Dodge enthusiasts howled when the Magnum wagon was canceled, but as a wagonlike replacement, the new Journey blows the doors off Magnum. Maybe not in performance or customized styling, but in how much it gives back to the growing family.

And Journey is sharp-looking, for a five- to seven-passenger utility vehicle that couldn't look too much like a station wagon or a minivan and not be an outright copy of any other Chrysler sport utility vehicle.

It is the antidote for minivan phobia.

Journey is sold in three trim levels, with all-wheel drive optional on the midrange and top-line SXT and R/T.

Pricing ranges from $19,985 to $28,295 for the R/T AWD. The R/T test vehicle was $33,595, which was equipped with many family-friendly extras, such as integrated, second-row child booster seats.

As with many Chrysler products, the base SE model is for those who want the steak of seat capacity and not the sizzle of the innovations. It comes with a 173-horsepower, 2.4-liter four-cylinder, a four-speed automatic and fuel economy ratings of 19 mpg city and 25 highway.

Standard features include steel wheels with 16-inch tires, power windows and mirrors, air conditioning (a rear unit is optional) and dual glove boxes with Cool Zone for a couple of cans or bottles.

With six air bags and a range of standard electronic safety aids, Journey scored top ratings in the government's crash tests. It received five stars for driver and passenger protection in frontal crashes and five stars for driver and for rear passenger in side-impact protection evaluations.

The midrange SXT ($22,985) will be the big seller, but option packages add up quickly. The R/T test vehicle had $7,050 in options.

A nicely equipped Journey is a vehicle built to endure the family ties that bind and stress. And it helps if you can remember where you've put what in its many storage areas.

Many of the interior innovations have been documented in TV commercials, such as the front passenger seat storage. The hinged seat bottom with bin below seems like one of those what-took-so-long ideas. It has to be a good place to stash something, but what? "Honey, can you stand up again, please, I need the other map." However, it prevents having power seat adjustment for the passenger.

The two cooler bins in the second-row floor have potential but time will tell how well the seals keep out dirt, snowmelt and food crumbs. Even with snap-shut, carpeted lids, floor mats will be a good idea.
Much of the flip-and-fold seat utility is adapted from Chrysler minivans, and is easy to use. The second-row seats have tilt-slide access to the third row, and they fold flat.

The second row is raised for passenger visibility. There are bag hooks on the driver's seat back, plus storage and a bottle holder in the doors. A 115-volt plug in the base of the center console can charge or power electronics.

Unfortunately, the center-seat position is narrow, uncomfortable and has no head restraint. The seat back is a better armrest, which pulls down to reveal cup holders and a notch to hold a music player, crayons or a couple bags of fries.

Durable plastics on door panels, cargo area and seat backs are of acceptable quality, but the coarse plastic in areas that are seen and touched every day could be better, particularly in a $34,000 vehicle. Even the Grand Caravan minivan has a better finish to its plastics.

The third-row seats are serviceable as short-term transit for small people. The seats fold flat with no struggle and also pull back into place easily. There's under-floor storage in the cargo area and even basement storage for the jack and tools.

The versatility and acceptable styling of the Journey are enough to sell it as a family vehicle, but the interior is quiet and the 235-hp, V-6 powertrain is potent with a refined six-speed automatic. I haven't tested the four-cylinder, but it could be challenged by a 4,000-pound curb weight.

The sport-tuned steering and suspension of the R/T model felt about right, but 19-inch tires and wheels push the turning circle to 39 feet. That's about a half-foot wider than the SXT with 17-inch wheels.

Fuel economy is acceptable at 16 mpg city and 23 highway with the "preferred" 89 octane. The mileage is the same as the Dodge Grand Caravan with the 3.8-liter V-6, which weighs about 400 pounds more than the Journey.

For those who need a minivan but wouldn't be caught driving one, the Journey has much of what a good minivan offers, but without the sliding doors and dutiful image.

Mark Maynard is driving in cyberspace at mark.maynard@uniontrib.com.

Click into Maynard's Garage blog site at weblog.signonsandiego.com/weblogs/garage/.