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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R/T 4.0L - 2008 Dodge Nitro
By vermontdodge - June 3 - 10:45 amI am very impressed with the overall feel and build quality if this SUV. It has a good blend of sport and utility. Drives well on both pavement and dirt roads. So far I am averaging 17 MPG.
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Whats up with the E brake?? - 2008 Dodge Nitro
By Flaming Mona - June 2 - 6:57 pmI have over 10K miles on my Nitro. It has been into service twice because parking brake doesnt hold. Returned to me without fix, service tech said it is "self adjusting" and would self adjust if I came to full stop when in reverse and before shifting into drive. Have been doing this but no resolution to problem. Also, when reversing from parked mode it will freeze not reverse until I punch the gas pedal (safe, eh?). Service tech said because brake pads (disks?) stick together when I apply parking brake after driving due to hot metal and told me not to use the parking brake if I dont like the phenomenon. WHAT! Owners manual says to always use parking brake! Final note: gas mileage sucks.
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I wouldnt buy another one - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By karen - May 27 - 1:07 amI purchased a 2007R/T in Feb. A manager was driving it. It has 6700 on it now. It. Making a chattering noise from the front end. At times it seems to get louder. Two dealerships called Chrysler and they know about the problem? But they dont what it is and they dont know how to fix it? They say it is safe to drive? How do they know if they dont know whats wrong, or fixing it?
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Bad choice - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By oldmanjob - May 23 - 10:31 amBought it as a demo with 930 miles on it. Was in the shop for the first week of ownership. Replaced cracked roof rails, steering sensor and the ABS sensor. Took a week to figure out which sensor was keeping the ABS, steering stabilizer and traction control lights on. Quality control is awful. Should never had traded in my PT Cruiser
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Love my Nitro - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By LOVE IT!!! - May 21 - 6:48 amI love this vehicle! Plenty of head and leg room! My kids can stand up in the back without touching their heads to the ceiling! Lots of room! This vehicle handles really well around corners and into small parking spots. Cargo room, you can get lots of stuff back there. We bought a liner for in the back. If there would be any spills then it stays on the liner and not in the Nitro! The radio/satellite/CD have great sound and are centrally located and easy to reach. Comfortable seats. The exterior is very impressive! You get lots of looks at it and people asking what kind of vehicle is that??? LOVE IT!
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Average - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By JBARRI - May 19 - 3:46 pmSince purchase, Ive had no major problems but a few concerns. The 1-2 shift is harsh when cold, a slight whistle sound from the AC system and the glaring lack of a rear AC vent for a vehicle of this size annoys me. Gas mileage hovers at 21MPG but only when driven like a baby carriage. Everything else is fine and Im impressed considering the price I paid.
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Fun fun fun - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By sawdustalley - May 19 - 12:26 pmJust got the Nitro r/t 1mt ago for my wife we love this veh, had a 03 Cadillac CTS and by far this is a better vehicle to drive and just love the looks inside and out it will make heads turn as you drive by someone,
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Great Vehicle - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By Family of Four - May 19 - 6:25 amWe have had the Dodge Nitro for almost a year. It is sharp looking and has a roomy interior. We have not had any problems with this vehicle and love to drive it. We have two young kids and they can stand up inside when getting into their seats. Lots of cargo space. It has lots of power for a V-6 engine. Great sound with the CD/Radio/Satellite. We tow with it and the tow/haul button is conveniently located. The only thing I would say that I thought would be better was the fuel economy. It gets the average gas mileage. As a family it is safe and drives well for an SUV. Hope this helps you out on making your decision to get one or not!
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Luv Our Nitro - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By quarterpat - May 18 - 6:57 amBought our Nitro as a program car with 20K on it. We have had several small SUVs previously, a Honda CR-V and most recently a Santa Fe, but this fits our purposes better. The fuel economy is around 20 in the city - because we drive reasonably. Have not really had it on the road. The economy improved when we had the transmission flashed (it did hesitate between 30-40 MPH). There is a TSB out on this issue. Yes, it rides a bit more truck-like than the other SUVs we have owned, but we dont seem to mind that because it is still comfortable and steady.
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Think Gas First - 2008 Dodge Nitro
By Queen - May 14 - 8:18 pmThe dodge Nitro is my first car, the exterior is awesome. I would like more of a luxury feel on the inside something like the "Ford Edge", but for the price... This is a nice SUV, but it is very terrible on gas. This baby runs me about $60-$65.00 a week "light travel". DO NOT let the gas tank get below half full, youre going to have to shell out so much money to fill her up. Gas prices are steadily rising and I would NOT suggest anyone get this car unless you can really afford $350- $400 a month on gas. Its not ideal for a college student or anyone on a budget.
