2009 Dodge Journey Preview

It's been a long, strange trip sinceU.S. buyers began switching, by the millions, from passenger cars to light trucks. Over the last two decades, pickups, vans and sport-utility vehicles have come to dominate the American market, but in lately, the seas are shifting in a different direction with a sudden surge back to small cars and, in particular, to crossovers-vehicles that deliver the ride, comfort and mileage of passenger cars, but much of the utility of traditional SUVs.

Japanese makers, notably Honda and Toyota, led the crossover shift, with products like the CR-V and RAV4. Detroit has been playing a game of catch-up, with Chrysler only now joining the party, as these preview pictures reveal.

In an unusual move, and one that suggests the automaker's increasingly global aspirations, the Dodge Division will unveil its new 2009 Journey at the upcoming Frankfurt Motor Show. The new crossover will begin its journey at U.S. dealerships during the first quarter of 2008, with versions earmarked for Europe and Asia to follow later in the year.

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THIS WEEK'S CAR NEWS

2009 Dodge Journey Preview (8/26/2007)
Chrysler crosses over into new market niche.

2008 Honda Accord Road Test (8/20/2007)
More than plain vanilla?

2008 Nissan Rogue Road Test (8/23/2007)
Nissan casts in with the cute-ute crowd.

2007 Ford Verve Concept (8/23/2007)
Ford's Fiesta concept preps for Frankfurt.

2009 Acura TL: Spied! (8/22/2007)

2009 Kia Soul: Spied! (8/21/2007)
Is funky crossover Kia's Scion?

2009 BMW Z4: Spied! (8/23/2007)
Getting in shape for a new generation.

2008 Bentley Continental GT: What's New (8/22/2007)
Bigger grille, lighter weight for '08.

2008 Bentley Continental GTC: What's New (8/22/2007)
Still powerfully sunny, and extravagantly equipped.

2008 Bentley Continental Flying Spur: What's New (8/22/2007)
Still the fastest of them all.

Nardelli Upbeat On Niche Markets (8/20/2007)
Prowler past echoes for Chrysler CEO at Cruise.

Wagoner: Automakers Gain in CAFE Debate (8/20/2007)
Detroit has voice in coming change.

Citroen Bringing C5 to Frankfurt (8/21/2007)
Concept gets carbon-fiber roof, green engine.

Motorsports on the Ropes? (8/22/2007)
Must racing change to survive?

Duesenberg "Meteor" Takes Pebble Beach (8/20/2007)
Unrestored classics make a bigger impact at August classic.

TCC Tip: Know Your Recalls (8/23/2007)
Get the upper hand by knowing how your car gets recalled.

Ask A Mechanic: August 21, 2007 (8/21/2007)
Worn brakes, rough starts, and old Mazdas.

Car Trivia: August 21, 2007 (8/21/2007)
Andy Griffith's cars, Chryslers down south, and Eliminators.

 

PODCAST: Alfa Romeo: Ready for a Comeback with 8C

After a more than decade-long absence, Alfa-Romeo is ready to make its return. The Italian automaker has pulled the wraps off its 8C Competizione, TheCarConnection.com reports, the limited-edition coupe that will herald the brand's U.S. revival. Paul Eisenstein has the complete story.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Thanks for the super coverage of the '07 Cruise. The photographs were done by a real enthusiast. Keep up the great work!

Tony

2007 Woodward Dream Cruise Rolls (8/17/2007)
Rumble on the boulevard.

Car Trivia: August 21, 2007

1. In the early 1970s, which Big Three company's dealers sold the DeTomaso Pantera sports car?

2. On what platform was the 1991-1996 Ford Escort based?

3. What road joins Dawson Creek, British Columbia and Fairbanks, Alaska?

4. What did Lara Croft drive in the 2001 movie Tomb Raider ?

5. What brand were the cop cars on the 1960s Andy Griffith Show ?

6. Who sang Paradise by the Dashboard Light ?

7. In 1980, this U.S.-built model introduced full-time, all-wheel-drive to the passenger-car market.

8. Which Chrysler car line was named for a 16th century Spaniard who explored the Mississippi?

9. Which U.S. carmaker advertised its Lifeguard safety design in 1956?

10. This 1969 model had an Eliminator performance-package option.

Get the answers to TCC Trivia