Used 2011 Dodge Nitro

The 2011 Dodge Nitro has a split personality. On one side, the Dodge Nitro is like any mid-size crossover offering seating for five, available all-wheel drive and an affordable sticker price. Then there is the Nitro’s more extreme side, which displays bold and boxy styling, vivid color choices and massive 20-inch wheels. Placed side-by-side with a Honda CR-V or Chevrolet Equinox, the untrained observers would probably be hard pressed to place the Nitro in the same league. And, although the Nitro threatens to cannibalize sales from family members Jeep Liberty and Dodge Journey, Dodge isn’t worried, saying the Nitro has its own unique niche defined by its artful blend of size, styling and features.

When we look at all of the 2011 Dodge Nitro’s versatile features, compelling styling and cutting-edge electronics, it makes us wish Dodge had built this one from scratch. Instead, all these good ideas ride atop the borrowed Jeep Liberty platform, which we feel compromises the Nitro’s ride and handling. It is much more truck-like than it need be. Still, when equipped with the 260-horsepower, 4.0-liter V6, five-speed automatic transmission and sport suspension (not to mention the 20-inch tires), the Dodge Nitro’s rough riding shortcomings can be partially overlooked. For the record, we’d avoid the base Heat trim. Its 3.7-liter V6 and four-speed automatic left us wishing for either more power or a better transmission.

The 2011 Dodge Nitro offers seating for five, a roomy cargo hold and a commanding view of the road. Among its more notable features is the cargo floor that slides out over the rear bumper allowing for easier loading and unloading. For maximum cargo hauling, there is an available flat-folding front passenger seat. Rear seat passengers enjoy generous legroom and reclining seatbacks. The Dodge Nitro Heat, Nitro Heat 4.0 and Nitro Detonator trims features durable fabric covered seats, while the Nitro Shock, the highest trim level, has leather seats with color accent stitching. The Dodge Nitro’s dash and door panel design matches the vehicle’s bold exterior, but the plastics are hard to the touch and lack any sense of color or contrast.

There’s little doubt the 2011 Dodge Nitro’s biggest asset is its bold, upright exterior styling. Further distinguishing features include a clamshell-style hood, color-keyed crosshair grille and decorative side vents. All models ride on 20-inch polished aluminum wheels surrounded by all-season tires, and feature deep-tinted privacy glass and front fog lamps. Bright paint colors such as Detonator Yellow, Inferno Red and Blackberry Pearl further help Nitro owners create a custom feel.

Uconnect GPS
This optional 30GB hard drive-based system includes navigation with Sirius Travel Link offering real-time traffic information, CD/DVD/MP3/HDD radio, a high-speed USB 2.0 port, auxiliary audio input, voice recognition, voice message recording and playback, and Bluetooth hands-free cell-phone connectivity.

Sliding Cargo Floor
For easier loading and unloading, the Dodge Nitro comes with a cargo floor that slides out 18 inches over the rear bumper and can hold up to 400 pounds. Beneath it is a four-inch deep storage bin good for storing jumper cables or hiding a laptop.

The base 2011 Dodge Nitro Heat comes equipped with a 210-horsepower, 3.7-liter, V6 mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. Standard audio is a AM/FM/CD sound system with an auxiliary input jack and a one-year subscription to Sirius Satellite Radio. Other standards include power windows/locks/mirrors, remote keyless entry, rear-window wiper/washer, rear defroster, 20-inch polished alloy wheels, slide-out cargo floor and heated side mirrors. The Nitro Heat 4.0, Nitro Detonator and Nitro Shock all feature a 260-horsepower, 4.0-liter V6 engine coupled to a five-speed automatic transmission, as well as Bluetooth streaming audio, eight Infinity speakers plus a powered subwoofer, and Uconnect with voice command.

The highlight of the Dodge Nitro’s optional equipment list is the comprehensive Uconnect GPS navigation, entertainment and communication system (see Favorite Features). Other key options include CD/DVD/HDD radio with 6.5-inch touch screen and 30 gig hard drive, Sirius Satellite Radio with Travel Link, ParkSense Rear Park Assist, a power sunroof, heated leather seating, four-wheel drive, and remote start.

Only the base Dodge Nitro Heat is burdened with the 3.7-liter V6 matched with a four-speed automatic transmission. All other trim levels are powered by a 4.0-liter V6 attached to a five-speed Auto Stick transmission. Each combination is available in rear- or full-time four-wheel drive. While its nature-loving Jeep Liberty cousin offers a low-range transfer case, the Nitro features an available "performance" suspension. Maximum towing capacity is 5,000 pounds.

3.7-liter V6
210 horsepower @ 5200 rpm
235 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4000 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/22 (RWD), 15/21 (4WD)

4.0-liter V6
260 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
265 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/21 (RWD), 16/21 (4WD)