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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  problems - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By deezeebean - May 6 - 6:12 pm

  Had nothing but problems with this vehicle, driver window broke, had stalling problem ended up being computer recall, automatic unlock from inside broke, plastic bars on top lifted from front needing to be completely replaced now I worry about leakage. To top it all off dealership (Sandoval Dodge Las Cruces New Mexico) was not helpful or nice, after several problems after first purchased I asked owner to buy back car from me, he refused stating he had enough cars right now. Unacceptable. My first and last Dodge

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  disappointed - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By andrea - May 6 - 10:22 am

  Ive only had my truck for 3 months and at first was very excited and loved my truck until the transmission started to give out a brand new vehicle took back to dealer been without my truck for 3 wks only to find out now that the parts that is needed to repair it is on Nationwide back order whats up with that!

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  First new SUV. - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Brad - April 27 - 9:02 am

  I got lucky and got this Nitro for a real deal ( last years model ) I found it to have more than enough power for all uses. Very nice looking handles well and goes great in the deep snow. It seems to be ok off road for the most part gut could use a little more clearance but still good. Love the folding seats, very sweet for visibility when driving alone or storage space. All around happy except it drinks gas like it owns the oil co. And mpg is not true, I get only 14 city miles to the gal. And if you like to be performance man it is a lot worse. Over all well built and a real eye catcher with the bright blue I have with all the chrome.

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  Great vehicle (bad dealer) - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By chris b - April 25 - 11:35 pm

  Bought a 2007 R/T from Bill Kay in Naperville (avoid them). As for the Nitro R/T, its a real head turner, w/ red paint and 20 wheels, it gets a lot of attention. The mileage isnt too bad. I ave 16 mpg, on regular gas, which isnt bad for an SUV that can tow up to 5000 lbs. The ride is firm, (Ridgeline, Envoy, and even FJ cruiser rode nicer), but it IS related to Jeep, so expect a truck ride. Performance out of 4.0 liter is almost as fast as my stock Prelude SH, which is admirable for a brick on wheels. Interior is a little on the cheap looking side, but it is clean and uncluttered. Wanted a Trailblazer SS, but this gets as many looks, lower priced, better on gas, and cheaper insurance

• 

  Love this wagon - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Tom - April 22 - 1:13 pm

  This is a fun SUV (wagon). Its a real eye catcher, and youll find yourself just looking at it or in it. Its just different. So far good on gas, better then my old Dodge 2500, at about 8 mpg. Just love this ride.

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  Poor mileage - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By WWALKER - April 17 - 10:46 am

  You can actually see the fuel gauge move in this vehicle. I have owned vehicles in most all styles & from all different car companies over the past 40+ years. Up until I got this nitro with the 3.7 v-6, I have always loved Chrysler products. I was even a loyal Chrysler man back in the 1970s/ when "build quality" was just a word in the dictionary at Chrysler. Overall I am unhappy w/ this vehicle. I should have gotten the hemi, as it could not drink any more gas than this 3.7 does. This vehicle get the worse fuel economy of any of any vehicle that I have ever owned or driven. The 3.7 is also low on power, if you intend to make a pass, you better plan ahead & allow lots of room.

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  Love this truck - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By yes - April 11 - 10:20 am

  So far, its been excellent. Love the stability control, used it on ice in Idaho.

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  Some love it.... - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Luebbe - April 3 - 3:56 pm

  Ive read some negative reviews on this car, but we "fell" into our Nitro as a dealer special. It was an end of year clearance special on the car, which we suspect was so low because of the manual transmission and the color. (Sunburst orange). Since we bought the car, I havent had a problem, and the spacious interior is amazing. You would never know that there was that much room in the car from looking on the outside. And the Yousync feature for my bluetooth enabled phone is a life saver. In short: I love my Nitro.

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  Do not buy - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By russ - April 1 - 9:36 pm

  These are dangerous, it stalls when sitting in park, surges while you have your foot on the brake, like someone is pushing on the gas, radio replaced eating cds, computer telling tires need air when they dont. These suvs have issues, going to abritration and a attoney. They look great, but stay away. Many recalls

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  The RT option was worth it - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Doug - March 29 - 6:21 pm

  Ive had my nitro R/T now for 6 months. I love it. Plenty of power with the V6, comfy and handles very well. Great sound system. Interior design is very good and well laid out. Instruments well designed and easy to read. Mine has only been back to dealer for recall on ABS brakes. I never had any trouble with them. My only complaint is the roof rail, its coming loose on passengers side, poor attachment design. But overall very very happy with this SUV. Even with my heavy foot i still average 18 around town.