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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  Great SUV - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Monica O. - January 16 - 12:46 pm

  I have had my Dodge Nitro for a little over four months. Ive got to say that I love this car. I have the blue Dodge Nitro and its a head turner. I have not had any problems with it so far. I have travled in it a lot and to me it is great on gas on long trips. My family really enjoys this car. The nice part is that my son can spot our car easily. Hes three and her can tell you thats moms car. Not a lot of people have this car yet so its easy to spot. I was thinking about getting a Jeep Liberty but it seems that everywhere you turn there goes a Jeep Liberty. I wanted something different and thats exactly what this vehicle is.

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  Nice & easy - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By easy - January 11 - 11:58 pm

  I purchased my Nitro 4.0L R/T last year. I now have 16.9K miles. I still love it. Had a little noise in the engine compartment it was a loose power steering belt. Also, had a rattle coming from the leading edge of the roof rail. The leading edge of the roof rail is held down with double sided tape. Still a cool vehicle and its still nice and easy to me.

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  Love to be different - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By christos - January 8 - 2:20 pm

  This is an absolutely fantastic car! It is going to be a classic. I do not care what experts say it is a best value for money purchase in its class. If you do not want an egg for your car, if you want your car to be spacious, big enough for a five persons family but not too big, and quite adequate in every aspect, this is the car you should be looking for.

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  Nitro with an attitude - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By Peter - January 7 - 6:52 pm

  1st new car for myself and love it. It looks rough and rugged. Body style and the ride is what hooked me along with the price. Smooth ride, nice radio, great sun roof. Plenty of room in the back for storage. Goes like butter on the beach.

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  Evel Nitro - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By sunarab - January 7 - 6:33 pm

  I just love the performance and comfort of this vehicle. The satellite radio is fantastic. Just wish there wasnt an open area at the opening of the hatch back. Too much stuff lodge in that area. The 4wd works with a switch instead of a level and makes it so easy to switch. Just love this vehicle.

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  Great vehicle for the money, very happy! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Zel - January 4 - 1:03 pm

  I wanted the Nitro since I saw the commercials when they first came out. I had another year left on my XB lease, but wanted to wait to see what people had to say about the Nitros after owning them a few months. A friend of mine bought one soon after they came out and his has been trouble free the whole time. I bought one on 5/16/07 after extensive research and comparison to other vehicles. I will use it mainly for work and occasional vacation trips. It will have to haul around my tools, in hot city driving and be able to move in snow and ice. I also want to tow a boat one day. I now have 1000 miles and wanted to wait until now to see if any problems popped up, but so far it has been great!

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  very Impressed - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By turnstyle - December 30 - 11:03 am

  Ive had my Dodge Nitro SXT 4X4 for a little over a week and I couldnt be happier. I was a little nervous buying a brand new model Dodge that hasnt been on the road yet but so far I am extremely pleased! It looks amazing, the inside has tons of room, the engine is a nice size with great pickup, yet quiet when driving, the interior has a great layout and is extremely comfy, and the free year of Sirrius doesnt hurt either.

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  Love the SUV! - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By mkunz56 - December 28 - 3:41 pm

  I read the review by the customer that is obviously disgruntled, and couldnt disagree more! Ive worked in the automotive industry for years, and cant recommend the Nitro strongly enough. The only detractor that can readily be noticed is the fuel economy the 3.7L engine has my mileage at about 17 mpg (city). A little excessive if you ask me, but the rest of the car more than makes up for that. The Nitro is unbelievably stable for a vehicle its size. I own the 4 X 4, and found it to be great in snow. While evryone else was sliding, I was right on track. The styling right on the money, too. In short, you cant go wrong with this vehicle!

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  08 Nitro - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By Shawn&Angel - December 23 - 4:07 pm

  My wife wanted a Jeep so I test drove everything they had and bought the Nitro instead, The reason I gave this such a good rating is based on its price compared to everything else in its category. It is not the fastest nor most powerful thing I test drove but it was 7000 less than the next competitor and had much better performance per dollar and was so much more fun to drive than the super soft inadequate feeling suspension on the grandma grocery getter Jeeps I drove.

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  4.0 liter V6--R/T version - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By Petros - December 6 - 6:57 pm

  I tested both the 3.7 and the 4 liter engines and found that the 4 liter was a rocketship compared to the 3.7 engine. I purchased the 4 liter. The R/T package will also get you 20 inch wheels and a sports turned suspension. The R/T version handles as well as my Audi A4 in tight corners with this package and I am amazed at the quickness of this SUV. Very little lean. Fuel economy is rated at 21 miles per gallon and with only 350 miles, I am getting 18.2mpg. The interior fits my style and is very confortable. The slide and go storage is great for anyone with a sore back getting items out of the rear end. Built in GPS, subwoofer, bluetooth and 20 gig hard drive with Ipod plug in. I am happy.