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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  RT Model Worth The Money - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Rich From Baltimore - February 5 - 1:06 pm

  Love my Nitro RT Model. For a few thousand more you get 40 hp and 20 in chrome wheels and other little goodies. Drives and handles smaller than it looks. A sport car SUV? Get more looks than my Corvette. I see a lot of people are concerned with mpg. Reset your computer when driving on the highway. I tried it and was avg 25 mpg 65 mph. Fuel avg really drops when sitting or warming up vechicle. Have reset to 0 after 1st 1k avg 17.6 mpg.

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  High Country Nitro - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By BearlyNitro - January 11 - 8:10 pm

  Works well in the snow of Big Bear and the sand at Pismo Beach. Very fun to drive, so much fun that we have another on order and are trying very hard to sell my 2004 Toyota Sequoia. The first is an SLT w/auto trans, but mine will be an SXT with the manual trans. Getting all the options added to an SXT 4x4 w/manual is not easy. Good thing I know the general manager at the dealership real well.

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  2007 Dodge Nitro SLT - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Greenville - October 22 - 6:16 pm

  We just recently purchased a Dodge Nitro and love it! It has great performance and the car turns some heads with its classy design. The gas mileage is great for an SUV. I drive 50 miles one way to work and back so I need good mileage! I have to say Im very impressed so far with my Nitro and highly recommend it to anyone.

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  Dodge did a Great Job on this SUV! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Boattech - September 2 - 1:50 pm

  This vehicle has all the features I needed at reasonable price. It can tow up to 5,000 Lbs; I can switch from 2WDt o 4WD "on the fly"! Has ample storage, roomy seating. Best of all it looks amazing! The other vehicles I tested looked too common. The fuel mileage is 16 MPG but I expect this to improve as the engine breaks in as it has only 1,000 Miles on it.

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  Nitro is Great - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Dan Fay - August 15 - 4:26 am

  Have had to drive in a lot of snow and ice since I received it a week and 1/2 ago. Must say am impressed with Nitros ability to get around. This includes quite a few hills, no problems. Handling and braking are both better than expected. Had a Dakota Laramie and this is as comfortable if not more so. While gas mileage is not great Im sure it will improve with break in. am very satisfied with the Nitro. Did the change tires same day I bought it. Never have liked Goodyears, but then again most OEM tires are not that great.

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  A Little Less Luxury - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By LINDA - June 15 - 11:23 pm

  I recently purchased my Nitro 2007 after leasing Infinitis for the past 15 years. Although there is a little less luxury to the ride, I love this car and enjoy driving it, especially since it seems to handle just as well as the Infinitis.

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  Awesome SUV - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Dainger - May 7 - 5:20 am

  I bought the Nitro R/T with the larger engine and boy is it fast. It really gets up and goes a lot better than my 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the I-6 4.0. Handling is great with the ESP and braking is really good as well. I love the heated leather seats, rear power outlet, sun roof, and the best is the great comments I get from people about how it looks. A lot of people still havent seen or heard of the SUV yet. Thats what I like the best about it, you dont see one of these bad boys everyday, like some of the other less bolder SUVs.

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  What is That? I like it! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Gordon Landreth - April 30 - 5:46 pm

  I saw the Nitro on the lot last November just after it came out. I knew that was the next one for me Now, four months later, not a day goes by that someone doesnt ask what it is, followed by "I really like it!" I still dont see many on the highway, but people dont know what theyre missing. It rides solid and handles well. Mileage is better than my last foreign SUV.

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  My new Nitro with MyGig - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Bryan - April 27 - 5:23 am

  I just bought my black Nitro R/T a few days ago. So far I love it. Im hoping I dont run into any of the mechanical problems others have mentioned, but so far it cant be any better. Im surprised no one has talked about the MyGig system yet. Its awesome. The navigation and satellite radio are great. I already have pictures of my wife and our dogs on the hard drive and displaying on the screen. My only complaint so far is the hard drive space. I knew some of the 20 gigs would be used, but there are only 8 gigs available Its a little disappointing to have less than half the space advertised. Hard drives are cheap, why not stick 120 gigs or more in there.

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  Double Take - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By jill McQueary - October 18 - 6:26 am

  I have had my black Nitro for 1 1/2 months. I am amazed at how many people have come up to me in parking lots wanting to know what it is. I added the chrome running boards and front chrome facia and just love the added look. I am so happy with the performance and ride of this vehicle!