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 Les - October 27 - 8:29 pmI love everything about this vehicle. 23,000 and not a single problem. Drives great and runs great. Wouldnt change a thing.
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Love Mine! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By dk1677 - October 12 - 7:36 pmOver 4k no and no problems. My only trip to the dealer was an oil change. A fun SUV. Comfortable, good performance and ok gas mileage 16 around town. Very solid on the road. Mine is an automatic ( no SXT choice for that) I am very happy with my Nitro! Its a real head turner!
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love this suv - 2009 Dodge Nitro
By justus - October 9 - 4:58 pmlove this nitro-lways wanted one, drives like a dream, fun to drive, love it love it love it
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Nothing But Fun - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By Samara - September 12 - 4:40 amI have owned 2 Ford Explorers. They were good, but this vehicle is a blast. I have eveything on my SLT except the navigation system. I am a teacher and a coach. The kids absolutely love it and the Sunburst Orange color really turns the heads.
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OUR RED NITRO - 2008 Dodge Nitro
By M&M - September 9 - 8:43 pmWe bought our nitro new and has been flawless after 10 months. Have found no flaws in the paint and interior. I use 4x4 for snow. The seats are very comfortable. We average 20mpg overall mileage after 9000 miles. The sunroof chrome clad 17 inch wheels, red paint really gets noticed. It has plenty of power and rides good for a 4x4. It is a solid suv at a good price.
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nitro!!!! - 2009 Dodge Nitro
By dodgeman1129 - August 7 - 8:43 amThe nitro is a great car it is fun to drive mpg is not the best but over all the nitro is a great car
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Love it hot - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By 2007 RT nitro - July 25 - 8:43 amIts six weeks old love every thing about this SUV. Take time to research the vehicle first after that i choose the RT model. It has power to spare the handling is great for suv the 20 inch wheels are gorgeous. The gas mileage is according to foot pressure,easy and average 21.5 little harder about 19.I have owned three chevys prior to the nitro it is equal all areas, this vehicle is not for every one.Suv,s are not sports cars or luxury cars. But this SUV has passed my requirements
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Awesome SUV - 2008 Dodge Nitro
By Akazm - May 26 - 9:39 pmI recently purchased a Dodge Nitro and so far I love it. Its MPG isnt great but it is a SUV, what do you expect? The look is awesome, great interior space, so many features, smooth and quiet ride, fun to drive. It can comfortably seat big men. The interior material is perfectly fine. For the price, it is worth every penny in my opinion.
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Real Nice Ride and Looks - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By frank66 - May 24 - 2:43 amThis SUV is an all around awesome vehicle for the money. The other brands (mid size SUVs) I looked at were too cramped for space inside, too common looking, and even boring. The nicest ones were way up there in price, even before you add in options. The Dodge Nitro does everything I need from a SUV and does at a reasonable price.
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Good Buy - 2007 Dodge Nitro
By Bordin - April 25 - 5:52 pmThis car is nothing but fun. No problems with it at all. Recalls obviously but other then that no other repairs. Gas milage is surprisingly well. Great hauling vehicle. Lots of jump off dead starts, take any little 4 cylinder car anyday.
