2008 Dodge Nitro User Reviews

Pros

can take a beating, rides great

Cons

the stearing is to sensative

Purchased As Used

i just hit 92,000 miles its never giving me any problems it has alot of power it will get up and go... i have always bought mopar and ive never had an issue with any of them i recomend this truck to anyone and i love the looks.. i do not car for the transmission there is nothing wrong with it i just dont like the feel the transmission on these are belt driven so it just feels weird...read morehide

Pros

4x4 / Handling / Interior Space

Cons

Ride is rough at times / some maintenance issues

Purchased As Used

This is my first SUV. After owning a 2001 PT Cruiser I decided it was time to "move up" into a SUV. I love my Nitro! It performs well, handles well and here in Colorado, it's nice to have the available 4-wheel drive in the snow. I keep up on the routine maintence but have found some issues with the Nitro - front brake pads seems to wear down quickly, and I have a tiny oil leak that the dealer has been unable to repair completely. I've had the gascap replaced twice now because it doesn't seem to work correctly. One tire pressure monitor has been replaced twice now. But quite honestly, these are minor things when compared to the nightmare maintenance I had with the PT Cruiser. The vehicle has plenty of room for my three teenagers and the back end is more than sufficient for the family's needs. Overall a great SUV!...read morehide

Pros

Very tough exterior styling-R/T upgrades are the way to go

Cons

A little too much plastic inside and out

Purchased As Used

I have had many cars and trucks over the years and this is one of very few Chrysler products I've had.
The exterior styling and R/T upgrades like the 20" chrome wheels, color keyed grille and faschias and 4.0L V6 and 5spd auto trans drew my attention to this truck.
The engine has plenty of power and I'm getting a 4 to 5 mpg increase over the 2003 Chevrolet Trailblazer it replaced. I enjoy the stiffer suspension as I want more of a truck and not a car. That is one of the reasons I chose this vehicle over the competition. Crossovers are more or less enhanced vans or cars and I wanted something a little tougher.
I have only had this vehicle a short time, but each day I enjoy it a little more. I own a collector Trans Am also and right now I'm choosing the Nitro to drive more often.
If your looking for a vehicle with a little more masculinity and doesn't look common, take a look at a Nitro. It may catch you by surprise like it did me....read morehide

Pros

The gas mileage is wonderful

Cons

Rides smooth

Purchased As New

This is my 1st SUV and when I get into a car to drive it feels so odd.My previous car was a Monte Carlo. I never want to own a car again. My Nitro is 2 yrs old and I have not had one problem with it. If you keep up on the maintenance you have a truck for life.

Pros

Looks good on the road. Easy to drive and manipulate on close parking lots

Cons

overall is made flimsy

Purchased As New

I purchased a new 2008 Nitro. The paint is peeling off the front and the fog light covers have both broken. Dealer said this paint problem is not a warranty issue and the light covers have been broken by rocks. I question both since the vehicle has not been on gravel roads.

Pros

fair price, comfort and all accesories

Cons

none

Purchased As Used

We recently bought our 1st dodge nitro rt 4x4. We like everything about it. Comfort and options are excellent. Our service at Ron Tonkin in Portland, Or was exceptional

Pros

By far the most vehicle you can get for the price. Standard features on base SXT impressive.Warranty

Cons

Ride is definitely a truck ride. Base model SXT has molded in contrasting color bumper and facia.

Purchased As New

Bought this Nitro because 1) I like Chrysler products, 2) I will only buy American and 3) Definitely the best value (most vehicle for the money). This Nitro is a truck based SUV. I traded in a Dodge Dakota so that is what I wanted. This being said, it does ride similar to a pick up truck. My wife has a Mercury Mariner Premier which is an extremely nice SUV, that rides like a car. However the Mariner was about $8,000. more. If you know you want a soft riding car like SUV, look at the Mariner but be ready to pay the steeper price. You cannot find this much vehicle in an SUV for this price, trust me, I looked around. Dodge was offering about $4000. in incentives ($2000. loyalty, $1000. Midwest Region bonus cash, $1000. to finance through a credit union). The standard features which are impressive include 4 wheel anti-lock disc brakes, traction control, roll over mitigation, power windows / locks, front and side airbags, am/fm/cd/satellite radio stereo. Mileage combined city and highway is improving, started at 13 mpg average, now at 14.5 mpg average with almost a thousand miles driven. This is a great midsize truck for the money. You cannot beat lifetime powertrain warranty, no other manufacturer offers it....read morehide

Pros

Great vehicle! Looks good, lots of room.

Cons

Nothing!

Purchased As New

This is my first SUV, and I love it! Have owned it for 6 months, and can't imagine going back to a car. The rear cargo area is very roomy, I have three large dogs, and they all fit perfect for rides to the vet! Safety rating is great. Expecting my first child in September, and I will have no problem loading up the baby in this vehicle. Plenty of room and very stylish. Constantly getting complements on how good it looks!...read morehide

Pros

Nice ride, beautiful appearance

Cons

cheap interior

I ride this car in germany, europeans love this car, run faster and smooth in the autobahn (not speed limit freeway) this is a good small SUV for the price. I love it

Pros

Looks, Fuel Economy, Value for the money, Safety Features; Sirrius Radio

Cons

Transmission shifts with a jerk, Sound system

I bought the Nitro for my wife because she won't drive my truck, so I traded my truck and got a Nitro for her. When compared to Nissan Titan, I thought it won't have enough room, but I was surprised that it is comfortable with enough room for 5 people. Pick-up at the start is good. BUT the Transmission is too jerky, especially shifting from 1st to 2nd gear. It does shift smoothly 75% of the time. I like the looks of teh vehicle so does my wife. I think it is well worth the money, just wish I could have bought a 4X4, but the dealer didn't have any. I've bought 2 new Chrysler products before but didn't ahve good luck with them, hope this one will last longer, also it has Lifetime Power Train Warranty, I can sleep little better....read morehide