2009 Dodge Journey Preview

By now, you've no doubt heard the sad news. Chrysler's Pacifica is officially

Chrysler would've ended up doubling up on crossovers, so out goes the Pacifica and in comes the new Dodge Journey. (Photo: Dodge)

on the chopping block, and it's only a matter of time before the crossover is permanently discontinued. The Pacifica was conceived during a time when Chrysler was bullish about its future thanks to fresh investment money from the Daimler side of its previous partnership, and by and large the crossover was ahead of its time. Sprinter, Crossfire and 300 aside, which all delved deeply into Daimler's parts bins, the Pacifica nevertheless made use of a number of Mercedes-Benz components, but that wasn't the only way in which it was more advanced than some of its rivals. Chrysler also happened to catch one of the biggest trends in the auto industry well before it was on anyone's radar. The Pacifica, in five or six passenger guise (they never made it available with seven seats) was two sliding doors short of being a minivan, too comfortable and stable through the corners to be an SUV and too tall to be a station wagon. In essence, it had the makings of the perfect family car, but it didn't catch on in the way that Chrysler hoped it would.

The Pacifica might not have been in every driveway of every suburban home (due in part to Chrysler's high initial asking price), but it was hardly a failure. However, as you know, when it comes to making cars, if at first you don't succeed, try again. This time, Chrysler's approach is much more in tune with what buyers want, and what buyers are willing to spend.

Value is a high priority amongst crossover buyers. Dodge hopes to up the ante with this family-friendly people-mover. Note the unusual location of the stereo... (Photo: Dodge)

And just what do buyers want? They want features and toys to make their lives and those of their children easier. They also want something that's more like a car and less like a truck or a van, and finally, they want something that they'll easily be able to afford. Chrysler figured that its youthful Dodge brand was best suited for a vehicle like this, and given the Caravan's dominance in the minivan segment, a category that many families are migrating away from, it only makes sense to have a cool looking crossover across the showroom floor. Instead of giving it an overtly aggressive name, as most Dodge products have, it's been titled something a little more family friendly – Journey.

The Journey serves up typical Dodge traits in a new, practical package. Its front end features the brand's trademark crosshair grille and strong, rectangular headlamps, while the body is decorated with flared wheel arches and chromed details. Keeping with Dodge's sportier image, the top of the line R/T model can be had with 19-inch wheels. But look at the rest of the Journey and you'll find that it's, well, kind of ordinary.

One of the ways that the Journey has been kept affordable is that it is yet another variation of Chrysler group's front wheel drive architecture, which it co-developed with Mitsubishi. The Journey is most closely related to the

The Journey was received well at the Frankfurt auto show, and its good interior quality will make it competitive in Europe. (Photo: Trevor Hofmann, American Auto Press)

Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring, but rides on a wheelbase that is 4.9 inches longer than that of the two sedans. It is also related to the Dodge Caliber and Jeep Patriot and Compass twins. The Journey will be available with front-wheel drive or all-wheel drive, the same permanent system offered in the Avenger and Sebring, giving buyers that extra bit of traction and the additional feeling of security.

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