jaymista

Sorry to hear about this. Keep us posted as to what they find out was wrong, especially where and how the smoke got started.

I now have over 4000 miles on my SXT and my mileage has improved quite a bit. I hit 29 mpg (CDN gal) on the highway on a recent 1000 mile trip. During the trip, I covered mostly good roads but also hit some poorly paved and dirt roads. The Journey handled ok and I was very satisfied overall with the mileage I was getting.

Thanks for the heads up on this problem. I'm not surprised with the use of particle board with the need to reduce cost. Let us know if they can't repair it.

I got the idea re copying the extra key for myself from this site. Two weeks ago I got the key made and I have had to use it twice now because I dropped the key fob on the floor and had to use the valet key I got made to let me in the van. I keep the extra key in my wallet. I recommend this be done.

I checked my mileage and have been getting 20.8 mpg (Canadian gallons!). I have to slow down my driving a bit.

I am wondering what speed seems to be the most efficient or does it matter who is driving? I am averaging 18-20 mpg (US gallons) in cities and on highways. I usually drive my SXT 65-70 on highways but have never got much better mileage. I have just over 2500 miles on the Journey now. But you know, I really like to skip it up to 75-80 mph. The Journey seems to handle the road so well, much better than any vehicle I've ever owned ... so far. I was driving in the rain today and the road was wet ... but not dripping wet with puddles ... and the van and the tires owned the road. I felt like I was driving a bus. And my mileage was still going up even when I was driving at 80. I am getting a tank full of gas tomorrow and going to check my actual mileage.

I haven't had those problems yet but I have sensed my brakes weren't working quite right. I took the van in today and they said they were working normal but not fully broken in yet, whatever that means. Keep us posted if you don't reach some satisfaction in case there are others with the same problems you're having.

I'm finding it a bit too quiet too. But you are right. Since I got my Journey I have been a little less vocal and doing more reading. I have around 2400 miles (4000 km) and my MPG has got up to 20.9, US gallons, average of city and highway. My message came on today to get my first oil change. I bet your R/T is pretty impressive and your gas mileage will increase over time.

I got the same message at 2400 miles. There must be something to signal the first change be done around that time.

Works great! I am still dumping in my first bag.

I will be trying that out tomorrow! It seems like a simple solution that can't go wrong. But I am a firm believer in Murphy's Law.

What is a good way to handle garbage in the Journey? I was always able to use a small garbage waste basket in my former vehicle, a Dodge Caravan, because there was space between the two front seats. What are people doing to handle paper cups, used kleenex, etc. etc.

Check this out ... (This might be posted already.) http://wheels.ca/article/261323

Thanks for this information. I really like this offer and I have my Dodge dealer getting me a price tomorrow as to what it will cost if I purchase from the dealer.

I wanted one where they didn't have to cut the bumper. Most of the ones I checked could be seen below the bumper if the bumper wasn't cut. The hitch dealer I went to only carried two types for the Journey, Draw-Tite and the Hidden Hitch. A hitch adds to the versatility of your vehicle. I had one on my Caravan and towed three different types of trailers with it and also towed two cars and a cement mixer. You never know when you will need it. It won't be long before you have yours! Jay

I just got a Hidden Hitch added. I was worried it might end up lower than the mufflers but that is not the case. It projects out beyond the bumper about 1 3/4 inches but that is ok with me. Jay

My SXT did not come with fog lights. I am wondering if it would be very difficult to have a dealer now install fog lights or whether it can even be done. How would they handle a switch for the fog lights?

My wife and I saw one a few weeks ago and we haven't seen one on the road since here in New Brunswick, Canada. I know there have been several sold from my dealer alone so they are around somewhere. I have made the mistake of seeing some Dodge Calibers and thinking at first glance they were Journeys. There sure are a lot of Calibers out there. I want to see more Journeys on the road as I am worried about the price of parts later down the road. I figure the more Journeys sold, the less the price on parts will be.

I was in contact with my dealer today and pointed out the problem. They said they have an "expert" interior fellow who will look after the problem the first time I bring my car in for an oil change. They thought there must be some kind of clip or clips missing that should hold the part in place.

Rob, I did as you suggested and found my aluminum wheels are clear coated. I will have to be a bit more careful and will handle them as above. I'll have to watch how I do my tires for sure as I don't want anything eating into the clear coat on the wheels. Thanks for the detailed explanation (again!). You are a wealth of info and I hope you get your Journey in pretty soon. Jay

Can someone suggest how to maintain the finish on aluminum wheels? Can you just wax them and leave them? I was told some finishes used to shine up tires might screw up the aluminum if it gets on the aluminum. Any truth to that?

I have seen this term "The two-box design of the Journey" used in three or four magazines now but I don't understand what it means. Can someone explain this to me. Thanks.

So far I think I preferred the gear shift on the steering wheel instead of the floor. I had a 4 speed auto transmission in my last three vehicles and this new Journey is the first one I have had with the floor shift. It sure takes up a lot of space I always had available in the past. Is there some advantage to having it located on the floor? Is it the only way you could have an auto-shift feature on an automatic trans?

I ended up getting the FWD only because that is what the van had on it when they brought it in for me from another dealer. As it was, it did save me a bit of money in the end. I don't know if I will be able to afford winter tires this year the way gas is going up. Several people have advised me to get them though as I sometimes do a lot of driving in the snow making hops between 30-50 miles on a regular basis. I am not sure how these Kumho touring tires are in the winter.

Thanks for this info guys. Now I understand. I am going to go to the dealer on Monday and see if they can follow up. As you say Xphyle, it looks misshapen and I can see the molding from the outside of my car and it looks like hell. This is one time the use of a forum sure pays off.