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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Horrible brakes - 2010 Dodge Nitro
By tia - March 15 - 5:05 pmWhen brakes are applied and shift in reverse, it makes a horrible grinding sound. I took in to be looked at. I was informed it was normal due to metallic brake pads. I would not have bought it if I had known it.
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I am done with Dodge Vehicles - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By Cpittman - March 1 - 10:46 pmI stumbled upon this site just now and cant believe how many others have had the exact same issues with their Nitro as I have. Snapped door handles, wipers that just quit (at the worse times), window motors that went out (a yr into owning the vehicle), uncarriage leaks from the front and rear, TERRIBLE gas mileage, dashboards lights that would all go out and vehicle stall. I was in a bad situation when I got the truck and pressed for time so I wasnt able to research this thing like I should have. If I could go back, I NEVER would have purchased this truck and the moment I am able, Im getting rid of it!
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Disappointed Buyer - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By Disappointed Buyer - February 2 - 6:35 pmI love the look of the Dodge Nitro but it has not been a reliable car. Its possible I received a lemon because I have had the following problems.. 1. Back Windshield Wiper snapped in half the second time it was used. 2. At least twice a month the dash board lights all come on, the bells start ringing and the car stalls for a moment and then runs again. 3. 2 of the 4 windows do not work. 4. 2 of the 4 door handles snapped in half so you have to roll down the working window to open the door from the outside. 5. Windshield wipers stall when it rains hard. (Almost had an accident from this). 6. Brakes making noises. Called Chrysler regarding recalls. They said vin doesn match recalls.
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I GOT A LEMON - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By rtimbs - December 28 - 3:02 pmI just want everyone to know that my 2007 Dodge Nitro SLT is the worst vehicle I have ever owned. Not only is it the worst vehicle I have ever owned Beaman I is the worst place I have ever received service. They do not completly fix the problem they just fix in enough so it will run. I have a problem with the ABS light and the speedometor not working. It happen last year and the service dept. at beaman did just enough to get it working again and now that the warranty has run out it has gone out again. I will neve own another Dodge product nor will I ever send anyone to beaman dodge to buy a vehicle. They talk a good game but when something goes wrong they want fix it.
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stuck for now - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By janetp - October 24 - 10:16 amI dont know where to begin to list the problems.lets start with the 4 acknowledged recalls, 2 of which could have killed you. here we go, the 1. rear top brake light was out by the time of first inspection, you cant replace the light bulb you have to replace the entire unit.2. all 4 tire sensors have gone at 150 each.3. headlights have been replaced 2 x, still only have 1 head lamp. 4. wipers work only in dry weather. 5fog lights blown already. 6.jumps out of 1,2,3rd gear, 7. cars wants to stall and bogs in wet weather. plastic on side of driver seat cracked and broken off.i have owned 4 dodge vehicles and am telling everyone never buy dodge again, they will not recognize any issues listed.
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Would not buy another ..... - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By Jean - October 3 - 12:48 pmTwo weeks after purchasing this SUV, it went back to the dealer for various discrepancies. Problems started with brakes, roof rack, and electrical. Recently had rear brake jobs and returned the following day with ABS warning system and noisy when brake pedal is activated.
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Dont buy - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By jsshou - August 29 - 9:59 amWhen I first brought the nitro I loved it but after having it for only 8 months I had been in the shop 4 or 5 times for the same reason (cutting off while driving) and every time they would say it was fixed and it wasnt I call the main office and they said it would have to happen again for them to do anything. I had a 2 year old and could not take the changed and trade the nitro in for a Chevy truck and went upside down $6000 because we paid 24,000 for the nitro and they only gave us 14,000 on it. Only 8 months after we brought it. I would not tell anyone to buy this car.
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Biggest mistake Ive ever made! - 2008 Dodge Nitro
By NoMoreDodge - May 7 - 12:39 pmWe bought the R/T model with every option that you can get in one, except it didnt have a security system in it which makes no sense. From pretty much day one we have had nothing but problems with it. The A/C didnt work properly the first 4 months we owned it, Check engine light has come on numerous times, took it in they say nothing is wrong, passenger seat squeaks, parking brake dont work at all, rear windshield wiper breaks going through the car wash, now with only 26,500 miles on it the main computer (PCM) has to be replaced. Been in the shop for a week and part is still not in! Would recommend never buying one of these!
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dont buy it - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By k. mchenry - April 18 - 11:56 amI have had nothing but problems - rattling - power windows not working taillights go out now I have a noise when I tap my brakes the noise continues even if i am not applying brake my jeep had this same problem - interior is plastic - I have noticed transmission when shifting is problematic -
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There are much better SUVs out there - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By Carlos - January 25 - 6:00 pmWhen 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!
