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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  The Dodge Nitro is good for Teens too - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By bill - November 8 - 8:16 am

  Im an 18 year old guy and got this for my birthday and I love this car. Its cool looking, smooth driving, nice for passengers, and my girlfriends all love it, oh and its fast and fun in the snow especially since i got the fourwheel drive model. I love them. I only think they should change the seat panel on the driver and passenger seat. Im six, four, three hundred pounds and I get caught on that plastic piece. Other than that its great!

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  2007 Nitro SXT 4wd - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By tony - September 11 - 4:03 pm

  Use the car for work up and down the south shore of long island, so far so good. In and out of the car twelve times a day, so far no problems to report. Handles well, once you get up to highway speed vehicle seems quiet and smooth, but I do mostly street driving. Im 61" and 240 lbs and its comfortable to me. With the seat back, there is a ton of leg room for driver seems little less for passenger.

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  Nitroliscious - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Danny - September 6 - 10:06 pm

  I have a little Benz SLK55 AMG and I wanted something to haul stuff around and for use in snow and bad weather. The Nitro looks awesome and has some nice features. I originally wanted an R/T but then I figured that since this was really just my "bad weather" car, why spend the extra money? I didnt need leather or chrome wheels. The 4.0 with an extra 50 horsepower would have been nice, but I will make some mods to the 3.7 to jack it up by a few HP and it will be fine for what I need it to do. Also, rear seat leg room is much better than in other small SUVs.

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  A little nervous - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By j. Mac - August 11 - 8:46 pm

  I wrote a review 1 1/2 months after buying my Nitro, about how happy I was with it. Since then, I have had two experiences of my Nitro "jerking", and had the dashboard lights come on. The first time it happened, I actually thought someone had hit me from behind. Thats how hard the "jolt" was. I then got the recall later for this. I havent had any episodes since then. I still love my Nitro and wouldnt trade it in for anything else.

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  Nitro, a bust? - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Wahoo! - June 4 - 8:43 am

  Dodge can dress a vehicle up and give it some curb appeal but it ends there. Nitro underperforms for me. Quirky and cute looks on the outside are a plus. Interior is horrible. Stiff and uncomfortable seats, tight width spacing, odd foot room on both front driver and passenger. Overall ride fair, very stiff and bumpy. Handles very well in snow, but odd jerky-ness when in 4wd and moving thru parking lots (low speeds, 0-15). Heating system lacks power badly and direction. Lack of freeway power to pass, lags before speed engages. Overall not the vehicle I expected. Not recommended.

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  Awesome midsize SUV - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Mike & Rebecca - June 3 - 8:30 am

  The Nitro is aggersively designed for the young and the young at heart. Dodge has taken the best of the other SUVs in the market like Jeep, Hummer, and Land Rrover and made it all Dodge. Its a very fun SUV to drive. Dodge has created a real head turner of a mid size SUV. Dodge has created a perfect SUV with the Nitro.

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  Love the R/T 4.0 L 5spd - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By RenoRor - March 27 - 11:40 am

  Ive had my Nitro for net yet a week. So far, I love it. Im getting good gas mileage, 18 city and 23-24 hwy. I love the kick from the 4.0L engine. Great bold styling! I get a lot of comments and questions. Its great! The R/T comes with the bigger tires and nice wheels, a nice extra.

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  Dodge Nitro! - 2010 Dodge Nitro
  By lou colabella - February 11 - 7:51 pm

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  They should have tested it more first! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By nitroglyceride - November 24 - 12:03 am

  No one can say that the Nitro isnt sharp as can be in the looks department. It is quite the head turner, but as another wrote.. thats where the good ends. I have had several new cars over the years, yet none in the model releases first year. The 2007 Nitro is a prime example of why homework is important. They have many issues with this vehicle that they cant or wont address. It rides very roughly, the transmission feels like its constantly searching for whatever gear its in, the headliner squeaks against the underside of the roof, it has electrical issues that cause operations to fail, and it is cramped feeling inside. I traded a PT Cruiser for it, so go figure? Please fix mine..

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  Who else Loves Their Nitro? I Sure Do! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By dmarcantel - October 28 - 11:56 pm

  Love it, stepped down from a Land Rover Discovery II and do not regret it. Do not pass this great lil SUV by.