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:
Showing 241 through 250 of 296.00-
Welcome to the future of style - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By korrykind - April 16 - 1:40 amLove the style. Fits the year. Ive seen cool concepts for years. Im glad that were finally starting to see them. The mileage could be better, but what do you expect? Its on a truck chassis unlike all the new crossovers on a car chassis. Good ground clearance off road too. I got the 6 speed for the fun factor but I had to get body colored fenders. The others dont look too good but just my opinion. Maybe Im biased though I sell them brand new and maybe that makes me like them more. Anyway I love mine
-
Good overall package but... - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By JimBobBillyJo - April 2 - 3:50 pmI bought the Nitro for the great styling, high standard feature content, and room inside. After 3 days the satellite radio quit, took 4 weeks to replace the antenna, worked 5 days and quit again. Throttle response is horrible, push the gas and wait 1 second then it revs, makes it very hard to modulate with manual transmission which is unacceptable for a computer controlled engine. It reminds me of my old slant 6 Volare. Engine pulls willingly, but doesnt seem like 210 horsepower, gas mileage not quite up to rated but close. Engine rough and a bit noisy, not up to todays standard of refinement. Center console too wide, nowhere to put your feet but under the pedals.
-
Awesome - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By sentor35 - March 17 - 4:10 amLove this SUV. Very roomy compared to most I compared in its class. Looks outstanding, drives smoothly, and has some great features. I couldnt be more pleased!
-
My "TRO" - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By Ida - February 9 - 10:50 pmI purchased the SLT 4x2, Black, oh what an eye catcher! The first week I took it to work I was in the parking lot during lunch every day, because my co- workers wanted to see it in and out. I even get people asking me to take them for a test ride in my SUV! It handles beautifully and my husband was so impressed on the handling of my Nitro he bought his two weeks later. I get between 22 and 27 miles per gallon (highway miles) city 19 miles per gallon). I have 4 grandchildren and I can ride all of them with comfort (no fighting). They love it! I am so glad I held out on purchasing a vehicle before the Nitro.
-
Love it - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By nitro rider - February 7 - 2:16 pmI bought this vehicle for my wife, however I have a hard time passing it on to my vehicle. I think if this was around when I bought my vehicle I would have bought it instead. My wife loves it also. I know we will be traveling in her vehicle more now. By the way we exchanged a Lincoln Navigator for it, and it rides better than the Navigator. It gives my Mercedes a run for the money.
-
First kid on my block to get a new Nitro - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By John Wright - January 17 - 2:10 amMy new Nitro had 19 miles on it the day that I purchased it on September 26, 2006. The vehicle is really a blast to drive, it has great pickup and the handling and braking make the mid-sized SUV feel like a much smaller vehicle. I have had numerous people gawking at my Nitro everywhere that I take it, I even had one guy stick his head in the window while sitting in a parking lot -- while I was still in the truck! As of this writing I now have 7 days and 345 miles of pavement under me. So far the only complaint that I have is the gas mileage not being anywhere near what the sticker indicates, averaging about 15.25 MPG (Sticker indicates 17/23). I was hoping that it wouldve been at least 19.
-
Just Awesome! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By Ragefire10 - December 4 - 8:10 amI saw this vehicle on a TV ad, and I had to have one! Ive never seen an SUV quite like this one. Its a blast to drive and very aggressive looking. The gas mileage isnt the best, but thats alright. This is the first Dodge Ive owned, and Im very happy with this truck! If you like it, but it! You wont regret it!
-
Dodge Nitro RT 4.0L 4WD - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By Drake20 - December 4 - 4:56 amHad the car for a few days so far, and it is awesome. I love it far more than my GMC Sierra 4wd i owned previously. First off, the looks of the RT are fantastic, the Grill shines with chrome, as do the wheels which fit great, also the two tone dark bottom half and white upper half interior really sets it off. Guages, and all components work well, and premium sound system is excellent. Room for me in back, and I am 63, even with front seats all the way back, perfect if they are slightly forward. RT has plenty of power and a aggressive growl from the engine. I have averaged a little over 21 mpg so far, and it turns heads.
-
Dissapointed in Nebraska - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By mcculjim - September 1 - 10:26 amI have had this vehicle a week short of 2 months and have 3000 miles on it. So far I have had several problems with this car. The first problem was that I was driving down the street and the car just quit. Dash startup system lights came on and it just quit. I took it to the dealer and they couldnt find any "codes" in the car showing it happened. Then a couple of weeks later the electric lock swith plate on the drivers door quit working. I am waiting for them to get one from somewhere. Now just yesterday the car quit running going down the road again. Locks popped up and it just quit. This is very annoying after paying almost 26,000 for this thing.
-
Great SUV if maintained - 2010 Dodge Nitro
By ralph kennedy - February 17 - 11:43 pmNot produced anymore. This SUV was built on a Liberty Chassis. I have 160k on it and the front end needed prop shafts at about 125k. I think the SUV is comparable with most others in its class. I also put both front struts in and upper control arms. I feel this is normal for the mileage. So if you are buying and older Nitro have a mechanic check the front end.
