Cars are like people: some can be hard to figure out and full of character issues. That's especially true when an automaker, like Dodge, wants to pioneer a new genre with a vehicle that combines many different styles, like the Journey.

The Dodge Journey is part minivan, part SUV.

The Dodge Journey is part minivan, part SUV, yet it fails to be categorized as a true crossover. Similar to the introduction of the "revolutionary" Autobeaucoup in the 1980s, Dodge wants to resurrect an overlooked though functional market segment: full-size family cars.

Not a minivan at all
I can hear young dads express their dissatisfaction: "yet another minivan that wants to look hip and trendy". These men, who are used to drive their own little cars, can't bear the idea of being seen behind the wheel of such vehicles. They still have their pride!

But what Dodge has done with the Journey is a smart move, actually. In terms of size, it's smaller than a traditional minivan, although it can still accommodate, in some configurations (like my tester's), up to seven passengers with decent room.

Of course, the third-row seats are not suited for everyone. Access is complicated, the cushions are hard and the freedom of movement is limited. But if you want to take your kid and his soccer friends to the practice field, the Journey proves to be an interesting hauler.

You don't need a third row? No problem. Simply fold the seats into the floor and you'll wind up with a spacious and functional 5-seat truck, offering a generous cargo area complete with a wonderful reversible floor panel (fabric on one side, washable vinyl on the other).

The Journey has a large and practical cargo space once the third row seat is folded.

Well thought-out interior
To emphasize its family aspirations, the Journey offers an impressive number of storage bins and pockets, including a nifty compartment under the front passenger seat and the famous Chill Zone right above the traditional glove box.

The dashboard features soft-touch plastics and, more importantly, a pretty attractive layout.

There's also a storage bin in the middle of the dashboard, although I preferred not to use it. Why? My tester's featured a small, ill-designed door made of hard plastic and, as a result, there was a lot of creaking in that area.

Fortunately, the rest of the dashboard features soft-touch plastics (Alleluia!) and, more importantly, a pretty attractive layout.

While the gauges are a tad small, their backlighting is soothing and easy to adjust; with the green characters, it made for a nice-looking, well-executed interior. And of course, because it's a Dodge, the all-new Journey benefits from the company's latest technologies, including the famous Yes Essentials seat fabric that's virtually stain-proof, as well as the MyGig multimedia system with hard drive for audio file upload.

To keep the kids happy and give a little rest to the parents, buyers can also select a rear-seat entertainment system, which is optional on higher-end models. It might seem unnecessary, but I'll tell you: a multiple-hour drive with a 9-year-old who's riveted to the screen feels much shorter than a quick trip without the DVD player but with said kid screaming over your shoulder.

A bit of power, please
The 2009 Dodge Journey is available with a V6 engine that's reportedly capable and efficient. My tester, on the other hand, made do with a 4-cylinder mill and a 4-speed autobox that weren't always good teammates.

Under acceleration, for instance, the transmission never seems to fulfill its mission, while the engine struggles to deliver the bursts you're looking for. Once up to speed, however, the operation is almost dead silent and it's like you forgot all about its shortcomings.

The Journey comes equipped with a 4-cylinder mill and a 4-speed autobox as standard equipment.

Also worth mentioning is the steering, which is way more pleasant than that of any minivan and feels more sedan-like than wagon-like. Of course, the Journey never claims to be a sporty vehicle, so don't expect a very entertaining driving experience.

In terms of size, it's smaller than a traditional minivan.

AM (or Anonymous Minivan)
Okay, I think I understand. You clearly don't want a minivan and you're reluctant to become a gas-guzzling SUV owner, but the arrival of your second or third child forces you to buy something bigger? Well, the 2009 Dodge Journey will fit the bill: no one will think you're driving a minivan, yet you'll enjoy all the benefits of this type of vehicle.

And seeing as how the starting price is quite low, you can easily afford to go on vacation with the whole family, and you behind the wheel of course...