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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  Love It - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Linds - March 12 - 7:44 am

  I just purchased my Nitro..Dodge had no problem taking my truck and fixing the recalls...Every manufacturer makes mistakes get em fixed and u will love ur truck. I could get better gas mileage but everything else about the Nitro makes up for it! Most definitely a head turner, caught my eye the moment I saw it on the lot!

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  I am done with Dodge Vehicles - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Cpittman - March 1 - 10:46 pm

  I stumbled upon this site just now and cant believe how many others have had the exact same issues with their Nitro as I have. Snapped door handles, wipers that just quit (at the worse times), window motors that went out (a yr into owning the vehicle), uncarriage leaks from the front and rear, TERRIBLE gas mileage, dashboards lights that would all go out and vehicle stall. I was in a bad situation when I got the truck and pressed for time so I wasnt able to research this thing like I should have. If I could go back, I NEVER would have purchased this truck and the moment I am able, Im getting rid of it!

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  Great Vehicle - 2010 Dodge Nitro
  By RjinSac - February 23 - 7:22 pm

  Ive had my Nitro just over a month now, I love the car, I have had no problems with it, It drives great, gas mileage is on low side. Really a fun car to drive.

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  Best SUV ever Purchased - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By 07 R/T - February 10 - 7:57 pm

  I have almost 75,000 miles on this now and it still runs great. My only gripe is the noisy rear carrier bearing. Overall love it, the 4.0 has awesome power and performance.

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  Disappointed Buyer - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Disappointed Buyer - February 2 - 6:35 pm

  I love the look of the Dodge Nitro but it has not been a reliable car. Its possible I received a lemon because I have had the following problems.. 1. Back Windshield Wiper snapped in half the second time it was used. 2. At least twice a month the dash board lights all come on, the bells start ringing and the car stalls for a moment and then runs again. 3. 2 of the 4 windows do not work. 4. 2 of the 4 door handles snapped in half so you have to roll down the working window to open the door from the outside. 5. Windshield wipers stall when it rains hard. (Almost had an accident from this). 6. Brakes making noises. Called Chrysler regarding recalls. They said vin doesn match recalls.

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  In Love with my Nitro - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By GLo - February 1 - 2:21 pm

  Bought my Nitro used and absolutely in love with it. Ive owned it for a month now and still cant wait to just get in it and drive. Mine has the 3.7 liter which will throw your head back when the pedal is pressed, but will make your heart stop when you see the gas gauge drop. Not used to the MPG for an SUV as Ive always owned a car. The Nitro is great for long trips. Plenty of room for passengers and luggage. Just an all around great vehicle. Love my Nitro!

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  mistake ? - 2010 Dodge Nitro
  By js - January 30 - 2:05 pm

  Brand new only 700 miles, vibration at 65 mph, could be a tire or balancing, fuel economy is worse than i thought it would be, 14 mpg last tank with about 10 miles of 4wd. I like the looks and didnt notice any issues during my test drive but I am beginning to wonder if it was the right choice. Beware

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  Nitro Has been a Great Car/SUV!! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Makadoodle - January 19 - 6:57 pm

  The dealership was awesome to work with! This is the 1st SUV I have ever owned. I have had 3-Chrysler 300M since 1999. Great performance-Good Mileage-Lots of people ask me, "What is that your driven, WOW, I love it!!

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  It is what it is ! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By tom - January 1 - 12:11 am

  This Nitro parked in my garage is buy far the best 4 wheel drive Ive had in several years. Its 4 wheel drive out performs that of my Grand cherokee Limited. Sure there has been a few recalls. So what! Recalls are fixed free. I have 30,000 on this Nitro now and I cant complain at all. You take care of it and it will take care of you.

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  GO NITRO - 2009 Dodge Nitro
  By william - December 31 - 6:00 pm

  Nice Truck , fun to drive Great price, LOVE THE LOOK !!!!!! lacks power , but drives nice, drove a 2009 equinox not as nice as my Nitro ,,, TWO THUMBS UP