Dodge Nitro SUV Review
SUV Reviewer
The 2011 Dodge Nitro promotes a big, beefy image and it tends to handle like its image would suggest. While there are a few finer points to the Nitro, most consumers are not thrilled with some of the features and tend to move onto other SUVs with better fuel efficiency and better handling.
The 2011 Dodge Nitro offers some upgrades from previous models. The tinting on the glass is deep and effective, and the seating is now constructed of a heavier material. Racing stripes have been added, which is an interesting feature considering the lack of power and acceleration that is offered from either engine option. The "Heat" package provides the consumer with a 4.0 liter engine, a better sound system, and Bluetooth.
As a compact crossover the 2011 Dodge Nitro is considered more of an on road vehicle. For those that are looking for cargo space without the outdoor adventures (and live in a snow free area) the Nitro might be a good bet. Based on the same construction model and platform as the Jeep Liberty, the Dodge Nitro is underpowered for real off road performance and handling.
The base model offers 20 inch wheels that are chrome plated, tinted windows, keyless entry, reclining rear seats with a 60/40 split, heated mirrors, tilt steering, power accessories, satellite radio, and air conditioning. The CD player comes with an auxiliary jack input slot which is played on a six speaker sound system. If you're interested in cruise control you have to add it as an accessory, and it comes in a package that includes a compass as well as an outdoor temperature reading.
The base 2011 Dodge Nitro also comes with a 3.7 liter V-6 engine. With the 210 horsepower and the 237 pounds of torque, many critics call it under nourished. The standard option for transmission is a four speed automatic. Fuel efficiency is limited at 16 miles per gallon in the city and 22 highway miles per gallon for the rear wheel drive version, which is also standard. For a vehicle of this size, the ratio is not considered to be adequate. The 0 to 60 miles per hour tests showed that it took a full 9.5 seconds for acceleration. A four wheel drive model is optional on all three versions of the Nitro.
The stability control also comes with an integrated trailer stability system that helps to minimize the natural sway that often happens when towing a trailer. Antilock disc brakes and side curtain airbags make up the list of standard safety features for the base model. If you upgrade, you'll find rear parking sensors are part of the standard safety equipment list.
While the 2011 Dodge Nitro has not been put through the rigorous testing for the new safety standards, it received a reasonable standard of performance for head on collisions while also receiving a "marginal" notation for side impact crashes. There is only one performance standard below the marginal standard.
With the rear seats in place the cargo space is approximately 32 cubic feet. Once you fold down the rear seats, that space nearly doubles to 65 cubic feet of cargo space.
With a quiet ride and a comfortable ride, the 2011 Dodge Nitro falls short when it comes to acceleration, safety, and lacks good handling. Overall, there seems to be some concerns that the average consumer would like Dodge to address.
The 2011 Dodge Nitro offers some upgrades from previous models. The tinting on the glass is deep and effective, and the seating is now constructed of a heavier material. Racing stripes have been added, which is an interesting feature considering the lack of power and acceleration that is offered from either engine option. The "Heat" package provides the consumer with a 4.0 liter engine, a better sound system, and Bluetooth.
As a compact crossover the 2011 Dodge Nitro is considered more of an on road vehicle. For those that are looking for cargo space without the outdoor adventures (and live in a snow free area) the Nitro might be a good bet. Based on the same construction model and platform as the Jeep Liberty, the Dodge Nitro is underpowered for real off road performance and handling.
The base model offers 20 inch wheels that are chrome plated, tinted windows, keyless entry, reclining rear seats with a 60/40 split, heated mirrors, tilt steering, power accessories, satellite radio, and air conditioning. The CD player comes with an auxiliary jack input slot which is played on a six speaker sound system. If you're interested in cruise control you have to add it as an accessory, and it comes in a package that includes a compass as well as an outdoor temperature reading.
The base 2011 Dodge Nitro also comes with a 3.7 liter V-6 engine. With the 210 horsepower and the 237 pounds of torque, many critics call it under nourished. The standard option for transmission is a four speed automatic. Fuel efficiency is limited at 16 miles per gallon in the city and 22 highway miles per gallon for the rear wheel drive version, which is also standard. For a vehicle of this size, the ratio is not considered to be adequate. The 0 to 60 miles per hour tests showed that it took a full 9.5 seconds for acceleration. A four wheel drive model is optional on all three versions of the Nitro.
The stability control also comes with an integrated trailer stability system that helps to minimize the natural sway that often happens when towing a trailer. Antilock disc brakes and side curtain airbags make up the list of standard safety features for the base model. If you upgrade, you'll find rear parking sensors are part of the standard safety equipment list.
While the 2011 Dodge Nitro has not been put through the rigorous testing for the new safety standards, it received a reasonable standard of performance for head on collisions while also receiving a "marginal" notation for side impact crashes. There is only one performance standard below the marginal standard.
With the rear seats in place the cargo space is approximately 32 cubic feet. Once you fold down the rear seats, that space nearly doubles to 65 cubic feet of cargo space.
With a quiet ride and a comfortable ride, the 2011 Dodge Nitro falls short when it comes to acceleration, safety, and lacks good handling. Overall, there seems to be some concerns that the average consumer would like Dodge to address.
My Nitro Shock has 265 HP with 285 FPT. I bought it with 8 miles on it and added a performance exhaust and a short ram cold air intake and I now have 285 HP with 310 FPT. I have NO idea who wrote the previous review I read and stated a FULL 9.5 seconds to 60 MPH. I would bet this man $500 and Pinks that I will beat every truck in my class 0 to 60 and a few above it!! I love my Nitro!
I agree with Kurt in the above review. My Nitro has no problem accelerating to 60mph in way less than 9.5 seconds. Further, who ever wrote the SUV online review about the Nitro obviously has not driven one. Mine handles like a dream. I do not understand why the reviewer states "that the Nitro lacks good handling." I also get 18 mpg in town (my Nitro is 4 wheel drive) which is better than the average mpg reported. I love this SUV. Do not let the SUV online review deter you from considering purchasing a Dodge Nitro.
I have nissan armada twice a car and still geting 17 in town ,towing 8,000 lb travel trailer and full crew, nitro is whorth next to nothing
I'm befuddled at Paul's review. I thought these review's were for Dodge Nitro's WTH is Paul talking Nissan piece of Japanese CRAP! I will blow the doors off your Armada any day of the week with the Mod's I have done to my Nitro. The Armada is Soooooooo Ugly I wouldn't even ride in one let alone own one!!
My husband bought me this car primarily because it got 22 mpg on highway. All my driving is done on the highway, guess what folks...I get 16.5 mpg,not 22! I run my car 70-75 mph. I took the nitro in for a recall part. While there I expressed my concern about mpg. The mechanic ran it through all the test and said he could find nothing wrong. The car was fine. So...has Chrysler resorted to lying to sell cars!! One has to ask themselves. I am 46 years old and have always bought Chrysler. I won't do it next time. I am not very happy with this car. Will probably trade it in the next couple of months. Hate to say it, but maybe, just maybe I will buy a Ford this time.
Gas mileage is horrible. Im lucky to get 15 mpg combined hwy. and city. I would of just kept my suburban if I would of known about this horrible fuel economy. My suburban would average 14, but could tow and haul 3 times as much as the nitro with more comfortable ride.
I bought a 2008 dodge nitro only 30 days ago and just yesterday traded it in. The fuel mileage was disgusting. Never seen anything so hard on gas! I purchased a brand new 2011 jeep compass, and although i lost on trading in so soon after buying , i will save in the long run. Although it was loaded and very nice, way to hard on gas :(
I purchased a new 2011 Nitro a month ago. Main reason was reasonable price. Had a Jeep for 13 years and was lucky to have a great vehicle (which i miss a little)..however the Nitro is so far really good..it does feel like I'm driving a little tank. The "handling" issues i think, go back to the early (2009) online reviews that are simply parrotted. I noticed right away that the steering-handling is a little more like a truck or big mini-van but since i don't go off-road, or race at nascar, I find that the nitro is a great vehicle. If gas mileage were my main concern i would have bought a hybrid...yes, the jeep compass is nice but it's a 4 cylinder if you keep the comparison to apples to apples, i think the dodge nitro has a lot of nice features and a little better price than the over-rated new jeep liberty. that's all for now. thanks for reading.
I like the rest of you have purchased a nitro its a 2011 and a piece of crap. I am flat out getting 450 km to a tank of fuel. its underpowered and dies going up hills, and as for towing you might as well mark out fuel stops every 250 km, after six hours or so in the seats you might as well have a 1950 dodge truck seat in its place as it would have better back support. 2 things that are good! the looks,and the turning circle. if you are thinking of buying 1 do your self a favour and hire one first for a week to see and make your own mind up.
I have a 2011 Nitro Heat with the 4.o liter motor and I don't have a problem with acceleration it has plenty of get up and go. I really can't sday that I agree with the review on handling, once again I am very satisfied with way my Nitro Handles. What I like the most is the way it looks, I get compliments on the Nitro quite often. I will agree however that the gas mileage is not good, but then Dodge has never really has been about good mileage have they?
I don't know why people here are complaining about GAS. Read before you buy. If you can't afford the gas go and purchase something else....like a hybrid car. If you can't afford it don't buy it. I love my Nitro!