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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Awesome SUV - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By Dainger - May 7 - 5:20 amI bought the Nitro R/T with the larger engine and boy is it fast. It really gets up and goes a lot better than my 2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee with the I-6 4.0. Handling is great with the ESP and braking is really good as well. I love the heated leather seats, rear power outlet, sun roof, and the best is the great comments I get from people about how it looks. A lot of people still havent seen or heard of the SUV yet. Thats what I like the best about it, you dont see one of these bad boys everyday, like some of the other less bolder SUVs.
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What is That? I like it! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By Gordon Landreth - April 30 - 5:46 pmI saw the Nitro on the lot last November just after it came out. I knew that was the next one for me Now, four months later, not a day goes by that someone doesnt ask what it is, followed by "I really like it!" I still dont see many on the highway, but people dont know what theyre missing. It rides solid and handles well. Mileage is better than my last foreign SUV.
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My new Nitro with MyGig - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By Bryan - April 27 - 5:23 amI just bought my black Nitro R/T a few days ago. So far I love it. Im hoping I dont run into any of the mechanical problems others have mentioned, but so far it cant be any better. Im surprised no one has talked about the MyGig system yet. Its awesome. The navigation and satellite radio are great. I already have pictures of my wife and our dogs on the hard drive and displaying on the screen. My only complaint so far is the hard drive space. I knew some of the 20 gigs would be used, but there are only 8 gigs available Its a little disappointing to have less than half the space advertised. Hard drives are cheap, why not stick 120 gigs or more in there.
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Bad Buy - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By ron - March 8 - 10:20 amI am very unhappy with my Nitro. It misses out. Tranny is very sloppy and they say this is normal. Bad gas mileage and under powered. I would not reccomend to anyone.
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Double Take - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By jill McQueary - October 18 - 6:26 amI have had my black Nitro for 1 1/2 months. I am amazed at how many people have come up to me in parking lots wanting to know what it is. I added the chrome running boards and front chrome facia and just love the added look. I am so happy with the performance and ride of this vehicle!
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Not Sure I Made the Right Decision! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By Grz - October 15 - 1:06 amI went from a 2004 Chevy Monte Carlo SS to this and was I disappointed. The test drive was fine. The problems didnt seem to show up till the drive home. The vehicle surges from 0-40 mph and struggles to find the right gear. It sounds like it is in the wrong gear when accelerating. Hwy speeds are okay. If you need to merge dont do it. This vehicle has no pick up for passing. 2 days after I bought it I was back at the service center getting my recall fixed. I didnt know it was legal for a dealership to sell a car with a potentially deadly recall on it. I cant wait for that survey to show up. I must say it does gets some heads turning. All eyes are on me when I pull up but I miss my Chevy!
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What a Great SUV! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By Dave - August 17 - 6:36 amI traded in a Chevy Suburban for this great SUV. The Nitros fit and finish blows away any domestic Ive owned. This vehicle is fun to drive and really turns heads. I have never owned a Dodge but its pretty clear that Daimler has had a very positive influence on this build. May have to buy another one.
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Dodge Nitro 2007 - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By aburke21 - July 6 - 3:43 amAwesome to drive. I get a lot of looks and compliments from people. By far my favorite SUV!
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Reaserched it ! Bought it! Happy with it - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By Dave - May 12 - 10:16 pmI had been driving a Ram Hemi, wanted to downsize a little but couldnt find any SUV values. The Nitro sticker price caused me to look further. I liked all of the standard features and 4x4. I decided on the base model and upgraded to include the 4x4 and tow package. The base sound system works exellent and the ride is comfortable. I am tall and have to lean a little to get in, but plenty of headroom once inside. Plenty of power from the 3.7 and plenty of room inside, with the seats folded down for a place to sleep while camping! I did plenty of research, and for the money, I found nothing to compare. I have not experienced any of the problems described by others. Very happy!
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Big Mistake - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By luv4tanner - April 14 - 2:16 pmMy 2007 Dodge SXT Nitro is loud and has no power. It makes a noise. I thought it was only mine but I went and tried out another one out and it made the same noise. I thought the engine was ticking, but i had it checked out and they said it was supposed to sound like that. Its very uncomfortable to ride in. The seats sit up way too high. You dont have much foot room in the floor on the drivers side. Plus it would have been nice if they would have made it where your lights would cut on at night and cut off when the car cut off. The seats in the back needed to be moveable where I could move them back a little because the Dodge company put cupholders in the floor and my son is using them as a foot stool.
