Durango vs. Journey - That is the Question.
Professional
Joined: Jul 2012
Posts: 109
Likes: 0
From: Tyler, TX
I think the OP is smart to ask for opinions like this before purchasing. If more people did this you would not have near as many complaints. Too many folks buy more vehicle than they needed, then proceed to complain about its cost of ownership (example
eople that buy a full size crossover and then later complain because it gets full size cross over MPG's). Or people that buy less vehicle than needed and complain about its poor performance(example people that buy a crossover then complain because they dont have the ground clearance of an SUV). Etc......
More people would be happier with their purchase if they did the same, not because they purchased a better or worse vehicle, but because they purchased the right vehicle for their circumstances because they new all the pros and cons of the vehicles they were considering, and who better to aske than current owners.
I think the Durango is a great vehicle, but if the OP is replacing a minivan, and their kids are moving out, it might be too much vehicle for this circumstance.
eople that buy a full size crossover and then later complain because it gets full size cross over MPG's). Or people that buy less vehicle than needed and complain about its poor performance(example people that buy a crossover then complain because they dont have the ground clearance of an SUV). Etc......More people would be happier with their purchase if they did the same, not because they purchased a better or worse vehicle, but because they purchased the right vehicle for their circumstances because they new all the pros and cons of the vehicles they were considering, and who better to aske than current owners.
I think the Durango is a great vehicle, but if the OP is replacing a minivan, and their kids are moving out, it might be too much vehicle for this circumstance.
Professional
Joined: Jul 2013
Posts: 154
Likes: 0
From: Tampa
Thanks, Crew Member, and everyone else! I agree, a question like this brings out all the "my opinions," and can be quite subjective. That's partly why I asked for a bit more objective observations/facts such as durability, reliability, etc. (though they too can be anecdotal). But I appreciate everyone's subjective and objective feedback. Love the value of this forum! Thanks all, and I'd appreciate hearing from more!
Consumer Reports rates the Journey poor for predicted reliability and good for owner satisfaction, and is not recommended.
It rates the Durango good for predicted reliability and excellent for owner satisfaction, and IS recommended.
Record Breaker
Joined: Dec 2010
Posts: 1,873
Likes: 8
I would buy a Minivan before I buy a Journey, just personal preference... They priced about the same, but the Minivan are more dependable, more practical, and better resale value.
Quality wise, I think the Durango is way ahead of the Journey in every way (well, duh, for an extra 10k). Just test drive them, you can tell the obvious difference. Check out the Grand Cherokee too, it is practically the same car as the Durango.
If you do a lot of city driving, I assume fuel economy is a huge concern for you, right? Chrysler has a Jeep Cherokee that will hit the show room in another 2 or 3 month. 9 speed trans, i4 or V6 engine. They are roughly similar price and size of the Journey.
Quality wise, I think the Durango is way ahead of the Journey in every way (well, duh, for an extra 10k). Just test drive them, you can tell the obvious difference. Check out the Grand Cherokee too, it is practically the same car as the Durango.
If you do a lot of city driving, I assume fuel economy is a huge concern for you, right? Chrysler has a Jeep Cherokee that will hit the show room in another 2 or 3 month. 9 speed trans, i4 or V6 engine. They are roughly similar price and size of the Journey.
I have no opinion on the Journey, but I can say the 2012 Durango RT has been the worst vehicle purchase I have ever made. Sadly, I would rather drive my 2003 Pontiac Montana than my Durango.
Issues I have had in first 20000kms
Steering wheel wobble(still ongoing)
Vehicle pulled to the right(fixed a year after)
Clunk from the rear end(still on going)
Numerous creaks and rattles(seats, doors and roof liners) from day one(still on going)
Power seat memory not functioing(hit and miss)
Slight pop/surge(sensation of something catching than releasing) from rear end when proceeding from stop(ongoing).
Gas guzzler(my own fault as I knew this going into purchase).
Paint flaking off on the rear bumper (used touch up paint)
Pieces of metal fell into the paint during the painting process(fixed)
Radio has a tendancy to freeze or not link with Ipod(ongoing)
Clunk when shifting into gear(fixed)
Moulding which is located underneath wipers and covering windshield warped and had to be replaced(fixed)
Hestiates to shift on occassions(ongoing).
At this point I am just waiting for my TIPM to go as it seems this is a problem that appears to be growing as well.
Now that I have bashed the Durango here are the things I do like
Looks and Style
Hemi Power
Comfort and Space
Exhaust tone on the R/T is fine by me
Durango RT handles like my Charger RT
Seemed ok in winter even with the Kuhmo tires
I am just waiting to come even on my loan so I can trade or sell this vehicle. This is just my opinion and I'm sure there are lots of people out there that will defend the Durango
Issues I have had in first 20000kms
Steering wheel wobble(still ongoing)
Vehicle pulled to the right(fixed a year after)
Clunk from the rear end(still on going)
Numerous creaks and rattles(seats, doors and roof liners) from day one(still on going)
Power seat memory not functioing(hit and miss)
Slight pop/surge(sensation of something catching than releasing) from rear end when proceeding from stop(ongoing).
Gas guzzler(my own fault as I knew this going into purchase).
Paint flaking off on the rear bumper (used touch up paint)
Pieces of metal fell into the paint during the painting process(fixed)
Radio has a tendancy to freeze or not link with Ipod(ongoing)
Clunk when shifting into gear(fixed)
Moulding which is located underneath wipers and covering windshield warped and had to be replaced(fixed)
Hestiates to shift on occassions(ongoing).
At this point I am just waiting for my TIPM to go as it seems this is a problem that appears to be growing as well.
Now that I have bashed the Durango here are the things I do like
Looks and Style
Hemi Power
Comfort and Space
Exhaust tone on the R/T is fine by me
Durango RT handles like my Charger RT
Seemed ok in winter even with the Kuhmo tires
I am just waiting to come even on my loan so I can trade or sell this vehicle. This is just my opinion and I'm sure there are lots of people out there that will defend the Durango
Some sort of radio issue with Satellite radio or Ipod/Iphone I have had with almost all my cars, Toyota was the worst. Try the pedal recalibration for the hesitation or try driving in tow/haul and see if that makes a difference. Sometimes disconnecting the negative battery cable for 30 mins and letting all control modules reset can solve a lot of problems too.
I understand how you feel, but IMO all car brands have quality issues the difference comes in the customer service. I have family members that have more issues with their BMW's and Range Rovers then I do with my Ford's and Dodge, but they get taken care of very well at the dealer and by customer service.
And I believe the slipping or popping you feel is from the Hill assist setting. I read this on another forum. It doesn't even take an incline to set itself. Turn that off in your evic settings and you will feel difference. As Dreams said above all makes have their issues its how they are taken care of by service departments.
Keep your eyes open I got an inside word that engineering was/is handing down new alignment specs for 11-13 R/T D's..something about that after the suspensions settle in more after few weeks of ownership alignment is off a bit. My companies auto tech said Hunter alignment already notified him of a software change for them. As soon as he gets the software he will get my D to align, since he is a bit more skilled than avg.
STEVE
Keep your eyes open I got an inside word that engineering was/is handing down new alignment specs for 11-13 R/T D's..something about that after the suspensions settle in more after few weeks of ownership alignment is off a bit. My companies auto tech said Hunter alignment already notified him of a software change for them. As soon as he gets the software he will get my D to align, since he is a bit more skilled than avg.
STEVE
Amateur
Joined: Sep 2012
Posts: 30
Likes: 0
I've put over 190k miles on the Montana (had it since new. ). overall, the power train is OK, though it had a known issue with a valve cover or head gasket that needed replacing early in its life and was not covered under warranty. I had numerous issues with the rear AC unit and with the ABS sending units.
I've had the trans replaced with a used unit at about 160 k miles. The engine makes a disturbing "Knocking like" sound over 2000 RPMs that no one can seem to diagnose. The steering rack has been replaced.
The biggest issue with Monty (as we call him in our family) is that he's literally falling apart. Rust on the underside is eating its way outward. The headlamps are held on by basically luck, as is the font bumper cover. Just yesterday (no lie) the front air deflector fell off. The radiator support upon which it is attaches is basically rusted through so there'S nothing left to attach it to! Every time the van goes up on a lift the supports that are there for the lift bend and break as they are essentially pure rust.
Yes, I am in the northeast...but no other car I've had had such horrid rust issues after 10 years.
I can't WAIT for my Durango to be delivered...
And I believe the slipping or popping you feel is from the Hill assist setting. I read this on another forum. It doesn't even take an incline to set itself. Turn that off in your evic settings and you will feel difference. As Dreams said above all makes have their issues its how they are taken care of by service departments.
Keep your eyes open I got an inside word that engineering was/is handing down new alignment specs for 11-13 R/T D's..something about that after the suspensions settle in more after few weeks of ownership alignment is off a bit. My companies auto tech said Hunter alignment already notified him of a software change for them. As soon as he gets the software he will get my D to align, since he is a bit more skilled than avg.
STEVE
Keep your eyes open I got an inside word that engineering was/is handing down new alignment specs for 11-13 R/T D's..something about that after the suspensions settle in more after few weeks of ownership alignment is off a bit. My companies auto tech said Hunter alignment already notified him of a software change for them. As soon as he gets the software he will get my D to align, since he is a bit more skilled than avg.
STEVE
Veteran
Joined: Jun 2012
Posts: 353
Likes: 0
From: Earth
No, I had that issue too. It's really a programming false of the 4WD system. There is a TSB which covers this issue. It also has to do with bad steering in parking lots where in tight turns the cars doesn't want to go sideways (as the diff locks up). I had the TSB done even if my cars VIN was not on the list(!!!) and the issue is gone since then! Also the car feels now like "free". I always had the feeling that something is holding it back somehow. Especially in coasting situations where the cars was rolling. That felling is now also gone and MPG raised also a bit. I think the 4wd system was working more than it should in normal situations or overacts during off the line starts and locked which feels like this bump. Ever engaged the 4wd system during 3mph cruising? I always had this bump there too. So let the tech upload the TSB even if the cars is not on the list! It's worth a try. It helped on my D.
It was this here: http://www.wk2jeeps.com/tsb/tsb_wk2_2100313.pdf
If some of you have irratic shiftig or lame accelleration you should perform http://www.wk2jeeps.com/tsb/tsb_wk2_2100613.pdf. This also changed how the car drives now. It's still not that great like with the Hemifever tune I have but still better than before. This was one of the reasons I bought a Intune.
If some of you have irratic shiftig or lame accelleration you should perform http://www.wk2jeeps.com/tsb/tsb_wk2_2100613.pdf. This also changed how the car drives now. It's still not that great like with the Hemifever tune I have but still better than before. This was one of the reasons I bought a Intune.
