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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  Best SUV For the Buck! - 2011 Dodge Nitro
  By motownrocker - October 2 - 10:14 am

  This review is for my 2011 Nitro Heat 4.0 (a model that wasnt listed in your roll-down). The Heat version is Chryslers former "SXT" trim: decent exterior trim but inexpensive (cloth) interior seating. At model years end, it was tough to locate a Heat with the rare 4.0 engine option (same engine that the old RTs had). Apparently thats a little-known option on the Heats--even the salesperson was unaware of it. You HAVE to get the 4.0 engine if you want great performance and gas mileage (better than the std. 3.7). I just completed a 300 mile trip (with 400 miles on the odometer) and got over 22mpg at an avg 75mph. The engines quick off the line, the build quality is great, etc.

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  Best SUV under $40,000 - 2011 Dodge Nitro
  By rockinroller - September 11 - 3:57 pm

  The Nitros appearance creates a response much like the Dodge Ram pickup when it first came out: You either LOVE it or HATE it. I happened to embrace the rugged square "jaw" of the Nitro and having had some driving experience with the original 2007 RT version which featured a very energetic 4.0 liter engine (vs. the horribly anemic 3.7 liter thats found in the Jeep), I was pleasantly impressed. This rugged yet refined truck-like SUV conquers most snowy roads that Ive experienced in Michigan, plus affords a reasonable cost to drive based on 20mpg in mixed city/freeway driving. Lots of storage and creature comforts too. Could have used more than 2 cup holders in front though.

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  Love My 2011 Dodge Nitro - 2011 Dodge Nitro
  By johnherrera305 - July 29 - 6:26 am

  Excellent value for mid-size SUV. I love my Bright Silver Nitro. Its stands out on the road. Comfortable vehicle. Plenty of room for my needs. Fun to drive.

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  2011 Dodge Nitro 4x2 Detonator - 2011 Dodge Nitro
  By duckettsteven - May 19 - 5:11 pm

  Amazing SUV!! Handles and dries great, very quiet comfortable cab. Its a head turner. Nothing but compliments from other people. I average about 19-22 MPG but i have added a cold air intake by mopar for more horsepower and better gas mileage. Tank usually lasts me about 350 miles. My children luv it. Car is more than worth the $$.

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  Nitro Glycerin - 2011 Dodge Nitro
  By sjs63 - May 6 - 7:27 pm

  Purchased March 2011, Put performance Chip and K&N filter and not only got much better Performance, but also a increase of over 5 MPG over 22-23 MPG on highway, was getting about 16 MPG. Handles great, tight suspension, can haul heavy payload with very little sway. I love it

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  Love the heat! - 2011 Dodge Nitro
  By gypzboyz - March 12 - 7:16 pm

  I have had my Dodge Nitro Heat for three months and I could not be more happy I love that it looks like a Hummer and people look to see what it is love the ride very sporty for a 4000lb suv the 20" rims set it apart and the price could not be beat from any other suv I looked at all before I got the Heat.

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  Nickies Nitro: I Luv My Truk! - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By gabroad - January 16 - 2:43 pm

  Bought my used Nitro 6 months ago and still in love with it. I drive alot have already added 22k miles and its still going strong. Though not too pleased with the quality of the cloth interior (seats will pick up water stains) I threw on some seat covers and kept it movin... Plan to invest in new seat coverings this summer. Overall, I am very happy with my truck and love its sporty look, spacious interior, easy handling and fair gas mileage.

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  Fun, attractive, reliable "bad boy" SUV! - 2010 Dodge Nitro
  By SSteele - November 12 - 2:00 am

  I have to wonder if those people complaining actually bothered to preview the car prior to buying it. Did they sit in it, test drive it, ask questions about it? If they did and complain after the fact about non-mechanical issues the problem is not the car - its them! Also, all brands have defective individual autos. I would not condemn an entire model based on one bad car. Lets be real here. My 2010 Nitro has logged more than 27,000 miles and is going strong with no mechanical problems. It has a spacious and comfortable interior suitable for a family of five. The rear seats even have a middle shoulder strap seat belt. The Nitro looks distinctive and is a lot of fun to drive. I love it!

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  Great SUV - 2010 Dodge Nitro
  By rjinsac - October 21 - 2:00 am

  Ive have my car 10 months, with zero problems. love its handling and its so fun to drive, no blind spots which I love, so easy to change lanes.

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  Love my Nitro! - 2010 Dodge Nitro
  By Scott - October 11 - 2:00 am

  Ive had my Nitro for about three months now and its the best SUV Ive ever owned. It looks great, drives smooth, and reacts very nicely when driving at high speeds! The only thing I dont have is the cruise control option. I will have it added in the near future.