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:
Showing 41 through 50 of 296.00-
Nickies Nitro: I Luv My Truk! - 2008 Dodge Nitro
By gabroad - January 16 - 2:43 pmBought my used Nitro 6 months ago and still in love with it. I drive alot have already added 22k miles and its still going strong. Though not too pleased with the quality of the cloth interior (seats will pick up water stains) I threw on some seat covers and kept it movin... Plan to invest in new seat coverings this summer. Overall, I am very happy with my truck and love its sporty look, spacious interior, easy handling and fair gas mileage.
-
It dodges everything but the gas station - 2010 Dodge Nitro
By mazagod - December 31 - 10:12 pmI have been driving this vehicle for about three months and I am not happy about it. I am a tall guy, and I hit my head every time I get into the car. There are huge blind spots, and if someone is sitting next to you in the front passenger seat, it is very hard to see out the window. The engine is not powerful at all, but it does guzzle the gas. Sometimes I put the gas pedal down, and the car actually seems to slow down. There is no storage in the car at all. Dont even get me started on how bad the gas milage is, SUV or not. I would not buy this car again.
-
Do not buy this car - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By jander19 - December 19 - 8:24 pmI do love the way this car looks and the pick up the car has. However that is not enough to make up for the stupid little things that have broken on my car. My gas tank needs to be completely replaced now and it will cost me about nine hundred dollars by the end at the low end cost range!! This car is definetely not worth buying and in fact I will never buy a dodge car again b/c of all the issues I have had from this car. Please consider your options before buying this car. Do not get sucked into how the car looks b/c the quality is just not there.
-
2007 Dodge Nitro ALASKA - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By Anonymous - December 7 - 2:00 amI havent had any problems until just last week when I couldnÂ’t start my car! Living in Alaska people are going to assume itÂ’s the cold, its not. The WCM is broken? That is what controls the security system and starting the car all the wires ext, thought it was the Viper auto start that was installed, after disconnecting that the car still wouldnÂ’t start. IÂ’ve read many reviews on people having to replace this and was told through Chrysler that usually you only have to replace it once This is a great car when itÂ’s actually drivable, This is a great vehicle for families with kids.
-
Fun, attractive, reliable "bad boy" SUV! - 2010 Dodge Nitro
By SSteele - November 12 - 2:00 amI have to wonder if those people complaining actually bothered to preview the car prior to buying it. Did they sit in it, test drive it, ask questions about it? If they did and complain after the fact about non-mechanical issues the problem is not the car - its them! Also, all brands have defective individual autos. I would not condemn an entire model based on one bad car. Lets be real here. My 2010 Nitro has logged more than 27,000 miles and is going strong with no mechanical problems. It has a spacious and comfortable interior suitable for a family of five. The rear seats even have a middle shoulder strap seat belt. The Nitro looks distinctive and is a lot of fun to drive. I love it!
-
It grows on you - 2010 Dodge Nitro
By Marine - October 26 - 2:00 amOur Jeep Commander was blown up by a dealership error (we think) and we were offered to opportunity to purchase a replacement vehicle with the dealership absorbing a great deal of the upside down ratio on the Jeep. The Nitro took about 1600 miles to break in, I was getting worried. Now it has settled down. I drive in the mountains of Colorado and the gearing on the Nitro is great for climbing the hills without downshifting. The mileage is awful - my RAM 1500 gets better mileage. The vehicle is cute and pugnacious looking, gets around parking lots well, has a smooth ride on the 17 inch tires (20s were rough). Its growing on me. My buyers remorse is fading away.
-
Great SUV - 2010 Dodge Nitro
By rjinsac - October 21 - 2:00 amIve have my car 10 months, with zero problems. love its handling and its so fun to drive, no blind spots which I love, so easy to change lanes.
-
Love my Nitro! - 2010 Dodge Nitro
By Scott - October 11 - 2:00 amIve had my Nitro for about three months now and its the best SUV Ive ever owned. It looks great, drives smooth, and reacts very nicely when driving at high speeds! The only thing I dont have is the cruise control option. I will have it added in the near future.
-
exterior mirrors - 2010 Dodge Nitro
By owner - October 11 - 2:00 amI am 5 ft 2, the driving part of this SUV isnt the problem, its the outside mirrors. Left turn or right turn it doesnt matter I lose view. I have been trying for a month to get Chrysler and the car lot to help me remedy this, I cant get help, I do have case numbers with both, they say there are no replacement mirrors and they cant put a power seat in, so now I must drive a car Im scared to drive, this is truly a problem that should be in a recall! So nothing bad has to happen and then they put a recall out. Please dont contact me, Ive already talked to everyone
-
Get a Nitro! - 2010 Dodge Nitro
By JD - October 10 - 2:00 amIve 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.
