2007 Dodge Nitro Review
Test drove: 9/11/2007 to 9/25/2007
Box on Wheels Could Use Some Packing Peanuts
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to drive a box? Wonder no more, my friends — just take a Dodge Nitro out for a test drive. I spent two weeks in the 2007 Nitro and can say with certainty that this is what it would feel like to be boxed up and shipped overnight.
There’s nothing smooth about the Nitro; it could use some packing peanuts inside to soften things up a little. The look is very sharp and cornery, both inside and out. Even the nifty Load ‘N Go floor (a tray that slides out in the rear cargo area) has a sharp edge on which I cut myself. I was just trying to push the tray back in and — youch! Blood everywhere.
There’s lots of room in the console next to the driver’s seat, but there’s also kind of a useless tray on top of it that you have to remove in order to put anything in the larger compartment. It’s odd-shaped and has coin-holders, but I never wanted to put coins in it because I was constantly taking the tray out, which would likely spill the coins. Genius packaging.
Now, I know some people like the Nitro’s looks — kind of Hummer meets, um, box. And the paint job on my test car was remarkable — blue so bright it makes your eyes ache. My friend Jeni passed by and asked, “What color is that thing? I can’t tell.” Smart aleck. Still, even though the Nitro is less than homey, I have to admit it does have some fun-factor to it. It’s a young, fun truck with some really nice gadgets.
As usual, the kids adored the DVD entertainment system, and it was the easiest one I’ve ever used — I could actually make it work without referencing the manual! It even has jacks where you can plug in a video game system. I guess to make up for the lack of backseat hassle in the form of the entertainment system, though, the Latch connectors were very hard to use. They’re wedged so tightly in the seat there’s barely room to squeeze the connectors in there.
Never did I wish for those packing peanuts more than when I was actually driving the Nitro. Every time I accelerated aggressively the engine hit almost 6,000 rpm before shifting with a whiplash-inducing lurch. I even wondered if my test car had some mechanical issues because highway driving had me all over the road, and it stuttered too (do I sound like I’m at the mechanic yet?). Any venture onto the highway made me nervous. Even the numbers made me nervous: The Nitro didn’t score well in the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s rollover resistance test. Take note, it only earned three stars.
Maybe the Nitro is supposed to be aimed at high-school or college students looking for a fun first car to cruise around in, but its price throws a loop into that logic. Granted, my test car was loaded, but it cost $33,115 when all was said and done. Whose budget is that? It’s like when you go to ship that old bike you just sold on eBay and realize the shipping costs more than the contents. Return to sender!
*For more information on the Dodge Nitro and its safety features, visit Cars.com. With questions or comments regarding this review, write to editor@motherproof.com.
LET’S TALK NUMBERS
Latch Connectors: 2
Seating Capacity (includes driver): 5
IT’S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT COUNT
Storage Compartments (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample
Cargo/Trunk Space (Puny, Fair, Ample, Galore): Ample
SENSE AND STYLE
Family Friendly (Not Really, Fair, Great, Excellent): Fair – Great
Fun Factor (None, Some, Good Times, Groove On): Good Times
| Specs | |
|---|---|
| 2007 Dodge Nitro 4×4 SLT/RT | |
| Base price: | $24,420 |
| Price as tested: | $33,115 |
| Engine: | 210-hp, 3.7-liter V-6 |
| Fuel: | 17/23 mpg |
| Length: | 178.9” |
| Width: | 73.1” |
| Turning Radius: | 18.1’ |
| Cargo space: | 31.2 – 75.6 cu. ft. |
| NHTSA Crash-Test Ratings | |
|---|---|
| Frontal Impact | |
| Driver’s side: | 5 Stars |
| Passenger’s side: | 5 Stars |
| Side Impact | |
| Front occupant: | 5 Stars |
| Rear occupant: | 5 Stars |
| Rollover resistance: | 3 Stars |
Comments
Okay, you know I'm kidding. I totally understand the Nitro is a truck. What I'm saying is that given the lower-profile wheels and tires, it's not a comfortable ride (somethig important to know for people who may spend large parts of their days driving).
I cut myself on the back of the tray when trying to slide it back in. The tray jammed and wouldn't move when I used the handle.
The model I tested is an SLT, I do apologize for not mentioning that.
Lastly, while most SUV's do not earn a 5-star rollover rating, there are many who earn 4. For me, that's a threshold. For me, a 20-30% chance of rollover (3-star rating) is a dealbreaker for a family car.
Posted by: Sara Lacey | Oct 17, 2007 1:13:14 PM
i have the nitro r/t and I am a mom of one, (so no minivan for me) the r/t has lower profile tires, bigger wheels and tighter suspension, i think the ride is smooth, it's super quick and brakes very well. We (me & my toddler) love the entertainment system, it's so easy to use i think he can operate it. I have the mygig w/ nav. we have big dogs and occasionally have to tow pwcs, I have to say this car fits our family well. oops! I forgot, it's a truck! :)
Posted by: F4grrrl | May 7, 2008 7:54:16 PM
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THe Nirto is a truck , not a cute little minivan. I can't figure out how you cut yourself on the Load n Go floor for the life of me. Also, its not supposed to be all swoopy and curvy, its not a sports car, its a truck, and is designed to be boxy. Which model did you have? The SLT or the R/T? You neglected to mention that properly in your "review" and your summary calling it a SLT/RT instead. Oh ya, and just about ALL SUV's will not have a 5-star roll-over avoidance rating.
Posted by: NitroMan | Oct 16, 2007 10:34:37 PM