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2009 Dodge Nitro

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Overview

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2009 Dodge Nitro Review

By KBB.com Editorial Staff

According to Dodge, the Nitro is the automaker's first midsize SUV. Just like its Durango big brother, however, the 2009 Dodge Nitro straddles a line between two segments, competing on some levels with vehicles from both the compact and midsize SUV categories. It even somewhat threatens to cannibalize sales from the recently introduced Journey, although the Nitro can't match the Journey's fuel economy or seating capacity numbers. The Nitro's niche in the marketplace isn't defined by its measurements, though, but by its bold, unique styling.

You'll Like This Car If...

While the 2009 Dodge Nitro derives much of its appeal from its bold exterior styling, it still offers all the versatility of a typical compact/midsize SUV. Generous rear-seat legroom and a handy slide-out cargo floor help sweeten the deal.

You May Not Like This Car If...

Compared to its car-based crossover competitors, the Nitro's more truck-like roots involve ride and handling compromises. There is no four-cylinder or diesel engine in the lineup and fuel economy with the two available V6 engines is far from impressive.

What's New for 2009

Improvements to the Nitro's suspension include stiffer rear axle shafts, as well as retuned shocks, springs and anti-roll bars. New standard features include floor mats, Auto Unlock at exit and a rear dome lamp. The six-speed manual is no longer offered.

Driving the Nitro

Driving Impressions Because the 2009 Dodge Nitro looks so good, is versatile and offers a compelling array of interior features, we found ourselves wishing it had been built from scratch. As it...

is, the Nitro's Jeep Liberty-derived architecture brings compromises in ride and handling, especially when compared to the newer generation of crossover SUVs like the Dodge Journey. Opt for the 260-horsepower V6, five-speed automatic transmission and tighter suspension of the R/T model, though, and it's easier to overlook those shortcomings. In models equipped with the smaller V6 and four-speed automatic, we often found ourselves wishing for either more power or another gear or two.

Favorite Features

uconnect gps
This optional hard drive-based system includes navigation with real-time traffic information, MP3/WMA music and JPEG image uploading, a high-speed USB 2.0 port, auxiliary audio input, voice recognition, voice message recording and playback and Bluetooth hands-free cell-phone connectivity.

Load 'N Go Cargo Floor
For easier loading and unloading, the Nitro is available 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.

2009 Dodge Nitro Details

Interior

The Nitro's most novel interior feature is the available Load 'n Go cargo floor that slides out over the bumper for easier loading and unloading. Other features include reclining rear seatbacks and an available fold-flat passenger seat that makes it easier to haul longer cargo or work on a laptop computer (while parked, of course). In between the base cloth and available leather seating, Nitro offers an exceptionally durable and stain-resistant seat fabric dubbed "Stain Repel". The interior styling is in line with that of recent Dodge vehicles and includes a perceptible amount of average-grade plastics.

Exterior

Without question, the 2009 Dodge Nitro's calling card is its distinctive, squared-off exterior styling. Included in the design is the familiar Dodge crosshair grille, a clamshell-style hood and decorative side vents. The top-level R/T model is distinguished in part by a body-color grille and standard 20-inch chrome wheels, while the mid-level SLT receives 17-inch wheels and chrome accents on the door handles and interior trim. Base.SE models get dark, unpainted bumper fascias, moldings and fender flares.

Notable Equipment

Standard Equipment

A base Dodge Nitro comes equipped with a 3.7-liter V6, four-speed automatic transmission, AM/FM/CD sound system with an auxiliary input jack, air conditioning, power windows/locks/mirrors, remote keyless entry, 115-volt power outlet, rear-window wiper/washer, cloth seats and 16-inch styled-steel wheels. Standard safety equipment includes front and front-side airbags, plus an electronic stability control system that includes rollover mitigation. The SLT adds Load 'N Go slide out cargo floor, Stain Repel fabric seats, a six-way power driver's seat and heated side mirrors. The R/T adds a 4.0-liter V6, five-speed automatic transmission, performance suspension, 20-inch wheels and body color grille, air dam and sill moldings.

Optional Equipment

The highlight of the Nitro's optional equipment list is the comprehensive uconnect gps navigation, entertainment and communication system (see Favorite Features). Other key options include a six-disc CD/DVD-Audio sound system, rear-seat DVD entertainment system, premium speakers, SIRIUS Satellite Radio, ParkSense Rear Park Assist, sunroof, heated leather seating, four-wheel drive, 20-inch chrome wheels, remote start, premium cloth seating and an outward-sliding cargo floor.

Under the Hood

While most Nitros feature a 3.7-liter V6 matched with a four-speed automatic transmission, the R/T gets an exclusive powertrain consisting of a 4.0-liter V6 and 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), 16/20 (4WD)

4.0-liter V6
260 horsepower @ 6000 rpm
265 lb.-ft. of torque @ 4200 rpm
EPA city/highway fuel economy: 16/21 (RWD), 15/21 (4WD)

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2009 Dodge Nitro Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

4.2

Out of 5

Based on 304 Ratings for the 2007 - 2012 Dodge Nitro models.

Review this car

Value

4.0/5

Quality

3.9/5
Reliability

4.3/5

Performance

4.0/5
Comfort

4.1/5

Styling

4.5/5

So far this is my best vehicle ever!!!

By spade297 (IN) on Friday, January 20, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 3,000

5 5.0

overall rating 5 of 5rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/5
Value: 4/5
Reliability: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 4/5
Styling: 5/5
Comfort: 5/5

Pros: "Fun to Drive, a good looking suv for a good price"

Cons: "NONE"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I absolutely love my 2011 Dodge Nitro Heat. Its really awesome and a great ride. The Nitro is sleek and tough looking on the outside and elegant on the inside. My favorite part would be the touch screen cd/dvd/mp3 player. There is a huge amount of space in the front and back seats and the cargo space is unlimited. It's not the biggest suv out there, but who needs a huge suv? I dont need extra rows of seats or any of that because i have no children but it's great for toting the friends around town in.There are cupholders in front and back. There are also vents in the back on the floor which are great for the back seat passengers to either warm up or cool down."

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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Love my Nitro!

By Danielle (NV) on Tuesday, January 17, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 65,007

5 5.0

overall rating 5 of 5rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 5/5
Value: 5/5
Reliability: 5/5
Quality: 5/5
Performance: 5/5
Styling: 4/5
Comfort: 5/5

Pros: "fuel economy, fun to drive, convenient layout"

Cons: "no standard rear a/c or power seats"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I bought my 07 Nitro used from a dealer in 2010, so I've had it for just about two years now. Honestly, I didn't think I would ever want to buy this type of car; I had my heart set on either an Element or a Jeep Grand Cherokee, but after test driving those cars, I thought I'd give the Nitro a shot...and I'm so glad I did. The horsepower on this mid size SUV is more than adequate. You're not going to be racing any Ferraris at stop lights, but this baby can definitely punch it when needed, and the fuel economy is excellent. I only have to fill up once every 2-3 weeks, and that's with driving all over town on a regular basis. Inside the cabin, everything is quite comfortable and convenient. I have the base model, which doesn't have Navi but does come standard with integrated Sirius and the option to add bluetooth connectability (it only costs a few hundred dollars through your dealer to do so.) When I first bought this, I thought the interior setup was kind of masculine, but I've grown to love it so much. I'm sure my husband does too for that reason! Plus it has plenty of cargo space and the 60/40 split rear seat can fold flat when needed. I've hauled furniture in the backseat on a few occasions and the liftgate closes just fine, even when fully loaded. Plus, it's an amazing car if you like to go camping. All in all, if you're hesitating about buying a Nitro, don't! It is the BEST car I have ever owned. It's so versatile and rugged, and I have had zero maintenance issues whatsoever. Plus it's very economical, which is so important these days. i couldn't have asked for a better SUV!"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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