Dodge Nitro road tests and consumer car reviews

Dodge Nitro SXT 3.7 V6 2008

I have been drooling over these for years and I have now taken the plunge in buying a second one to replace my Daihatsu Terios which has now reached the goodbye mileage. I went for the petrol version not because of the engine capcaity, but as it was the ONLY petrol version available and I intend to convert to LPG, as I did with my Terios. I got a stonking deal from a Citroen Dealer who took it on a part ex, one owner and very low miles. After being initially worried about the gas guzzling potential, after a drive from Bristol to Birmingham and back 192 miles I was quite surprised. The trip computer gave me an average mpg of 20.6 outbound (grrr). On return I decided to calm down and pooter back at an average 55-60 mph, the trip computer returned 33.8 mpg for the return. This shows the dramatic difference in mpg for the type of driving. The Daihatsu by comparison was very heavy on fuel for only a little 1500cc returning only around 32 mpg. Mentally I find the vehicle weird, driving it it gives a mindset of ’big truck’, yet it physically isn’t that big to look at. It sits pretty high off the ground, which may also add to this feeling. The snow plough front end also gives an appearance of bigger than it actually is. As for the ride the heated leather seats are really comfy, but over pothole smitten country lanes the suspension is pretty hard so you tend to get thrown about a bit, mind you the Daihatsu was just the same. For an auto the gear changing is like silk, no lurching or jerking at all. Road noise and wind noise are pretty much non instrusive up to about 55 mph, increasing more over this speed but definitely well below most cars I’ve driven. The steering wheel is larger than the 15" I’m used to so one handed driving doesn’t really work on roads with lots of roundabouts as the rack is not as quick ratio’d as others. On balance an effortless drive and pleasant experience...Now off to get the LPG work done before my local petrol station thinks I’ve moved in.

Dodge Nitro sxt 2009

I bought my Nitro Dec 09 and although yes I think it looks great and is a head turner, it truly is the most shocking car I have ever driven. Very lazy 2.8 engine, drinks the go-go juice like it is dehydrated, and the dealership has had my car more than I have!!! Truly the most unreliable car I have EVER had. My dealership won’t allow me to reject under the sale of goods act. Fault: Radio has been replaced 3 times (one on order again), smokey engine (been replaced already), I am on my third set of alloy wheels (I think they are made butter- another set on order!) The car has been recovered 7 times already, now I find out the transmission box and 4 wheel drive box is gone which is another cost. Thankfully all this is covered, but I will NEVER buy American again.... at least with Hyundai/Kia and Honda I can work through any issues without incident. Truly awful car, so please buyer beware. The only good thing about it is the sound system and dvd, which is great when you are stuck at the side of the motorway waiting on recovery!

Responses to this review

Bought a new Nitro in January 2010 and have now covered 7,000 miles. Save for the alloy wheels, which were replaced without quibble because of edge pitting, the car has been very good. Roomy, plenty of extras and with lots of style, I have been very happy with the vehicle. The consumption is not too bad either when driving at at around 50/55 mph in 6th gear. At this speed the vehicle can return 38 - 41 mpg. Town work however is around 26 to 31 mph. This is my second Dodge with the first being a Caliber. Something different and very good value for money - W Hutchison from Lanarkshire

Dodge Nitro 2008

My car is the s**t! I like it, it’s good on gas, the engine purr doesn’t seem to bother me, I just really can’t say nothing bad about it. I’m from colorado and it does great in the snow, mud, rain. Whatever I put this baby up to she pulls through for me, the only thing I would say is that I wish it came in a v-8. The car is sexy especially with tinted windows 22 inch rims and an exhaust system, damn my baby is sick haahahahaha.

Dodge Nitro 2008

Well, I have been back and forth through Europe many times in many different cars but the Dodge is great, 22000 miles this year already and the (monster Truck) just eats them. I’ve never been more relaxed after a 16 hour drive.

Dodge Nitro SXT 3.7 V6 2008

I’m leasing my Nitro over 2 years. For &pound120 a month I couldn’t go wrong. I never tire of its looks, which are truly aggressive with a typical massive front flat grille that all Dodges have. I have the SXT 3.7 V6 in black with the 20" low profile rims. Not had any of the roll issues that others report, so I think the bigger wheels must help. The V6 is FAR superior to the rattly Italian diesel that the CRD models use. It’s smooth, very torquey, and quite powerful at 210bhp. Average MPG is 23, which given its size puts it ahead of a Merc ML370 V6, or a Santa Fe V6. Leather seats are kinda cheap and hard. But I found that several coats of Liquid Leather helped. The trip computer and digital compass are cool as is the digital tire pressure gauge telling you the pressure of all 4 wheels. The 9 speaker Infinity sound system with Subwoofer is out of this world. Far superior to the Harmon Kardon system in the new Range Rover Sport I have compared them side by side, and the Dodge’s system is way better. Incredible bass. Neat little tricks like the bar graph above the rear window so you can see your parking distance at the same time as looking in the rear view mirror is really neat. Overall, given its price, and the package you are getting I think it’s a very good buy if this is the type of vehicle you are looking for.

Responses to this review

Hi Paul, I have never leased a car before and am looking into the possibility of leasing a Nitro. Where did you find such an incredible price for a leasing plan? Many thanks, mail me - richardjcswain [at] gmail [dot] com - Ricky Swank from Hampshire

Hi Paul, just wanted to know how you’re getting on with the Nitro? I am considering to buy one very soon but I have not heard any positive reports on it? Did you have any problems or are you happy with it? - Nick Shah from Leicestershire

Dodge Nitro SXT CRD Auto 2007

Wow factor for sure! I have a Black SXT diesel auto - have to say that I am still enjoying it, it still gets looks where ever it goes. If your bored with the average 4 x 4, the Nitro has been fun, mpg - average @ 27 mpg.

Dodge Nitro 2.8 CRD SXT

I bought this Dodge mainly because of the looks and the reviews seemed pretty positive. Apart from the fair economy of the vehicle I am disappointed with most of what the Nitro offers. Also, if I’d realised how badly it was going to depreciate in value I would have looked elsewhere. Distinctly average.

Dodge Nitro 2.8 CRD SE 5dr

I’ve had this now for 6 months and fell for the wow factor of this 4x4. It’s a really impressive looking car and I’ve been stopped loads of times at petrol stations and in car parks by people wanting to have a closer look but, and unfortunately there is one, the roll on this can sometimes make you feel queasy and whilst initially I felt the engine noise was reassuringly rugged, it’s now just irritating. It’s definately a solid car and very reasonably priced but it’s thirsty, noisy and I’ve fallen out of love with it very quickly. Will probably have to take a hefty hit on my wallet too when I eventually get rid - you live and learn!