2007 Dodge Nitro [ 2008 ]
Dodge Nitro
Overall Score - 6.7 (Mediocre)
The Nitro offers striking style and class-leading towing capabilities, but can't match the value or on-road performance of others in its class. If you're in the market for an affordable small SUV, you might also consider the Toyota FJ Cruiser and Honda Element for better on-road performance without sacrificing head-turning style.
The 2007 Dodge Nitro brings aggressive and head-turning exterior styling to the compact SUV class, but reviewers say it doesn't bring much else. "Most small SUVs are gentle creatures -- conservatively styled, car-based designs that aspire to deliver practicality, comfort and perhaps a touch of athleticism in an economical package. But leave it to Dodge to create a compact sport-utility that won't play nice with its peers," comments Edmunds. "Unfortunately, there's not as much substance as style." Reviewers agree that the Nitro lags behind competitors in handling and ride quality. Though it has some innovative interior features, reviewers say that the Nitro's interior suffers from the use of cheap materials.
Kelley Blue Book reports that "while the Nitro derives much of its appeal from its bold exterior styling, it still offers all the versatility of a typical compact/midsize SUV." However, "Compared to its car-based crossover competitors, the Nitro's more truck-like roots involve ride and handling compromises." Still, if the exterior styling of the Nitro appeals to you, there is no substitute at this price point. "Nitro works best as a style statement," notes Consumer Guide.
IntelliChoice has rated all versions of the 2007 Dodge Nitro as a "poor" value based on an analysis of overall cost-of-ownership compared to others in the class. The Nitro was noted for much higher than average depreciation, fuel costs, maintenance costs and predicted costs of repairs.
Nitro Performance - 5.9 (Mediocre)
With a selection of V-6 engines that are powerful for this class, "the five-seat Nitro is a blast to drive in a straight line," says Cars.com, "but it suffers from trucklike ride and handling that has no place in an SUV designed for onroad performance." continue
Nitro Exterior - 8.1 (Very Good)
Dodge has attempted to set the Nitro apart from the rest of the small SUV segment with its aggressive, muscular appearance, and reviewers approve. The Washington Post says the Nitro is "A work of chest-thumping, chest-bumping masculinity." continue
Nitro Interior - 6.3 (Mediocre)
The interior of the 2007 Dodge Nitro strikes most reviewers as adequate, with some well-thought-out features, but also some cheap materials. "The interior styling is in line with that of recent Dodge vehicles and includes a perceptible amount of average-grade plastics," says Kelley Blue Book. continue
Nitro Safety - 8.0 (Very Good)
The 2007 Dodge Nitro is a very new model, and has not been through most safety tests. The federal government National Highway Traffic Safety Administration awarded the Nitro five out of five stars for protecting all passengers in both front and side-impact crash tests. continue
Nitro Reliability - 4.0 (Mediocre)
The 2007 Dodge Nitro reliability score shown
is the Predicted Reliability rating provided by J.D. Power and Associates.
This score is based on trending the past three years of historical initial
quality and dependability data from J.D. Power's automotive studies, specifically
the Vehicle Dependability Study (VDS) and the Initial Quality Study (IQS).
Dodge offers a three-year/36,000-mile basic limited warranty on the Nitro.
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