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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  All that I expected - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Annie - August 6 - 1:53 pm

  I rented a Nitro and liked it enough to look at them more closely and buy one. It has met my expectations in every way so far. There are reviews that state that the handling is poor, however I beg to differ and have driven it in snow, rain, sleet, ice and on country roads as well as city. The heater/defrost system is excellent, as is the premium sound system. The back seat has lots of room - no problems accomodating a large/tall person. I average 18mpg, which is just marginally less than what I got out of my previous (smaller) SUV.

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  Nitro Extreme - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By FRED - August 1 - 12:19 pm

  Nice all around. Great braking. Decent ride. Handles well, better then whats been reported. Great value for the dollar

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  Love My new Nitro! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Perry McCourtney - July 11 - 11:03 am

  I purchased my Nitro SXT last week, and it has really impressed me so far. Although I bought the "entry level" and it is very comfortable, stylish, and fun to drive. The V-6 has plenty of power, it is nimble on the corners, and a very quiet interior cabin. The seats are firm and supportive, and theres lots of cargo room for my Lab and Pug! Gets lots of looks and positive comments on the aggressive styling. Thanks Dodge, a great SUV for the money ($20k)

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  Nitro is fantastic - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By nitroluvr - June 14 - 12:13 am

  My Nitro 07 is the beast vehicle around for the price. It handles great, it is solid, with tight steering and power. The look is tough and cool. I am about to lease my 2nd Nitro. I have a different vehicle as well, more expensive than the Nitro and the quality is not a good as the Nitro. Just because it is a lower cost SUV your not losing anything compared to the higher cost SUV. Get one now!

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  Please turn engine light off! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Jorge - May 29 - 11:36 pm

  I have had this car 3 months. Great Looks, 3.7 L. engine good track record, (Jeep Liberty) notable refinements. 1.5 months later engine’s light came on; up today still on, they have no clue (dealer, Chrysler). The third time the car stayed at dealer for four days dealer could not figure out the nature for problem. Then it was time for Chrysler. That day I drove car home with light on, and still waiting for software update. The other incident I encounter twice while driving, it just quit, and all dashboard lights came on. The sad part is that the car is for my wife’s use and daughters, instead I am driving it. Wife does not feel safe driving it, thinking she might get stranded on the road.

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  my nitro - 2010 Dodge Nitro
  By Donald Rodriguez - January 8 - 3:24 pm

  Its been great, have no problem with this vehicle

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  Nitro 06 - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Craig Phillips - November 16 - 7:20 pm

  Good handling for an SUV. Very comfortable drive. Better than average gas mileage for its class. High value for the price.

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  2007 Nitro - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Johncop - August 24 - 10:20 am

  I purchased the Nitro looking to get away from the pickup trucks I have recently owned. I am happy with my purchase and have been enjoying the drive. The ride is a bit uneven with the suspension not being very firm. It seems to take much of the bumps up front, but while running down the highway, its very smooth. Overall I really enjoy the vehicle.

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  Electrical System - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By realtypro - June 25 - 2:20 am

  I had new car fever and I fell in love with the looks of the Nitro. I was really enjoying the car. I took three teenagers on springbreak to Florida. On the way home while going 70 mph, in the far left lane, the car cut out, all the lights came on - for several seconds (which seemed like hours) the car was stalled. Thankfully, it came back and we were not killed. I took the car in and after two days and being insistent on cause and repair, there was an electrical module replaced. According to the Dealer, who stated they had contacted the engineers, there had been 10 reported problems. I hope this is the real problem and it was fixed. However, now Im leary of the car.

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  Love/Hate - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By SB - April 27 - 2:10 pm

  I love so many things about the Nitro, standard features, comfort, cargo room, etc. But I hate the fact its been to the service department 3 times in the last month for the same problem (1600, 2200 & 2400 miles). he remote (keyless) entry has caused the Nitro to go haywire 3 times when the unlock button is pressed. This causes the Malfunction light to come on, and prevents all the computer modules from communicating with each other. First the dealer reset the computers, then they replaced the main (gateway) computer module. Took it back today, not sure what they have planned now. If they dont get it fixed this time, Ill be requesting a new Nitro, because other than that I love it.