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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  2007 dodge nitro engine failure - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By karen dodge - May 1 - 12:36 am

  I have a 2007 dodge nitro that Im still making payments on. About 3 weeks ago a valve blew in the engine and damaged a piston which caused complete engine failure. If I hadnt purchased an extended warranty, this wouldve been an expense I couldnt afford and would have had to let the vehicle go back to the dealership. I feel that Chrysler/Dodge should make my car payments since Ive lost complete trust in their product and peace of mind. Whats going to happen next to this vehicle? Sincerely, Karen Dodge.

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  What else can go wrong? - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By g.d. - April 26 - 10:03 am

  Engine seized at 38,000 miles. Thankfully we had the extended warranty. Car has been driven by my wife who never has had a ticket in her life. Had regular service and a valve and piston let go. Service people were very helpful.

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  Love it! - 2010 Dodge Nitro
  By AmandaLouWho - April 12 - 9:58 am

  Just purchased my Dodge Nitro! I absolutely love it! Love the style and the comfort! It is a lot of fun to drive!

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  No Problems To Date - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By CC - April 6 - 1:50 pm

  Ive had no problems whatsoever to date with my 2007 Nitro. I like the look of it and the interior is very spacious. Its a very basic model but other than regular maintenance (i.e. oil changes and 1 recall) it has not seen a garage. I find that its turning radius is too wide but otherwise its easy enough to handle despite its larger size. Im not all that tall so it would probably "fit" someone with longer legs better than me, but I knew that when I tried it out for the first time.

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  Dodge Nitro - What a piece of CRAP!!! - 2010 Dodge Nitro
  By Mikey - April 2 - 2:06 pm

  When making a decision for a SUV, go buy another vehicle..VW Tiguan was better. The truck is like driving a brick with wheels. If you ever had ridden the "A" train, its sort of the same, the control is very stiff. Also, putting low profile tires and 20" chrome wheels on the car make it look good, but handling is worse. I test drove the same vehicle with 17" rims and it was a little better. Overall its just a shell of car, it looks good, but does not perform well. Dodge needs a redesign. Perhaps add a better engine, and controls.

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  I had better - 2008 Dodge Nitro
  By 484385756 - April 1 - 10:45 pm

  I purchased my nitro brand new since i bought it, it has given me nothing but problems. in the past year i have taken it to the dealership 8 times and thats not including regular maintenance. I have been driving the engine turned off, or if i come to a stop and then press the gas to go the engine just revs and then slams into gear. i do not recommend this car to anyone.

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  Dissapointed customer - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By Dissapointed Owner - March 28 - 4:27 pm

  I bought the 2007 Dodge Nitro solely for the body style. I liked it the first few months, the Mirrors pose a huge hazard when driving, brings new meaning to "blind spot". I have had a few issues. My biggest peeve is the Battery. I have already had it replaced and if you dont drive it everyday the battery goes dead. The last time in dealership the Tech played it off as the sound system drawing to much and causing it to drain dead. The problem according to my dealership is that the previous owner replaced the system with another and the warranty would not cover the battery. I dont believe the reasoning and think the dealership doesnt want to fix it. Have to Jump it off every three days

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  Could be better! - 2009 Dodge Nitro
  By kenny - March 25 - 12:35 pm

  Dont let the look fool you. We had problems with the vehicle after a year of ownership, with the wheel bearings. Specifically the hub on both front wheels and the cost was over 900.00 dollars. Also the winter had done its part in damaging our vehicle. With some mud getting onto a sensor(ESP) that is connected to the rear wheel was damaged. The cost to repair this was around 2000.00 dollars(parts and labor).

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  Stay Away! - 2007 Dodge Nitro
  By LMB - March 18 - 10:05 pm

  I have a 2007 nitro yeah worst thing me an my husband ever did. As soon as it hit 30,000 miles it was in the shop at least a week out of every month if not more. Not one person wants to help find out what is wrong with it. Vibration at 65 mph Yep been there, new Transmission, torque converter, drive shaft you name it we have been there still not right. When you come to a stop an take off you can give it all you got to make it go then it like stalls but not to a stop just doesnt get up an go. Talked about trading it in but they dont wanna even give you what its worth.

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  Horrible brakes - 2010 Dodge Nitro
  By tia - March 15 - 5:05 pm

  When brakes are applied and shift in reverse, it makes a horrible grinding sound. I took in to be looked at. I was informed it was normal due to metallic brake pads. I would not have bought it if I had known it.