Don't Stop Believing

MANILA, Philippines - If there is any doubt that the Chrysler Corporation cannot extricate itself from its financial troubles someday (God willing, a bailout or two here and there...), then the Dodge Journey is proof that its parent’s woes stem more from corporate misfortunes than product quality.

Chrysler, after all, wrote the book on minivans back in the 80s, so it knows its way around a modern, swanky people mover like the Dodge Journey. The Journey is what’s called a “crossover”, part-SUV and part-minivan, an attempt to combine the best attributes of both. SUVs are stylish and hip but tend to guzzle fuel, while minivans are eminently practical and spacious but also score low on the style meter.

So, the Crossover tries to look like it’s an SUV outside, but inside it’s about as roomy as a minivan minus the practical but oh-so-dorky sliding doors. The faux SUV look prevails for the most part as its chiseled slab sides, 19-inch chromed wheels, and trademark crosshairs-grille provide an imposing on-road presence. Inside, the black-and-white color scheme has a low-key sporty look, and tasteful bits of chrome here and there brighten up the cabin.

It’s a sheep in wolf’s clothing though, because underneath the Philippine-market Journey’s clamshell hood is just a 2.7-liter V6. With twin cams and 24 valves it’s as smooth and quiet as you’d expect, but rated power is just 185 horsepower at 5,500 rpm and 25.6 kg-m of torque at 4,000 rpm.

With the Journey tipping the scales at a portly 2,313 kilos, the V6 strains to get going at anything past 3rd gear even with just two passengers onboard. The standard 6-speed automatic transmission helps with its short ratios and “manumatic” shift mode, but really, if you want a hot rod experience you’re better off in its hairy-chested siblings, the Nitro or Durango. Top speed with the Journey as indicated on the speedo was a stressed-out 150kph... on a slight downhill. Fuel economy in city/highway driving was a not-unreasonable 6.8 kpl, and on open stretches the cruising economy actually gave back 9.5kpl. The small V6 has its upside then.

Like its name suggests, the Journey is best used as an all-day cruiser, a high-end family wagon with competent road manners. Despite the rather large and plasticky dashboard, the windshield offers a low cowl and an expansive view. Driver sightlines are good all around except for the ridiculously small rearview mirror, which is probably why the Journey is equipped with a backup camera that you view through the Infinity LCD system. The steering actually feels better than in the Caliber, Nitro, or Durango, with modest turn-in effort and terrific straight-line tracking considering the huge 19-inch wheels. Because it uses a car-based chassis, ride and handling are on the firm side; none of the floatiness of your typical minivan or the mushy responses of an SUV.

One of the Journey’s major strengths is its commendably stiff cabin. We’re told that ultra-high strength steel was used for the body structure along with a ton of adhesives and insulation materials (no wonder it’s kinda heavy). Aside from helping the suspension provide a nimble feel, it’s also very, very quiet inside. So quiet, in fact, that the only noise you’ll hear is the blower for the climate control, a system that, uh, had yet to acclimatize to extreme tropical weather.

Another noteworthy feature is the Journey’s seating/storage system. The second row is split 60-40 and folds and rolls forward with just the pull of a lever. The front passenger seat features a “Flip n’ Stow” in-seat storage system; pull the cushion up and it reveals a 273 x 222 mm bin that’s big enough for a purse, camera, or other stuff you don’t want other people to see. Like contraband, for example. Two more storage bins are behind the front seats and under the floor, big enough for a dozen 12-ounce cans.

Finally, no self-proclaimed traveling machine would be complete without a deserving entertainment system. The Infinity system comes with no less than 6 speakers, a subwoofer, a 30GB “MyGig” Multimedia Entertainment System, iPod interface, and “uconnect” Bluetooth system. Sound quality from the Infinity is simply splendid, and the touch-screen LCD panel gives that “spaceship feeling” as you adjust the equalizer or select tracks.

With a sticker price of 2.280M, the Journey won’t be on any tightwad’s short list, but it does have high-end appeal for luxury buyers who may have to pare back their Euro marquee budgets to something more discreet in these frugal times. The Journey proves that even a people mover can look good and provide a satisfying ride.

THE GOOD

• Macho style.

• Swell seating and storage.

• Very good ride and handling.

• An entertainment system that’s to-die-for.

THE BAD

• Asthmatic engine.

• Tiny rearview mirror.

• Plasticky cabin.

THE VERDICT

• A high-end wagon that only looks like it can beat up your minivan.