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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  Love It - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Linds - March 12 - 7:44 am

  I just purchased my Nitro..Dodge had no problem taking my truck and fixing the recalls...Every manufacturer makes mistakes get em fixed and u will love ur truck. I could get better gas mileage but everything else about the Nitro makes up for it! Most definitely a head turner, caught my eye the moment I saw it on the lot!

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  Great Vehicle - 2010 Dodge Nitro
  By RjinSac - February 23 - 7:22 pm

  Ive had my Nitro just over a month now, I love the car, I have had no problems with it, It drives great, gas mileage is on low side. Really a fun car to drive.

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  Best SUV ever Purchased - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By 07 R/T - February 10 - 7:57 pm

  I have almost 75,000 miles on this now and it still runs great. My only gripe is the noisy rear carrier bearing. Overall love it, the 4.0 has awesome power and performance.

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  In Love with my Nitro - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By GLo - February 1 - 2:21 pm

  Bought my Nitro used and absolutely in love with it. Ive owned it for a month now and still cant wait to just get in it and drive. Mine has the 3.7 liter which will throw your head back when the pedal is pressed, but will make your heart stop when you see the gas gauge drop. Not used to the MPG for an SUV as Ive always owned a car. The Nitro is great for long trips. Plenty of room for passengers and luggage. Just an all around great vehicle. Love my Nitro!

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  Nitro Has been a Great Car/SUV!! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Makadoodle - January 19 - 6:57 pm

  The dealership was awesome to work with! This is the 1st SUV I have ever owned. I have had 3-Chrysler 300M since 1999. Great performance-Good Mileage-Lots of people ask me, "What is that your driven, WOW, I love it!!

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  It is what it is ! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By tom - January 1 - 12:11 am

  This Nitro parked in my garage is buy far the best 4 wheel drive Ive had in several years. Its 4 wheel drive out performs that of my Grand cherokee Limited. Sure there has been a few recalls. So what! Recalls are fixed free. I have 30,000 on this Nitro now and I cant complain at all. You take care of it and it will take care of you.

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  GO NITRO - 2009 Dodge Nitro
  By william - December 31 - 6:00 pm

  Nice Truck , fun to drive Great price, LOVE THE LOOK !!!!!! lacks power , but drives nice, drove a 2009 equinox not as nice as my Nitro ,,, TWO THUMBS UP

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  First 3 months OCT - DEC 09 - 2009 Dodge Nitro
  By SilentWarrior - December 10 - 8:29 am

  B+ Sweet SUV! Love it! High ride. Not sluggish as others have said, when cornering the computer protects vehicle from over acceleration. Can override w/EVP off. I DONT RECOMMEND THIS! Runs fast off line for 4000 lbs V6. R/T has even better performance. Best mileage w/ cruise control (highway 27 mpg). Rear seats nice & roomy, however exiting vehicle is awkward, especially for children < 10 (due to height of vehicle and far forward short floor). Front leg room is a little narrow. Has interior wind buffeting if only rear window down. Warms up quickly for heat/defrost (~10 min. at 10F). Cat Back exhaust makes vehicle growl. Turn off 4WD before tight turns like parking in mall.

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  HONEST OPINION - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By T-FERN - November 30 - 8:04 pm

  Ive owned my 2008 Dodge Nitro for almost 2yrs now, I can honestly say its one of the best vehicles Ive owned so far. I chose to get the 4x4 and I live in upstate NY where we get a few feet of snow every snow fall. The Nitro handles great in the snow, and can really bite into the deep stuff with no issues. I get A LOT of compliments on my Nitro, from the color to the design,to people saying it looks "tough" and I feel extremely safe everytime I drive it in bad weather. I can def see myself buying the same vehicle in the future as long as they continue keeping the Nitro rugged, and aggresive. This vehicle is an suv..and it rides, and handles like one. I love it.

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  fun to drive - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By danielle - November 2 - 8:53 pm

  i love this car its fun its comfy and roomy i love the u connect feature i love the slide out floor in the trunk area makes it easy to get to stuff in the back it holds a ton of stuff as a soccer mom trust me it holds alot i love this car so does the family