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 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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  Absolute Junk - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Josh - October 7 - 2:00 am

  Hmm where do I begin? Roof Racks were ripped from the sheet metal in the car wash. Stereo has completely failed. Passenger Window has stopped working. Gets about 10-15 mpg even on the highway. 4x4 works occasionally in the winter time. Interior is cheap and uncomfortable.

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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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  Avoid this dog - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Needanothercar - September 22 - 2:00 am

  Multiple electrical failures, intermittent service interruption of the satellite radio, trim and fascia falling off, fit and finish not up to snuff. Its the same old Dodge turd, re-badged and slapped with a fresh coat of paint. Theyve learned nothing since the 70s. Im going to willingly take a $3,000 hit to get out of this thing. Avoid it at all costs.

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  07 Dodge Nitro - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Ryan - September 6 - 4:20 pm

  I got mine in December 2007, and just the other day, it started swaying back and forth on the highway. a few yeas ago, it used to shut off while driving. but other than that, this SUV is fun, fast, modern, and strong off road. Its great for a family, and or a single person. Just dont get the one with plastic finders, and bumper, because they come off easy.

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  60,000 miles and no problems - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Jason - September 1 - 1:39 am

  I love my Nitro. I originally went to buy a Caliber but was talked into test driving the Nitro and bought it that day. Aside from the recalls I have had no major issues. The only minor issues have been that it will sometimes stall when backing up in a tight radius (backing into garage in alley). Only happens once a month though. Overall Im very happy with it.

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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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  Not Happy - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By lisa - August 26 - 9:45 am

  To start we love the style and the amount of room inside the nitro. Bought it because our daughter is 61" and had to fit in the back seat. This where the love ends we have had so many issues with this SUV . We bought new hoping not to have repair bills. Not the case. Lots of broken non-functioning parts the latest the two front door handles broke within a week of each other now we have to open the windows to get out. SAFETY HAZARD YES. Very disappointed in this vehicle we will never buy Dodge again there has been no help from the dealership they always brush things off until the warranty is over. No more Dodges for us..

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  Great Car - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Roger Perry - August 13 - 1:40 pm

  As I write this, Ive only had this car 1 day, but I really like it, and I think as time goes on, Ill will enjoy it even more.

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  Work Horse - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By small buisness owner - July 31 - 10:37 pm

  I bought my 3.7 L Nitro new and I love it. I am a contractor and this is my work truck! Ive pulled a 6x 12 cargo trailer every day for the last year and a half and this truck hasnt let me down. Ive had the driver side interior door handle break and had a couple of recalls taken care of, but with 69,000 miles Ive never had a major issue.