Test Drive: 2007 Dodge Nitro R/t

**rickaren** · #1 (**permalink**) 08-01-2007, 09:10 AM

Refreshing to see positive review:

Nice packaging gives SUV some attitude

"If your local Jeep dealer's lot seems a little crowded, well, it is: Suddenly Jeep has six models to sell, with two of them, the Compass and the Patriot, built on a platform developed for the Dodge Caliber."

"So it's logical the Dodge dealers wanted a little something in return. What they got is the Dodge Nitro, a square-shouldered little SUV that reminds us old-timers of the Power Wagon era. The Nitro is built on the platform that was developed for the Jeep Liberty."

"It's kind of refreshing that Chrysler can make two mechanically similar vehicles look so different, and it makes you wonder if some other manufacturers shouldn't try a little harder. (A good place to start: the Ford Escape/Mercury Mariner/Mazda Tribute triplets.)"

"You don't have to spend nearly that much to get most of the Nitro attitude; indeed, its 3.7-liter V-6 is no slouch. It's an appealing SUV in any form."

LINK to complete Article:

http://www.orlandosentinel.com/class...,2456287.story

als2052 · #2 (**permalink**) 08-01-2007, 03:55 PM

Lets hope things turn around...

**rickaren** · #3 (**permalink**) 08-02-2007, 03:48 AM

Another better than normal review! WOW maybe NITRO finally is on-a-roll!

A totally different impression is cast by the Dodge Nitro. I tried the R/T 4x4 version, well equipped at $30,230. Although Chrysler has taken some knocks lately for some of its vehicles' styling attributes, I like the brash upright look of the Nitro. It's in your face, but in a well proportioned, balanced fashion. The unrelieved expanses of gray plastic weaken the appeal of the interior, but it is a practical cabin layout. And the 4.0-liter V6 provides punchy, if harsh sounding, performance.

LINK:
http://www.detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll...96/1148/AUTO01