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:

• 

  Love My 2011 Dodge Nitro - 2011 Dodge Nitro
  By johnherrera305 - July 29 - 6:26 am

  Excellent value for mid-size SUV. I love my Bright Silver Nitro. Its stands out on the road. Comfortable vehicle. Plenty of room for my needs. Fun to drive.

• 

  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!

• 

  My first brand new vehicle what a bust - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By pearlmelodey - June 21 - 4:55 pm

  I am shocked that the issues with this vehicle has not been recalled for safety and public relations. My locks have gone out twice now, i replaced them only to have them go out again, door openers broke on both front doors. and air conditioning quit. locks and a/c are both electrical problems. Live in Texas can we say heat exhaustion in June...triple digit temps and I have no air. This is unacceptable. These are clearly factory defects that should be replaced at no cost to the owner. Did i mention I cant even open my hatch because there is only one key lock on truck. Im livid with the vehicle the company and the local dealership could care less..just that almighty dollar. B.S.

• 

  Wasnt sure about the Nitro but... - 2011 Dodge Nitro
  By evey1 - June 3 - 5:30 pm

  We purchased our Dodge Nitro December 2010. I read all of the reviews..poor performance but good reliability it said. After driving it for 6 months, I can say it is 100% reliable, excellent in the snow. I did not have a worry and made it to work in all of the snow. The interior isnt glamorous..could use a better design to match the exterior. Plenty of trunk space which I love having 2 kids. My husband talked me into buying this truck ..and I am pleasantly surprised..I love driving it.

• 

  2011 Dodge Nitro 4x2 Detonator - 2011 Dodge Nitro
  By duckettsteven - May 19 - 5:11 pm

  Amazing SUV!! Handles and dries great, very quiet comfortable cab. Its a head turner. Nothing but compliments from other people. I average about 19-22 MPG but i have added a cold air intake by mopar for more horsepower and better gas mileage. Tank usually lasts me about 350 miles. My children luv it. Car is more than worth the $$.

• 

  Nitro Glycerin - 2011 Dodge Nitro
  By sjs63 - May 6 - 7:27 pm

  Purchased March 2011, Put performance Chip and K&N filter and not only got much better Performance, but also a increase of over 5 MPG over 22-23 MPG on highway, was getting about 16 MPG. Handles great, tight suspension, can haul heavy payload with very little sway. I love it

• 

  Love the heat! - 2011 Dodge Nitro
  By gypzboyz - March 12 - 7:16 pm

  I have had my Dodge Nitro Heat for three months and I could not be more happy I love that it looks like a Hummer and people look to see what it is love the ride very sporty for a 4000lb suv the 20" rims set it apart and the price could not be beat from any other suv I looked at all before I got the Heat.

• 

  The Best Car I ever have (CRD version 4x4 SXT euro) - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By geetee2 - February 28 - 4:28 am

  I do not know why US people hate this vehicle so much. I have it for 2 years now - the UK/Euro version with 2.8crd VM diesel and it is just great! It is the sort of vehicle I was looking for years - 4WD, station, spacefull, strong but economic engine and looks great. I do bit of DH so I use to take loads of stuff with me when heading to the Alps. All my previous vehicles - scrappy jap MPVs were struggling with the load, sitting low, going slow(especially uphill) and the fuell consumption extremely high. Never have any mech problems, not even with the interior. yes, the quality of plastic is not great but this is workhorse not range rover, ok? problem with roofrails sorted by recall free

• 

  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.

• 

  This is why Chrysler went bankrupt. - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By ihatemynitro - February 8 - 9:34 am

  Ill never buy another Dodge. Its too bad because they look pretty cool. This one did. But what a shoddy piece of crap it has turned out to be. The roofrack is peeling from the roof, the breaklights work sporadically, the brake rotors are bad, the a/c evaporator coil is dead and Im told will take at least $1500 to fix. Lets see, what else? Oh yeah, the front passenger window finally gave up and wont roll down (at least its stuck up and not down). The window buttons on the drivers door only work to roll down the rear windows but they can only be rolled up from their respective door buttons. And the buttons come right off. The seats are cheap and the stitching is coming loose.