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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  Real Nice Ride and Looks - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By frank66 - May 24 - 2:43 am

  This SUV is an all around awesome vehicle for the money. The other brands (mid size SUVs) I looked at were too cramped for space inside, too common looking, and even boring. The nicest ones were way up there in price, even before you add in options. The Dodge Nitro does everything I need from a SUV and does at a reasonable price.

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  Biggest mistake Ive ever made! - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By NoMoreDodge - May 7 - 12:39 pm

  We bought the R/T model with every option that you can get in one, except it didnt have a security system in it which makes no sense. From pretty much day one we have had nothing but problems with it. The A/C didnt work properly the first 4 months we owned it, Check engine light has come on numerous times, took it in they say nothing is wrong, passenger seat squeaks, parking brake dont work at all, rear windshield wiper breaks going through the car wash, now with only 26,500 miles on it the main computer (PCM) has to be replaced. Been in the shop for a week and part is still not in! Would recommend never buying one of these!

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  Good Buy - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Bordin - April 25 - 5:52 pm

  This car is nothing but fun. No problems with it at all. Recalls obviously but other then that no other repairs. Gas milage is surprisingly well. Great hauling vehicle. Lots of jump off dead starts, take any little 4 cylinder car anyday.

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  happy nitro customer - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By nitro owner - April 20 - 1:07 am

  Love the way it rides and the overall look is great.. Only a slight raddle int the dash but is 2 years used.. Love the front grill wide and mean.. They know its an suv when I pull up behind them. Read a few bad reviews but didnt pay much mind. Im a Chevy man but me and my wife love this thing and to the bad reviews, sounds like they should stay with there fords.. And leave Dodge alone they got everything under control with the nitro..

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  dont buy it - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By k. mchenry - April 18 - 11:56 am

  I have had nothing but problems - rattling - power windows not working taillights go out now I have a noise when I tap my brakes the noise continues even if i am not applying brake my jeep had this same problem - interior is plastic - I have noticed transmission when shifting is problematic -

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  In Love with a SUV!! - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By samijay - April 17 - 4:20 pm

  So Ive had this for about 2 weeks and am in love with it. I love the design and about everything in it as well. Anyways I dont have to worry about the small car hazards anymore. The roll-over factor of this suv is high and the gas mileage isnt great but those are the only two things I can find I dont like about it!

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  2nd Look - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By jill mcqueary - April 14 - 3:16 pm

  I have researched several SUVs for months and finally decided on the Nitro. I am so happy that I did. l have only had my Nitro 6 weeks, but so far have no complaints. I love the interior design, but the exterior design is what is catching onlooker attention. The handling has been impressive.

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  I Love my Nitro! - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By PLC - March 19 - 2:47 pm

  I drive, a lot! I spend about an hour a day if not more in my car so I really wanted something I could rely on and like. I LOVE my nitro!! Its super cute and just what I needed. I chose between this, the Pontiac G6, and the Ford Mustang. Yeah, a wide variety. I got this because of all the room!! I can take my 2 Labs everywhere with me and they ride comfortably. There are a couple things I would change but for the most part I absolutely LOVE it! It hasnt given me any problems yet (knock on wood) and Ive put almost 17K miles on it in 7 months! If you get one, give in and get the sound system. I didnt and wish I would have!

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  Rattles never stop - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Kay - March 19 - 7:17 am

  This is such a fun vehicle to drive. Unfortunately, it started to rattle (rattling noises inside) about 7 months after purchase. It has been in the shop 4 times already. The first couple of times, they tried packing foam in the offending areas. Then they decided to order new parts (dash area and right rear post) saying that the bevels were worn. Problem seemed to be solved for about one week and then it started all over again. Now it just seems to rattle everywhere. Im taking it back into the shop this week. I have my fingers crossed that they will get it right this time.

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  Roof rack - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By NitroGirl - March 13 - 6:07 pm

  I love My Nitro, But I have had many problems with it like I have had head lamps changed more than once and I have a water leek through the roof rack (theres a recall coming for it)my carpet in the back seat area gets soaked when it rains or washed and I live on the wet west coast and my tail light has moisture in it from somewere.