Grand Magazine - July/August 2008 - (Page 65)

S P EC I A l AU To M oT I v E S EC T I o n The Dodge Journey has two integrated child seats raising children to the safety level of adult seat belts. Generational journey When was the last time an automotive manufacturer designed a vehicle for two different generations? I don’t think the station wagon or diesel truck planners had Gen Xers and boomers targeted in their brainstorming meetings. Well, times have changed, at least within the Dodge division of Chrysler. The 2009 Dodge Journey is a crossover that bridges the span from the young couple traveling with small children to the empty nesters with a lust for adventure and grandchildren in tow. This mid-size crossover isn’t bad on gasoline, has an available third row of seating, large cargo area, towing capacity, and the best use of floor space and cubbies of any vehicle I’ve tested; and it’s good-looking enough for Gen Xers and boomers to boast about. The most outstanding feature in the Journey is the use of space and technology, and the learning curve is relatively easy. The Journey’s MyGIG® system with integrated audio, navigation, entertainment and communication is all controlled by voice commands and a touch screen. There is an iPod interface, a rear-seat entertainment system, and the UConnect® hands-free communication system to promote safe driving. I’ve always wanted a place for my purse, and now there is one with the Journey’s “Flip ’n Stow” under the front passenger seat. The second row has in-floor storage bins that are actually ice buckets under your mats. A child observation mirror/sunglass holder enables the driver to see who-hit-whom without turning around. For children up to 4 feet 9 inches tall and between 48 and 85 pounds, boosters are integrated into two rear seats that raise the child into the adult safety belt zone. There are knee bolsters for boomers that protect our age-55-plus knee caps if the air bags are deployed. The rear back-up camera is great in case an object was left in the driveway or you wish to align your hitch with your towing preference; and last, but not least, there’s a built-in flashlight in the cargo area. The 2009 Dodge Journey starts at about $19,360 and tops off at $27,670. Estimated gas mileage for the base model is 19 mpg city/25 mpg highway. —Cathy Droz Cathy Droz writes a weekly column, “Boomer and X,” with daughter Melanie and has a radio show in Phoenix, Arizona. She is the proud grandmother of Jayden Droz. For more reviews visit www.twofortheroadusa.com. http://www.twofortheroadusa.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Grand Magazine - July/August 2008

Grand Magazine - July/August 2008 Contents Grand View: Love Is All That's Left Isn't It Grand?: Reassessing the Postponed Life Grand Central Just So We Know: One Mixed-Up Lemon Long-Distance Love: Cuttings Ask Grand: Stuck on Stuff Grand Gestures: "Thanks for the Ugly Gift" Tips on Teens: All That Doesn't Meet the Eye Live Long and Propser On the Cover: Peter Yarrow Presents of Mine Thicker Than Water? Reunions: White Water, White Knuckles The Grand Gourmet So We Are Not Alone Looking Grand: Suit-Able Grandbloggers: Why Watch TV When We Can Talk? Grand Bazaar Resources Grand Finale: What Boat

Grand Magazine - July/August 2008

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