The 2009 Dodge Nitro Review
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The Nitro is a boxy SUV, which falls into the ‘mid-sized’ category. Although it has kind of a unique design, it is still has plenty of Dodge character. The Nitro was designed to feels bigger than its size; this was done by giving the Nitro a high beltline, high seating position, and much glass instead of sheetmetal at the rear corners. Another goal of designing the Nitro was to make it stick out in the overflowing crowd of SUVs this day, and it does a pretty good job. It's not easy to make an SUV look distinctive, and the Nitro tries very hard. The Nitro gets a standard 3.7-liter engine and four-speed automatic transmission, but this powertrain just doesn’t carry this vehicle well. The R/T trim, which costs about $3200 more, is a better choice as it comes with a more powerful and smoother 4.0-liter engine, which gets about the same gas mileage at the 3.7, along with a good five-speed automatic transmission. It also has a more comfortable ride. For 2009, the Dodge Nitro SXT with its six-speed manual transmission has been replaced by the SE trim which features a four-speed automatic.
Driving the Nitro
For a better all around drive go for the R/T trim. The 3.7-liter engine in the SLT is slightly harsh and too slow, and the four-speed automatic transmission needs another gear. The suspension takes bumps with a jolt, especially at lower speeds and mostly at the front wheels. For the past couple of years, Dodge has been working hard on making their SUVs quiet, and the Nitro succeeds. The 3.7-liter engine is rather harsh-sounding, but the Nitro's sound-dead. On the other hand, Dodge trails GM when it comes to materials quality.
Nitro Power
All trims are available with rear-wheel drive (2WD).The SXT with a manual transmission has part-time four-wheel drive (4WD) that should not be left engaged on dry pavement. The SXT is also offered with an optional automatic transmission and all-wheel drive. The SLT and R/T are offered with 2WD or all-wheel drive. The SXT 2WD ($19,595) and 4WD ($21,255) come with a 210-hp 3.7-liter V6 and a choice of six-speed manual transmission or four-speed automatic.
Nitro Style
The Nitro R/T is equipped with standard 20-inch chromed aluminum wheels, and they sure are showy. The much narrower sidewall on the 20-inch tires doesn't appear to offer much defense against flats. The exaggerated fender flares are the only rounded parts in the styling. Every other angle is square-ish. The Nitro looks and feels larger than mid-size. It’s got the trademark Dodge big crosshair grille, there's a wide air intake for the power steering cooler, whose thin fins are exposed to flying stones because there is no screen. Taking a cue from the faux portholes on the Buick Lucerne, or possibly the tradition of a Mercedes-Benz sports car, there's a trapezoid-shaped insert, black plastic with three chrome ribs, located just forward of the mirrors. It's intended to look like a cooling slot, and does a good job to take some of the sharpness of the boxy
design.
Inside the Dodge Nitro
Like most Dodges, the Nitro's interior materials are largely plastic and don't impart the feel of luxury or quality. Inside there are three big main instruments: speedo in center, tach on right and fuel and temp on left. They're very good looking and especially legible, with the digital information still visible in the sun because the three pods are thoughtfully shrouded. There's good front seat legroom, and it feels like there's even more because the dashboard is narrow, making the cabin feel nothing like that in a minivan. Rearview visibility is very good, and because the front fenders have no rise or real shape, it's easy to see the front corners of the vehicle, making parking a relief compared to many vehicles this size. Between the seats, along with the gearshift, transfer case, and emergency brake lever, there are two fixed cupholders and a small recess for change. The available MyGIG Multimedia Infotainment system integrates the radio with a navigation system and a 20-gigabyte hard drive that holds songs, pictures and the navigation information. Dodge says it can hold about 1600 songs. With the liftgate raised, the carpeted (washable vinyl on the SXT) cargo floor slides rearward 18 inches, out over the bumper, saving a loader's back. It can hold 400 pounds.
Lineup for 2009
The Dodge Nitro comes as three models, SXT, SLT and R/T. Standard equipment includes cloth upholstery, air conditioning, remote keyless entry with power windows and door locks, 115-volt power outlet, flat folding front passenger seat, 60/40 folding rear bench seat, AM/FM/CD with MP3 and six speakers, Sirius satellite radio, auxiliary input jack, tilt steering column, slate-colored molded front and rear fascias and fender flares, folding power mirrors, theft-deterrent system, rear window washer/wiper, roof rails, and P225/75R16 tires on steel wheels with wheel covers.
The SLT come standard with the automatic transmission. The SLT adds YES Essentials upholstery that Dodge says is stain, odor and static resistant; leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls; six-way power adjustable driver's seat; heated exterior mirrors; vehicle information center; auto-dimming rearview mirror; universal garage door opener; fog lights; Load 'n Go cargo storage system with tie-down rails; overhead console; cruise control; compass; tinted windows; body-colored front and rear fascias and fender flares; and P235/65R17 tires on aluminum wheels.
Safety Features
Safety equipment that comes standard on all models includes dual front air bags, head-protecting curtain side air bags, and a tire-pressure monitor. ABS with brake assist, traction control, and electronic stability control with Dodge's Trailer Sway Control are also standard.
Summary
2009 Dodge Nitro shares its platform with the Jeep Liberty. It is 22 inches shorter than the Dodge Durango full-size SUV. The Nitro looks and feels larger than its size, with a high seating position that SUV owners like, and good cabin space. It features Load 'n' Go, a cargo storage system whereby the rear seats and front passenger seat fold totally flat in seconds. Usually found in minivans, this gives the Nitro excellant versatility. Want more information? Go to a Dodge Nitro specifications page.
