Overview & Reviews

In general, small-to-midsize SUVs are pretty conservative in terms of their styling and design. One exception, however, was the Dodge Nitro. Mechanically, the Nitro was related to the rather pedestrian Jeep Liberty. It was a unibody design, but the non-independent rear suspension, standard rear-drive configuration (with four-wheel drive optional) and large-displacement V6 engines all pointed to the platform's truckish roots.

Yet the Nitro had a retro look that was all its own, with a high waistline, big wheels and aggressively flared fenders. Unfortunately, this Dodge's beauty was only skin deep. Its handling was subpar and its interior disappointed due to a lack of quality. Used SUV buyers can do better than the Dodge Nitro.

Used Dodge Nitro Models
The Dodge Nitro was a five-passenger midsize SUV produced from 2007-'11. It was based on Jeep's Liberty, but the Dodge was tuned a bit more for on-road use and offered a large, optional V6 engine. Otherwise, they are very similar.

The base engine was a 210-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 paired to a four-speed automatic (a six-speed manual was standard for 2007 and '08). Rear-wheel drive and four-wheel drive were available on all Nitro models, with the latter being a part-time system with high- and low-range gearing. A 260-hp 4.0-liter V6 paired to a five-speed automatic was standard on the R/T, Detonator and Shock trims.

Originally, the base trim was known as SXT, but was changed to SE for 2009, then Heat for '10. Regardless of what Dodge called it, the base Nitro came standard with air-conditioning, an auxiliary audio jack and a roof rack. The Heat at least added some visual flair, with 20-inch chrome-clad rims versus the originally standard 16-inch steel wheels. Features available on the upper trims (SLT and R/T originally, then Detonator and Shock for 2010) included a sunroof, leather upholstery, heated seats, navigation, upgraded sound systems, and in later model years, Bluetooth.

In Dodge Nitro reviews, we found acceleration to be disappointing with the 3.7-liter engine, but adequate with the 4.0-liter V6. There wasn't much of a fuel economy penalty with the bigger V6, either -- city and highway estimates for the two engines were almost identically poor. Customers interested in extracting maximum performance from their Nitros should gravitate toward the bigger power plant. However, handling and ride quality were below average even after Dodge altered the suspension tuning for '09.

Inside, the Nitro had an industrial feel, though faux aluminum accents brightened the place up a bit. Materials quality was unimpressive for this class, and a few plastics stand out as unacceptably low-grade. Cargo space was decent among compact SUVs, at least, and the Nitro SLT trim level came with a slide-out cargo floor with tie-down points known as Load 'n Go.

User Reviews:

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  2007 dodge nitro SLT owner’s review - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Jordan - August 24 - 7:16 am

  I’ve been a owner of a 2007 dodge nitro slt for about three months now which i bought with 82k miles on it for 9k. I’ve already had to replace my entire exhaust, brake lights, and my front turn signals outside of fluid changes. If you can find one for less than $10k with decent milage i would buy one again but be aware that electrical/wiring malfunction will happen as this car ages but overall it has a stong engine that won’t break down as long as your changing your oil. Suspension feels great as well i live in a area with lots of potholes and it takes them as well as a truck would.Radio system is outdated but works really well it has a impressive bass and audio system on it and comes with an aux adapter. Gas milage is average at best but that’s every SUV. Overall i’d rate it 6.5/10 i’d say 9 but the wiring issues i’ve had to fix for my model nitro within just a few months drops a few points.

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  Idiling problems - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By plank3 - December 17 - 11:18 pm

  First vehicle that I bought brand new. The first three years were great but now the truck will stall when idling. I have taken the vehicle back to the dealership for service but the problem cannot be reproduce. Only have 70k on it. Any suggestions?

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  Over 5 year relationship with Dodge service.... - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By llopez16 - April 24 - 3:07 pm

  When I first purchased this vehicle there were a few hiccups & Dodge service did a decent job of taking care of them. But as time has progressed the way things have been handled has gotten worse & worse. I have the lifetime power train & lifetime electrical warranties & now that dodge needs to make good on some things its taking an insane amount of time for them to get the work complete. As of tomorrow they will have had my vehicle 3 1/2 weeks for a clutch & transmission issue. These issues are all over the internet & it still took them a really long time to diagnose & now even though there have been issues all along they are still charging me for the clutch.

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  not as happy as others seem to be - 2011 Dodge Nitro
  By soonerfanfl - April 16 - 8:28 am

  I bought my Nitro late in the year (Nov). Enjoyed the ride and handling. Reminded me of my 2000 Pathfinder that I miss tremendously. I put over 200k miles on that car in 7 years and never had any issues at all. So far with the Nitro I have 43k in 16 months (I drive 30k a year) and the check engine light comes on occassionally. Not sure why. A/C blower went out right at 36,500 when the warranty ran out. Fortunately the dealership I bought it at fixed it w/o question. At 14k the head gasket blew and was leaking oil like a faucet. Still under warranty the dealership fixed it. Im still undecided whether I like the car or not. Of course, the engine light is on again.

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  It just keeps getting worse! - 2010 Dodge Nitro
  By plspikes - December 7 - 6:48 pm

  I loved it at first, but it just continues to mess up over and over and over. The first month, it just died. Had it towed, the dealer said it was an ignition problem and fixed it. Then a few months later, everything started going on - Id be driving down the road and the horn would start blaring full blast or the winshield wipers would come on full blast or the radio would crank itself all the way up. I had to pull over and turn the car off to make it stop. Dealer said it was some kind of computer thing and fixed it. This week my emission light came on, so today I couldnt get it inspected. Have to take it in again tomorrow. Seriously? Its a freakin brand new car!

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  Weaknessses in the Standard 3.7 L V6 4 Speed Auto - 2011 Dodge Nitro
  By badger377 - June 21 - 7:44 pm

  I recently rented a 2011 Dodge Nitro in a 10 day trip from Las Vegas and up into the mountains of Utah. The good - the car did not overheat, it was reasonbaly comfortable and roomy. Gas mileage was about what is rated. The bad includes the following: Under the load of two adults, two kids and two suitcases, the engine stuggled each time the air conditioning was turned on. The temperature conditions were between 70 - 100 F. Each time the AC unit was turned on under any load you would get a studdering similar to an alternator going out. I found thid quite annoying and would try the larger engine model before buying this. Try before you buy!

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  Looks Great But Look Elsewhere - 2011 Dodge Nitro
  By hu5k3y - February 22 - 8:57 pm

  It has a sharp body with aggressive lines but that is where the great qualities end. It has the potential to be a great light SUV with its size, sharp turning radius, and rear-end that refuses to loose grip but thats where the good qualities end. To create a light SUV dodge has made the front and back seats very compact so its far from roomy. The Nitros suspension transfers most every bump in the road to the passengers but doesnt have body roll like some SUVs. As the driver you feel unattached to the Nitro with the vague steering and throttle response. Fuel mileage is also a problem since its no better than its larger Dodge counterparts. In review, light SUV with no real feel or perks.

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  It grows on you - 2010 Dodge Nitro
  By Marine - October 26 - 2:00 am

  Our Jeep Commander was blown up by a dealership error (we think) and we were offered to opportunity to purchase a replacement vehicle with the dealership absorbing a great deal of the upside down ratio on the Jeep. The Nitro took about 1600 miles to break in, I was getting worried. Now it has settled down. I drive in the mountains of Colorado and the gearing on the Nitro is great for climbing the hills without downshifting. The mileage is awful - my RAM 1500 gets better mileage. The vehicle is cute and pugnacious looking, gets around parking lots well, has a smooth ride on the 17 inch tires (20s were rough). Its growing on me. My buyers remorse is fading away.

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  Avoid this dog - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Needanothercar - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Multiple electrical failures, intermittent service interruption of the satellite radio, trim and fascia falling off, fit and finish not up to snuff. Its the same old Dodge turd, re-badged and slapped with a fresh coat of paint. Theyve learned nothing since the 70s. Im going to willingly take a $3,000 hit to get out of this thing. Avoid it at all costs.

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  Not Happy - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By lisa - August 26 - 9:45 am

  To start we love the style and the amount of room inside the nitro. Bought it because our daughter is 61" and had to fit in the back seat. This where the love ends we have had so many issues with this SUV . We bought new hoping not to have repair bills. Not the case. Lots of broken non-functioning parts the latest the two front door handles broke within a week of each other now we have to open the windows to get out. SAFETY HAZARD YES. Very disappointed in this vehicle we will never buy Dodge again there has been no help from the dealership they always brush things off until the warranty is over. No more Dodges for us..