I had the exact same concern, as I test drove a Liberty a couple of years ago and foudn it WAY too small in terms of driver, passengers, and storage. I currently drive a 2003 Nissan Pathfinder LE, and test drove a Nitro SLT yesterday. The Nitro is a little bit smaller than the Pathfinder, but it is much closer to Pathfinder size than Liberty size. The Nitro is significantly bigger than any of the compact SUVs in addition to Liberty (RAV4, CR-V, Escape, etc.) and approaches the size of the other Mid-sizes (Grand Cherokee, Mits Endeavor, Acura MD-X). The Nitro doesn't have the 3d row seating that many other mid-size SUVs have, but if you don't need that, I think you'll be ok. The Nitro is also bigger than the crossovers, like the Niss Murano. I wanted to make sure the Nirtro was plenty big for our family, so we drove it for the entire afternoon. We have 3 young childrem, and were able to comfortably fit a rear-facing infant seat and two toddler booser seats in the back seat. We've also have 2 medium-sized dogs (65 lbs) who both fit comfortably in the way back. I'm about 6'3" and fit very comfortably in the driver's seat (with it all the way back). I also sat in the back seat behind the fully reclined driver's seat relatively comfortably (anyone shorter than me would have been plenty comfotable). In the driver's seat, I had a good 5"-6" of head room. If you get the sunroof this will probably bring it down to 2"-3". I parked the Pathfinder right next to the Nitro and compared driver, passenger, and storage spaces pretty closely. And, they were very comparable. I'd say the Nitro "fells" about 5% smaller than the Pathfinder all the way around. So, when you get in the Nitro, I think you'll feel like you're in a mid-size, not a compact SUV.Regulator said:
Nitro size comparison....
Hello Everyone,
I'm new to this site. I am looking for any real world comparisons on this vehicle vs other midsize SUV's. Can anyone who's seen one in person compare it to another common SUV or Car? I really like the design but the fact that its based on the Liberty frame worries me. I'm a bigger guy and found that Liberty really tight and small. Thanks guys.
Regulator
I'm new to this site. I am looking for any real world comparisons on this vehicle vs other midsize SUV's. Can anyone who's seen one in person compare it to another common SUV or Car? I really like the design but the fact that its based on the Liberty frame worries me. I'm a bigger guy and found that Liberty really tight and small. Thanks guys.
Regulator
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That sounds good. I felt like I was in a sardine can when I sat in the Liberty, to be honest I could barely fit my legs under the steering wheel. I found it really tight. Anyhow this is looking positive, I may have finally found something that is big enough, reasonable priced and that I like the looks of. Thanks for your feedback.
Does anyone know how it compares to the Honda Element. My wife has one and we love the room. Very small engine in it but it is roomy.
Ok I saw two of them today. It's bigger than the Liberty. I think its a good size. It's definately bigger than the element.
There's a lot of room once you get inside. The trick is getting inside--the door opening is very low, about a half-foot lower than the ceiling. So even though I'm only 5-9 I had to bend my neck uncomfortably to avoid hitting my head.
I'm surprised the guy who's 6-3 didn't mention this, but maybe when you're that tall you're used to assuming an unusual posture in order to get into a car.
I'm surprised the guy who's 6-3 didn't mention this, but maybe when you're that tall you're used to assuming an unusual posture in order to get into a car.
The Nitro's are a little bigger than a Liberty, and have a lot more leg room. I know someone with a new Durango, and the comparison between the two, in term of leg space, is real close. I had someone over 6ft sit in the front and the back of mine and had plenty of room, and the reclining back seats allow even more space and comfort
I just leased one for my wife about 2 hours ago and I didn't notice that? I'm 6-2 245 lbs, and I didn't experience any problems getting in and out of either the front or rear seat...I drive a Caddy Cts and I experience it in that a little as it's low to the ground but this ride feels very roomy to me.mkaresh said:There's a lot of room once you get inside. The trick is getting inside--the door opening is very low, about a half-foot lower than the ceiling. So even though I'm only 5-9 I had to bend my neck uncomfortably to avoid hitting my head.
I'm surprised the guy who's 6-3 didn't mention this, but maybe when you're that tall you're used to assuming an unusual posture in order to get into a car.
I've checked a couple times since, and continue to have this problem. Might be that I have an especially inflexible neck. By experimenting I did find a technique that helped, backing in instead of sliding in sideways, as my neck bends forward much more easily than it bends to the side.
I will repeat that I've only checked this out in Nitros with the manual seat. The power seat might help by enabling a lower seat. Did the one you leased have the power seat? If so, do you have as easy a time getting in on the passenger side?
I will repeat that I've only checked this out in Nitros with the manual seat. The power seat might help by enabling a lower seat. Did the one you leased have the power seat? If so, do you have as easy a time getting in on the passenger side?
It does have a power drivers seat...I didn't notice anything especially difficult about getting into the passenger seat. But you could be right in that someone my size just may be used to bending their's to get into cars. My neck is pretty jacked up as well...got rear ended in feb of this year and if it's any indication of how hard I get hit, the repair bill was 22,500. But a pretty regular dose of vicodin and valium keep my neck more tolerable/flexible.
You very well could be right, I've been getting into a cts that is slightly lowered for a while, so I really welcome the ease of getting in and out of this vehicle.
edit;
actually just went out and checked, and yes I have to bend my neck more getting into the passenger seat versus the drivers with the seat lowered, if that helps
You very well could be right, I've been getting into a cts that is slightly lowered for a while, so I really welcome the ease of getting in and out of this vehicle.
edit;
actually just went out and checked, and yes I have to bend my neck more getting into the passenger seat versus the drivers with the seat lowered, if that helps
They didn't total a car with $22,500 in damage? Must have been a nice car. (Past tense purely intentional.)
Thanks for checking on the effect of the power seat. Could be very good for people to know.
Thanks for checking on the effect of the power seat. Could be very good for people to know.
No they didn't total it...the initial quote was 17,500 and the kbb value was 33k. In all honesty I pushed for them to total it...but you konw how insurance company's go. My car rides nice snce then, trust me I hit 142 mph "top speed fuel shut off" thing as soon as I left the body shop and I've driven it hard since then...the car drives as good as new. I am however asking for a diminished value claim from the ins. co before I ask for counsel.
I still like the room of nitro, but you are right on the non power seat...you have to crank your head a little bit to get in. Not a big deal to me at this point but you never know
I still like the room of nitro, but you are right on the non power seat...you have to crank your head a little bit to get in. Not a big deal to me at this point but you never know
What kind of car is it? Clearly fast. 142 is an unusual cut off, because they're usually set to the speed rating of the tires or 155.
I had an insurance company spend over $10,000 to repair a car I sold a year later for $8,800 once. They thought the value was about $12,000 at the time, but that was before figuring in the diminished value.
Afterwards I suspected that the shop owner was providing kickbacks to the insurance adjuster.
On the Nitro's seats, I bet they end up making a manual height adjuster standard on both sides, with power on the driver's side still an option. This would be a cheap fix to the problem. In your case, just use the driver's seat.
I had an insurance company spend over $10,000 to repair a car I sold a year later for $8,800 once. They thought the value was about $12,000 at the time, but that was before figuring in the diminished value.
Afterwards I suspected that the shop owner was providing kickbacks to the insurance adjuster.
On the Nitro's seats, I bet they end up making a manual height adjuster standard on both sides, with power on the driver's side still an option. This would be a cheap fix to the problem. In your case, just use the driver's seat.
Yeah I usually like to drive anyways so I won't spend much time in the passenger seat unless I've had too much to drink...then it won't bother me at all I'm sure 
I do however think it would be an easy convenience feature to add a manual height adjuster on the non power front seats...but I've had that opinion about a few cars
On the other car it is a cadillac cts...I think it actually shuts of at 147 but the warning came on at 142 so I backed off...just wanted to make sure the car tracked staight, etc. I did however get a trade in offer from a dealer for 26k, which is about right in my opinion (not disclosing the accident). The insurance company says they'll take care of me on the loss of value so will see...
I do however think it would be an easy convenience feature to add a manual height adjuster on the non power front seats...but I've had that opinion about a few cars
On the other car it is a cadillac cts...I think it actually shuts of at 147 but the warning came on at 142 so I backed off...just wanted to make sure the car tracked staight, etc. I did however get a trade in offer from a dealer for 26k, which is about right in my opinion (not disclosing the accident). The insurance company says they'll take care of me on the loss of value so will see...
My bad, I now remember you mentioned the CTS earlier. Nice car, I've toyed with the idea of a six-speed manual 3.6, but can't bring myself to spend that kind of money for a car. As you probably know, the redesigned 2008 is due next year. Much anticipation for that car.
In my opinion the money for the car isn't bad (sorry this off topic) great combo of performance, comfort and luxury. I know the 08 is a redesign, I just hope they don't mess it up...seen a couple spy pic's but that is hard to gauge. Personally I'm waiting for the 09, as they won't have a V series in 08 or so I'm told...have to wait until 09. Unless of course I don't get too attched to a dodge (the nitro is my first one) and spring for an srt8 charger or 300m...or the shelby gt500 rustang first
Continuing OT...
If you want an SRT LX, the Magnum is the way to go. Since it's classified as a truck, it avoids the $2,100 gas guzzler tax. None of these cars has been selling well lately, so you can get a good discount off list. $2000 rebate on the 2006 SRTs last time I looked.
For 2007 there's also the option of getting the seats, wheels, and suspension of the SRT with the more economical 5.7 V8. Avoids the GGT, costs a few thou less.
And if you like SUVs, the GC SRT8 is about the best-handling I've driven. Great package.
If you want an SRT LX, the Magnum is the way to go. Since it's classified as a truck, it avoids the $2,100 gas guzzler tax. None of these cars has been selling well lately, so you can get a good discount off list. $2000 rebate on the 2006 SRTs last time I looked.
For 2007 there's also the option of getting the seats, wheels, and suspension of the SRT with the more economical 5.7 V8. Avoids the GGT, costs a few thou less.
And if you like SUVs, the GC SRT8 is about the best-handling I've driven. Great package.
thanks for the heads up on the magnum. I was at tuttle click in Irvine where we got the nitro and they had three srt8's on the lot, a 300c, and two chargers, one with the super bee package. The dealer had a mark up of 5k over sticker on the 300c, and charger. The super bee had a mark up of 15k...I asked if they negotiate on them and I was told no, the price is what is. Guess if I get serious about it I'll have to look at some other dealerships in the area.
The super bee was pretty cool, I guess they only made 1,000 of them, but 68k is something I definitely can't stomach for that type of car.
The super bee was pretty cool, I guess they only made 1,000 of them, but 68k is something I definitely can't stomach for that type of car.
Around Detroit you can buy these near invoice all day long. The dealer where I drove the Nitro had at least four Super Bees on the lot.
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