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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I GOT A LEMON - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By rtimbs - December 28 - 3:02 pmI just want everyone to know that my 2007 Dodge Nitro SLT is the worst vehicle I have ever owned. Not only is it the worst vehicle I have ever owned Beaman I is the worst place I have ever received service. They do not completly fix the problem they just fix in enough so it will run. I have a problem with the ABS light and the speedometor not working. It happen last year and the service dept. at beaman did just enough to get it working again and now that the warranty has run out it has gone out again. I will neve own another Dodge product nor will I ever send anyone to beaman dodge to buy a vehicle. They talk a good game but when something goes wrong they want fix it.
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Nitro stinkz - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By t - December 22 - 9:49 pmI think the Nitro stinkz.I will never recommend anyone to buy one. It gets bad gas mileage, it handles very, very poorly, Side mirrors are to big they get in the way. You cant see cars at the stop signs. Sunroof leaked.
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Do NOT buy thisTruck - 2008 Dodge Nitro
By CJ621 - December 16 - 7:45 pmMy Nitro has had problems from the get go. 2 months after purchase the d/s door lock literally fell apart. The truck is lock & unlocked with the remote?? The gas tank now spews gas when filled. Dealer said it was a "defect" but we are no looking at a total of 3 days in service and they REFUSE to offer me a loaner!! This is a SAFETY issue. The fuel filler neck needs to be replaced. I was also informed that the radio has to be replaced as well...This truck is 16 months old! With ALL issues itÂ’s a total of 5-6 days in service and NO help with a loaner. They are, bit by bit rebuilding this truck...EVERYTHING is a "defect" Worse vehicle I have ever owned! Do not recommend
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First 3 months OCT - DEC 09 - 2009 Dodge Nitro
By SilentWarrior - December 10 - 8:29 amB+ Sweet SUV! Love it! High ride. Not sluggish as others have said, when cornering the computer protects vehicle from over acceleration. Can override w/EVP off. I DONT RECOMMEND THIS! Runs fast off line for 4000 lbs V6. R/T has even better performance. Best mileage w/ cruise control (highway 27 mpg). Rear seats nice & roomy, however exiting vehicle is awkward, especially for children < 10 (due to height of vehicle and far forward short floor). Front leg room is a little narrow. Has interior wind buffeting if only rear window down. Warms up quickly for heat/defrost (~10 min. at 10F). Cat Back exhaust makes vehicle growl. Turn off 4WD before tight turns like parking in mall.
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great vehicle - 2008 Dodge Nitro
By TODD - December 3 - 10:42 amThe towing is amazing. I tow a big camper and a horse trailer, neither sinks the suspension. Power, ride, and handling are all good. I have had nothing fixed as of yet. A rock solid vehicle for smaller people. My only complaint is I am a bigger guy and the seat is just to high, steering wheel is to low.
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HONEST OPINION - 2008 Dodge Nitro
By T-FERN - November 30 - 8:04 pmIve owned my 2008 Dodge Nitro for almost 2yrs now, I can honestly say its one of the best vehicles Ive owned so far. I chose to get the 4x4 and I live in upstate NY where we get a few feet of snow every snow fall. The Nitro handles great in the snow, and can really bite into the deep stuff with no issues. I get A LOT of compliments on my Nitro, from the color to the design,to people saying it looks "tough" and I feel extremely safe everytime I drive it in bad weather. I can def see myself buying the same vehicle in the future as long as they continue keeping the Nitro rugged, and aggresive. This vehicle is an suv..and it rides, and handles like one. I love it.
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NITRO great look - 2009 Dodge Nitro
By Bill - November 20 - 8:23 pmNice looking inside and out, great design , rides rough , a little slugish,and poor fuel econemy. but great for the money I am Happy with it.
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Love my Nitro! - 2008 Dodge Nitro
By Bev - November 13 - 8:58 amIve had my Nitro for 2 years now, putting on roughly 35,000 km each year. Love it! Husband says not enough space for him (he is 62) but I dont have an issue. Very sporty, fun to drive, easy to park, can haul lots with the fold down seats. Mileage could be better but heh, its a SUV, they are all the same arent they? Havent had many problems at all. Tire pressue gauge is touchy would be the only thing Ive have to say negative in 2 years hauling 2 busy kids around, living on a gravel road in rural Alberta.
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fun to drive - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By danielle - November 2 - 8:53 pmi love this car its fun its comfy and roomy i love the u connect feature i love the slide out floor in the trunk area makes it easy to get to stuff in the back it holds a ton of stuff as a soccer mom trust me it holds alot i love this car so does the family
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Bad Choice...DONT BUY - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By Deann - October 29 - 1:05 pmEver since I purchased the nitro i have had nothing but problems with it every time i take it in to get service they have a number of recalls and usually keep my suv for 5 days.. the roof racks have riped off 3 times, cant get the door to the gas cap open without a stick because the casing is broke for the 2 time there is no foot space on the driver side....sometimes it wont start... the engine light comes on and off continously...pieces of the interior vents are falling off...just a all around bad car
