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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  Saved me! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By zaginara - February 7 - 9:26 pm

  My mom had this car and I borrowed it since I didnt have a car of my own yet. I was driving home and got in to an accident. The nitro had so much damage that I couldnt move it. A tow truck had to come get it and it was later declared totaled (though I already knew that). The front end was a mess. The air bags deployed and the windows dropped... the engine cut off.. I dont remember the accident itself. I remember looking around and my foot was still on the gas. I walked away from the accident with the Dodge emblem burned in to my right forearm. (Yes burned!) While I am now branded (get it, from the burn?), if I had been in a sedan or any small car, I would have been in a hospital bed.

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  Its a Truck, not a Minivan! - 2010 Dodge Nitro
  By vlad_jv - December 29 - 2:44 pm

  Test drove a few before considering the 2010 SXT 4x4. Some of which included the Mazda CX7, and the 2008 Acadia. Mazda handled like a sedan, and the Acadia like a minivan (a little more fun). The Nitro handles like a truck! Its built on the RAM chassis, so dont expect anything less. Fuel economy is not impressive, but still within average for a 3.6L. The 2008 Mazda Tribute 3.0L was getting a little better but not too much. Overall, it handles like the truck but has the comfort of a large SUV. Its flexibility of offering exterior raw power with interior comfort makes it perfect option for looking to have 2 cars in 1. My commute includes 100km hwy and 100km city daily to work/home

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  reliable suv - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By montreal7 - May 28 - 3:01 pm

  got it from new. had 100k miles and only water pump replaced. other was oil and brakes. the tail gate light switch issue is standart on this truck and i got the problem. i just disconnect the switch and go. In snow the control is the best I never see. so very reliable, fair driving and power, very good tractiion control, but cheap interior plastic. the center console was too big leaving less room for nothing. trunk wideness a little small, you could not put a plywood sheet. if the interior plastic was better quality and the console smaler i will give a 9 on 10 .. go ahead, you will like it.

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  IN LOVE WITH MY NITRO - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By mylesmommy - August 22 - 8:43 am

  I fell in love with the Nitor at first sight and I havent had any big issues since I ourchased it brand new in 2008. I only have one child so I didnt need anything huge but I didnt want a golf ball this is perfect the gas milage is pretty good for an SUV. Its very fun to drive as it sits a little higher than other SUVs of the same size. I was in the army so off road diriving comes natural to me and my Nitro conforms to my semi wild life style. I wouldnt trade it for the world.

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  Not Built to last! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By jenokker - August 6 - 2:42 pm

  Interior is falling apart...inside driver doorhandle broke, the a/c, now window motor and its not cheap to fix. I would not recomend black body trim...

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  Great truck for the buck! - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By beach4321 - August 3 - 4:38 pm

  I have had my Nitro for going on four years now. I bought it with less than 10,000 miles on it and now going on 60,000. I love my Nitro! It has been a very dependable truck with little to no problems. Lots of room for traveling and hauling. I think it is the wisest choice in a vehicle when looking for something affordable and dependable. My friend just bought the same truck and she loves hers, as well.

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  2010 Nitro - 2010 Dodge Nitro
  By mcmann18 - July 19 - 7:39 pm

  this is my second nitro. First one pure stock nothing special. reason i had to get a second one wife was in a head on colison totaled the car and not her fault she was told if it had been another type vichel she would have been dead. vehicle has been up to 115 mph only thing when wet it spins weels, I have just about every extra you would want on a vehicle amd tywice it has had a tire temp light come on and said i had tire presure at 9 pounds alittle scare at 85 mph great vehicle guess the dont make them any more so will keep mine

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  Great buy, looks great - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By nitroftw - July 15 - 5:29 pm

  I fell in love with the dodge nitro the second I test drove it. I have since had zero problems for three years, aside from basic maintenance for brake pads and such. Great MPG for the price of the car and the quality of the construction of the vehicle. Feels very sturdy and it is. I think that this is the one car that I actually like from Dodge.

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  What a junk but nice body style - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By manny2126 - July 4 - 9:51 pm

  Paint already discoloring on the fender, no way of checking the trans oil, wheel hubs needs to be replaced makes noise, a/c compresor gone needs to be changed, brakes done twice and 2 rotors replaced, wiper motor recalled and replaced, blower motor replaces twice, front seat plastic cover broken off just from exiting, 2 tire gage replaced without the 75.00 computer stem.

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  Awesome Ride ... I Would Recommend - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By bluenitroqueen - May 5 - 12:19 pm

  Ive had my 2008 Blue Nitro for almost 2 weeks, It is an investment for me cause I hadnt had a payment on a vehicle in almost 6 months. I had a Red Jeep Liberty Limited 2002 that I paid off in January and was so glad to see it go. I had nothing ,but problems from the Liberty during the last 3 months I had it. When I saw the Electric Blue Nitro on~ line I wanted one. I set my mind to it and finally ran across one (that was blue with low mileage) and purchased it with no problem. The sound system is also a plus and I have sirius satelite radio for 3 months at no extra charge. Anyway check it out for yourself if you wanna know ... go test drive one.