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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  Never again. - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By suckycar - August 14 - 10:37 pm

  Nitro drives ok, but traction control comes on at random times, including dry conditions on flat roads at city speeds. At 36000 miles, just out of warranty, I had to replace the water pump and thermostat. Was still over heating so I took it to Clear Lake Dodge and they replaced the radiator free of charge. Drivers inside door handle broke about 100 miles ago. I have no idea why. MP3 input does not work properly. All lights and gauges will fail to operate from time to time. Must have a short some where. For having 50K miles, I think this is too many problems.

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  Frustration with my Nitro R/T - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Chafin - February 13 - 8:52 am

  I wish that Dodge put more thought and time into making their cars. I love my Nitro but cant stand the fact that it has to be repaired so much. My transmission is being repaired possibly replaced, this is the 4th time it has been in for that, my rear latch on my lift gate went bad got that fixed but was not repaired correctly had to return it for that, my rear speakers had to be replaced, my a/c has not worked properly since I bought it. Honestly Im very afraid to buy American cars again

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  Bad Experience - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By Ali - September 25 - 5:33 am

  I bought Nitro on its look and power, didnt know about the poor drivers side view mirror visibility. It could have killed me the other day. and secondly its 4WD doesnt work, i got stuck for about 3 hours on a small piece of sand people laughed a lot. Ali

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  2007 NITRO R/T 4.0 ONLY - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By karen nitro R/T - September 22 - 10:48 am

  I have a 2007 nitro r/t nitro. I put this info once before. I have an answer now. Im having a problem with chattering in front end. Its the serpentine belt. Chrysler cant fix this problem. I had it in the shop twice. The service told me that Chrysler dont touch it. A service rep. came out. He called the eng. They sent out some parts to put on it but, the problem isnt fixed. Its better but, sometimes its still just as loud. I took it over to the dealership. I was getting all of my receipts to send to my atty. The ser. Mgr. Heard it doing it again. Took it in for service and hes gone. I called my atty. They said I have a case for the lemon law. I was told niitro r/t wasnt designed for that size eng?

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  Stay away from the Nitro - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By squig29 - August 7 - 2:45 am

  I have had my Nitro for a little over a year now & absolutely hate this vehicle. Here are the problems I have had so far: park brake does not hold vehicle on slight incline unless you give it that extra little pull to the last notch, park brake boot zipper splitting 5 times dealer glued it closed & say that was chryslers fix, it split open the next morning), truck completely shut off while I was driving, roof rails lifted up, pass seat squeaks, a/c isnt very cold, cant roll up pass window from driver side, unlock switch actually locked all doors, seal on rear pass window replaced, tire press dings in cold temps, seat belt warning when no one in pass seat key fob issue when vehicle running

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  Dealer dont know how to fix it - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By The worst car - July 1 - 12:15 am

  We bought it brand new last December. We only put 4000 miles on it, and it has been in the shop for months. To many recalls, dealer service department replaced battery twice, the radio, the cluster, all electrical wires. And still in the shop. Dealer service department dont know how to fix it. They told us they talk with the Dodge engineers and they say they were having the same problem. We bought it because the car has the lifetime powertrain warranty. But thats the first and last time we buy a Dodge.

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  Not Happy With My Nitro - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Kelly - June 11 - 4:14 pm

  I have owned my vehicle for about a year and a half. I have had it into the shop 6 times. I have had 2 recalls and several other issues. I have had the vehicle recalled for stalling (after I had already experienced the stall, which could have caused a serious accident), as well as I had a cracked roof rail, panels came loose over the seat belt on passenger side, air conditioner quit working today at 26,000 miles, the rear inside light will only come on if you hit it (Dodge says its a manufacturing problem) loose carpet, loose console covering, seat had to be removed to fix the carpet, and, the stain resistant seats do not resist anything.

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  Think Gas First - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By Queen - May 14 - 8:18 pm

  The dodge Nitro is my first car, the exterior is awesome. I would like more of a luxury feel on the inside something like the "Ford Edge", but for the price... This is a nice SUV, but it is very terrible on gas. This baby runs me about $60-$65.00 a week "light travel". DO NOT let the gas tank get below half full, youre going to have to shell out so much money to fill her up. Gas prices are steadily rising and I would NOT suggest anyone get this car unless you can really afford $350- $400 a month on gas. Its not ideal for a college student or anyone on a budget.

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  problems - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By deezeebean - May 6 - 6:12 pm

  Had nothing but problems with this vehicle, driver window broke, had stalling problem ended up being computer recall, automatic unlock from inside broke, plastic bars on top lifted from front needing to be completely replaced now I worry about leakage. To top it all off dealership (Sandoval Dodge Las Cruces New Mexico) was not helpful or nice, after several problems after first purchased I asked owner to buy back car from me, he refused stating he had enough cars right now. Unacceptable. My first and last Dodge

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  Great vehicle (bad dealer) - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By chris b - April 25 - 11:35 pm

  Bought a 2007 R/T from Bill Kay in Naperville (avoid them). As for the Nitro R/T, its a real head turner, w/ red paint and 20 wheels, it gets a lot of attention. The mileage isnt too bad. I ave 16 mpg, on regular gas, which isnt bad for an SUV that can tow up to 5000 lbs. The ride is firm, (Ridgeline, Envoy, and even FJ cruiser rode nicer), but it IS related to Jeep, so expect a truck ride. Performance out of 4.0 liter is almost as fast as my stock Prelude SH, which is admirable for a brick on wheels. Interior is a little on the cheap looking side, but it is clean and uncluttered. Wanted a Trailblazer SS, but this gets as many looks, lower priced, better on gas, and cheaper insurance