I once rented a Journey. It was probably a 2008 or 2009 model...it was a while ago. I figured that I wouldn't like it, but I rather did. I found an old post of mine I wrote here years ago, so figure I'll re-paste my thoughts. Some of my gripes (such as lack of a telescoping steering wheel) may have been resolved by now. And the 3.5L was thirsty...the Pentastar may not be.
BLUF: I think it's one of Chrysler's most under-rated vehicles.
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I rented a 3.5L Journey, with the 6-speed auto. I rather liked it. I do concur that the pedal/wheel placement is awkward. It badly needed a telescoping steering wheel. Cars are designed for short people it seems. Us taller folks have to really reach for non-telescoping steering wheels these days. I guess that's all in the name of "safety" (airbags I imagine).
Anyway, I think the Journey's ride was quiet and tight. That was my first experience with the Kumho Solus KH16 tire, and it was a good tire. I reminded me a lot of the Michelin Energy MXV4 on my Cadillac at the time; decent ride, very quiet, and good dry traction.
The engine was thirsty. And the transmission was awkward. It was always shifting, and wasn't programmed well in my opinion. The 6-speed auto in my sedan is much easier to live with. The new interior is spot-on. Chrysler's done wonders with their interiors. Even the Wrangler looks Auto-Union nice. Yes, that's a partial joke, but there really is a modern refinement to most of Chrysler's new inner skins. A co-worker's wife bought a Journey about a year ago and likes it. She has a '99 Caravan with about 10 million miles on it, and she likes the Dodge dealer in town, so she bought a CPO Journey from them. It is a heavy vehicle, but that shows in the ride quality, which I was happy with.
I do think it's one of Chrysler's better (and highly under-rated) vehicles today. I hope the Pentastar engine fixes the fuel economy issue. I averaged 23 MPG with the FWD 3.5L that I drove (all highway). My AWD MDX matches that.
