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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Nitroliscious - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By Danny - September 6 - 10:06 pmI have a little Benz SLK55 AMG and I wanted something to haul stuff around and for use in snow and bad weather. The Nitro looks awesome and has some nice features. I originally wanted an R/T but then I figured that since this was really just my "bad weather" car, why spend the extra money? I didnt need leather or chrome wheels. The 4.0 with an extra 50 horsepower would have been nice, but I will make some mods to the 3.7 to jack it up by a few HP and it will be fine for what I need it to do. Also, rear seat leg room is much better than in other small SUVs.
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Awesome midsize SUV - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By Mike & Rebecca - June 3 - 8:30 amThe Nitro is aggersively designed for the young and the young at heart. Dodge has taken the best of the other SUVs in the market like Jeep, Hummer, and Land Rrover and made it all Dodge. Its a very fun SUV to drive. Dodge has created a real head turner of a mid size SUV. Dodge has created a perfect SUV with the Nitro.
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Love the R/T 4.0 L 5spd - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By RenoRor - March 27 - 11:40 amIve had my Nitro for net yet a week. So far, I love it. Im getting good gas mileage, 18 city and 23-24 hwy. I love the kick from the 4.0L engine. Great bold styling! I get a lot of comments and questions. Its great! The R/T comes with the bigger tires and nice wheels, a nice extra.
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Dodge Nitro! - 2010 Dodge Nitro
By lou colabella - February 11 - 7:51 pm -
Who else Loves Their Nitro? I Sure Do! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By dmarcantel - October 28 - 11:56 pmLove it, stepped down from a Land Rover Discovery II and do not regret it. Do not pass this great lil SUV by.
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Nitro is Rightro! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By NitroBilly - September 28 - 12:46 amI try not to drive my Nitro everyday, but I cant help it to be honest. It has enough power to keep me interested, but could use a little more. Handling is smooth, a guy comes up on my tail with a *cough* GMC Envoy, and thats all he got to look at.. my tail! I had the Nitro going around a 30 mile hr curve at 45! But I also have those 20 inchers!
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Nice and Easy Ride - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By Easy - August 14 - 9:46 pmI purchased my Nitro a few weeks ago. I had to put a lot of miles on it approx. 3500 miles in 3 weeks. Ive had only one problem which I believe is the belt tensioner its making a little noise. I am going to take it in for service next week. My R/T Nitro 4.0L looks good, runs good, rides good, and has plenty of storage space too. Its a nice and easy ride!
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Nitrod - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By Alan - August 13 - 4:43 amThis SUV will become a verb. Took the 4WD for a test drive and then ended up buying the 2WD just because it was what I could afford :-) So far I like it. A bit light on the back so it fish tailed on a turn when I was merging on to a main road. It also made the tires squeal. After the scare I had a silly grin on my face. Talk about midlife crisis. I am mean again!
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Our new ride - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By Ric00man - February 26 - 10:56 pmWe love the exterior and interior appearance of this vehicle. It is different and everyone seem to take notice of it. It is a mid size vehicle that makes you think it is much larger. Great leg room in both the front seating area and the rear seating area. We have four large dogs and this vehicle has plenty of room for them to spread out and lay down when we travel with them.
