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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  In Love with a SUV!! - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By samijay - April 17 - 4:20 pm

  So Ive had this for about 2 weeks and am in love with it. I love the design and about everything in it as well. Anyways I dont have to worry about the small car hazards anymore. The roll-over factor of this suv is high and the gas mileage isnt great but those are the only two things I can find I dont like about it!

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  2nd Look - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By jill mcqueary - April 14 - 3:16 pm

  I have researched several SUVs for months and finally decided on the Nitro. I am so happy that I did. l have only had my Nitro 6 weeks, but so far have no complaints. I love the interior design, but the exterior design is what is catching onlooker attention. The handling has been impressive.

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  I Love my Nitro! - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By PLC - March 19 - 2:47 pm

  I drive, a lot! I spend about an hour a day if not more in my car so I really wanted something I could rely on and like. I LOVE my nitro!! Its super cute and just what I needed. I chose between this, the Pontiac G6, and the Ford Mustang. Yeah, a wide variety. I got this because of all the room!! I can take my 2 Labs everywhere with me and they ride comfortably. There are a couple things I would change but for the most part I absolutely LOVE it! It hasnt given me any problems yet (knock on wood) and Ive put almost 17K miles on it in 7 months! If you get one, give in and get the sound system. I didnt and wish I would have!

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  Rattles never stop - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Kay - March 19 - 7:17 am

  This is such a fun vehicle to drive. Unfortunately, it started to rattle (rattling noises inside) about 7 months after purchase. It has been in the shop 4 times already. The first couple of times, they tried packing foam in the offending areas. Then they decided to order new parts (dash area and right rear post) saying that the bevels were worn. Problem seemed to be solved for about one week and then it started all over again. Now it just seems to rattle everywhere. Im taking it back into the shop this week. I have my fingers crossed that they will get it right this time.

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  Roof rack - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By NitroGirl - March 13 - 6:07 pm

  I love My Nitro, But I have had many problems with it like I have had head lamps changed more than once and I have a water leek through the roof rack (theres a recall coming for it)my carpet in the back seat area gets soaked when it rains or washed and I live on the wet west coast and my tail light has moisture in it from somewere.

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  AMAZING! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Huizy06 - February 26 - 8:52 am

  ive had this car for about a year now...not one single problem with it...hearing all this neg. stuff makes me wonder if people just like to gripe. I believe dodge did a great job making this suv and love driving it...

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  Great Mid Sized SUV - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By GDC55 - February 17 - 1:47 pm

  After I test drove one my wife & I were hooked. Gas mileage overall. average 22 mpg and highway 25, pretty good for a 4,000 lb. + vehicle. Drove a Ford Escape & Exolorer, didnt like the Escape and the Explorer was $10,000 more.

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  Nitro and Me - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By DAVID KULAK - January 29 - 8:16 pm

  I found the Nitro to be quiet yet powerful. The cabin noise is very low. This vehicle has plenty of power with the standard 210 hp. Its a joy to drive and park and the shifting of the automatic transmisson is quiet and smooth.

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  This SUV kicks it! - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By DrewInPgh - January 4 - 1:20 am

  This is the best purchase Ive made in a while. Everything about this vehicle is awesome, from the spacious cab design, the ultra-modern door handles, the default sound system, comfortable seats (I didnt get the 6-way adjustable, heated ones but Ill bet theyre sweet!) and excellent maneuverability and steering control. Its an all around excellent SUV. It even gets good gas mileage, considering what it is. In fact, the only thing I might consider changing is a swap of the location of AC/heat control and the radio. But thats minor and still up for debate. If you want a new SUV, you want the Nitro!

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  Best Chriswtmas present I ever received! - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By jaysonheather - December 31 - 7:26 pm

  My boyfriend bought me the Nitro for Christmas and we both love it! I dont think the gas mileage is bad at all being an SUV. The looks are great, very tough looking. The ride is very comfortable not hard like a truck. We also have the nice suspension, power sunroof and 20" chrome wheels along with all other options we could purchase. We get looks everywhere we go. I recommend anyone considering the Nitro to be ready to buy it because, youre gonna love it!