Overview & Reviews

For 2011, the Dodge Nitro gets a few new standard and optional features. Among the former are upgraded seat materials, deeply tinted glass and even (on the Detonator and Shock trims) racing stripes. There's also a newly available Heat 4.0 package, which includes the 4.0-liter V6 as well as an upgraded audio system and Bluetooth connectivity.

• Considerable towing capacity, brawny image.

• Subpar gas mileage
• Vague steering and trucklike handling.
• Lackluster acceleration with either engine
• Chintzy interior

User Reviews:

Showing 1 through 10 of 15.00

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  The little engine that could..tow a house - 2011 Dodge Nitro
  By Dan989 - November 10 - 7:56 pm

  I got my wife a 2011 nitro heat 3.7 with 55k miles about a year ago because we needed a little more room but didnt want to break the bank. She likes the smaller suvs and Ive always liked the Tonka truck look of the nitro. My experience with dodge so far has been very good so decided to stick with it. The nitro is an old fashioned old school suv that feels like a truck, drives like a truck, and is tough like a truck. Theres nothing fancy about this rig but it has it where it counts. We take it all over and have put on 20k miles in year without a single issue. What did surprise me was what the nitro could actually do. Were big out doors people and own a 4k+ pound 21+ ft travel trailer we take out a few times a year that we thought we were going to have to park for a while since I no longer have a truck to pull it with. Unbeknownst to me was the heavy duty 5 link suspension, heavy duty chasis, transmission cooler and 5k pound towing capacity of the nitro. Once I discovered that I quickly installed a hitch and brake controller ,due to our nitro not being equipped with the tow package, and we were ready for action. Well we recently took a week long trip where we towed our trailer from az to camp on beach in San diego and the nitro preformed flawlessly never even heating up anywhere, mountains include, along the way. We were looking for a small/mid affordable suv with unique looks and got a helluva lot more than we bargained for. Its not the suv for everyone as it has a stiff ride and modest mpg at best, but if youre looking for something that takes you back to the pick up truck feel of a few years ago, has unique styling and can tow mountains above its useless crossover counterparts, than the nitro might just be what youve been looking for.

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  I liked my Nitro a lot ... LIKED it a lot - 2011 Dodge Nitro
  By northcoast19 - February 3 - 7:46 pm

  I bought a 2011 Dodge Nitro Heat 3.7 4x4 in January of 2011, and traded it in for a 2014 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk in March of 2014. Over that time, I put $65,000 miles on the Nitro as I drove it extensively for work. I never had a single problem with the vehicle and never had it in the shop other than routine maintenance. The Nitro was a cool SUV, but it was from a past decade. It just felt like a vehicle designed in the 90s that they had stored away and rolled out in the 2000s. The shifting was horrendously rough to the point where it felt like I ran something over when it would shift during acceleration. There was no 4 wheel low, and the 20" rims on a 4x4 SUV was a joke.

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  not as happy as others seem to be - 2011 Dodge Nitro
  By soonerfanfl - April 16 - 8:28 am

  I bought my Nitro late in the year (Nov). Enjoyed the ride and handling. Reminded me of my 2000 Pathfinder that I miss tremendously. I put over 200k miles on that car in 7 years and never had any issues at all. So far with the Nitro I have 43k in 16 months (I drive 30k a year) and the check engine light comes on occassionally. Not sure why. A/C blower went out right at 36,500 when the warranty ran out. Fortunately the dealership I bought it at fixed it w/o question. At 14k the head gasket blew and was leaking oil like a faucet. Still under warranty the dealership fixed it. Im still undecided whether I like the car or not. Of course, the engine light is on again.

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  NITRO LOVE AFFAIR - 2011 Dodge Nitro
  By slownomore - December 3 - 2:31 pm

  we have been with the nitro since our new 2008 sxt that we recently lost in a house fire.This was my wifes baby. I didnt think we could find a replacement and after looking at other suvs nothing filled the void like a 2011 nitro heat.we love the vehicle.When I get the chance to drive it I enjoy the way it handles and rides.For us the 3.7 has plenty of power.And living in MN the 4wd is awesome in the winter.My wife loves to shop so the cargo space is great.With the rebates and incentives dodge was offering in november we got into the nitro under 20,000. A great deal for a 4wd suv

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  Best SUV For the Buck! - 2011 Dodge Nitro
  By motownrocker - October 2 - 10:14 am

  This review is for my 2011 Nitro Heat 4.0 (a model that wasnt listed in your roll-down). The Heat version is Chryslers former "SXT" trim: decent exterior trim but inexpensive (cloth) interior seating. At model years end, it was tough to locate a Heat with the rare 4.0 engine option (same engine that the old RTs had). Apparently thats a little-known option on the Heats--even the salesperson was unaware of it. You HAVE to get the 4.0 engine if you want great performance and gas mileage (better than the std. 3.7). I just completed a 300 mile trip (with 400 miles on the odometer) and got over 22mpg at an avg 75mph. The engines quick off the line, the build quality is great, etc.

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  Going Back to Dodge - 2011 Dodge Nitro
  By nitro_drummer - September 12 - 11:06 am

  This is the first Dodge Ive owned since having a Dodge Daytona Shelby Z back in 1992. After experiencing all the problems with that car, I said I wouldnt own another Dodge. Well, I bought my 2011 Nitro Heat 4.0 on Aug 31st and so far, Im very happy. I had been in the market for a 5 passenger SUV, and after growing tired of looking at all others with no real style or excitement, the Nitro, with its large grill and huge 20" chrome wheels hit me like a breath of fresh air. I have to thank my wife for helping me find a car that makes me smile again.

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  Best SUV under $40,000 - 2011 Dodge Nitro
  By rockinroller - September 11 - 3:57 pm

  The Nitros appearance creates a response much like the Dodge Ram pickup when it first came out: You either LOVE it or HATE it. I happened to embrace the rugged square "jaw" of the Nitro and having had some driving experience with the original 2007 RT version which featured a very energetic 4.0 liter engine (vs. the horribly anemic 3.7 liter thats found in the Jeep), I was pleasantly impressed. This rugged yet refined truck-like SUV conquers most snowy roads that Ive experienced in Michigan, plus affords a reasonable cost to drive based on 20mpg in mixed city/freeway driving. Lots of storage and creature comforts too. Could have used more than 2 cup holders in front though.

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  Love My 2011 Dodge Nitro - 2011 Dodge Nitro
  By johnherrera305 - July 29 - 6:26 am

  Excellent value for mid-size SUV. I love my Bright Silver Nitro. Its stands out on the road. Comfortable vehicle. Plenty of room for my needs. Fun to drive.

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  Weaknessses in the Standard 3.7 L V6 4 Speed Auto - 2011 Dodge Nitro
  By badger377 - June 21 - 7:44 pm

  I recently rented a 2011 Dodge Nitro in a 10 day trip from Las Vegas and up into the mountains of Utah. The good - the car did not overheat, it was reasonbaly comfortable and roomy. Gas mileage was about what is rated. The bad includes the following: Under the load of two adults, two kids and two suitcases, the engine stuggled each time the air conditioning was turned on. The temperature conditions were between 70 - 100 F. Each time the AC unit was turned on under any load you would get a studdering similar to an alternator going out. I found thid quite annoying and would try the larger engine model before buying this. Try before you buy!

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  Wasnt sure about the Nitro but... - 2011 Dodge Nitro
  By evey1 - June 3 - 5:30 pm

  We purchased our Dodge Nitro December 2010. I read all of the reviews..poor performance but good reliability it said. After driving it for 6 months, I can say it is 100% reliable, excellent in the snow. I did not have a worry and made it to work in all of the snow. The interior isnt glamorous..could use a better design to match the exterior. Plenty of trunk space which I love having 2 kids. My husband talked me into buying this truck ..and I am pleasantly surprised..I love driving it.