2007 Dodge Nitro First Drive

Dodge Nitro – First Drive: You know the commercial: Some sad sack guy in a non-descript car gets a jump – literally – from a shiny red Dodge Nitro. Hmmm...not sure how it is that the 260-horsepower engine in the Nitro R/T blows a car off its tires, but hey, that's creative license for ya, a liberty Dodge designers also took when penning the Nitro's blocky look and robust fender flares. We only wish they had managed to work in more power as well. Based on the Jeep Liberty and showcasing some new features, the Nitro has powerful, over-the-top looks and a very livable interior, if only for five and for those willing to pay for the more expensive models.

The Basics: Origins

As the first compact SUV in the Dodge lineup since the 1990 Raider, the Nitro is based on the Jeep Liberty. Call it a Liberty that's been liberated. Sure, the Nitro is built on the same platform and in the same Toledo, Ohio, plant as the Jeep Liberty, and boasts some of the features we'll see in the 2008 Liberty model. But this is a significantly different design, plus a reworking of the suspension and powertrain. Should the Liberty come out with the Nitro's 4.0-liter V6 engine and some of its interior upgrades, it will be much improved. Here's hoping that parent company Chrysler sees fit to equip both with its new six-speed automatic transmission.

The Basics: Pricing

Typical of most Dodge vehicles, the Nitro comes in three flavors, starting with the base SXT ($19,885), SLT ($23,295) and R/T ($25,970). All prices include $660 destination; four-wheel drive is $1,510 extra. Significant option prices include $1,700 for MyGIG, Chrysler's new 20-gig personal infotainment system, $1,200 for a rear-seat DVD player and $730 for R/T special leather seats.

The Basics: Model Mix – SXT Standard Features

Powered by a 210-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 that gets 235 lb.-ft. of torque, the SXT model ($19,885) comes with either a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission. Standard equipment includes a fabric interior, remote entry with power windows and locks, power outlets, fold-flat front passenger seat, 60/40 split rear bench, CD stereo with MP3, tilt steering wheel, traction control, brake assist, folding power mirrors, rear window washer and wiper, and 16-inch wheels.

The Basics: Model Mix – SLT Standard Features

Standard features on the SLT ($23,295) include YES Essentials stain resistant fabric, an overhead console, a power six-way driver's seat, leather-wrapped steering wheel, auto-dimming rearview mirror, vehicle information system, tinted windows, cruise control, compass, body-color front and rear fascias and fender flares plus 17-inch aluminum wheels. Also standard is the Dodge Load ‘N Go System, which is a cargo loading tray in the back that slides up to 18 inches beyond the bumper for loading ease. As with the SXT, the SLT offers a 210-horsepower 3.7-liter V6 that gets 235 lb.-ft. of torque and either a six-speed manual or four-speed automatic transmission.

The Basics: Model Mix – R/T Standard Features

Largely equipped like an SLT model, the Dodge Nitro R/T ($25,970) adds as standard a 4.0-liter V6 engine that makes 260 horsepower and 275 lb.-ft. of torque, mated to a five-speed automatic transmission and a sport-tuned suspension with 20-inch wheels. Interior standard add-ons include Sirius satellite radio.

The Basics: Model Mix – Options

Main options for SXT, SLT and R/T models include fog lamps, power sunroof, and a trailer tow package. Nitro SXT shoppers can upgrade with Sirius satellite radio and a sun roof, while options for the SLT and R/T trims include running boards, 20-inch wheels, leather seats, navigation system, remote start, hands-free phone, six-disc stereo with MP3, plus more. Also available on SLT and R/T models is Chrysler's new MyGIG system, which is a 20-gig hard drive that holds pictures, music and comes with navigation. The R/T also options special leather “R/T” seats.

What's New: Outside

Sure, it's a box, but it's one mean-looking box, with style and attitude, big fender flares and that oh-so aggressive Dodge grille pointing the way forward. Our tester had 20-inch wheels, which filled in the wells nicely. The grille, by the way, is in chrome, save for the body-color R/T version. Add in the optional fog lamps and you've got yourself a nice, macho front end. Problems start with all the joints and edges caused by this design, making us wonder how much a Nitro is going to rattle and bang after a few years of driving. Overall, the shape is chiseled and attractive, if over the top, with smallish rectangular windows, upright front windshield and high beltline.

What's New: Inside

While SXT buyers get basic cloth, SLT and R/T shoppers get YES Essentials stain- and odor-repellent fabric. R/T buyers should seriously consider shelling out an extra $730 for the special R/T seats, with firm sport-style bolstering and red R/T stitching. SLT and R/T Nitros get Load ‘N Go, which is a fancy name for a cool pull out tray in the back. The sliding cargo “floor” pulls out 18 inches from the rear bumper and can hold up to 400 pounds. The cargo floor area also has a four-inch deep compartment for storage. Buyers are also able to outfit their Nitros with MyGIG, a new 20-gig infotainment system that holds pictures, music and more.

What's New: Under the Hood

The Nitro is actually an interesting sneak peek at the next Jeep Liberty SUV, especially the R/T model. It's a spry and sporty Nitro, with its 4.0-liter V6 engine making 260 horsepower and 275 lb.-ft. of torque mated to a smooth five-speed automatic transmission. That's the model we drove, with what Chrysler execs say is a sport-tuned suspension different than the rest of the Nitro models in that the sway bar, springs, shocks and bushings have been upgraded, as well as the fact that it's the only Nitro with 20-inch wheels. Aside from sport tuning, it's a pretty typical live-axle setup in the rear and independent front tied to a rack-and-pinion steering setup that proved adept at tight turns.

Driving: Test Car, Location

We spent a day behind the wheel of a loaded 2007 Dodge Nitro R/T 4WD ($31,310, including $660 destination) with 20-inch wheels, the sport-tuned suspension and special R/T seats. The route started in downtown San Diego where we gulped coffee while listening to the automaker's technical explanation of the Nitro. Then it was off to Palm Springs via mile after mile of freeway driving. Before we took off for the desert, however, we spent a little time driving around the city, making U-turns and living with the Nitro in stop-and-go traffic.