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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Not Happy, Nitro Vibration and Rust issues - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By John Nichols - October 21 - 8:33 amI drove this SLT model for most of a snowy winter. The chrome grille now has major rust like discoloration penetrating it. Looks bad, Dodge wont replace it, I washed it when possible but this brightwork has really deteriorated in a few short months.You would think it should be able to withstand normal Colorado winter driving. Has an ongoing vibration, very annoying. The dealer has checked it out, states "thats just the normal thing for the torque converter to do." I know better than that! Complained to Dodge headquarters, No positive help at all. Look out, buyers beware, Dodge is slipping in quality and in taking care of customer.They have lost me.
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Not what I expected - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By Barb - October 4 - 5:43 amLove the way it looks, but it stops there. Since I bought this SUV it has been in the shop 13 times and Im taking it back again. ABS lights have been on forever they cant seem to fix it. All sensors have been replaced, and modules and bearings and rear axle a new electrical harness, radio and I caould go on and on. This is a nightmare. The lemon law is gonna work for me on this one. Dont buy it. Theres no pick up and go and no room for feet in floor board. Also bad blind spot. Noisy and engine tics and runs rough. Also 2 new brains, Im sure Im forgetting something.
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Buy another SUV - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By Dean P. Cook - August 2 - 2:30 pmDont be fooled by the cool looks of the Nitro! Ive had problems from day 1. First of all the radio stopped working so the dealership replaced it then they replaced it again. Then the check engine light came on, I had it in 4 times before they finally fixed that. The transmission slips, they say this is due to needed download that Chrysler hasnt developed yet. I also have a water leak that two dealerships cant find. Now I drive around with 2 inches of water in the passenger floor pan, the interior stinks and the carpeting is ruined. Now Im in arbetration to have Chrysler buy this lemon back. I have never been so dissapointed with a new vehicle purchase ever. DONT BUY THIS PIECE OF CRAP!
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Nitro Rocks - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By AceRealtor - July 20 - 3:10 pmMy wife and I researched and shopped for a replacement for her Suburban. We have found the perfect solution. The Nitro is absolutely sweet! I like to say it has some "that was nice of you think of" features. For example, the Load-n-Go is way cool for loading groceries. The reclining second row seats are something I always wanted in my previous SUV and now I have it in the Nitro. We got the sunroof with ours and it makes driving this thing big fun! I must admit, it has the typical handling and sway feel of a midsize SUVs but of course, I drive a Vette during the week and Im used to a very responsive feel. Overall, the Nitro is a total home run for Dodge. We love it!
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Best medium sized SUV under 40k - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By Robert - July 1 - 2:40 amI got the R/T model after looking at nearly every SUV under 40k (and even a few over. I was looking for something that didnt look emasculated & not too big either. I was also looking for something that didnt look boring or generic-I had it narrowed down to the new LR2 or the Mercury Mariner/Ford Escape when I saw the Nitro R/T version; I went and drove it & was convinced- it is suprisingly smooth and quiet, at 80mph it feels like its quietly cruising; its got peppy pick up, and just a smooth quiet ride all around. The R/T model is clearly the most unique small SUV out there. I got a late 2007 model so no problems that early models seemed to have. Its a great buy overall,esp for the money.
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Good with looks but thats it! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By Yolanda Rodriguez - June 16 - 6:30 pmI bought my Nitro in 12/07 and its a head turner and I was exited but not for too long. It is up to the second recall. The first was for the brakes and the second for engine stalling. I do not feel safe after these recalls. The engine makes a noise that the service dept. does not know what to do, I have to attempt to buckle my seatbelt several times before it locks, the stain guard on the seats do not work because Ive tried to remove stains that do not come off. All the service lights have come on twice so I need to get that checked. I also think that it has poor quality paint because a pigeon pooped on the hood and I didnt wash the car right away and It ruined the paint in that area.
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NitroLover - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By NitroLover - June 10 - 1:36 pmLove the bold design of the vehicle and the sleekness of the hand brake. Smooth ride, even though I was first told it would handle like a truck, it doesnt.
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More Than Just A Blast - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By rohler04 - May 22 - 9:33 amDodge has done it again. After being a new model buyer of a 2004 GMC Envoy XUV, I had no hesitation to try another protocol vehicle. This was a gift for my wife and I had to find a ride comparable to the Envoy but in a smaller package for gas milage improvement. Our Sunburst Orange Nitro has fullfilled and exceeded our wildest dreams. Not only is it a blast to drive, but having all the options available , we are extremely impressed. Not a single flaw in performance nor in the assembly of this vehicle. We highly recommend this to anyone looking for downsizing their guzzling suv and not sacrifice the drive and ride. The color scheme accented with chrome creates a lot of looks as well.
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2007 Dodge Nitro R/T - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By onetim1 - May 11 - 11:10 pmThe Nitro is a fun SUV to drive, I purchased mine with all the toys, u- connect, back seat video entertainment, loaded. Ride is great, not the bumpy ride I expected. Gets a lot of looks. Extemely satisfied.
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What a gas - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By Mark - December 18 - 1:16 pmJust bought an SXT 2wd. I had to have the Orange one. It gets a lot of looks already. It is very comfortable and easy to get in and out of. I am a large person and this thing really fits. I was kind of surprised that it didnt have cruise on the base model. I dont use it a lot but would have been nice. The back does hold the biggest goalie bag they have, which was a requirement of the household. Remember this is a rear wheel drive vehicle, so it dosent drive like your FWD car your replacing. Fun, fun, fun to drive. It handles just as well as the Intrepid I replaced. Cant wait to get some more miles under the belt.
