zmttoxics

The 2 times I called them (I am up near Ottawa) it wasn't a problem and I actually thought the service was friendly and timely. Once was for a dead battery (when the Journey was not even a year old) and the truck came and boosted it for me. The second time was for when the power steering blew up and they towed it to a dealer for service. I didn't have to pay and no one questioned anything, just a "the truck is on the way!". If DodgeCACares says its in the manual, I would be quoting page and line numbers the next time they try to deny you service like that though.

Except for the simple fact that his Journey is the 2010 with the older slow non-revolutionary 3.5L v6. There are plenty of bad reviews of the Journey out there over the years, you're just ignoring them. Now, that isn't to say you shouldn't ignore them, your post just reminds me of the local bible sellers.

Ehhh... I don't know. I loved my 2010. I can't stand my 2011. His complaints are valid though. Even the 3.5L wasn't great for that car, which is why I can never understand how people deal with the 2.4L (I am almost positive its only an option to skew MPG numbers on commercials). My 2011 is a total lemon though, spent 2/3s of its life in the shop. The 3.6 is a better engine though. OP, man, you're like me and will probably end replacing that thing soon anyways. Look forward to the future is my advice. I'm replacing mine with the new Cherokee with the 3.2L (you can look for my lemon post in this same owners impressions section).

No that is actually the older style front end. Some of the current models still get some of the older pieces it seems (bumpers, tail lights). Have a look at the different model styles on dodge.com or dodge.ca to see what I mean.

I think the one on the website (the copper one) is probably different sku or something. You should call the people you bought it from to confirm with them!

The advertised price was probably *after* rebates. It also says you had a bunch of aftermarkets. From what I recall thats usually things like extended warranty, rust poofing, paint warranty, etc. At least it shows you did get the rebates and didn't miss out.

I think you need to read that poll again. *sigh* 92 people responded, 66 people said they had 0 issues. As I said, Cherokees with a build date of newer than December 16, 2013 are likely to have issues but there are 2 TSB flashes that fixes them already and newer builds don't have these issues as they come with the newer firmware. I would like to point out that when the 2011's came out with the 6 speed, I had to get my transmission flashed too. The DJ isn't holier then thou, and looks are a personal opinion. Also, it looks like that same issue of Consumer Reports had lots of good things to say about it, not that it matters *at all*.

If the SE has the tint, its worth it. Like I said, my neighbours value package was missing it, and the roof rails, and all that good stuff. If you can bump up a little bit in dealer cost, it will save you in after market later and you will be happier with the vehicle. Getting the roof rails, the led tail lights and the tinted windows is going to make that DJ look *awesome*.

Sure, its strictly a recommendation. If it were me, and I had the money, I would pony up... That's all.

Wow, I had no idea such a forum thread existed. The only reason I mentioned the Cherokee is because the OP was considering a Jeep Patriot previously to the Journey. I think you missed the point of my post almost entirely. I didn't say the Journey had problems, I said there is a lack of features in the Value Package. There is a lot more value in the SXT+ models is all. My neighbour loved their car, except they really didn't like the performance of the 4 cyl, specifically on the highway. I owned a 2010 SXT previously and currently own a 2011 Crew, not that it changes anything for OP when he's going to look at purchasing his car. The value package just typically comes with nothing in it and for $4k more you can get the SXT with the V6, tinted windows, and other fun things.

Not really. Perhaps a little stern though. This long winter is leaving my skin a little rough... Listen, I actually didn't post in either case to spark trouble. However, I don't understand what you have proved here. Ok, its 10 total inches, I guessed 6. I told *you* the fuel comparisons would be similar. I have not only driven these, I have owned 2 Journeys, parked the new 2014 Journey next to a 2014 Cherokee, and I even ordered a Cherokee so I don't know what you trying to tell me here. What I am trying to tell you, is your complaints about the Cherokee relate almost 1:1 with the Journey (aside from the transmission, however the 6 speed in the journey isn't perfect either). I am also telling you the Cherokee, while slightly smaller, has better design decisions. Such as an accessible battery and a full size spare not on a winch rope but rather inside (ever had one of those ropes let go and lose your spare?). If you think the Pentastar is a piece of crap in the Cherokee on gas, the bigger 3.6 in the Journey isn't going to make you happy. I have no interest in continuing this, you can take the information in anyway you want. Here are some photos for peeps who are interested.

I suspect you may be happier buying something non Chrylser then. Not to defend the Cherokee for no reason, but here is some defence in comparison to the Journey for you... Nose to nose, the Journey and Cherokee are almost identical. There is only like 6" in difference in length (don't quote me, I don't have the numbers in front of me, but its close, I took pictures of them nose to nose). The cargo space difference is a big difference in cubic space because of this, but its actually not, its only a few inches in length in difference from the Journey. The 5 seater Journey actually has worse HVAC than the 5 seater Cherokee. There is almost no heating in the rear because you don't get the extra vents unless you get the 7 seat version (I know, I have owned both) and if you have the 7 seater, there is no cargo space with that last row open. Your engine choices for the Cherokee are almost identical to the Journey and oddly enough the 2 weigh about the same. This means your assumption of the 4cyl isn't worth it, and fuel eco isn't as advertised on the v6 still applies to the Journey. At least the 3.2 in the Cherokee isn't sucking down as much while sitting at a stop light. Keep in mind, while this is the first of this gen Cherokee, this platform is *old*. The Cherokee is built on the Dart which is built on a Alfa Romeo platform. Also, the transmission issues are only in the initial run, units built after December don't have those issues. I am not here to push the Cherokee, but it is not *that* different from the Journey. If you are worried about fuel eco with the Pentastar 3.6L with a 4,000LB CUV, its the same deal bro. The forums aren't new, if you want to see what issues people have run into, its there. But the truth is, in a small setting like this, you mostly see the problems. There are a million Journey owners out there that aren't registered here that have 0 issues with their car. Forums are a breeding ground of negativity as everyone who has issues is posting to look for help for their issues. Anyways, it sounds like you came here with some preconceived notions. You know where to look the numbers and information, I recommend you start over on your purchase decision making. If you are such an excellent consumer, I am not sure why you would start a post about a bad review from Consumer Reports and how you are going to let that sway your decisions. If you want to buy that Korean made whatever, then buy that. Don't waste your time spewing crap here.

Hi back and welcome to the forums! I don't know a whole lot about the 2014s in terms of problems but if the American package is like the Canadian one, I wouldn't recommend it. I would bump up to the SXT or something and get the 3.6L V6. I had a neighbour with a 2010 Canadian Value Package when I had the 2010 SXT, and there is a *lot* thats lacking (tinted windows, storage under the passenger seat, flash light in the rear, and more). I also can never recommend the 4cyl, some people do like it, but my neighbour hated it and I loved the V6. If you plan on driving it a lot, it will be worth it. The value package has almost nothing in it. If you were leaning towards a Jeep Patriot, the new Jeep Cherokee is a good middle ground between it and a Journey (closer to the size of the Journey, 3.2L V6, actual 4x4, etc). My opinion is a little biased as I am trading in my 2011 Journey for a Cherokee but only because my 2011 is a lemon, my 2010 was amazing before it was lost in an accident.

It's important to not compare the 2010 3.5L V6 to the 2011-2014 3.6L V6. The newer 3.6L is a completely different, all aluminum cast, dual overhead cam, and variable valve timing. It has more horsepower, weighs less, and is better on gas. Also, if you aren't %100 convinced on the Journey because of the fuel eco, the new Jeep Cherokee has a 3.2L version of the same engine and the 4x4 model is rated for 7.4L/100Km. The Cherokee is smaller by just a little bit, but if you ask me, has a number of better design decisions (the battery being accessible under the hood is an example). Rumour has it the next Journey will be built on the same platform.

Haha, missed that part. Been so frozen I see icicles through my eyelids. Tire pressure is pretty key still though.

It's pulling and a higher speed warble? Check your tire pressures. With this winter, its possible you had a tire freeze slightly flat. Fill em back up to top PSI (check the sticker in the door), drive around for a day to warm em up and check the pressures again. If that doesn't fix it, take it in and have them look. Could just need rotating, or aligned, or balanced.

If you have the 5 seater, its not a problem from what I remember. The 7 seater has to have the back row folded down though, there is almost 0 cargo space with those back 2 seats up. For info, I have owned both models and if you really want 7 seats and cargo space, get a Caravan or a Durango, otherwise, save the cash and get the 5 seater. Those back seats are for tiny people only!

I had this issue. Neither of my journeys came with cross rails. I was given a set for christmas after we got the silver one and they work OK but I am not keen on how they attached (the threaded bolts that went through the tension lock thing we're really close to the paint). Oddly, when I was ordering the new Cherokee I asked about them because I couldn't find them in the brochure. Sure enough, there is no way to factory order the new 2014 Cherokee with cross rails. Side rails aren't an issue and are standard on most models, but no cross rails anywheres. :\

Just a heads up. The Cherokee only tows 4500 with the class 3 hitch and all that *if* you get the tow package. Otherwise its 2000lbs with the 4x4 I believe (maybe even 1500, I don't have the book with me but its on the last page IIRC). What we ordered: Cherokee North 4x4 3.2L with Active Drive 1 Tow Group Cold Weather Group Comfort and Convenience Group Granite colour with the darker clothe interrior Didn't get the 8.4" screen, sound upgrade, backup camera, or the sun sun roof. We had the 8.4 in the journey and we like it, but the 5" (not the 4" the journeys came with) has all of the same features just with physical buttons and saves us $700 (not a cheap upgrade!). All cherokee models come stock with the bluetooth hands free so we saved some money by ignoring some features.

Thanks guys! Well it happens right? Sometimes it's just a bad car. I know the newer Journeys have design changes that should fix a lot of our issues (like bigger brakes) but with the price so similar, we're just ready to try something new. Fingers crossed the new Cherokee isn't a dud from the start.

Let me start by saying I have had Journeys for over 4 years now. My wife and I started with a blue 2010 3.5L SXT that we loved which unfortunately met it's maker. After the blue one essentially saved my wife's life, we decided it would be stupid to not get another one so we bought the only one left on our favourite dealers lot, a silver 2011 3.6L Crew with the 8.4 screen and all of the whistles and loved it for a week (but I'll get to get that). We have had the silver one for over 3 years now, and have put around 46,000 KMs on it and done all of the regular maintenance it should ever have needed. But this car is hands down a lemon. Now this isn't to say all Journeys are bad. We drove the blue one for a year with out issue. We put over 15,000K on it before it got wrecked and didn't even wear in the brakes. I tried to keep tabs of all the times the silver one went in for repairs here on the forums but mid way, I stopped counting. Here is a list of what broke and is still braking: -Bumper clips. 3 times I had this fixed and repainted. Still broken. -FM Radio. You apparently can have working AM and SAT in 2011, but not FM radio? This took over 7 trips to the dealer ship to fix. -The external touch lock on the driver side broke, took the entire lock system with it. -Front rotors warped in the first 10k, dealer refused to admit it and cover it. I replaced them with slotted / drilled rotors and ceramic pads. -Rear calipers seized shortly after on a long road trip, melted right through the pads and screwed up the rotor. This was just after the 20k mark so of course, no coverage. I fixed them this time. -Rear calipers have seized on me 3 or 4 times since, I have taken it in to get looked at professionally twice since the initial incident. "Nope, their fine, just need more lube, well do that for you". A month later? Same problem. I have to take apart and relube the slides on those things every 3 months if I even hope to have working rear brakes. -Battery died (last winter). I call for a jump and he tells me the battery is probably toast so after that I go get a new charger, charge it up and call the dealer the next day. "Ok, we can test it, but if it passes you have to pay $70 for the test." Ok, you know whats cheaper than that? Buying a damn portable battery booster, which that car now travels with religiously. I didn't replace the battery because if it happened again, I was willing to risk the battery test. -Rust coming through the paint in the quarter panels. We have the paint and rust warranty! Nope, the only time they will actually fix it is when the paint actually bubbles and peals. But you have to prove that it wasn't a rock chip. Total waste of money, never buy the paint warranty. -A lot of other issues that were usually firmware related which meant spending hours at the dealership for them to hook up the flash tools (transmission, evic, etc). *sigh Now we were OK with a lot of that stuff. It was lot of wasted hours at the dealership which was draining... but a lot of it did get fixed *eventually*. The killer.... We moved out to the country side and in our week of moving, in the summer time, the power steering pump broke, threw the hose, all that jazz. Get it towed, new pump and hose and all that and its good. Fast forward to 3 weeks ago. I get on the highway and as I am turn to get on the on ramp, no steering, again. I strong arm it to the dealership, they claim the pump is fine still but fix up the hose, and fill it. We drive it home and guess what, all of the familiar awesome noise and shitty noisy grinding steering that comes with a boned pump. That was the last straw. My wife is pregnant and she drives the journey the most and we have lost our faith in this car. We knew the new Cherokee just came out, we knew it shares absolutely nothing with the Journey other than the uConnect, and is made in the states instead of Mexico, built on the Dart platform instead of the Avenger platform, better on gas, etc etc. After weeks of thinking about it and working with the dealer, we worked out a deal to trade in the journey and ordered a Cherokee North, 3.2L AWD, with the a lot of the fancy stuff. The waiting game is on. Unfortunately, we still need the Journey for another 8 weeks or so while we wait for our order and it's not going to stop providing entertainment it seems. Today's Journey related entertainment? Both the ABS and stability control lights are *stuck* lit up on the dash. Perfect, just what you want to see on a frozen day with slick roads. Anyways, it's a long post. I'll end it there. I loved the Journeys and wanted to keep it for 10 years but this one has had a lot of issues and it doesn't seem to stop getting them so we're moving on. If people want to see pictures / a review of the Cherokee after we get it for some expert Journey comparisons, I am happy to do just that.