Curious to know? This site has been operational for just over a decade, and we’ve never once reviewed a Dodge Journey. While it may not be the most glaring omission, one would think it should have occurred at some point. After all, the Journey enjoyed decent popularity as Dodge’s answer to the nearly minivan yet not quite SUV segment that typically attracts Subaru buyers. There remains a market for it—just speak to the 17 individuals who acquired one last year.
Indeed, even though production ceased in 2020, Dodge oddly managed to sell 17 brand-new Journeys in 2025, based on Stellantis’ end-of-year sales report. One could argue that the company has a talent for this, considering it also moved nine new Caravans, six Darts, and two Fiat 500Ls into driveways in the last year.
Adding to the peculiarity is that Dodge sold precisely zero Journeys in 2024. You couldn’t technically label this a 1,700% growth, as the line item commenced from zero. It seemed to indicate that the MPV was slowly fading away, having sold 36 units in 2023, but it has now made a surprising comeback. If this follows a similar trajectory to the Dart’s afterlife, we could continue to see new Journeys leaving dealer lots well into 2029.
Certainly, the Journey is dated, but one might forget just how dated. The original model year coincided with the beginning of Obama’s first term. Even the Dart, with a longer absence from production, is arguably a more “contemporary” car. The Journey predates the Fiat merger and originates from the era of DaimlerChrysler’s collaboration with Mitsubishi. Its platform is shared with the second-generation Outlander, the last Lancer, the Dodge Caliber and Avenger, the inaugural Jeep Compass and Patriot, and the Chrysler Sebring. You know, vehicles that are generally well-regarded.
Of course, one cannot fault anyone for opting to take possession of one when truly new cars have far surpassed affordability thresholds. The Journey’s starting price was $19,985 when it debuted 17 years ago. Nowadays, you’ll need nearly three grand more to drive off in a Nissan Sentra.
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**Dodge Distributes 17 New Journeys in 2022 Despite Model Termination in 2020**
In an unexpected twist, Dodge successfully sold 17 fresh units of the Journey model in 2022, even though the vehicle had officially been phased out in 2020. This situation prompts considerations regarding the automotive marketplace, consumer habits, and the aftermath of discontinued models still occupying a market space.
The Dodge Journey was a midsize crossover SUV introduced in 2008, targeting families and individuals in search of a versatile vehicle with plenty of space and various features. However, after years of dwindling sales and intensifying competition from modern alternatives, Dodge resolved to cease production of the Journey in 2020 as part of a broader strategy to refine the brand’s offerings and concentrate on more favored models.
Nevertheless, the Journey’s legacy continued to resonate with a niche audience. The 17 new vehicles sold in 2022 can be linked to several elements:
1. **Remaining Stock**: Following discontinuation, numerous dealerships were left with unsold vehicles. Some of these units remained on lots, and as they were sold, they contributed to the total sales tally for 2022.
2. **Buyer Interest**: The Journey boasted a dedicated customer base that valued its distinctive features, including adaptable seating configurations and roomy interiors. Even post-discontinuation, some consumers sought out new units, leading to sales from the leftover inventory.
3. **Market Conditions**: The automotive landscape in 2022 faced supply chain challenges and inventory shortages due to the global pandemic. Such circumstances may have led consumers to consider available models that were previously disregarded, including the Journey.
4. **Trends in Used Vehicle Market**: The appeal of used cars surged during this time, prompting some purchasers to select new Journeys as a more attractive option compared to pricier used vehicles driven up by demand.
5. **Customer Loyalty**: Dodge has established a robust brand presence, and many customers maintain loyalty to the brand. This allegiance can sometimes lead to sustained interest in older models, even after they have been phased out.
In summary, the sale of 17 new Dodge Journeys in 2022, despite its discontinuation two years earlier, emphasizes the intricacies of the automotive market. It highlights how remaining stock, consumer loyalty, and market conditions can all play significant roles in sales figures long after a model has been retired. As manufacturers navigate the shifting landscape of consumer desires and economic challenges, the Journey’s tale serves as a testament to the lasting influence a vehicle can have on its audience.
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