Fiat Multipla is a compact MPV manufactured by Italian automaker Fiat since 1998. Based on the Brava, the Multipla is shorter and wider than its rivals. It has two rows of three seats, while all its competitors have two seats in the front...
replacement), although the Freemont will still be made in Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
. In its place, a larger Durango
Dodge Durango
The Dodge Durango is a full-size crossover SUV from the Dodge division of Chrysler. It was introduced in 1998 as a mid-size SUV, and as a replacement for the Ramcharger discontinued in the North American market in 1993, and was redesigned to full-size for 2004....
will replace the Journey after the 2011 model year. The new Fiat Freemont was unveiled at the Geneva Motor Show 2011. The Freemont had its Italian launch in the end of May 2011. The Freemont has different suspension tuning and cosmetics changes in front and rear bumpers. The Freemont has two front wheel drive turbodiesel variants the 140 PS and the 170 PS version of Fiat's 2.0 L Multijet turbodiesel. Later will be introduced all wheel drive version of 170 PS diesel and the Pentastar V6.
Production
Chrysler manufactures the Journey at the 220 acre (0.8903092 km²) Toluca Car AssemblyToluca Car Assembly
Toluca Car Assembly is a Chrysler automobile factory in Toluca, State of Mexico, Mexico. It opened in 1968. Toluca Stamping is located nearby....
in Toluca
Toluca
Toluca, formally known as Toluca de Lerdo, is the state capital of Mexico State as well as the seat of the Municipality of Toluca. It is the center of a rapidly growing urban area, now the fifth largest in Mexico. It is located west-southwest of Mexico City and only about 40 minutes by car to the...
, Mexico
Mexico
The United Mexican States , commonly known as Mexico , is a federal constitutional republic in North America. It is bordered on the north by the United States; on the south and west by the Pacific Ocean; on the southeast by Guatemala, Belize, and the Caribbean Sea; and on the east by the Gulf of...
, on the same assembly line as the Fiat 500 (2007).
Sales
| Calendar Year | United States | Canada | Outside North America | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2008 | 47,097 | 11,817 | 24,155 | 83,069 |
| 2009 | 59,381 | 15,390 | 15,908 | 90,679 |
| 2010 | 48,577 | 23,785 | N/A | 72,362 |
Marketing
Dodge Journeys marketed in Japan are known as Dodge JC because "JourneyIsuzu Journey
The Isuzu Erga Journey is a minibus built by Isuzu. The range was primarily available as city bus and tourist coach.- Models :The Isuzu Journey W40 and W41 are rebadged Nissan Civilian.*BL/BE Series *W40 Series...
" has been used by Isuzu Motors
Isuzu
, is a Japanese car, commercial vehicle and heavy truck manufacturing company, headquartered in Tokyo. In 2005, Isuzu became the world's largest manufacturer of medium to heavy duty trucks. It has assembly and manufacturing plants in the Japanese city of Fujisawa, as well as in the prefectures...
.
As part of the vehicle's introductory promotion, Dario Franchitti
Dario Franchitti
George Dario Marino Franchitti is a Scottish racing driver. He formerly competed in the CART series before switching to the IndyCar Series where he was 2007 champion, and won the rain-shortened 2007 Indianapolis 500. Franchitti is also a former NASCAR driver for Chip Ganassi Racing, competing...
's No. 40 Dodge Charger
Dodge Charger (LX)
The Dodge Charger LX is a rear-wheel drive four-door automobile introduced in February 2005. Built by Chrysler for its North American Dodge brand, the car was created to continue the Dodge Charger line, and replaced the Dodge Intrepid as Dodge's full-size sedan...
carried a "Journey" paint scheme for the 2008 Daytona 500
2008 Daytona 500
The 2008 Daytona 500 was the 50th annual running of "The Great American Race", the Daytona 500. The race took place on Sunday, February 17, 2008 at the Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida. The race was the 50th to be run since the first in 1959, won by Lee Petty. To commemorate...
on February 17, 2008.
External links
- Dodge
- Dodge Journey U.S.
- Dodge JC Japan
- Test Drive: DODGE Journey 2.0 CRD SXT - 2009 - by Autoevolution.com