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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  Love It ! - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By Sidney - December 4 - 11:16 am

  Ive had my 2008 Nitro for 2 months now and I love it. I do a lot of driving ( 8300 miles already) and this just makes it fun. I like the look of it, mine is dark blue and I like the way it handles and the way it looks.

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  80 Nitro R/T review - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By Aaron - November 11 - 11:52 am

  5000kms on my 08 Nitro R/T and if I given the choice I would do it again. Fuel economy improves with every tank, styling is unique in a sea of rolling eggs. Infinity stereo is awesome, slide and go storage is great. While cross shopping this vehicle I wound the imports to be thousands more for less performance. 2 thumbs up.

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  DO NOT BUY!!!!! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Steph - November 10 - 1:53 pm

  Ive had problems with my car since I picked it up from the dealership. Its been in the shop 17 times now! Had the transmission replaced twice, the electrical system replaced 3 times and so many systems updates my head spins. I no longer feel safe in the vehicle. It has shut off on me numerous times, with once going up a bridge. I almost killed the person behind me and another time while I was out of town, and Dodge made me pay to have it towed back to my town! Lights constantly coming on and off, the doors rattle when the radio is on, the transmission jumps and the whole car rides rough. DO NOT BUY THIS VEHICLE! Dodge has done nothing to help me. By time I could LemonLaw, it was too late

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  Fun and Fast 4.0 R/T Edition - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By Craig - October 30 - 4:54 pm

  Ive only got 3200 miles on the clock, but the 4.0 V-6 is starting to get broken in, and really quick. I love the all-black exterior with black leather seats. Handling seems a little top-heavy with a fairly quick tendency toward oversteer. Not bad, just not a sports car!

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  Dont Buy A Nitro Just Yet! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By lottachops - October 28 - 3:23 pm

  Do not buy the Nitro at this time. I bought a 2007 and have had transmission problems that started about a month after I got it. Ive taken it in for flash computer upgrades, but it still has a bucking problem. I did some research and found that this is not an isolated case. It seems that corporate really doesnt know what to do. They keep sending you back to reprogram the computer to make you feel better for a while, but it doesnt fix the problem. I have owned a Chevy and a Ford before this and have never had these problems. I would say to anyone looking at the Nitro... get something else or wait until they get this transmission problem taken care of.

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  Unhappy - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By Unhappy - October 20 - 3:23 am

  Car looks good but that is all! Poor Interior, low grade plastic, no room in front seat, glove box too low and so so material on seats. Side mirror way too large. Poor Gas mileage. Bumpy ride and so so handling. Door locks take to long to lock after entering. Needs auto running lights. Manuevring is like using a tank.

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  Better then my 2006 Ford Explorer - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Elke and Al - October 14 - 11:03 pm

  I test drove the Nitro three weeks ago and found it fun and super to drive after my husband already took it on a test drive the week before. Its easy to handle, parks very easy, and for a short person has good view points. I drove it already in snow and ice and it handles very well. Love my sunroof and the leather seats. Controls on the steering wheel are cool too. I like better the old 2006 Ford Explorer I had. More sporty and sassy, a Grandma with and attitude and grandchild on board. I get between 17.8 Miles to 18.5 mpg and hope it gets better when I have more miles on the engine,

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  Superb Design Inside & Out - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By Dustin - October 8 - 9:48 pm

  I have recently purchased the 2008 Nitro and I have to say it was a great purchase for me. This SUV is a great buy and Im not sure why there are so many compliants about the handling. I think it handles great.

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  Slap in the Face - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Das Kootz - October 7 - 2:56 am

  Its appearance is what drew me to it. However,I dont think they put a lot of thought into the interior design, no creativity, no toys really,doesnt reflect the exterior image at all. I opted for the 6 CD/DVD player, expecting a screen to accompany it.It didnt.Not that I dont like listening to movie. Its just not the same without the visual. No response yet from them on whether or not there is any video output. If not,why offer it? Exterior? The tires look wrong (I opted for the 17")they should be bigger/wider. They are cookie cutters. The luggage rack shakes at around 95 km or in wind. For me the only saving grace lies in the aftermarket.

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  Love my Nitro - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By kixx1185 - September 1 - 11:16 am

  I bought my Nitro a month ago and I love it. I was a little nervous when I read some of the reviews, but I have not had any problems that were reported. When I got home I noticed that I could not put my passenger side when down or up on that side, but the drivers side I could close and open it so I just took it to the dealer for replacement and have had no problems since. Even if I do wind up with transmission problems I have unlimited powertrain so I am not worried at all. I only got the base model but with automatic and I love it. it is not limited at all.