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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  my nitro - 2010 Dodge Nitro
  By Donald Rodriguez - January 8 - 3:24 pm

  Its been great, have no problem with this vehicle

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  Nitro 06 - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Craig Phillips - November 16 - 7:20 pm

  Good handling for an SUV. Very comfortable drive. Better than average gas mileage for its class. High value for the price.

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  Welcome to the future of style - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By korrykind - April 16 - 1:40 am

  Love the style. Fits the year. I’ve seen cool concepts for years. I’m glad that were finally starting to see them. The mileage could be better, but what do you expect? It’s on a truck chassis unlike all the new crossovers on a car chassis. Good ground clearance off road too. I got the 6 speed for the fun factor but I had to get body colored fenders. The others don’t look too good but just my opinion. Maybe I’m biased though I sell them brand new and maybe that makes me like them more. Anyway I love mine

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  Awesome - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By sentor35 - March 17 - 4:10 am

  Love this SUV. Very roomy compared to most I compared in its class. Looks outstanding, drives smoothly, and has some great features. I couldnt be more pleased!

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  My "TRO" - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Ida - February 9 - 10:50 pm

  I purchased the SLT 4x2, Black, oh what an eye catcher! The first week I took it to work I was in the parking lot during lunch every day, because my co- workers wanted to see it in and out. I even get people asking me to take them for a test ride in my SUV! It handles beautifully and my husband was so impressed on the handling of my Nitro he bought his two weeks later. I get between 22 and 27 miles per gallon (highway miles) city 19 miles per gallon). I have 4 grandchildren and I can ride all of them with comfort (no fighting). They love it! I am so glad I held out on purchasing a vehicle before the Nitro.

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  Love it - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By nitro rider - February 7 - 2:16 pm

  I bought this vehicle for my wife, however I have a hard time passing it on to my vehicle. I think if this was around when I bought my vehicle I would have bought it instead. My wife loves it also. I know we will be traveling in her vehicle more now. By the way we exchanged a Lincoln Navigator for it, and it rides better than the Navigator. It gives my Mercedes a run for the money.

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  Just Awesome! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Ragefire10 - December 4 - 8:10 am

  I saw this vehicle on a TV ad, and I had to have one! Ive never seen an SUV quite like this one. Its a blast to drive and very aggressive looking. The gas mileage isnt the best, but thats alright. This is the first Dodge Ive owned, and Im very happy with this truck! If you like it, but it! You wont regret it!

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  Dodge Nitro RT 4.0L 4WD - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Drake20 - December 4 - 4:56 am

  Had the car for a few days so far, and it is awesome. I love it far more than my GMC Sierra 4wd i owned previously. First off, the looks of the RT are fantastic, the Grill shines with chrome, as do the wheels which fit great, also the two tone dark bottom half and white upper half interior really sets it off. Guages, and all components work well, and premium sound system is excellent. Room for me in back, and I am 63, even with front seats all the way back, perfect if they are slightly forward. RT has plenty of power and a aggressive growl from the engine. I have averaged a little over 21 mpg so far, and it turns heads.

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  Great SUV if maintained - 2010 Dodge Nitro
  By ralph kennedy - February 17 - 11:43 pm

  Not produced anymore. This SUV was built on a Liberty Chassis. I have 160k on it and the front end needed prop shafts at about 125k. I think the SUV is comparable with most others in its class. I also put both front struts in and upper control arms. I feel this is normal for the mileage. So if you are buying and older Nitro have a mechanic check the front end.

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  Pretty cool - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By superd - February 17 - 9:03 pm

  I got my Nitro 2 weeks ago yesterday, and have to say its much better than I thought it would be. I get more looks in this truck than people get in more expensive SUVs, and its fun to drive.