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:

• 

  Useless! - 2010 Dodge Nitro
  By adam07 - July 11 - 8:40 am

  I am getting pretty tired of this car, the cheap plastic is giving me headaches because there is nothing i can rest my arm on! Its also a dog if you ever need to pass anybody and on top of that it gets bad gas mileage, around 15 mpg. We just drove down south and all I could fit was two golf bags, and two suitcases WITH the backseats folded down! So this car is pretty much useless, you cant carry a lot of things in it, has poor acceleration and the interior has all hard plastic and things are already squeaking after 6 months. DONT BUY!

• 

  2007 dodge nitro engine failure - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By karen dodge - May 1 - 12:36 am

  I have a 2007 dodge nitro that Im still making payments on. About 3 weeks ago a valve blew in the engine and damaged a piston which caused complete engine failure. If I hadnt purchased an extended warranty, this wouldve been an expense I couldnt afford and would have had to let the vehicle go back to the dealership. I feel that Chrysler/Dodge should make my car payments since Ive lost complete trust in their product and peace of mind. Whats going to happen next to this vehicle? Sincerely, Karen Dodge.

• 

  What else can go wrong? - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By g.d. - April 26 - 10:03 am

  Engine seized at 38,000 miles. Thankfully we had the extended warranty. Car has been driven by my wife who never has had a ticket in her life. Had regular service and a valve and piston let go. Service people were very helpful.

• 

  I had better - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By 484385756 - April 1 - 10:45 pm

  I purchased my nitro brand new since i bought it, it has given me nothing but problems. in the past year i have taken it to the dealership 8 times and thats not including regular maintenance. I have been driving the engine turned off, or if i come to a stop and then press the gas to go the engine just revs and then slams into gear. i do not recommend this car to anyone.

• 

  mistake ? - 2010 Dodge Nitro
  By js - January 30 - 2:05 pm

  Brand new only 700 miles, vibration at 65 mph, could be a tire or balancing, fuel economy is worse than i thought it would be, 14 mpg last tank with about 10 miles of 4wd. I like the looks and didnt notice any issues during my test drive but I am beginning to wonder if it was the right choice. Beware

• 

  Do NOT buy thisTruck - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By CJ621 - December 16 - 7:45 pm

  My Nitro has had problems from the get go. 2 months after purchase the d/s door lock literally fell apart. The truck is lock & unlocked with the remote?? The gas tank now spews gas when filled. Dealer said it was a "defect" but we are no looking at a total of 3 days in service and they REFUSE to offer me a loaner!! This is a SAFETY issue. The fuel filler neck needs to be replaced. I was also informed that the radio has to be replaced as well...This truck is 16 months old! With ALL issues it’s a total of 5-6 days in service and NO help with a loaner. They are, bit by bit rebuilding this truck...EVERYTHING is a "defect" Worse vehicle I have ever owned! Do not recommend

• 

  This Vehicle Leaks!!! - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By Denise - October 26 - 11:30 am

  Got this vehicle for Christmas 2007 and thank God that my car dealer is honest and loyal. This vehicle leaks from the roof!! Whenever theres a heavy rain, I have to go running back to my dealer. This is a terrible Manufacturers Flaw. Will never purchase another Dodge Nitro again!!

• 

  Not So Sure - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By Virginia - October 26 - 10:41 am

  I purchased my 08 Nitro because it had many of the features my other vehicle had standard. Of course I would still have my other vehicle (Mazda Trubute) except it was hit in the rear at 55mph and the damage was just to great. My Nitro had 52 miles on it and was considered used when I purchased it from the dealer. Since I have had the car the tire sensor goes off all the time indicating the tires are not equal pressure (I think its defective)the handling took a while to get use to sicne my Mazda SUV was far superior in the handling, breaking and turning. Im not crazy about the vehicle. I think you have to be a jeep lover or Dodge fan to enjoy this vehicle.

• 

  Beyond Disappointed! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By gr8dane - August 25 - 2:31 pm

  I bought my Nitro new and within 1 week, it was back in the shop to have the entire AC replaced. Here are my list of repairs for a 2 yr old car: AC replaced, door lock motors replaced 3 times, starter replaced, pass. side airbag repaired (said off when pass. in seat), center console replaced, outlet in back fell out of socket, car charger socket fell back into dash, 4x4 repaired, sunroof repaired, radio blaring when car is off (my personal fav), etc.

• 

  Weigh your options - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Nikkie - August 18 - 11:52 am

  Ive had my Nitro for two yeaers, no major problems besides brakes scratching alittle. The acceleration is somewhat poor but picks up when needed. The car look great and I get alot of compliments and turn heads. However, overall dont feel like its solid transportation