On the subject of interiors in new product, feast your eyes on this splendid review of Journey, dated Aug. 2, and focus your attention on the next-to-last paragraph, beginning with “Cabin design is stylish, with most materials and surfaces notably higher quality than some other Dodges….”

Let there be no illusions among the rational people on this blog that the irrational ones will now recant their ignorant obsession with media hostility to Chrysler. When 300 was named Motor Trend’s Car of the Year, I thought it would be the end of that ill-informed syndrome. But it will always be with us. Chrysler products get favorable media reviews when they earn them on their own merit, period.

A few other points worth nothing: The 6th paragraph (”In most aspects, the 2009 Journey hits the target, but with more refinement, it could have been nipping at the smoothest of this class, Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX 9. Honda Pilot, Hyundai Veracruz and GMC Acadia and its siblings.” Is there anyone out there who has driven one or more of those vehicles and also driven a Journey who can dispute the point that while Chrysler has come a long way, it still has a way to go to catch up with the best in the industry in refinement? That reputation hurts in the market place and has got to fixed.

COMMENTARY: PETE SZILAGYI

A desirable Journey
Dodge's midsize crossover is capable of taking the economy-minded where they want to go
By Pete Szilagyi SPECIAL TO THE AMERICAN-STATESMAN Saturday, August 02, 2008
As $4 gas becomes entrenched and reality barges rudely into the car market, drivers will reject uni-taskers and ask that vehicles serve several functions and do it with some economy.
In other words, if the family car or SUV can't pull its own weight and lots more, it's outta here.

That means trading in sports coupes and heavy SUVs for compact hatchbacks and crossovers.

Dodge's latest multitasker, the midsize Journey, isn't quite the Swiss Army knife of crossovers, but it incorporates desirable features Chrysler learned with its minivans and large trucks.

Base price for the 4-cylinder, front-drive Journey is a reasonable $19,985. It is also available in all-wheel drive.

In most aspects, the 2009 Journey hits the target, but with more refinement, it could have been nipping at the smoothest of the class, the Toyota Highlander, Mazda CX-9, Honda Pilot, Hyundai Veracruz and General Motors' GMC Acadia and its siblings.

As it stands, the Journey should compete well in price competition and styling. It's distinctive enough for a vehicle late to the segment when the obvious design elements were already in use.

Achieving economical operation is confounding to any 4,000-pound, seven-passenger SUV, so a buyer's goals should be realistic. My several days in a Journey SXT with the optional 235-horsepower, 3.5-liter V-6, 6-speed automatic were close to the EPA estimate, 19 mpg, in fairly easy city and highway driving. That's typical for midsize crossovers, although the relatively expensive Highlander Hybrid is the exception, achieving mileage in the upper 20s.

The Journey's independent suspension, front and rear, contributes to predictable handling. Freeway expansion strips and sharp pavement creases caused unpleasant thuds in the cabin. Though not especially light or sporty, the V-6 Journey slips through traffic with competence, and it is as easy to park as any midsize crossover. Based on my long, comfortable interstate highway drives, the Journey is a solid candidate for family road trips.

The Journey SXT scores well on user-friendliness, with roomy, accommodating seats, a true three-across back seat with adjustable backrests, stacked glove boxes with one of them cooled for beverages, clever under-seat and floor storage bins, an optional DVD system, an iPod plug, an integrated child booster seat, doors that open unusually wide, elevated rear seats and optional third-row seating for two children.

Cabin design is stylish, with most materials and surfaces notably higher quality than some other Dodges. The switchgear felt cheap, and the expansive black dashboard in my Journey test unit heated like a griddle when parked in the sun.

Thankfully, the air conditioner cooled adequately, even on humid 95-degree afternoons. Short drivers should note that the Journey's dashboard is quite high and can limit forward visibility. The optional height-adjusting driver's seat is a necessity.

In his 27 years of writing a column for the Austin American-Statesman, Pete Szilagyi has driven more than 1,400 new cars and trucks. You may reach him at petesz@mac.com.
Comparison shopping
Three other vehicles in the Dodge Journey's class:
2008 Hyundai Veracruz
Highs: Styling, cabin design, luxury feel, performance.
Lows: Not much personality.
2008 GMC Acadia
Highs: Appearance, cargo flexibility, power train, attention to detail.
Lows: Too heavy.
2008 Ford Edge
Highs: Styling, interior, power train, utility.
Lows: So-so fuel mileage.
According to Pete ...
Target audience: Active families shucking their Durangos, Sequoias and Tahoes; minivan haters attracted to Journey's styling and minivan features; grandparents anticipating trips with the kids.
Highs: Stance and appearance, comfort, roominess, convenience features, safety gear, price.
Lows: Thudding suspension, switchgear, backing visibility.
Bottom line: The 90 percent solution in a tough field of 98 percenters.
EPA rating for greenhouse gas emissions (10 is best): 4


harold zeigler