The Doge Nitro doesn't want to be another crossover SUV

ORC REVIEW
In an attempt to play the urban SUV game both automakers and consumers alike are taking a gamble on, the 2007 Dodge Nitro pulls forward to represent itself as the first 5-passenger mid-size sports utility vehicle launched under the Dodge brand.

Described by the Chrysler Group as a vehicle “not afraid to get frisky” and having a “tough looking mug,” the Nitro puts its best Dodge grille forward to seek approval from active families on a quest to purchase something much meaner than the crossover SUVs or even a minivan. It has a boxy shape, prominent fender flares, and 20-inch chrome-clad wheels that turn heads, as it is the only vehicle in its class with optional factory-fitted wheels and tires of this size. The Nitro is available in three trims: the base SXT, mid-grade SLT and top-end R/T.

The Nitro is the spin off of a concept car called the Dodge M80 first presented at the 2002 North American International Auto Show. It’s one of nine new vehicles created and offered by the Chrysler Group in the last two years, giving Dodge a competitive lineup that involves passenger cars, minivans, trucks, commercial vehicles, a full-size SUV, and even police vehicles.

Notably new items for the 2007 Nitro are its digital entertainment and communication technologies, including a new MyGIG™ Multimedia Infotainment System, which has the capability of downloading photos and music to a 20-GB hard drive from a CD, DVD or USB memory device through voice and touch screen commands. Also, the new LOAD ’N GO™ sliding panel floor holds up to an extended 400 lbs. Exterior color lineup for the Nitro includes Black, Bright Silver Metallic, Electric Blue, Inferno Red Crystal, Stone White, Sunburst Orange, and Light Khaki Metallic.

Public Response

For tech-savvy families like the Olivers, the Nitro meets all their digital entertainment needs.

Cliff Oliver, 32, from Columbia, South Carolina, fell in love with the Dodge Nitro when he first saw pictures of it online. His 2001 Isuzu Trooper was getting old and a recent promotion prompted him to buy a full-loaded Nitro SLT in Sunburst Orange.

“I’ve had the Nitro for about six weeks now and I have no complaints,” said Oliver, who settled on the Nitro after one test drive with wife Hollon, 29. Oliver claims the best thing about the Nitro is its bold looks.  “It's a tough-looking vehicle that drives great.”
 

The technology inside the Nitro is a bonus for Oliver. “I'm a musician and love listening to music, so having the SIRIUS radio, 6-disc CD player, AM/FM radio, and MP3 player access right on the steering wheel has to be one of my favorite features.”  Since Oliver is the father of three, having the overhead DVD player with wireless headphones is a definite asset for the kids.

Oliver doesn’t have any off-road plans for his Nitro, but he is an avid mountain biker. “I'm planning a couple of overnight camping-biking trips to the mountains in North Carolina and a trip to Maine this summer to see my family,” he said. Oliver has already found a hitch-mounted bike rack aftermarket product for his new Nitro.

For Oliver, this is his second Dodge, but his favorite vehicle so far. “Overall, I have to say that my Dodge Nitro is the most enjoyable car I've ever owned.”

Bits & Pieces

The LOAD N' GO feature extends over rear bumper and holds up to 400 lbs.

The 2007 Nitro offers two engines – first, the 210-horsepower 3.7-liter SOHC V6 with 235 ft-lb of low-speed torque at 4,000 rpm. It has a new exhaust gas recirculation valve for fuel economy and is standard on the Nitro SXT and SLT trims. The second engine, the 260-horsepower 4.0-liter SOHC V6 with 265 ft-lb of torque at 4,200 rmp, is an enhanced version of the 3.5-liter engine used in prior Chrysler Group vehicles and comes standard on the Nitro R/T trim.

The Nitro features a new coil-spring independent front suspension and a new five-link coil-spring rear suspension. There are three transmissions offered, including a six-speed manual transmission on the SXT trim, a four-speed automatic on SXT and SLT trims and a five-speed automatic on R/T trim.

The Nitro has part-time and full-time four-wheel drive systems. The main difference between the two options comes down to flexibility. The full-time transfer case, which functions a lot like an all-wheel transfer case, can be left on during pavement driving under any type of inclement weather. A part-time system cannot. All 4x4 versions of the Nitro are equipped the All-speed Traction Control. It adds sensors at each wheel to provide feedback for wheel spin.

Urbanite at Heart (and Under the Hood)
Ideally, the R/T trim with full-time 4x4 drive would be an off-road enthusiast’s choice – if he/she had to choose, that is. You would be able to put more power on the road with less likelihood of loss of traction. I say ideally, because only the part-time transfer case is available on the model and the full-time has a late arrival. Even after recently speaking with representatives of the Nitro at the Chrysler Group, clarity on an actual availability date is unknown. Therefore, it is unknown how well the traction control system would function on a full throttle launch. And there is no low-wheel transfer case.

The Dodge Nitro is not meant to be a true off-road vehicle, like other Chrysler Group Jeep and Dodge products.  While the vehicle is built off the Jeep Liberty platform and may look the part, the Dodge Nitro’s ability clearly only meets the needs of an urban lifestyle. To go back to its marketing literature, “frisky” is about as tough as the Nitro can get where true off-road adventure is concerned.

This doesn’t mean the Nitro lacks attributes. It is roomy and cost-efficient compact SUV.  The retail base price is $20,735 for the SXT 4x4, $22,635 for the SLT, and $26,970 for the R/T 4x4. The Nitro gets 18-mpg city driving and 23-mpg highway driving for the SXT and SLT and about 17-mpg city driving and 21-mpg highway driving for the R/T. That’s slightly better than the Liberty, but not as good as the Mazda CX-7 nor the Chevy Equinox.

New Nitro owner Cliff Oliver claims the best thing about the vechicle is its bold looks.

Chrysler still loves the hardcore Jeepers and off-roaders – they’re just not showing appreciation through the Nitro. The Nitro is a result of a car company just doing its job, which is to stay competitive by meeting the demands of consumers. In this day and age, it means a owning a tough-looking SUV, but not owning up to the lifestyle nor the capability associated with it.