Dodge Nitro

The Dodge Nitro is a compact five-door SUV built on the same platform as the Jeep Liberty. Introduced as a 2007 model, it takes its styling cues from the Dodge M80 concept truck, a retro-styled pickup based on early Dodge Power Wagons. It varies from the Liberty most noticeably in the front clip with the trademark Dodge wide-mouth crosshair grille and extra-wide front-fender flares. The Nitro comes in rear-wheel or four-wheel-drive, but unlike the Liberty isn't available with a low-range transfer case. There are three trim levels to choose from: SE, SLT and R/T.

Specifications

Seating: Dodge specifies seating for two passengers in front and three in the rear.

Engine: The SE and SLT models come with a 3.7 L V-6 and four-speed automatic transmission. The R/T model comes with a 4.0 L V-6 mated to a five-speed automatic tranny.

Gas Mileage: Two-wheel drive SE and SLT models should average 16 mpg in the city and 22 highway, while 4WD models can expect 15 city and 21 highway. R/T Nitros with 2WD are estimated at 16 city and 21 highway, and 4WD R/Ts come in at 15 city and 20 on the highway.

Safety Rating: The Nitro received five stars for front and side impact crash tests and a three-star rollover rating.

Price: The 2WD Nitro SE starts at $21,940.

Warranty

Dodge offers the best warranty in the business on the Nitro with a nontransferrable lifetime powertrain warranty to the original owner of the vehicle.

Reviews At A Glance

Consumer Reports named the Dodge Nitro and its stablemate the Jeep Liberty in their list of the 11 worst cars of 2008. While achieving its primary design goals of outrageous looks combined with functionality and sporty utility " with a harsh, jolting ride; reduced visibility; abundance of low-grade interior plastics; and polarizing styling" it's easy to see how the Dodge Nitro can earn the ire of some critics, yet still attract so many consumers.