Pros:** * The Dodge Journey got families on wheels, making it a reliable and practical car for many people.
* The car was affordable for buyers with bad credit, who might not have had other options.
* The Journey had a smooth ride and decent performance with the V6 and six-speed transmission.
* The car was reliable, with the author never getting a worse car than the Journey during their 100+ rental experiences.
**Cons:** * The Dodge Journey was often disliked by automotive enthusiasts, who might consider it a bland or unexciting car.
* The car's sales were negatively impacted by changes in financing terms... making it less accessible to buyers.
* Some critics might argue that the Journey was not a desirable car for those who value style or performance over practicality.
* The base 4-cylinder model with the 4-speed transmission was seen as underpowered and rough. **Neutral:** * The Journey's reliability and practicality are undeniable, making it a solid choice for some buyers.
* The car's affordability and accessibility were important for many people who might have otherwise been priced out of the car market.
**Inconclusive:** * The author's positive experience with the Journey might not be representative of all models or trim levels.
* The car's reputation among critics and enthusiasts is varied and subjective, "making it difficult to draw a definitive conclusion." **Social:** * The Sam Vimes boots theory of socio-economic unfairness is relevant to the Dodge Journey... as it highlights the struggles faced by those who cannot afford more expensive or desirable cars.
**Economic:** * The changes in financing terms and increased pricing might have impacted the Dodge Journey's sales, "making it less competitive in the market."
Some cars carry a reputation from the start of their production and long after they're gone. Some of these cars don't deserve the ink spilled against them. We've all seen hating on the Toyota Prius and cars like the Smart Fortwo. Even the Dodge Journey gets caught up in the crossfire. I think that context matters. The Dodge Journey may have been the bane of the automotive enthusiast, but it did get families on wheels, and I respect it for that.
