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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  Transmission Woes - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Sara - March 28 - 8:35 pm

  My Nitro is my first SUV and I mostly love it. I had to take it into the dealer for a leaky transmission twice in the first 3 months I owned it. One of my rear window motors died and had to be replaced about 8 months after I bought it. Overall, a good car, but I worry about its reliability in the long run. Fun to drive, and people comment on the styling.

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  Good for the money - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By Piyux - March 24 - 8:57 pm

  I got this vehicle as a rental for a couple of weeks, it was practically new with only 2000 miles and I had a good chance to evaluate its features so here is my opinion to be shared with you, potential Nitro buyer. EXTERIOR: Good looking mid-size SUV. Its external design is appealing and it has the look of a tough all terrain SUV able to handle anything, I have to admit that from any angle it looks good and tall. INTERIOR: Well distributed space, not high quality finishing but OK. Im 62" and I had no space problems, leg room was OK for driver and passengers. I feature I loved is that you can fold down all the seats creating a large cargo space for what you may need. They tried to max

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  A car with character and style - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By GB - March 24 - 6:52 am

  This thing is 70 percent a Jeep. It feels and handles like a Jeep, with all these truck-like, rugged characteristics. If you want a SUV that handles like a Porsche, this is definitely not your car. But it handles quite well and predictably. I feel very safe in this car, riding in this solid box of steel "above" the normal traffic. There is plenty of passenger room (esp. legroom for second row passengers) and a lot (!) of cargo space with the seats folded down. It tows heavy loads with ease. The 4 wheel drive is very simple (can only be used on slippery surfaces and with low speed)but works extremely well in heavy snow or muddy roads. The interior practical, not fancy.

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  I like mine! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By NitroBilly - March 23 - 3:03 am

  Purchased November 2006, only been in for warranty service 2 times for TSB recalls. Other than that, I love it! Everybody just STARES AND COMPLIMENTS my BLACK Nitro. Mine is blinged out! Fuel economy is average, but I cant complain really. It has been absolutely reliable, and is strong as stone! Its a beautiful SUV for the dollar, I just hope DCX (Chrysler) doesnt stop manufacturing it. Get one!

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  So far...........So good!!! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Funnsun - March 22 - 10:51 pm

  I purchased my Dodge NITRO R/T-4.0 in July 2007 and so far........so Good!!! I have been stopped at least 5 times in parking lots by people asking me what type of vehicle it is! Lots of compliments and turning heads! So far I have only been to the service department for an oil change!! It would be nice if it had automatic lights but the U-connect feature is awesome!! I love the hands-free cell phone chatting and the navigation system is fantastic!! I would recommend this vehicle to anyone(if they are not concerned with gas mileage).

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  Lovin The Nitro - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By Yolanda H - March 19 - 6:32 am

  I purchased my 2008 Nitro in December. I went from the GMC Envoy to the Nitro and Im loving the Nitro. Road handling is great and the interior is very comfortable, I love the two-tone color of the seats, I wish there was a vortex engine to give the Nitro more power. I havent put mine on the road yet, but I cant wait to take my first out of town trip.

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  Fustrated - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Im fustrated - March 13 - 8:02 pm

  We bought the Nitro in August. Has been in the shop a few times for pulling right. Its had two alignments and still pulls. Today it shut off on me. I would not recommend this vehicle to anyone elso.

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  Great in the snow! - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By Don - March 9 - 10:16 am

  We moved to very snowy southwest Colorado and realized we needed a SUV that was comfortable and rugged. After test driving the Ford Escape, Jeep Libery and Kia Sportage we drove the 2008 Dodge Nitro. The Nitro had the best look, most cabin room and best ride of everything we tested. Since our purchase weve had 3 major snow storms and the Nitro has been absolutly awesome getting through the deep snow. Weve also taken the Nitro on a couple of long road trips and the ride is smooth and comfortable and I love the sound of the engine when you put the pedal to the metal.

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  Nitro rules! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By J Roberts - March 4 - 11:30 pm

  Killer looks, smooth ride, plenty of power. Handles well, fun to drive. A real head turner. A real pleasure to drive. My wife took it away fron me. So I bought me a 2007 Dodge truck. We are a Dodge family.

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  2007 Dodge Nitro SXT - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Bob - March 2 - 11:31 pm

  Nice vehicle. Great price. Major complaints are the bumpiness of the ride - very truck-like. Also, UConnect feature and satellite radio are not included but buttons are on the factory radio.