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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  Get a Nitro! - 2010 Dodge Nitro
  By JD - October 10 - 2:00 am

  Ive had SUVs for years and this is my favorite. I researched and drove a lot of SUVs before purchasing and overall, the Nitro just fits what I like perfectly. It looks great inside and out, its unique, functional, its comfortable, and fun to be in and drive. Mine is fully loaded, which makes it even better.

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  Love my Dodge Nitro Shock 2011 - 2011 Dodge Nitro
  By KKR - October 9 - 2:00 am

  While gas mileage is not great, driving it is! I feel safe and secure. I have owned my Nitro Shock for about a month and have no complaints so far. I love the hands free phone, the touch screen radio, and the power sunroof. The leather is nice and the seats are very comfortable. Spacious and nicely designed. Power is everything I need, cant wait til winter to try out the 4 wheel drive capabilities! The Dodge Nitro looks like a cross between a jeep, range rover, and a hummer. Love it! It is elegant but tough!

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  Best Car I have ever owned. - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By Jay Macke - September 24 - 2:00 am

  My 2008 Nitro is the best car I have ever had. It is a company vehicle and the reliability and performance have been outstanding. I have 98,000 miles on the car and the only maintaince I have had to do is the scheduled oil changes. Still has original brakes and tires. The ride and handling are excellent. Wonderful car. I will purchase another one in 2011.

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  I Love my Nitro - 2010 Dodge Nitro
  By JacquiBrown - August 28 - 1:48 am

  This Dodge Nitro is definitely one of the best vehicles I have ever purchased I read a lot of information on them and a lot of it said it was a bad SUV to purchased just based on the bad fuel mileage, I wanted to yell at these people who wrote those, "its a freaking SUV of course the gas mileage is crappy your looking at an SUV for more room, so more room means heavy means it takes more gas to move the thing really!" for that matter from my research the gas mileage on this SUV is with in 1 to 2 of every other SUV so why do people complain its very comfortable it works well when you have a baby who spills her drinks all the time and its easy to get both her and me in and out of. Its a great SUV.

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  Great Sub SUV - 2010 Dodge Nitro
  By Great Sub SUV - July 26 - 6:03 am

  I have had this vehicle for almost six months and I have had zero problems out of this vehicle. Lot of cargo room when you fold down the rear seats,plenty of leg room in the rear and in front. The 4.0l engine has plenty of power for me.I love this vehicle. Buy the Shock model with the 4.0l you will be happy.

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  Love It! - 2010 Dodge Nitro
  By Velocity1 - July 24 - 4:31 pm

  First its great looking. I have the Detonator Yellow with some chrome trim and the 20" wheels go real nice with it. I think it handles very well. I come from a tuner car that stuck to the road like glue and was impressed at how the Nitro handled some of my everyday driving maneuvers. There is lots of interior room and all the seats fold perfectly flat. The Nitros premium sound system has a great sub woofer. I have the 4.0 5-speed shiftable transmission and when I need to pass someone I step on the gas and mission accomplished. I think this Nitro fits a certain style and others who say they dont like it probably shouldnt have bought it to begin with! I give it 2 thumbs up!!

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  I love it! - 2010 Dodge Nitro
  By Scott - July 22 - 8:02 am

  Ive been driving for over 30 years and this is my favorite vehicle. Fun to drive and handles very well, those big 20" tires really stick to the pavement. I have the Detonator Yellow and people are always checking it out and giving compliments. The dash and interior controls are easy to use and within reach, the seats are very comfortable. There are no blind spots while driving you can see everything. Ive read some folks were unhappy with the interior and the handling. Your not buying top of the line luxury this is middle of the road SUV for the price.I bought this vehicle for the exterior looks. It is very rugged and handsome looking. Plent of interior space and my wife likes it as well. A+

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  Nice ride - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By Charles - June 14 - 11:32 am

  Its been a great car for the wife to drive, in fact I even enjoy driving too.

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  dodge nitro - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By sharlene - May 7 - 10:53 am

  I bought my nitro over 2 years ago and still love it! I have had no problems with it, it drives great and is very comfortable with plenty of room and sits high off the ground for great visibility. With the nitro you are getting a small suv with out the large price of a big suv or the gas guzzler to go with it. I was recently rear ended and because of the hitch I had miminal damage. I would recommend the dodge nitro as a reliable and dependable vehicle and this comes from someone who has always driven the big suvs!

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  Love it! - 2010 Dodge Nitro
  By AmandaLouWho - April 12 - 9:58 am

  Just purchased my Dodge Nitro! I absolutely love it! Love the style and the comfort! It is a lot of fun to drive!