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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  I have the RT version 4X4 4litre engine - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By fast_dude007 - March 10 - 6:26 am

  After reading a lot of negative reviews from auto journalists about the Nitro, and reading positive comments from owners, I bought a 2008 RT for a very good price. Yes, the ride is a little bit choppy in the RT version, but I do like a firm suspension. I also love the interior of the RT, look and feels so much more superior than the base models. Fuel economy is okay so long Im easy with my foot. However, my gas mileage is horrible when I step on it and release all its power. Im not too crazy about the square look of the vehicle, than again it has a lot of room inside. Bottom line, I love this vehicle so far.

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  AMAZING! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Huizy06 - February 26 - 8:52 am

  ive had this car for about a year now...not one single problem with it...hearing all this neg. stuff makes me wonder if people just like to gripe. I believe dodge did a great job making this suv and love driving it...

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  Dodge Nitro - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By tina75 - February 23 - 10:52 am

  I personally have had nothing but problems with my Nitro. First time owning a Dodge and at this point will never own one again. The shifting issues they have has now caused me to have to have the transmission rebuilt with no help from Dodge. Im very easy on my vehicles and have kept up with all maintenance so this is not due to neglect on my part. Not a happy customer

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  Great Mid Sized SUV - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By GDC55 - February 17 - 1:47 pm

  After I test drove one my wife & I were hooked. Gas mileage overall. average 22 mpg and highway 25, pretty good for a 4,000 lb. + vehicle. Drove a Ford Escape & Exolorer, didnt like the Escape and the Explorer was $10,000 more.

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  Frustration with my Nitro R/T - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Chafin - February 13 - 8:52 am

  I wish that Dodge put more thought and time into making their cars. I love my Nitro but cant stand the fact that it has to be repaired so much. My transmission is being repaired possibly replaced, this is the 4th time it has been in for that, my rear latch on my lift gate went bad got that fixed but was not repaired correctly had to return it for that, my rear speakers had to be replaced, my a/c has not worked properly since I bought it. Honestly Im very afraid to buy American cars again

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  Nitro and Me - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By DAVID KULAK - January 29 - 8:16 pm

  I found the Nitro to be quiet yet powerful. The cabin noise is very low. This vehicle has plenty of power with the standard 210 hp. Its a joy to drive and park and the shifting of the automatic transmisson is quiet and smooth.

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  There are much better SUVs out there - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Carlos - January 25 - 6:00 pm

  When I bought this car, I was actually looking for a Jeep Liberty. I saw this car and liked its looks. It was brand new and one of the first R/T models available in the city. I decided to give it a try. It has had three recalls already. Had to take it back to the dealership at least four times. Its not fun to drive, the speed-shift is awfull. Not enough space for your feet. The plastic used inside looks a little cheap. Constant problems with the central computer. The R/T model sure looks nice bus performs and handles terribly. Take a look at the latest consumer report for new cars 2009. It doesnt have one good thing to say about this car! Cant wait for my lease to be over!

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  Update Nitro R/T - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By karen Nitro R/T - January 7 - 9:12 pm

  Ive had my Nitro R/T 4.0 engine for 11 mos. now and Ive had a number of problems with it.Two weeks after I got it I noticed a like chattering noise from the engine. First they said serpentine belt. The noise got louder. My crankshaft bearing and pistons have been replaced. My Sirius radio has had 2 recalls. Needs new one. Heater doesnt work right. Now my roof rack has a recall on it.T hey are tired of working on it. Take it to another dealership. Sad thing it only has 9700 miles on it. What next?What will it be like in another year? Parking it is terrible too. Wider than my other SUV. Hard to see where you are in a parking space. Too much money too many headaches. Stay away! Not unless you want trouble?

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  This SUV kicks it! - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By DrewInPgh - January 4 - 1:20 am

  This is the best purchase Ive made in a while. Everything about this vehicle is awesome, from the spacious cab design, the ultra-modern door handles, the default sound system, comfortable seats (I didnt get the 6-way adjustable, heated ones but Ill bet theyre sweet!) and excellent maneuverability and steering control. Its an all around excellent SUV. It even gets good gas mileage, considering what it is. In fact, the only thing I might consider changing is a swap of the location of AC/heat control and the radio. But thats minor and still up for debate. If you want a new SUV, you want the Nitro!

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  Best Chriswtmas present I ever received! - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By jaysonheather - December 31 - 7:26 pm

  My boyfriend bought me the Nitro for Christmas and we both love it! I dont think the gas mileage is bad at all being an SUV. The looks are great, very tough looking. The ride is very comfortable not hard like a truck. We also have the nice suspension, power sunroof and 20" chrome wheels along with all other options we could purchase. We get looks everywhere we go. I recommend anyone considering the Nitro to be ready to buy it because, youre gonna love it!