Dodge Journey or Mazda 5?

We just got rid of our 2006 Ford Expedition and got a 2009 Jeep Grand Cherokee for my hubby. We are now looking at replacing my Ford Escape too. Since we gave up our 3rd row seat in getting the Jeep we thought I should get a car with one (we have a daughter and 3 boys from his previous marriage that are with us over the summer and some holidays). While we don't NEED the thrid row it would be nice so we wouldn't have to take 2 cars everywhere while the boys are with us. We are looking at the Dodge Journey - since he works for the dealer he gets a good deal on it, and it has the 3rd row seat. I overall like the vehicle - but am just not sold on a Dodge quite yet. We have also looked at the Mazda 5 and I like it as well, but the Journey does have quite a bit more room, on the other hand I know that Mazda makes a damn good vehicle....

So does anyone have any opinions on these 2 vehicles. I know there are moms out there with the Mazda5...but is there anyone that can tell me they love their Journey? Don't worry about resale value or payment as we only plan to finance it for 4 years and keep it for awhile after that.

I have had 3 Mazda 5's in the past 3 three years, each being the new years model. My husband works for Mazda, but I actually really like them. I just downgraded from a CX-9 to a Mazda 5. I got it because it holds 6 passengers fairly comfortably. I personally like the individual seats and not a bench. It makes it nice to install car seats. I will have two RF kids come August and occasionally take my niece and nephew who are still in boosters. If I want to get my large Graco stroller in it I do have to give up a seat, but I can fit a smaller stroller in the back without losing a seat.

The gas mileage is great and it drives very well. I like the sliding doors, especially with young kids, but it doesn't feel like a mini van.

For a smaller car that fits more passengers it is great car.

i too want a mazda 5...we have an 03 ford explorer and would really love to trade it in on one. anyone have pics of car seats in them?

we had a Journey for a rental late last fall and liked it. a bit too boxy feeling for my hubby.

No pics, but I can tell you that the Radian installs nicely, both RFing and FFing, in all 4 rear seats in the '09 Mazda5. The '07 (and 08?) have different seatbelt geometry in the third row, making FFing Radian incompatible.

RFing the Radian in the third row did require the second row to be moved all the way up. The Mazda5 requires the seat to be moved all the way back if a carseat is going to be installed on it, so you can't put a RN RFing behind another carseat.

It also has different rules for the second and third row about tether routing. Second row it must be under the headrest, third row it must be over. That might be a problem for some people if you can't keep track of which is which (or your SO can't )

The sliding doors are really nice for access. I also like that as DD gets older (we usually keep vehicles about 10 years), we won't have to worry about her hitting other vehicles with the door. You can also get to the third row if you have carseats installed in the second row, just by going between the seats.

A lot of reviews say the third row is only okay for little kids, and I don't get that. My big brother (and I do mean big, he's 300+ pounds) and I both sat in the third row and it was fine. Plenty of leg room. The shoulder belt was mounted high enough that it came from above my shoulder (didn't check his).

I think our next vehicle will be a Mazda5.

Sorry OP, I haven't seen the inside of the Journey, so I can't compare.

I really love our Mazda 5. I have no experience with the Journey, so I can't compare.

Our Mazda 5 has been great in terms of carseats, reliability, comfort, gas milage, and versatility. Fantastic car!