So I recently had the chance to take the Dodge Journey for a spin (review here).

Nothing exciting I know but it left me slightly impressed with the overall quality of the car. Interior plastics were better than expected and the myriad of storage locales around the car was a delightful addition.

So why did we hate American cars again? Bad plastics? Lousy and thirsty engines? Soft suspension setup? Someone needs to refresh my memory cos I've forgotten.

The last American car I had the chance to drive was the Hummer H3 and boy did that leave me hugely impressed. So, for me, the Journey has cleanly lacquered and sealed in those sentiments.

While driving it I kept comparing it to the Kia Sorento (review here). Although the Kia benefits from a far longer equipment list, leather seats and a much better designed interior, I couldn't help but appreciate how the Journey was a different animal altogether.

Seats were good quality fabric seats. Steering was light, which should be the case in such a family mover don't you guys agree? The Sorento had an unnatural mechanical weighted steering which didn't put you in contact with the road at all. You've got so many storage locations and even a air-conditioned compartment above the glove compartment. The rims on the Journey were smaller than the Sorento though, which left an ugly gap between the tyres and the arches.

Down to fuel economy though, the Journey does just a little worse than the Korean car. So why so much hate for the American again? Both cars are around the same price anyways.

I personally would take the Journey for its far more practical uses...what would you guys take?