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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  Nitro - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Eva - October 25 - 5:50 pm

  The car handles nice and is fun to drive, however the ability to get in and out of the car is not good. You have to duck you head to enter the car. The front side windows of the car are much smaller than normal which makes bank and drive in transactions very difficult. The side mirror on this car are very large and tend to create blind spots when turning corners. The car features automatic door locks which are great except when you try to re-enter the car you have to unlock the back door which tends to get annoying when you have to go to the front to unlock the back. Everything on the console in the front of the car is slightly behind you which causes you to look down.

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  Nitro is Rightro! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By NitroBilly - September 28 - 12:46 am

  I try not to drive my Nitro everyday, but I cant help it to be honest. It has enough power to keep me interested, but could use a little more. Handling is smooth, a guy comes up on my tail with a *cough* GMC Envoy, and thats all he got to look at.. my tail! I had the Nitro going around a 30 mile hr curve at 45! But I also have those 20 inchers!

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  Nice and Easy Ride - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Easy - August 14 - 9:46 pm

  I purchased my Nitro a few weeks ago. I had to put a lot of miles on it approx. 3500 miles in 3 weeks. Ive had only one problem which I believe is the belt tensioner its making a little noise. I am going to take it in for service next week. My R/T Nitro 4.0L looks good, runs good, rides good, and has plenty of storage space too. Its a nice and easy ride!

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  Nitrod - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Alan - August 13 - 4:43 am

  This SUV will become a verb. Took the 4WD for a test drive and then ended up buying the 2WD just because it was what I could afford :-) So far I like it. A bit light on the back so it fish tailed on a turn when I was merging on to a main road. It also made the tires squeal. After the scare I had a silly grin on my face. Talk about midlife crisis. I am mean again!

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  Too much hype - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Ethan - July 6 - 9:50 pm

  Overall Im not very happy with my Nitro. My biggest complaint is the road noise. With my work I have driven most every new vehicle on the market, and the Nitro has far and above the most road noise. Not a lot more plastic than other SUVs, but definitly feels and looks cheaper. It gives it almost a hard feel. Mechanicly no complaints, enough power, etc. Fuel economy isnt great, but then thats not why I drive an SUV.

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  Our new ride - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Ric00man - February 26 - 10:56 pm

  We love the exterior and interior appearance of this vehicle. It is different and everyone seem to take notice of it. It is a mid size vehicle that makes you think it is much larger. Great leg room in both the front seating area and the rear seating area. We have four large dogs and this vehicle has plenty of room for them to spread out and lay down when we travel with them.