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Dodge Nitro

February 9, 2023

If you are looking for a reliable compact sport-utility vehicle (SUV) from Dodge, the Nitro delivers. It has a commanding presence and boldness, making it stand out from its competitors. The Nitro rides on a slightly upgraded platform of the Jeep Liberty and has two engine options; a 3.7-liter V6 that produces 210 hp and 235 lb-ft of torque and a 4.0-liter V6 that generates 260 hp and 265 lb-ft of torque. Both engines are paired with a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission and come in either rear-wheel drive or all-wheel drive configuration.
The interior is comfortable and packed with plenty of features, like a cooled glove box, a power-adjustable driver’s seat, and satellite radio. Repairpal estimates an average annual repair cost of $582 for the Nitro, making it a cost-effective and reliable vehicle to consider.

You cannot go wrong with these models if reliability is your top priority. All four vehicles offer compelling features, outstanding performance, and attractive styling.


4 Top Dodge Models You Should Consider (motorbiscuit.com)
 
The Dodge Nitro TV Commercials Were Absolutely Insane
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The cultural landscape of the 2000s was, in hindsight, frequently ridiculous. After all, it was the decade that brought us Jackass, Nickelback, the Hummer H2, and Xbox Live voice chat. However, when it comes to vehicles that beat their chests harder than they perhaps should, the Dodge Nitro is right up at the top of the charts.

To build the Dodge Nitro, Chrysler essentially took a second-generation Jeep Liberty, stretched the wheelbase, and made it look even more like a Tonka truck. On paper, the promise of a 5,000-pound towing capacity, and a choice of 3.7-liter or four-liter V6s sounded interesting. In practice, let’s just say this thing didn’t exactly age as well as competitors like the Nissan XTerra, thanks in part to its somewhat cheap interior. Consumer Reports wrote that “overall, the Nitro has little going for it, the driving position is awkward, plus fit and finish are subpar.”
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As you might expect, sales volumes never kept pace with those of the Jeep Liberty, and the Nitro ended up withdrawing from showrooms in 2011, although it soldiered on through the 2012 model year as a fleet-only special. Still, that didn’t stop Dodge from really trying in the beginning, with an ad campaign that leaned into ridiculousness.

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We all remember this commercial, right? A Dodge Nitro comes across a Plymouth Acclaim that needs a jump-start, the two drivers hooks up some jumper cables, and as soon as the Acclaim driver twists the key, that baby blue Plymouth just takes off vertically like a bottle rocket. After five full seconds of hang-time out of shot, the Acclaim lands with the grace of a Kenmore top-loader washing machine falling out of a fourteenth storey window, the driver gets out, and that’s pretty much that.

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Here’s another Nitro commercial that falls under the “extreme” profile, with police using a bomb disposal robot to give this thing a parking ticket. The parking ticket then immediately bursts into flames, which would be entertaining in real life if it wouldn’t actually come with melted windshield cowls. It’s a fun play on the nitroglycerine image of the SUV’s name, but probably something you couldn’t get away with today.

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However, those testosterone-drenched ads pale in comparison to this one, which starts with a Nitro being dropped from a crane. You know, standard durability test. Except instead of taking the trope of landing completely unharmed, this Nitro crashes through the asphalt below, then through the subway station below that, and then things start to get really weird.
Dodge Nitro Commercial 3
Screenshot: Dodge
After falling through a cave, how about an underground world featuring a whole bunch of what I can only presume to be head-only Moai tributes? Not gonna lie, this place looks pretty chill, and I’m kinda fascinated by all the bridges. I guess there aren’t many updrafts, but this odd place is nothing compared to what lies ahead.

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Screenshot: Dodge

This scene doesn’t have a discernible Dodge Nitro in it, but it does feature a swamp creature poking its eyeballs above the ooze to see just what’s throwing Cerberus Capital-era Chrysler interior parts into its home. You think it’s bad now, just wait until this guy gets contacted about his SUV’s extended warranty.

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Screenshot: Dodge

I’d love for someone to explain exactly what’s going on here. Some kind of giant subterranean monster that’s obviously a person in a suit trying to swat a falling Nitro, I guess. Is this what hell looks like? I always pictured less of a tiki bar vibe and more torture devices, but that’s just me. Alright, now that this Nitro has fallen through several realms, where does this all end up?

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Screenshot: Dodge

Well, I think this is supposed to be a stereotypical depiction of China in 2006, but the way it’s kinda made cheap and played for laughs feels about as dated as the Dodge Nitro itself. That architecture, for example, isn’t right, but the fact that this is only two scenes away from the monster suit dude raises some questions around where Dodge thinks the center of the Earth is and what it’s like. I mean I guess the marketing team wasn’t a bunch of flat-earthers, but going in linear sequence, the scene right in the middle is the one of the swamp. Bizarre.

Unusually, there is one Dodge Nitro commercial I probably shouldn’t embed here. It was banned in Europe over showing a Dodge Nitro, um, electrocuting a dog that was taking a leak on the Nitro’s tire. It’s comically over-the-top, but still, enter at your own risk.

Dodge Nitro Commercial
Screenshot: Dodge
Looking back at these Dodge Nitro TV commercials is a great reminder of how random and edgy things could be just before the Great Recession, from deodorant to SUVs to beverages. While the mid-aughts don’t always feel like they’re basically 20 years ago, you probably won’t find an automaker advertising like this today, for better or worse.

Top graphic credit: Dodge

 
Dodge Nitro
The Dodge Nitro made its SUV debut in 2007 and was quickly recognized for its eye-catching exterior design. At the time, it was one of the few Dodge models that came in a variety of colors.

Beyond its bold looks, the Dodge Nitro also features a spacious cabin that comfortably fits up to five passengers. If you’re in search of a reliable vehicle for family travel, the 2008 Dodge Nitro is definitely worth considering.

In terms of performance, the 2008 model includes a strong V-6 engine capable of delivering up to 250 horsepower. It is available in three trims: Base SXT, SLT, and R/T.

The 2020 Dodge Journey stands out as the most affordable three-row SUV currently available on the market. Although its design is dated and many of its features are behind the times, it manages to undercut its rivals by several thousand dollars.

Despite the Journey’s subpar driving dynamics, slow powertrain, and lack of modern driver-assistance features, its adaptable interior and user-friendly infotainment system may still attract budget-conscious shoppers.

For 2020, Dodge has reduced the number of trims available on the Journey from three to just two: the SE Value and the Crossroad.

Other notable eliminations include the previously available all-wheel drive and the optional V-6 engine that came with a six-speed automatic transmission. Now, the sole powertrain is a 172-horsepower 2.4-liter four-cylinder engine, mated to a four-speed automatic transmission and front-wheel drive.

However, Dodge has added standard rear park assist across all models, and the Crossroad trim now comes with a standard sunroof. To simplify the options list, Dodge introduced the Popular Equipment Group, which bundles various features depending on the trim level.

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On the SE Value, this package includes a six-way power-adjustable driver’s seat, Uconnect with Voice Command and Bluetooth, SiriusXM satellite radio, three-zone climate control, a security alarm, and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shift knob.

The Crossroad’s version of the Popular Equipment Group adds a universal garage door opener, remote start, heated front seats and steering wheel, navigation, and a six-speaker audio system with a subwoofer. Dodge has confirmed that 2020 will be the final model year for the Journey.

The pricing for the 2020 Dodge Journey starts at $25,170 and can reach up to $30,090 depending on the selected trim and optional features. The SE Value is priced at $25,170, while the Crossroad comes in at $30,090.

Given the removal of the V-6 engine and all-wheel-drive options, the SE Value trim stands out as the better buy from the Journey lineup. With only a few options available and limited benefits from the Popular Equipment Group at this trim level, it’s recommended to forego extras and stick with the basic version of the Journey.

Under the hood, both SE and Crossroad trims are powered by a four-cylinder engine that fails to deliver adequate performance.

Unfortunately, the previously available V-6 is no longer an option, leaving buyers stuck with the underwhelming 172-hp engine. The accompanying four-speed automatic transmission is slow to respond, further hampering the Journey’s real-world driving experience.

While few three-row crossovers are known for being fun to drive, the Journey’s sluggish handling and delayed transmission responses place it near the bottom in terms of driving performance. It struggles in corners due to excessive body roll and vague steering. That said, the soft suspension does help provide a comfortable highway ride.

Fuel economy is another weak point for the Journey. The EPA rates its four-cylinder engine at 19 mpg in the city and 25 mpg on the highway, the lowest among comparable competitors.

For context, the 2019 Honda CR-V earned ratings of 26 mpg city and 32 mpg highway, and the 2019 Toyota C-HR achieved 27 mpg city and 31 mpg highway.

Inside, the Journey’s cabin lacks luxury but offers easy-to-use controls. However, fitting passengers into the third row—even children—requires sacrificing legroom in the second row. The use of low-grade materials such as a plasticky gear shifter and hollow-sounding door panels is especially noticeable on the more expensive Crossroad model.

In addition, several upscale features such as a power-adjustable passenger seat, cooled front seats, and heated rear seats are not available, even as options.

Where the Journey does perform well is in terms of practicality. Its interior is easily reconfigurable, and it offers a good number of storage compartments for small items. Though its total cargo capacity is smaller than many rivals, folding down the 50/50-split third-row and the 60/40-split second-row seats does increase usable space.

Along with the usual console storage areas, the Journey also provides a large bin beneath the front-passenger seat cushion and two sizeable underfloor storage compartments in the second row.
 
2009 Dodge Nitro Used Car Report


May 28, 2025
The Nitro is Dodge's latest addition to its light truck/SUV lineup. It shares a platform with the new Jeep Liberty platform and is geared as an SUV for the road.
 
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