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 Les - October 27 - 8:29 pm

  I love everything about this vehicle. 23,000 and not a single problem. Drives great and runs great. Wouldnt change a thing.

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  Great Buy - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By gusser - October 27 - 2:45 pm

  We purchased on looks and very surprised with performance and reliability. In 33,000 miles the only repair has been the low tire warning sensor. We purchased the R/T package with the Tow kit. Miles are evenly split between city and highway. Only word of caution: the 20" std equipment tires will hydroplane easily. We will probably replace with ice/snow tires to improve road grip. Well buy another if still available at trade in time.

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  This Vehicle Leaks!!! - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By Denise - October 26 - 11:30 am

  Got this vehicle for Christmas 2007 and thank God that my car dealer is honest and loyal. This vehicle leaks from the roof!! Whenever theres a heavy rain, I have to go running back to my dealer. This is a terrible Manufacturers Flaw. Will never purchase another Dodge Nitro again!!

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  Not So Sure - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By Virginia - October 26 - 10:41 am

  I purchased my 08 Nitro because it had many of the features my other vehicle had standard. Of course I would still have my other vehicle (Mazda Trubute) except it was hit in the rear at 55mph and the damage was just to great. My Nitro had 52 miles on it and was considered used when I purchased it from the dealer. Since I have had the car the tire sensor goes off all the time indicating the tires are not equal pressure (I think its defective)the handling took a while to get use to sicne my Mazda SUV was far superior in the handling, breaking and turning. Im not crazy about the vehicle. I think you have to be a jeep lover or Dodge fan to enjoy this vehicle.

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  stuck for now - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By janetp - October 24 - 10:16 am

  I dont know where to begin to list the problems.lets start with the 4 acknowledged recalls, 2 of which could have killed you. here we go, the 1. rear top brake light was out by the time of first inspection, you cant replace the light bulb you have to replace the entire unit.2. all 4 tire sensors have gone at 150 each.3. headlights have been replaced 2 x, still only have 1 head lamp. 4. wipers work only in dry weather. 5fog lights blown already. 6.jumps out of 1,2,3rd gear, 7. cars wants to stall and bogs in wet weather. plastic on side of driver seat cracked and broken off.i have owned 4 dodge vehicles and am telling everyone never buy dodge again, they will not recognize any issues listed.

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  Love Mine! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By dk1677 - October 12 - 7:36 pm

  Over 4k no and no problems. My only trip to the dealer was an oil change. A fun SUV. Comfortable, good performance and ok gas mileage 16 around town. Very solid on the road. Mine is an automatic ( no SXT choice for that) I am very happy with my Nitro! Its a real head turner!

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  I hate it - 2009 Dodge Nitro
  By Mike - October 12 - 4:11 pm

  I hate this car the preformance is horrible it is not fun to drive I have broken down 3 times already I cant take it.

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  love this suv - 2009 Dodge Nitro
  By justus - October 9 - 4:58 pm

  love this nitro-lways wanted one, drives like a dream, fun to drive, love it love it love it

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  Would not buy another ..... - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Jean - October 3 - 12:48 pm

  Two weeks after purchasing this SUV, it went back to the dealer for various discrepancies. Problems started with brakes, roof rack, and electrical. Recently had rear brake jobs and returned the following day with ABS warning system and noisy when brake pedal is activated.

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  Nothing But Fun - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Samara - September 12 - 4:40 am

  I have owned 2 Ford Explorers. They were good, but this vehicle is a blast. I have eveything on my SLT except the navigation system. I am a teacher and a coach. The kids absolutely love it and the Sunburst Orange color really turns the heads.