RetiredChief

Purchased in June of 2015, now at 20K miles 2.5L 4cyl 4 speed auto FWD Repairs: NONE Oil Changes: 3000,8000,14,000 and 20,000 Oil: Pennzoil Synthetic Blend Oil filter: Mopar Tire wear: Normal Open recalls: 1---I refuse to have the engine beauty cover recall done. The Incredible Hulk couldn't take that cover off, much less it fall off. And FCA's solution is ugly and unwarranted. Just my opinion. Avg Fuel Economy: 23 city/ 28-30 hwy I have no regrets whatever on the purchase of my Journey. It is more than adequate for everything I do. I love my Journey!

Once you get some miles on that 2.4 it will come alive a little more. It took until about 3K for mine to really wake up. If you need to get out into traffic, I've found that accelerating harder in first gear works great. The 2.4 is not a torque engine at low rpms. It pulls strong from 3000 to the redline. You will like the gas mileage for sure under normal driving. And even without the auto lights and neat toys, the Journey is pretty nicely equipped in the SE or AVP trim. Of course I am old and remember when you had to pay for a AM radio..what power disc brakes? Air conditioning? Tinted glass, ect....I don't complain. Enjoy your new ride.

"Houston, we have a problem." Had your attention didn't I Well here is where we are at with our 2015 Journey: Repairs: NONE Fuel Economy: 21-23 City and 28 to 30 highway (dependent on road conditions and terrain) Tire wear: NORMAL Tire Rotations: 2 Oil Change Intervals: 3000, 8000 Oil Type: Pennzoil Synthetic Oil Filter: Mopar Driving Ratio: 40% city 60% highway/interstate Concerns or complaints: NONE Overall: 5 stars They really did it right in my opinion with this vehicle. It does everything I need it to do, with no complaints or problems. I am totally impressed with the 2.4L engines ability and fuel economy in a vehicle this size. Only once did I wish for the power of the 3.6. On a two lane road with a short passing zone. The extra power would have been nice. The Journey has had no squeaks, rattles or other obnoxious problems in fit or finish that I can find. It doesn't get any better than this so far.

I have found that resetting the mpg before you start out on a specific trip is the way to go. The long term average values are not indicative of maximum highway mpg. If I ever get the chance to meet some of these so called experts that trash the 2.4L/4 speed auto I will probably need bail money. The most important thing in owning the 2.4 is understanding that the quicker you accelerate to speeds 40 mph and up, the better it performs. It's no dog if you get up into it's designed rpm range (3000-6000) while accelerating. If you lug it and aren't willing to give it a little rein under 3000 it can be a dismal performer. And actually the 4 speed transaxle with lockup converter is a good match with the 3.27 gear ratio. A multi speed transaxle would be hunting continuously for the right gear. Once the computer learned how to read my fat right foot (about 1000 mi.) It has been all good. I use the auto stick feature in hilly and mountainous driving. It works flawlessly. Enjoy your ride.

The one thing I have learned with the 2.4 on acceleration is that the power curve comes on at around 4000 rpm and up. So, when I need the extra acceleration (such as getting on the interstate), as soon as I make my turn onto the ramp I push it up into the power band in first gear. On a average length acceleration ramp I am well into the 60-65 mph range to merge onto the highway with no issues. Yes it takes a little longer than the V6, no doubt. And if you are trying to go from 30 or 35 mph to 65 it does take a little more time. It's a learning curve. Maybe the next Journey will be the SRT version.....

9 days/2003 miles on my 2015 Journey. Highway mpg average: 29.6 mpg ( 2 adults, 200 lbs of luggage and 1 each 115 lb. dog) City mpg average: 22.2 mpg with 4 adults To say that I am pleased would be a understatement. The Journey handled great, comfortable ride. The cruise control works the best of any vehicle I have ever owned. Again, the 2.4 engine doesn't deserve the bad reviews it gets. For my needs it performs flawlessly. The only observation is that the AM side of the radio just doesn't receive as well as the older units. Much of that is attributed to the antenna design and the I am sure the receiver specifications are not as good. The FM side is just fine and works wonderfully. I enjoying listening to talk radio on the AM side on long trips. But, it is what it is. lol.

Congrats and welcome!

Congrats and welcome to the forum

Only one minor thing that cropped up. Developed a slight vibration in the LF tire around 2100 miles, 57-67 mph. So I took it in to have it checked. They rebalanced the fronts. That took care of it. Had the first oil change done and upgrades to Pennzoil Platinum full synthetic. $34 upcharge on the oil. No biggie. And had my DRL's activated. No charge. Getting consistent 23 mpg local and some highway driving. And 28-29 mpg on the Interstate with the cruise on 72. Couldn't be happier with my purchase.

I just hit 2800 miles on my '15 Journey with the 2.4 (FWD). I love it. Averaging 19-21.5 mpg city and 27-29 highway. I live in NE Tennessee, nothing is flat here. We are in the middle of the mountains. The Appalachians and the Great Smokey Mtns. Yes the V6 is faster on acceleration, but the 2.4L is more than adequate for most driving situations. I think the reviewers have given the 4 cyl a bad rap. Mine is just fine.

Good Christ! I tried to remove mine yesterday. Arnold Schwarzenegger couldn't pull that thing off.....

Welcome to the forum! Here's a quick test for your "clunking" when shifting: On level ground, engine running, shift to Neutral while keeping your foot on the brake. Then shift into D. If the clunk is reduced, what you are feeling is the takeup or a slight amount of slack in the driveline. Remembering that a automatic transmission is nothing more than a hydraulic pump, and when changing directions of oil flow, a certain amount of "clunk" or thump is normal. More pronounced in some vehicles than others depending on the design of the engine and transmission mount system. Unless you start to experience odd noises while in motion, or on acceleration, I wouldn't be overly concerned. If you still feel uneasy about it, have a reputable shop take look. Cars are mechanical objects. Don't beat yourself up over it. Hope you get many enjoyable miles (or Km) out of your Journey.

Welcome to the forum! I wanted a 14 model in Copperhead Pearl...sadly it was not to be. And i couldn't find one with low enough miles to make it worthwhile.

Welcome!

Welcome to the forum!

It is a rare event when I have to carry passengers other than the wife and a 120 lb dog. I could have done without the 3rd row seat. The storage would have been preferable to me. But the bonus was the very nice rear a/c system which really keeps Brutus comfortable. For big jobs we have the 04 Durango battle wagon

Welcome and enjoy your new ride!

I'll give it a try. At least it would keep 2L soda bottles from rolling around the back when grocery shopping.

Not enough to pay $63.00 for the rear cargo net! My Journey did not come with the nifty net for the rear cargo compartment. Ok, not a problem. Stopped by my dealer this afternoon while out running some errands. Part # 05023972AB No discount offered, nada. I told the parts guy, " I like you guys, but not that much." Ebay to the rescue! New in the original package for $18 including shipping.

Welcome!

Absolutely. Explain your concerns in the form of a suggestion. One thing about repair orders. If it was done, it is written down. The tech should document every check or repair they do. If it's not on the RO, it wasn't done. Think of troubleshooting a problem with your vehicle in this manner: There are many suspects, But only one true criminal. Just like a murder mystery. Sometimes they contribute, but are rarely the one that causes the problem. On your rough idle issue: Did this problem show itself before the short block was installed? If not how long after the engine work was performed? Part failure? Easy to diagnose Labor issue? Not so easy, Always look where the last guy worked.

Ok, that information was helpful Corey. Sounds like you have a pretty good dialog going on with your dealer. And that's a good thing Too many people come onto a forum and don't clarify what has been done and what hasn't. Thanks for posting the information. Rough idle issues are sometimes difficult to find. A very small minor vacuum leak can create havoc Since the short block was replaced, there is a possibility that a connection is compromised. It will be noticed at idle but not at driving or acceleration speeds. You might suggest to the service manager that a check be done on all of the vacuum lines and the intake manifold. Drive axles- the noise you describe points to the CV or constant velocity joints. Did the dealer rebuild the axle assemblys or replace them with new ones? A point you need to address with your dealer. Tire wear- It doesn't take much to knock a FWD vehicle out of alignment. One good pothole or hitting a curb can push things out of alignment just enough to cause uneven tire wear. Uneven inflation is another problem. And as tires wear the balance points will change. It is not unusual to have to rebalance tires or at least check them when they are rotated. Hope some of this is helpful to you.

I have to ask if you contacted customer service or asked the service manager for a meeting with the factory rep. Either you have the most inept dealer service department in the country or something else is going on that is not being said. Driveline bolts have Loctite on them from the factory to prevent the problem you are describing. When someone says that they went through a set of tires in 25K, it makes me wonder about their driving habits and how hard do you beat on that vehicle? Mechanical devices are not perfect. But the same repeated issue over three years? Is there something that we don't know? Don't mean to sound disbelieving, but it sure looks like the whole story is not being told. No dealer in their right mind would refuse a three year old trade in on new car.

My only regret is that they did not offer the Copperhead Pearl on the '15 models. That's what I really wanted. Sadly finances didn't allow for the purchase of a '14 model. I found a couple of '14 models used with 30-44K on them. And they wanted as much for a new 15 with a full warranty. It made my choice a no brainer. GM has nothing out there that trips my trigger. Rounded corners, pretty blah designs. And I don't even look at Ford. I call the Journey a 3/4 sized Durango. Coming at you it's almost hard to tell the difference. Chrysler has taken longer to come up into technology than other makes. And they have been criticized for it. Much of the issues in reviews and owner complaints I believe are either buyers remorse or overly high expectations. If you as a buyer, are not willing to compromise in one way or the other, you will be unhappy. The best you can do is find the vehicle that will suit MOST of your expectations. You cant make everyone happy all the time.

Hello y'all! First week of ownership and wanted to put out my honest feelings about my new Journey. Despite all of the bad reviews of this model, no matter where you look. It is blatantly apparent that no automotive tester has little good to say about these cars. Unless it's an import they are testing. Then they get rave reviews. Anyhow, I truly think they have hired Ray Charles or Stevie Wonder to do the reviews. Truth be told, I love Chrysler products. Have only had a couple that weren't up par on certain things. Data: 2015 Journey SE/AVP 2.4L I4 Miles: 655 Date of Purchase: 6-11-15 Appearance: Excellent quality paint and fitment of doors, hood, hatchback. Interior panels snug and secure. Doors seal tightly with no wind or water leaks. Ride Quality: Excellent with good control over mountain roads and interstate travel. Very low road noise migrates into the cabin. Handling : Really nice tight turning radius! No drifting or tire grab during lane changes. Not a sports car, but good solid steering feel and control on tight country roads. Braking: Smooth and quiet with no pulsations. Visibility: Very good, despite the large A pillar design which makes you look twice just to make sure. Same as every other vehicle made today. Rear door windows are large and help in those over the shoulder or merging situations. Cargo Capacity: Will hold pretty much $600 worth of groceries! We shop once a month and the Journey swallowed it all with no problem! Performance and Fuel Economy: The 2.4 VVT is not the anemic slug people describe it as. Your not going to due burnouts like John Force with it, but during normal driving it accelerates smoothly and allows for good merging on acceleration ramps into traffic. Even in the upper rpm ranges (4000-5500) it doesn't sound like it wants to explode from the strain. Good mid range torque for it's displacement. The 4 speed auto may be outdated, but paired with this engine it works well, keeping it in the power band without a lot of upshifting and downshifting. I took a 315 mile trip on Thursday with it. Combination of Interstate and 62 miles over the Great Smokey Mtn Parkway. Parkway grades are between 5 and 8%. The Journey never strained to maintain 73 mph(Interstate) on the hills in East TN and NC. Pulling up over the parkway was no issue. The auto stick is wonderful on those long steep down grades, 2nd gear was all that was needed to maintain 30-35 mph coming down the twisty mountain roads. Average fuel economy for the 315 mile loop was 28.3 mpg, and hand calculated came up with 28.1 mpg. Accessories: The base radio and 4.3 uconnect work great. Best sounding stock sound system I have ever had in a vehicle. Yeah even listening to AC/DC and ZZ Top! I am extremely happy with my purchase. We will see how it does over the long term.