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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  OUR RED NITRO - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By M&M - September 9 - 8:43 pm

  We bought our nitro new and has been flawless after 10 months. Have found no flaws in the paint and interior. I use 4x4 for snow. The seats are very comfortable. We average 20mpg overall mileage after 9000 miles. The sunroof chrome clad 17 inch wheels, red paint really gets noticed. It has plenty of power and rides good for a 4x4. It is a solid suv at a good price.

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  Dont buy - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By jsshou - August 29 - 9:59 am

  When I first brought the nitro I loved it but after having it for only 8 months I had been in the shop 4 or 5 times for the same reason (cutting off while driving) and every time they would say it was fixed and it wasnt I call the main office and they said it would have to happen again for them to do anything. I had a 2 year old and could not take the changed and trade the nitro in for a Chevy truck and went upside down $6000 because we paid 24,000 for the nitro and they only gave us 14,000 on it. Only 8 months after we brought it. I would not tell anyone to buy this car.

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  Beyond Disappointed! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By gr8dane - August 25 - 2:31 pm

  I bought my Nitro new and within 1 week, it was back in the shop to have the entire AC replaced. Here are my list of repairs for a 2 yr old car: AC replaced, door lock motors replaced 3 times, starter replaced, pass. side airbag repaired (said off when pass. in seat), center console replaced, outlet in back fell out of socket, car charger socket fell back into dash, 4x4 repaired, sunroof repaired, radio blaring when car is off (my personal fav), etc.

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  Weigh your options - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Nikkie - August 18 - 11:52 am

  Ive had my Nitro for two yeaers, no major problems besides brakes scratching alittle. The acceleration is somewhat poor but picks up when needed. The car look great and I get alot of compliments and turn heads. However, overall dont feel like its solid transportation

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  Never again. - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By suckycar - August 14 - 10:37 pm

  Nitro drives ok, but traction control comes on at random times, including dry conditions on flat roads at city speeds. At 36000 miles, just out of warranty, I had to replace the water pump and thermostat. Was still over heating so I took it to Clear Lake Dodge and they replaced the radiator free of charge. Drivers inside door handle broke about 100 miles ago. I have no idea why. MP3 input does not work properly. All lights and gauges will fail to operate from time to time. Must have a short some where. For having 50K miles, I think this is too many problems.

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  nitro!!!! - 2009 Dodge Nitro
  By dodgeman1129 - August 7 - 8:43 am

  The nitro is a great car it is fun to drive mpg is not the best but over all the nitro is a great car

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  2008 dodge nitro - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By Cindy in Poway - August 6 - 3:08 pm

  I bought a nitro 2 wheel drive RT loaded with tow package. I really like it, it drives good, controls are convenient. It is stylish, bright blue, I get good comments all the time.The only had to have a couple little things fixed. Gas mileage around town is only like 18-20 though. It pulls the boat fine. You can use 87 octane.A/C works great. I can find out temperature, gas mileage, etc. on display

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  Love it hot - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By 2007 RT nitro - July 25 - 8:43 am

  Its six weeks old love every thing about this SUV. Take time to research the vehicle first after that i choose the RT model. It has power to spare the handling is great for suv the 20 inch wheels are gorgeous. The gas mileage is according to foot pressure,easy and average 21.5 little harder about 19.I have owned three chevys prior to the nitro it is equal all areas, this vehicle is not for every one.Suv,s are not sports cars or luxury cars. But this SUV has passed my requirements

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  07 Nitro - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Sthrnbound - June 23 - 4:03 pm

  I bought the Nitro on a whim, but have had no regrets ever since. Ive had no Major problems with the truck. The only issues ive had is i wish chrysler put a manual lumber support in the drivers seat. Now the truck is 2 years old, i to have a rattle on my dash somewhere, minnor issues with the remote and the overdrive is acting up, activates at 45 and bogs the motor down less you speed up to over 50 or drop down yo 40 mph (chrysler knows about it), so dont hesitate to complain to your dealer or even chrysler about the issue, before your warranty runs out. Having said all that, I still luv my truck even after 2 years and Ive gotten more compliments out of the nitro then any Ive had.......

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  Awesome SUV - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By Akazm - May 26 - 9:39 pm

  I recently purchased a Dodge Nitro and so far I love it. Its MPG isnt great but it is a SUV, what do you expect? The look is awesome, great interior space, so many features, smooth and quiet ride, fun to drive. It can comfortably seat big men. The interior material is perfectly fine. For the price, it is worth every penny in my opinion.