Dodge Journey/Chrysler Dodge JC Minor Change

For the second phase of Dodge's crossover utility vehicle, the Dodge Journey (known in Japan as Chrysler Dodge JC) gained an even more aggressive stance to max out its crossover potential and to repel the competition away from boring crossovers.

2011 Dodge Journey

2011 Dodge Journey interior

The revised Journey/JC comes with the new trademark Dodge grille as seen on the third-generation Durango and the upcoming Charger sedan, packed with an aggressive front bumper to bring out its cool appeal. The rear view's also changed with the hint of the DODGE emblem spelled it out like this "D O D G E" and minus the Ram logo. With the aggressive minor change, every young drivers in their 20's and 30's would go gaga for that stylish and handsome crossover.

The interior of the Journey/JC has been heavily redesigned to make it more functional, sophisticated, and high-tech, bringing out every edge of fun factor for the driver. Depending on the variant, the Journey has some of the finest features like Uconnect touch CD/DVD/MP3 player, Infinity Premium Speakers, Uconnect Voice Command, Audio Jack input for most mobile devices, USB port, and SIRIUS Satellite Radio with free 1-year subscription to SIRIUS Radio Service. Best of all, the Journey can seat up to seven passengers. Great for the middle class families and for the hip youngsters for their next road trip.

There are now two available engines offered on the Journey/JC Phase II; aside from the entry-level 2.4L DOHC 16V Dual VVT engine, there is a new Pentastar V6 3.6L VVT engine. Debuted in the latest Jeep Grand Cherokee last year, the new Pentastar V6 3.6L VVT produces 283HP/6350rpm and the fuel economy of 25mpg highway. Most Journey/JC variants with the new Pentastar V6 engine comes standard with the 6-Speed Automatic 62TE Transmission, while the entry level 2.4L variant is equipped with just the 4-Speed Automatic VLP Transmission. The best variant is the new 3.6L variant because of the gears, new engine, everything you need to know.

My thoughts about the Journey:
Revamped to take on new challenges (and the possibility of coming to Europe as the Fiat Freemont), the second phase of the Journey/JC is just one of the many reasons why Dodge is back from the dead. With the new Durango, new Charger, Grand Caravan minor change, improved Challenger, and the Avenger's minor change, it is good to say that the latest minor change for the Journey/JC is just one of them and adopting Dodge's new concept "Never Neutral", they are always NEVER NEUTRAL on North American roads.

I just hope that CATS Motors got the memo and bring either the Dodge Journey's minor change or possibly the Fiat Freemont to the Philippines soon but pricing seems to be an unhappy manner because it might just cost us over 2 million Philippine Pesos for the 2.4L variant and over 3 million pesos for the 3.6L V6 variant.

Photo: Chrysler Group, LLC.