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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  I love my Nitro - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By bignchuy - February 24 - 11:25 am

  I absolutely love the SUV. Fun to drive, comfortable for my legs. Ive been looking for an SUV with comfort for about a year and this is the car for anyone with a problem with leg room for the driver

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  Bold Statement - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By J. L. Griffin - February 20 - 12:24 pm

  I purchased the 2007 Dodge Nitro in May of 2007 and love it! I gave the Nitro a 10 on everything but gas mileage. This is the first new vehicle that I have purchased and I could not be happier with my decision. I kept my 2000 BMW 323 Ci but drive the Nitro 90% of the time. Dodge has given the Nitro a bold design, inside and out. Excellent performance/handling and its so fun to drive. You wont be disapointed with this purchase!

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  Love this Nitro - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By Keith - February 15 - 8:20 pm

  Ive only had mine four days but Im in love with this vehicle. Initially was looking at other comparable SUVs and didnt even consider the Nitro until I saw one and then thats all I wanted. I have the inferno red and its loaded with everything from the sunroof to the 20" chrome wheels and better suspension which are an option on the SLT. I love the very dark tinted windows in the back half. Its been a head turner so far and think I made a very good choice. Cant comment on gas as Im still on my first tank but it drives great and has decent power. Outstanding price for what you get.

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  Love my Nitro - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Linnea - February 11 - 1:33 pm

  I absolutely in love with my Nitro. I bought on New Years Eve and drove it home on the 1st of January of 2007 - I think it was the first one the dealership sold. I have the sunburst orange - the body style is so slick some people think it is a "baby" hummer - I a a real estate broker so it looks good when I drive into the great neighborhoods and it gets attention - it fits several guests very comfortably and it is fun fun fun to drive. I practically live in it and I cant say enough great things about my car.

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  Frustrated - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Tina Brown - February 5 - 7:36 pm

  Bought this vehicle about 10 months ago and have had it in the shop around 7 times already. First was the "recall" for the motor shutting off while you were driving. Had to have the roof rack replaced as there was a bolt missing. On the drivers side dash there was a gap that had to be fixed and now it wont defrost properly. I have troubles with the locks that wont lock when its too cold. There is a horrible whining noise when it starts if it is lower than -15 outside. The engine rides rough. My new problem is that the key got stuck in the ignition and wont come out. I like the look of this vehicle but the whole performance issue is another thing.

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  not so happy - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By cliff tate - January 26 - 7:45 pm

  slt with leather wife loves it i hate it many problems,trans howls in 1st, fuel economy same as v8 2000explorer (poor) seats collapsed cold air drivers left side roof rails replaced, parkbrake boot #5 radio replaced eating cds, head lites terrible(i replaced the bulbs now ok. i am proceding with the arbitration avalible hear in canada, hope the will take this dog to the pound.

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  Love my Nitro - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Nitro gal - January 26 - 7:27 pm

  I have owned my SLT 2007 Nitro for a week and I love it. I love the bold look of my Nitro and love the comfort and space. I have no complaints and hopefully will stay that way. It has a sturdy and safe feeling while driving. My 7 year old daughter says the back seat is comfy!

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  My Nitro - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By RAYRAY - January 24 - 7:20 pm

  Overall great ride. Im a little disapointed with gas mileage though. I recommend the R/T model. The 4.0 is a blast.

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  Great SUV - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Monica O. - January 16 - 12:46 pm

  I have had my Dodge Nitro for a little over four months. Ive got to say that I love this car. I have the blue Dodge Nitro and its a head turner. I have not had any problems with it so far. I have travled in it a lot and to me it is great on gas on long trips. My family really enjoys this car. The nice part is that my son can spot our car easily. Hes three and her can tell you thats moms car. Not a lot of people have this car yet so its easy to spot. I was thinking about getting a Jeep Liberty but it seems that everywhere you turn there goes a Jeep Liberty. I wanted something different and thats exactly what this vehicle is.

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  Nice & easy - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By easy - January 11 - 11:58 pm

  I purchased my Nitro 4.0L R/T last year. I now have 16.9K miles. I still love it. Had a little noise in the engine compartment it was a loose power steering belt. Also, had a rattle coming from the leading edge of the roof rail. The leading edge of the roof rail is held down with double sided tape. Still a cool vehicle and its still nice and easy to me.