The lineup starts with the SE model at just $19,995. For that, you get a nicely-equipped five-passenger vehicle. This model features the company's famous 2.4L 4-cylinder world engine. When coupled to a four-speed overdrive automatic transaxle, this configuration provides more than adequate performance together with decent fuel economy (11.0/8.0 L/100 km city/highway).

The base model is fitted with an adequate 4-cylinder engine, but this V6 offers much more oomph.

If required, and for approximately $3k more, you can move up to the SXT model, which along with many added standard features, boosts performance utilizing a 3.5L V6 and a six-speed transaxle as standard fitment. (This configuration returns fuel economy ratings of 13.5/8.6 L/100 km city/highway for the FWD, and 14.2/9.0 L/100 km city/highway for the AWD version)

Of course, this being a Dodge product, for a further modest outlay, there is also a sporty R/T model available.

Speaking of which, all models are available with seven-passenger seating, and the best thing is, you won't have to sell the kids to provide it.

An AWD system is also available on the SXT and R/T models. In fact, if you go completely wild and spec the Journey out with Sat-Nav, leather, and all the bells and whistles available, you'll still be barely over $30k.

I'd say that Dodge has seriously got its pricing right on this one, and yet, in my mind, that's actually not the best part of the deal. What I liked most about the Dodge Journey is how the designers have really thought the vehicle through.

The design, particularly that of the interior, shows that they posses a real insight into what people truly need from a family vehicle. I guess that's not that surprising considering that the Journey comes from the daddy of all minivans.

The vehicle is absolutely loaded with storage compartments, and when I say loaded, I truly mean "loaded"!

There are two located under the rear passenger compartment floor, both capable of holding several cans of pop, or sandwiches, potato chips, or anything else for that matter. In fact, as they both have pull-out liners for ease of cleaning, if I were a fisherman (which I'm not), I could see them being utilized for carrying home the day's catch.

There is also a useful storage area positioned under the rear cargo floor.

Engineers have taken advantage of all the available space.