Picture Gallery: 2007 Dodge Nitro
Day 1:
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My tester is a base model SE 4WD with a few select options such as automatic transmission, which is an expensive option at $1540 as it upgrades the vehicle from steel wheels to alloy wheels. The only other option is cruise control at $310, with the total price just squeaking under $30,000 before tax.
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I am not a fan of recent Dodge interiors and the Nitro isn’t much different, unfortunately. However, it seems that Dodge tried to take a few cues from Jeep in the design of the interior, with round speaker covers and door handles that look very utilitarian.
The Nitro is powered by a 3.7 litre V6 engine that produces 210 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque, a little on the low side horsepower- and torque-wise for the size of the engine, especially when compared to the Ford Edge I drove last week; it has a smaller engine with 55 more hp and slightly less torque.
I haven’t had much time behind the wheel of the Nitro yet but so far I am not highly impressed by the driving dynamics or the interior quality. Time will tell as I do tend to change my mind as the week goes on and I get accustomed to a vehicle.
2007 Dodge Nitro SXT
MSRP as tested: $30,045
For more information on Dodge and the Nitro visit Dodge Canada
Day 2:
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I have not driven the Liberty, to be honest, but I have driven the Grand Cherokee; although different, the Jeep feel and truck-nature of the ride are one and the same from what I remember of the Grand Cherokee. The Nitro certainly feels like a truck on the road, and hops and jumps wildly over any undulations in the pavement.
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On the highway, the Nitro feels bigger and heavier, even with the light steering, as it bounces about. The throttle response is a little touch and go which results in constant deceleration followed by acceleration to keep the speed constant. Cruise control on the highway should solve this issue and for only $310 is a nice option to have.
Around town I find the throttle response too binary; I am either accelerating at a very leisurely pace or with great vigor, which is surprising considering the low 210hp rating of the 3.7 litre V6 engine.
The 4×4 is a part-time four-wheel-drive system; the two and four-wheel-drive modes are electronically controlled by a switch in the centre console, which can be selected at any time. Not many places to test out the off-road worthiness of the Nitro, but ground clearance and wheel well design point me to the conclusion that it is not as capable as the Jeep, but it certainly handled the pile of snow at the end of my driveway with no issues.
Day 3:
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The interior really cheapens the Nitro for me, which is a shame. Focus back down at the foot well and there no dead pedal, although there is a ton of space to stretch out. The lack of a dead pedal puts more strain on your legs during longer drives. Move your eyes up to the fuel gauge and quickly look away, as the needle seems to be moving down as you drive along… more on that tomorrow.
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As a whole the interior really is a downer thanks to the black colour scheme with no accents except brightly painted silver/chrome door handles. The interior creaks and rattle over bumps and I cannot seem to turn the radio up much louder than a few notches before the speakers start rattling. This would certainly be a warranty issue but it does not invoke confidence for me.
It is not only the previously stated items that make the interior disappoint: it is little things like the centre console storage bin having a tray that needs to be removed to get to the actual bin. Every other vehicle simply has a dual stage bin with 2 release buttons, but cost savings were required to hit a price point, I suppose.
Ergonomically it falls apart as well, with the gear lever being too far to the right, though I suppose you could get your passenger to do the gear changes for you. The HVAC controls are also too far out of reach and too low. I would love to sugar-coat this, but unfortunately, it is too much of a disappointment of a 2007 model for me to be able to.
Day 4:
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Gas mileage was a little disappointing: I drove about 80% highway this week — maybe more — and achieved an average of 14.5L/100km. I was a little worried watching the fuel gauge take a dive while I was driving but it turned out to be less horrible than it looked.
I actually swapped out the Nitro that I had — an SXT model — with a red SLT today. The red looks great on it and the body-coloured fenders give it an even better exterior look. The interior is upgraded as well, with heated leather power seats that are a little softer and more comfortable and a two-toned interior (grey and black) with many more silver/chrome accents that really spruce it up inside. Other additions include a powered sunroof and a Stow’n'Go rear tray that pulls out for easier loading of cargo, although I didn’t find it so easy to slide the tray back in.
The cruise control on this vehicle also works (it didn’t on the black one) and the rattles seem to be non-existent so all-in-all a better experience. The SLT is $4,000 more expensive but is worlds apart from the SXT I had for the last few days.
*Rating out of 5:
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*Rating based on vehicle’s classification
2007 Dodge Nitro SXT
MSRP as tested: $30,045
For more information on Dodge and the Nitro visit Dodge Canada
to our site.
March 14, 2007, 12:39:23 pm
And I still want to see the Nitro doing its stuff off-road. Based on what I have seen, it seems to be an odd duck, more than a CUV but less than a good off-road SUV like the Liberty but with that vehicle's class poor fuel economy and ride. Not sure where it fits
March 15, 2007, 07:44:32 am
Right there, behind the huge stack of incentives
It shows that this thing's design intent is what we have with the R/T trim level.
The base trucks look funny with all the black plastic trim and smaller wheels. James' test Nitro is black, so the bare plastic shows less. I guess the Nitro's mission in life is combining SUV looks, small CUV pricing and better-than-CUV towing ability (the relatively small Liberty will pull 5000 lbs, Nitro probably similar).
March 15, 2007, 09:54:03 am
Let's hope.
When I see the "out of touch with reality" vehicles that Ford and Chrysler are coming out with (from a fuel mileage point of view), it doesn't make me feel bad about watching them both circle the drain. The world does not need more gas guzzling boxes on wheels that drive like wagons and handle like crap.
March 15, 2007, 02:22:57 pm ..ARE they FORCE FEEDING Chrysler design GUYS ....STEROIDS.......If they were anymore BUTCH they'd be DOGS......
March 15, 2007, 05:12:10 pm Carries the "Muy Macho!" philosophy a tad too far IMHO.
Still, I'm sure there will be buyers.
March 15, 2007, 07:41:52 pm How many? Five?
DCX are introducing SUVs and crossovers at a ridiculous pace, and they seem to get worse with each iteration.
Where is that "Jeep Compass - WINNER!" guy when you need him?
March 16, 2007, 11:53:43 am
Let's hope.
When I see the "out of touch with reality" vehicles that Ford and Chrysler are coming out with (from a fuel mileage point of view), it doesn't make me feel bad about watching them both circle the drain. The world does not need more gas guzzling boxes on wheels that drive like wagons and handle like crap.
The FJ Cruiser is neither more practical nor more fuel-efficient than the Nitro. Why no frustration aimed at Toyota?
March 16, 2007, 11:56:20 am
DCX are introducing SUVs and crossovers at a ridiculous pace
Toyota sells SIX different SUVs/crossovers, a van, and two different trucks. Just for the record.
March 16, 2007, 12:34:33 pm "Five" was my estimation of the number of Nitro's sold, not DC SUVs produced.
Toyota SUVs are more fuel efficient, better looking, and have ridiculously-high reliability ratings. If you have to have an SUV, you can't do much better. Cheaper, sure.
March 16, 2007, 12:39:19 pm
Let's hope.
When I see the "out of touch with reality" vehicles that Ford and Chrysler are coming out with (from a fuel mileage point of view), it doesn't make me feel bad about watching them both circle the drain. The world does not need more gas guzzling boxes on wheels that drive like wagons and handle like crap.
The FJ Cruiser is neither more practical nor more fuel-efficient than the Nitro. Why no frustration aimed at Toyota?
I've given up being frustrated by Toyota
As for comparing the FJ to the Nitro, 2 different beasts. At least Toyota did not gut the 4Runner's platform for the FJ the way DC looks like they did to the Liberty to make the Nitro. In fact I understand the FJ is a better off-roader than its origins while the Nitro appears to be worse. But I am sure DC will sell a lot of them anyway
March 16, 2007, 01:04:31 pm
It doesn't matter how good the FJ is off-road. There are at least a dozen in my town, and I've never seen a speck of dust or mud on any of 'em. Not one speck. They're being bought by yuppies and soccer moms and the like. It's a very different crowd than, say, XTerra owners (where seeing a clean one is a rarity around here).
Toyota should have put FJ-like bodywork on the new RAV4. It would have served the customers who are actually buying them much better than the FJ's off-road-capable chassis.
March 16, 2007, 11:41:45 pm
Let's hope.
When I see the "out of touch with reality" vehicles that Ford and Chrysler are coming out with (from a fuel mileage point of view), it doesn't make me feel bad about watching them both circle the drain. The world does not need more gas guzzling boxes on wheels that drive like wagons and handle like crap.
The FJ Cruiser is neither more practical nor more fuel-efficient than the Nitro. Why no frustration aimed at Toyota?
Good question. Mainly as I see Dodge as making and marketing the Nitro as a mass market vehicle, whereas the FJ I consider a niche specific vehicle. I'm not sure exactly what a Nitro is good for, except taking up space and getting crappy mileage while doing so. Also, I would expect twice as many Nitro's out in circulation than FJ's this time next year.
I look at what is being passed off as a current day middle class family vehicle and its appalling. I'm not sure what's worse, the manufacturers making them or the lemmings buying them.
March 17, 2007, 01:53:58 am
Maybe Toyota has promoted the vehicle as a Wrangler Unlimited competitor, but I mainly see them parked at the organic food grocery store and the Shakespeare Festival here in Ashland. Seriously. And there's a LOT of 'em here.
March 17, 2007, 12:01:50 pm Good question. Mainly as I see Dodge as making and marketing the Nitro as a mass market vehicle, whereas the FJ I consider a niche specific vehicle. I'm not sure exactly what a Nitro is good for, except taking up space and getting crappy mileage while doing so. Also, I would expect twice as many Nitro's out in circulation than FJ's this time next year.[/quote]
The EPA ratings in the US are the same for an FJ cruiser or a Nitro RT (4.0 V6). And I see so many FJ's on the road I really dont agree with the FJ being a "niche" car. Both cars also pull 5000 lbs, both offer bold design, both have the same price range (ok the Nitro can be had for less but the top end models are 35-37k)...I see a lot of things in comon.
What I have to admit is that I dont get why you would buy an FJ or a Nitro if your never going to tow anything.
One very cool feature for he Nitro is the MyGig system. GPS, Bluetooth, Sirrius, Toutch screen, 20 gig HD, USB, Ipod...all for 1700-2000$ I find that to be a screaming deal when you look at how much other companies charge for Nav systems that dont do half of what this system does.
March 19, 2007, 11:15:48 am I have been reading with great interest your comments and came to one conclusion. I had no idea how many people are disliking the "Dodge's"brand and that includes James Bergeron. Remember no Automobile is perfect and is being built for everyone. So, having sad this to all you whiners out there lets be more realistic in testing our vehicles. Here are a view pointers. A modern engine of 3.5L should have at least 90 to 110 HP per LT. and 300 to 325 ft/tq. at 2500 RPM. Until we have reached this volumetric efficiency there is really no point in arguing what should or should not be under the hood. As far as the Nitro and all other similar vehicles is concerned, there interior looks cheap as well. Maybe you have to buy the top model available in each line up. Have a Nitro day.
March 19, 2007, 11:52:17 am Everyone is certainly entitled to their own opinions, but I am certainly not against Dodge as a brand at all. I simply dislike dull plastic interiors and this happens to be Dodge's current offerings. They do make vehicles I enjoy and as I said the more upscale SLT I drove was MUCH better than the base model they originally gave us, it has more accents and different materials around the interior which made the entire experience much more enjoyable.
March 19, 2007, 12:04:30 pm
So you want 3.5L engines to have between 315-385hp and 300 to 325 ft/tq. @ 2500 RPM. Why would most cars even need this much power? More power also means more gas
Do any cars currently qualify?
March 19, 2007, 01:43:39 pm
So you want 3.5L engines to have between 315-385hp and 300 to 325 ft/tq. @ 2500 RPM. Why would most cars even need this much power? More power also means more gas
Do any cars currently qualify?
Apparently even the IS350 and the new G35 are underpowered
March 19, 2007, 01:57:43 pm The Cayman (no S) just makes it at 90 but the S-model is short at 86.7
2007 Porsche Cayman/Cayman S Specifications:
Engine
2.7-litre flat 6, DOHC, 24 valves
3.4-litre flat 6, DOHC, 24 valves
Horsepower
245 @ 6500 rpm
295 @ 6250 rpm
Torque (lb-ft)
201 @ 4600 rpm
251 @ 4400 rpm
March 19, 2007, 02:06:40 pm He only said 3.5L engines though
March 19, 2007, 02:11:18 pm
Yes that is right...my bad. I guess the new engine rule will only apply to one size and one size only
March 19, 2007, 02:31:35 pm 2.0L s2000 engine runs 120Hp/liter but then again that's not until 8000rpm
March 19, 2007, 03:02:46 pm I'm reminded of
a) a Lego block truck that I once built when I was 8
b) a head of one of the Transformer robots.
c) a box that was used for giant CRT TVs but with wheels.
March 23, 2007, 06:45:07 pm I think dodge now lets you ad a "painted body trim" package on the SXT model. Looks a million times better painted. One great thing about the Nitro is MyGig...1700-2000$ for GPS toutch screen, Bluetooth, MP3, USB, Uconnect, Sirrius (with 12 months free), Ipod capability... I really like the features on this little truck. If you could get the 6 speed in the RT I'd be sold.
March 24, 2007, 10:03:50 am
The EPA ratings in the US are the same for an FJ cruiser or a Nitro RT (4.0 V6). And I see so many FJ's on the road I really dont agree with the FJ being a "niche" car. Both cars also pull 5000 lbs, both offer bold design, both have the same price range (ok the Nitro can be had for less but the top end models are 35-37k)...I see a lot of things in comon.
What I have to admit is that I dont get why you would buy an FJ or a Nitro if your never going to tow anything.
One very cool feature for he Nitro is the MyGig system. GPS, Bluetooth, Sirrius, Toutch screen, 20 gig HD, USB, Ipod...all for 1700-2000$ I find that to be a screaming deal when you look at how much other companies charge for Nav systems that dont do half of what this system does.
[/quote]
The door configuration alone of the FJ relegates it to niche vehicle status. Also, any 4WD with an inclinometer is pretty activity focused. The white roof doesn't help either...