Geer

Another post got me thinking about what Dodge has done to the Journey R/T in the US market for 2011. In Canada, it's the top trim level/price class. This is consistent with the 40+ year heritage of the R/T which has always been the top trim & performance level for any model wearing the R/T moniker. R/T was introduced in 1966 on the Coronet, and up until the end of the real muscle era in '71, R/T always meant premium trim and more importantly, top drivetrain and suspension performance. R/T disappeared for years but resurfaced in the 90's. But until recently, the performance aspect was sidelined and they marketed braking, suspension, appearance and interior upgrades for the R/T line. Only until they reintroduced the Hemi did they put R/T back in the true performance bracket (and subsequently, SRT). So even the US 2010 Journey R/T was at the top of its echelon, but the 2011 model has it three trims (and thus equipment) below, behind Crew and Lux. I don't understand this, but I think it's a bit of a slap in the face to R/T heritage, especially when they've maintained status quo with the other current models (Charger, Challenger).

Welcome! Prepare to wait, my friend! I ordered my '11 R/T on Feb. 04 and while I don't know the build date, I believe it was at the very end of March or early April. It's in transit (expect 2-3 weeks...from Mexico) and still waiting. Dealer says by the end of this month. So a 10-12 week wait is likely. Hopefully you'll squeak in getting the 8.4 but you better check with your dealer because they've pulled the plug on them and if you're waiting that long for a build date I think you might not get one.

I bought a FWD V6 Equinox brand new in '07 and regretted, every day thereafter - not buying AWD. AWD will outperform FWD and RWD any day there's water, snow, or ice on the road - guaranteed - it's straight physics. RWD is great if you're driving dry streets year round, but if you have icy roads 5-6 months of the year like we do- forget it! I've had my share of RWD cars I've driven in the winter - forget about power hook-ups. Furthermore late-model Traction Control is pretty much a joke in my books, I turn it off in my Equinox any day it's slippery because I can control the acceleration better than the computer, which does nothing more than apply the brakes and cut throttle when wheel spin occurs. The only benefit RWD provides on slippery roads is maintaining steering in absence of traction at the drive wheels. RWD has its place in fair-weather performance cars. I have a '69 Dodge w/ 335 horse + 410 ft.lbs torque big-block 383 which I only drive in the summer - it's awesome. But I'd hate like hell to drive it in a winter setting, even with a posi rear end. Corollas would be passing me at every light.

Ouch, quite a blow to the Journey IMO. This is one of the things where Dodge really had blown the competition out of the water, Chevy has nothing that somes close, nor most of the other rivals. The 8.4 is a unit that you'd expect in a high-end automobile and is very sharp both in appearance and operation. The 4.3 is kinda ho-hum once you've seen that gigantic 8.4! Well, all I can say is I'm glad I ordered when I did. I'm expecting my R/T within a week now, and although I know what I ordered I'm still not 100% sure what I'll end up seeing on pick-up day. The new fascia might be hanging on it, or not. And the elusive bluetooth, well we all know about that story!

No matter, I've got this stacked against them. 1) online vehicle build sheet is showing "wireless connectivity" and 2) sales brochure says "Uconnect voice command and bluetooth" when ordering 8.4N. I'm going to demand it's installed if it shows up without it! I don't think the dealership will risk me walking out over a $300 add-on (knowing their cost is actually less). And they can pin it on Chrysler as well, IMO.

I'm pretty cheesed off about this (along with many other people). My Journey's not in yet, but I ordered the $750 NAV add-on to the 8.4, thinking I'd be getting bluetooth and voice command because that's included in the 8.4N spec in the sales brochure. The online spec for my ordered car says "wireless connectivity" is included, but I have this lousy feeling there will be no VC or Bluetooth when it arrives. And that's when I'll be calling the Chrysler Customer Care Line!!

They're not listed on the Canadian Dodge website, but they are in the Canada Sales Brochure. Also I believe some CDN members have them. I would have ordered them for my R/T but in Feb. the sales brochure was not available and the options list on the website is really lacking accurate information including options.

I ordered on Feb.4th (!) and still waiting...apparently in transit. I've heard it can be 2-1/2 weeks depending on location.

The mopar rear cargo tray is the same for '11 pretty sure. Go on the dodge.com (US) website to Owners and you can access the US 2011 Accessories catalog online and get the part numbers. I took those part numbers to my dealer and he checked prices to buy up here - some were very competetive, although they give me a 20% discount over retail.

Well that's crappy, if mine doesn't show up with it, I'll definitely make a fuss and let Chrysler know I'm not happy!

The Canada Sales brochure says voice command w/ bluetooth comes standard with the 8.4N (Nav ADD-ON)...it should, being the top of the line media centre/radio system. I ordered my '11 R/T with the 8.4N...I'll let you know what I find when its delivered within the next 2 weeks. However I did just check the spec list for my car, which is on the dealer inventory website, and under Options it does say 'wireless connectivity'. I wouldn't trust what the dodge.ca website says...its full of errors and discrepancies, including the 'Build & Price' section. I don't think they've got it set up to recognize that if you add the Nav option, you don't need to click on the $300 Voice command package as well because the bluetooth is already included with Nav. I think that $300 option is there for people who don't pony up for Nav.

There's alot of confusion about what equipment gets you the Bluetooth. The dodge.ca website says it's extra. However I just picked up the newly-available 2011 Journey sales brochure (very nice brochure by the way) and on the Uconnect page it says that if you order the 8.4N Uconnect which is the 8.4 media system with extra-cost navigation ($750) then it also includes the Uconnect voice package w/ Bluetooth. My R/T is coming in within 2-3 weeks so I guess I'll find out if that's true or not (I ponied up for the 8.4N).

For my fellow Great White Northerners looking to buy a Journey...check out the dodge.com (USA) website for Journey info- its WAY better then dodge.ca! http://www.dodge.com/en/2011/journey/virtual_tour.html vs. http://www.dodge.ca/en/vehicle_home.php?np=Journey&mc=JOU_SE No comparision...there's a ton more data, descriptions and pictures of the Journey models (check under Features and Specs drop-down). I bet the Canadian website has only 10% of the same content. Even though the models are different in the US market, the equipment is all the same. My biggest beef with the .ca website is the lack of technical specs like curb weight, turning radius etc etc. They really dropped the ball here. But the US site is much, much better. Furthermore you can input your VIN and check for Recalls, which is great IMO. For you guys wondering about issues with voice command and the Uconnect, I noticed under "my Ddoge" there is test info regarding this which may be of some use. Check it out! Brent in Wpg

Hey, welcome from Winnipeg. My R/T is due in the beginning of April, and how true about the roads and weather. I regretted not getting AWD when I bought my '07 Equinox new...right from day one. It will be worth every penny.

Oh, I thought I read your order date was Feb.28...so your ETA sounds reasonable.

You wil be waiting a while yet!! I ordered my R/T on Feb.2nd I just got back from checking with my dealer, its only now being loaded on to the train, and it's a long haul from Mexico! Supposed to be here in Winnipeg the first week of April. So you can probably anticipate late April/ early May delivery.

I ordered an '11 R/T AWD on Feb 2nd. Just my .02 but the '11 is worth paying a bit extra for, especially if you want the v6...the new 3.6 has 48 more horsepower, more torque, and is way more refined than the old 3.5 And then you have the rest of the updates to boot. All I added to my R/T is the trailer tow prep package and navigation radio. I stuck with the painted 19" wheels....I had a hard time paying $500 for plastic "chrome" wheelcovers (that's exactly what they are). To reply about price....I got the $2,000 chrysler incentive plus I talked the dealer out of another $2,200. The sticker price for my vehicle is $33,470...I am paying $29,270. Here's the link to the inventory page for my R/T which is in transit: http://www.winnipegdodge.com/new/Dodge/2011-Dodge-Journey-a4d05bd60a0a00640139ed6dbce48d48.htm No problems ordering an '11 even though they are trying to sell the '10s off, BTW.

(MOVED)

Hi all, I'm 38, married, 2 young girls 5 and almost 8. Structural Engineer for City of Winnipeg (up here in the great white north). Lease up next month for my '07 Chevy Equinox. Ordered an '11 R/T to replace it, that was about 5 weeks ago. Long time Dodge fan, but I hope they've worked most of the first-gen bugs out. The way I see it, Chrysler is dumping the pentastar engine into almost all of their fleet, so hopefully its bulletproof or they will have a hell of a problem on their hands!

OK my '11 Journey R/T is not in yet...but...we have a '10 Grand Caravan purchased new in the fall. 2 weeks ago my wife calls...there's no power steering. It was a very cold day, almost -30 celsius. I picked the car up and drove it armstrong-style to the dealership. Before I finish my sentance, the tech advisor knows what the problem is - return/low side hose has burst. This is at 4700km! He tells me they deal with several vehicles per day in cold weather, all the same problem. A big part of the problem is the p/s fluid turns thick in cold weather, and it doesn't pump properly through the system. Another symptom of this is a bad squealing sound at very cold start-up. They recommended changing to synthetic p/s fluid...parts/labour/tax $165 beyond the warranty repair. Chrysler won't pay for the fluid upgrade to synthetic. Not impressed, but the headache of lost time and inconvenience of a potential reocurence...well I paid the money and had it done. If you have this problem living in a cold climate, its worth considering. When my Journey comes in, I'll have it done before I even pick it up.

Hi there, thanks for the welcome. Its nice to hear the vote of confidence on the 3.6, thanks. My Journey will be a daily family hauler, much like you, so its good to know it does that job well for you. Next time in North Dakota I'll have to stop by a Dodge dealer and check out the US market Journeys. I know the Lux is at the top of the heap and it must be decked out with all the bells and whistles. Here in the great white north, the R/T is the top trim level for the Journey. And furthermore its the only trim level that has AWD available (and in fact you have no choice, there's no R/T FWD). So I had to pony up to the R/T to get the AWD. Yes, twist my arm to grudgingly take the leather interior and associated toys, LOL.

Hi guys and gals, Another Journey newbie signing in. I factory ordered an '11 Journey R/T AWD at the beginning of February to replace my '07 Chevy Equinox. Signed up for a black-on-black base R/T plus trailer tow prep and Navigation. Stayed with the painted aluminum wheels as I had a hard time paying $500 for chromed plastic wheel covers, plus the local dealers are putting the chromies on all their ordered cars so I just wanted to be slightly different. The Journey is part II of purging GM from my driveway. Last fall replaced our '07 Montana SV6 with a new stow 'n go Grand Caravan. While my Equinox has been a good vehicle, I regretted not getting an AWD model from day one...roads here are ice covered 5-6 months of the year. I also own a '69 Dodge Monaco 2-dr hardtop summer cruiser which I bought in 1996. Now there's a real car, folks. Didn't take too much convincing to sign up for the Journey, as the 283hp v6 is class leading, and power was at the top of my want-list (that being said- the Journey is also one of the heavier crossovers out there). But also for the std equipment on the R/T none of the rivals came close for equipment or price. The $2,000 factory incentive and $2,200 I talked the dealer out of also made this an easy choice! Looking forward to getting the Journey. I want to add a couple things, chrome R/T badge on each side, plus I'd really like to get the chrome side mouldings that are available on the US market Journeys, but not here for whatever reason. With my luck they'll come out with a Journey SRT6 next year, but the reviews on the new pentastar motor have been good.