2007 Dodge Nitro

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By Alborz Fallah | April 20th, 2007

Back in Feburary we mentioned the arrival of the All-new 2007 Dodge Nitro and no one really cared, after all its just another American SUV and if thats anything to go by, the Dodge Nitro has a hell of a lot to prove.

Dodge are very well aware of this “another suv” image, so they’ve started their marketing campaign like this:

Nitro is not another mid-size sport-utility vehicle with sleep-inducing styling. Instead, the bold styling and masculine swagger of Dodge (think Viper, Ram, Avenger and Caliber) is hot-wired into Nitro, inside and out.

You have to admit, that as far as marketing goes,thats a pretty darn good intro for a car like the Dodge Nitro. Dodge is also concerned about the looks of the Nitro. Dodge is calling it handsome, and that is definitely one way of looking at it, but we think american is the better word to describe the styling.

With room for five passengers, plus the most advanced digital entertainment and communication system in its class, including MP3, CD, DVD, USB, VES (for Video Entertainment System), and MyGIG™ Multimedia Infotainment System. The Nitro is the sort of car that will slowly grow on you, despite all the chrome.

As mentioned previously, the Nitro is the first (affordable) car which comes with a built in Hard Drive to store music, photos and lots of other things. Obviously an answer for the iPod generation which sick and tired of dealing with out of date stereo systems.

Unfortunately though, this car is going for the same market as the made-out-of plastic Hummer H3. Even more unfortunate is that Dodge is happy to market this as a “I can’t drive so you better get out of my way” type car:

The Nitro’s certainly fresh with macho good looks, it’s “get outa my way styling” and a kick-ass turbo diesel option that would be particularly attractive to buyers with a price tag that would surprise and delight. Gerry Jenkins, Managing Director for the Chrysler Group in Australia

When you crash into a parked car (and you will in this thing), you can be assured that the Dodge Nitro has a full range of safety systems that will keep you safe. Standard safety features include:

Electronic Stability Program,
Electronic Roll Mitigation,
All-speed Traction Control,
Brake Assist,
Advanced Anti-lock Brakes
Side-curtain Air Bags.

Whilst the sound system may be advanced, the engine and the gearbox leave a lot to be desired. Perhaps the four speed automatics were good in 90s but in 2007, selling a 3.7 litre V6 matched to a four speed automatic, is just not on.

However if your smart enough to opt out for the Diesel engine (2.8-litre common rail turbo diesel) you will get a more respectable five speed automatic.

At the end of the day its such a hard job to like the Nitro. With its bold aggressive American styling, its just another Hummer clone. For those still unconvinced, you can see it for yourself when it hits the Australian market in the third quarter of 2007.

Sacha

Ii am not convinced by the Nitro and will pass judgement once I see it in the flesh, but for all the “American” comment put the photos next to that of the
Discovery 3!
280ZX

Looks like the box it came in?
Andy

I DROVE one just yesterday, and I can tell you it is one hell of a vehicle for the $40Kish price tag. Even with the 20″ rims it rode smothly over rough roads and the like. Better than anything else for the money, especially at more than $10K less than the Prado we were considering
Bavarian Missile

Seems American’s love designing SUV’s that resemble baby Mack Trucks!
paul

I drove one last week and love it . Picking it up next Friday
Dennis Moore

Nitro diesel’s torque figure puts the V8 landcruiser diesel to shame, engine half the size puts out more torque
Zelko

I was lucky enough to get a SXT Nitro as a company car. The handling is great with the 20″ alloys. It’s a real head turner. I guess you’ll love it or hate it. I for one love it! The Nitro like all cars can never be everything to everyone, otherwise we would all be driving a generic named sterilised clone car with no personality. The Nitro for one is different enough to make people go Wow! Yes some will say what about the CO2???. Well here’s a thought…. compensate for it by only taking every second breath, problem solved! After driving it for the last two weeks every day, I can say that I still love it as much as the first day. Thank [insert the all mighty being you worship here] that some manufacters don’t use the same boring design studios for their new cars.
Hewer Raymond

I have a Nissan Patrol 3 litre turbo diesel auto towing a caravan-23 feet long two/halve ton.Has the new Dodge Nitro deisel the capacity to tow such a weight as my caravan an still have enough in the tank.If so also the mileage per/100kms.Would the Nitro be a good towing vehicle considering my circumstances.Look forward to your reply.

Regards

Ray

Graham

Hi I have a Dodge Nitro 2007 6 speed manual 2.8 Diesel. I tow our 17ft caravan with no trouble at all, when it comes to hills and I put the foot down I am sure that vehicles behind me think that they have broken down. I have owned several types of 4x4s and this would have the best pulling power for its engine size. I go in some tricky places with the vehicle for hunting and fishing and do find that its not great vehicle in that sort of terrain. If i control my speed not towing I can get between 650 -700k on a tank which is about 70lts and average between 9.5- 10.5/100k I have had it as low as 9.2. Once you put something behind it you will jump up to 13. or more. Still like the vehicle even though I have had some problems. Rosey.

Bavarian Missile /

Ray I think this is too small to tow what you have.

Fuel tank: 73.8L , TOO SMALL I THINK

Weight: 1783-1887kg (depending on trim and transmission) TOO LIGHT,THE VAN WOULD PUSH YOU TOO MUCH WHEN YOU WERE TOWING IT,AND IT SEEMS SHORTER WHEEL BASE.ANOTHER PROBLEM WHEN TOWING BIG TRAILERS.

A Patrol goes up against Cruisers in its class,this is more of a Prado, Pajero size.
Aldrin

I have been looking for a car or suv for almost 3 months and could not make up my mind. By chance i came across the dodge on a Thursday, i fell in love with it! Friday i returned, test drove it, blew my budget and signed up.
The only thing i am not happy with is the 3 month wait i have to have my car delievered. I will be doing it hard till my Nitro arrives.
Berz

I too am looking for a vehicle which stands out from the crowd and that’s why I took the Nitro for a test drive today. I drove the 3.7L petrol and was a little concerned about the lack of power and was surprised at the noise levels inside the car. Can anyone give me an indication as to how much better the diesel option is? The diesel specs are impressive and I’m thinking that might be the better option.

Graham

Hi I own a 2007 2.8 Diesel 6 speed manual and find that it has more than enough power. Fuel consumption is anything from as low as 9.2lt/100k controlled driving or 13 plus towing a 17ft caravan. Most of the time would be between 10 and 11. Its a good vehicle for the price but wont stack up against a bigger 4×4 off road. Hope that helps

dronus

I took the diesel for a test drive today in Adelaide. It is very impressive, and responsive. The only thing i didnt like is that the accelerator pedal is quite a bit lower than the brake pedal, so if you are used to just moving your foot from go to who, its a bit weird, you have to actually lift your foot up. Small thing compared to the rest of the car tho, its awesome. Im test driving all of the SUV’s in this class for a replacement for my 2005 X-Trail Ti-L – this one is on top of the list so far..
-dronus
Richard

the accelerator pedal is a problem. i don’t understand the designer’s concept, either. about the power, i think nitro is quite enough for road driving in the city. i am going to sign it up.
woz

looks too much like a perol guzzling Yank Tank, bulky and cumbersome
Tanfog

Did the analytical stuff comparing SUV’s etc but what clarified for me was a comment from my daughters boyfriend who drives a Maloo ute – “Its the only 4WD he would consider driving – looks great!”.

That pretty well sums it up – for the price it kills anything else on the road.
http://none bro

“However if your smart enough to opt out for the Diesel engine…”

your should be you’re (you are)

that’s wrong grammar
SKR

How good / bad is the fuel consumption on these? I moved away from a Jeep because it was too thirsty and though I love the Nitro look , I’m concerned it will be another fuel guzzler.
mavsrig

Very easy on fuel. 9-10L/100km. im delighted with mine.
Paul

Finally I have found the car of my dreams. Anybody who does not like this car has got to be joking. Its fantastic
hole

is the nitro any good for beach work?

Graham

Hi I have had mine off road a few times but would think even in 4×4 you wouldnt want to get into soft sand as there is no low range. I wouldnt take mine near the salt water as the under body is not well protected from corrosion. Ideal for the road and hard off road surface,I have driven it in snow and had no trouble but there was a good hard surface underneath. It is a great vehicle but dont push it past its limites. Hope that helps. Rosey.

Michana

We bought an SXT diesel a month ago. Absolutely brilliant! Love every bit of it. Those who critise obviously don’t own one! Do yourself afavour and buy one.
Michael

I agree, I looove it!
http://www.oldcarsforsales.com Old cars

I like the look of the little beast, at least it is making a statement rather than a snore. I do think it is overpriced and underpowered for what it is. I can’t imagine buy this instead of a more capable Liberty.

Graham

Hi I think buying a vehicle all comes down to what you want to use it for. If you want to do 1/4mile in 6sec then this is the wrong vehicle. My wife and I are over 65yrs and have owned a lot of vehicles in that time and been in some places that only your laundry person would know how bad it was. We find this vehicle very comfy over a long range and hardly any road noise. Handles well and tows well. There are some things that you wont be happy with but overall its not to bad. Rosey.