Opinions on Dodge Nitro ?

[Moody Blue]

Looking to replace an older Montana van with something newer and capable of pulling up to 5000Ib.

The Nitro is currently on the short list. Wondering if anyone has experience or opinions on this vehicle.

 

[Bamaman1]

Re: Opinions on Dodge Nitro ?

The Nitro's were pretty expensive vehicles new. If equipped properly, they can pull a boat--they share mechanics with a Jeep.

I was looking at one in a parking lot yesterday, and noticed how square the body angles are.

If I was to buy one, the price would really have to really, really be right.

 

[roscoe]

Re: Opinions on Dodge Nitro ?

Co-worker bought one last year. Has a 3.7L.
He loves it and brags it up, but has never towed more than 1500# with it.

They discontinued the Nitro, didn't they?

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Opinions on Dodge Nitro ?

Looking to replace an older Montana van with something newer and capable of pulling up to 5000Ib.

The Nitro is currently on the short list. Wondering if anyone has experience or opinions on this vehicle.

Ugly, but not Pontiac Aztek ugly. And they quit making them for a reason. They didn't sell well. 210hp 3.7l V6 doesn't convince me that towing 5000lb would be fun, or practical.
From wikipedia:
"Despite its flashy debut, the Nitro sales did not bode well for the company starting 2009, although for 2010 the situation had slightly ameliorated. The decision was therefore taken not to continue its production into 2012, with the assembly effectively ending on December 16, 2011. It was purportedly speculated by Marchionne that a successor going by the same name could be presented at the 2012 New York show, although that information later proved to be rumored from false facts and that the Nitro would not get a second generation for 2012. Chrysler built 2012 Dodge Nitros for the fleet market only, although Dodge's official websites for the United States & Canada list no 2012 retail Nitros. The final Nitro came off the assembly line on December 16, 2011, with a total of 175,510 units built since its introduction."

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: Opinions on Dodge Nitro ?

Nitro and Caliber(Dart replaced it) are gone with the Avenger leaving next year. My wife wanted to get a Nitro, o'well..........

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Opinions on Dodge Nitro ?

Nitro and Caliber(Dart replaced it) are gone with the Avenger leaving next year. My wife wanted to get a Nitro, o'well..........

I think a Jeep Liberty/Cherokee is basically same thing isn't it? The Cherokee which replaces the Liberty is coming out soon if it isn't already out.

 

[ezmobee]

Re: Opinions on Dodge Nitro ?

Since the title of this thread clearly has the word "opinion" in it..............

I'll just say, I do not feel the Dodge Nitro is a vehicle a self-respecting man would drive. :faint2:

 

[WIMUSKY]

Re: Opinions on Dodge Nitro ?

Nitro is just Dodges version of the Liberty. She likes those too, but is not crazy about the 2014 Cherokee. I would prefer she get a Jeep Wrangler Unlimited(4 door)............ But, she can get whatever she wants. Since we have a Charger now, I'd really like to see her get a Challenger, or, another Charger.....

 

[Jeep Man]

Re: Opinions on Dodge Nitro ?

Discontinued for 2013. Same frame and drivetrain as the Jeep Liberty. I have a Liberty and find it has lots of power. Can climb a tree in Alaska in February. Not built for comfort though. The seats are uncomfortable after a couple of hours, and the short wheelbase makes for a choppy ride. I have no problem pulling the pontoon out of the lake. Last season the trailer sunk deep in the mud when taking the pontoon off the property. No problem for the Jeep to haul it out.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Opinions on Dodge Nitro ?

... Same frame and drivetrain as the Jeep Liberty...

Not a body-on-frame vehicle. Unibody construction. A heavy and stiff unibody, but unibody nonetheless, not a frame. Not that there's anything wrong with that! (Did you say it in a Seinfeld voice?)

And again 3.7l of V6 (that Dodge doesn't use anymore either) to tow 5k? Not for me, thanks.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Opinions on Dodge Nitro ?

Not so well received it seems. I'm looking at the R/T model which comes with the 4L engine 260hp @ 265ft-Ib torque. Not too bad for a V6. I've been driving a van for the past 23 years and want something different. I need something to transport 4 adults, pull about 4000Ib and not cost an arm and a leg.

Granted there are a lot of options out there, but very limited in the price I'm willing to pay for a used vehicle with reasonably low mileage. Was hoping to get some input about reliability, performance, actual fuel consumption etc, especially regarding the transmission which is the 42RLE. Chrysler has had a notoriously bad reputation in the past, and wondering if they have improved.

My other option is the Ford Escape, but it has a lower rated towing capacity.

 

[NYBo]

Re: Opinions on Dodge Nitro ?

Yup, it's just a Jeep Liberty beaten with an ugly stick. Repeatedly.

 

[bassman284]

Re: Opinions on Dodge Nitro ?

Yup, it's just a Jeep Liberty beaten with an ugly stick. Repeatedly.

Ha ha! But if I was forced to choose for looks, I would choose the Nitro by a slight margin. Still, they are both hideous and serve no purpose in real life.

 

[bruceb58]

Re: Opinions on Dodge Nitro ?

Yup, it's just a Jeep Liberty beaten with an ugly stick. Repeatedly.

Very Funny. Of course the Jeep Liberty isn't going to win any beauty contests itself.

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Opinions on Dodge Nitro ?

Since the title of this thread clearly has the word "opinion" in it..............

I'll just say, I do not feel the Dodge Nitro is a vehicle a self-respecting man would drive. :faint2:

I did notice yesterday at work, the Nitro that this woman drives, has the 4.0l in it. But it's still ugly!

 

[TilliamWe]

Re: Opinions on Dodge Nitro ?

Yup, it's just a Jeep Liberty beaten with an ugly stick. Repeatedly.

This might be the funniest thing I have ever read on here, ever! Awesome description!

 

[jkust]

Re: Opinions on Dodge Nitro ?

If your Montana Van was like my Silhouette van, it's going to be hard to find anything on 4 wheels that had fewer issues. 150k miles and it got a waterpump and plugs and wires at the 100k interval. Plus I towed my 4000lb+ boat/trailer with it for thousands of miles. I don't recall that many cars that got as bad a bashing as the Nitro. I do recall the commercials made it seem like it was going to be a great car.

 

[tomdinwv]

Re: Opinions on Dodge Nitro ?

We have a 2011 Nitro Shock. It's my wife's ride. She likes it really well. Ours has the 4.0 and it's all decked out with heated leather seats, sunroof and a bunch of other goodies. It's been back to the dealer once and that was for some recall that took them about 10 minutes to take care of. She gets about 17 mpg but she hardly ever has it on the interstate. Mostly 2 lane 35 to 45 mph roads. It rides a little rough to me, but I'm used to my Silverado and the 2 Rams I had before it. We've towed the jon boat with it and never had any problems but I've never had the "big" boat (19' cuddy) hooked to it yet. The 4.0 goes like stink. Plenty of power and gets up to speed pretty quick IMO. Personally, I like the looks of the Nitro. The 4wd works good. We live on a steep hill and when it gets slick in the winter, the Nitro climbs right up it like it was on dry pavement. Had it off road a little, nothing extreme, and it went anywhere we wanted to go without a problem. Plenty of room in the back seat for our teenagers and all their junk. All in all, it's not a bad little ride. I don't regret buying it. Good luck with whatever you decide to buy!

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Opinions on Dodge Nitro ?

If your Montana Van was like my Silhouette van, it's going to be hard to find anything on 4 wheels that had fewer issues. 150k miles and it got a waterpump and plugs and wires at the 100k interval. Plus I towed my 4000lb+ boat/trailer with it for thousands of miles.

Exactly my thoughts. Have had this van 6 years now and put on 145,000km ontop of the 88,000 it had on it when I bought it with almost no repairs costs. Front wheel bearings and lower control arm bushings were replaced and that's it. Still running with orginal spark plugs and tires (winter and summer sets). Probably the most reliable and versatile vehicle I've owned. It can carry 7 passengers or full 4x8 sheets of plywood and even 12ft long lumber.

 

[Moody Blue]

Re: Opinions on Dodge Nitro ?

Will probably go with the Nitro. I've always been fond of the "unique" body styles. Would have bought an Isuzu Trooper if they were still available here. One of my favorites. So many of the vehicles today have the same cookie-cutter style that its gotten downright boring.