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The 40 mpg Cars of 2013

2009 Dodge Nitro

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Curious about the newer model? Check out the 2011 Dodge Nitro

Overview

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2009 Dodge Nitro Review

By KBB.com Editors

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)

To compare current market prices, check out KBB.com's car classifieds to view the new and used Dodge Nitro vehicles for sale near you.

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2009 Dodge Nitro Consumer Reviews

Overall Rating

7.7

Out of 10

Based on 329 Ratings for the 2007 - 2011 models.

Review this car

Value

8.1/10

Quality

7.9/10
Reliability

8.3/10

Performance

8.0/10
Comfort

8.1/10

Styling

8.6/10

Love this SUV. Been extremely reliable.

By Thehoop (GA) on Tuesday, April 23, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 122,000

10 8.0

overall rating 8 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 8/10
Value: 5/10
Reliability: 9/10
Quality: 8/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 9/10
Comfort: 9/10

Pros: "Roomy, reliable, nice looking"

Cons: "Gas mileage"

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

"This Nitro has been extremely reliable since i bought it. I love the way the nitro drives and handles. It's roomy inside and has held up both inside and mechanically as i am going on 122,000 and it,s not even 4 years old. It's ashame they don't make them anymore. When I buy again, it will be a newer Nitro. What were they thinking when they stopped making them?"

1 person out of 1 found this review helpful

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cheaply made but stylish exterior

By rp (TX) on Wednesday, April 10, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 121,000

10 4.0

overall rating 4 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 4/10
Value: 4/10
Reliability: 4/10
Quality: 4/10
Performance: 5/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "sylish exterior"

Cons: "cheap"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 2

"I bought this 2007 Nitro r/x brand new.. I love the way the car looks on the outside.. but on the inside, it is made very cheaply ..the dodge emblem on my steering wheel has fallen off, the plastic molding has fallen off where you move the seats, the sunroof leaks when it rains, and my car has actually died on me while driving it on the freeway.. recently had to take it to get fixed because of the alternator.. oh and the air conditioner doesnt work unless you hold the knob to turn it ..i would not buy another dodge product"

3 people out of 3 found this review helpful

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I FREAKIN LOVE MY NITRO SHOCK!!!

By Crysla (TX) on Friday, March 22, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 30,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 8/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 10/10

Pros: "FUN to drive!!! GREAT Looking!"

Cons: "Gas Mileage a tad high."

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

"I have had it almost 3 years and the value is about even. EVERYONE always wants to know what I am driving. Dodge should have marketed better, so I wouldn't have the last model year made. Dodge is constantly trying to buy it back, so they can resell at a HUGE profit. I don't care what anyone else thinks. I LOVE the style based on Jeep. Rides like a truck, so a little rougher than a crossover, which I wouldn't buy anyway. I live in TEXAS! That's okay by me. Love everything, moonroof, how it feels like a HUGE SUV but really midsize. Only thing I'd change is better gas mileage but who wouldn't! BEST VEHICLE EVER!!"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Done with Dodge

By JW (NJ) on Thursday, February 21, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 84,000

10 3.0

overall rating 3 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 3/10
Value: 4/10
Reliability: 8/10
Quality: 2/10
Performance: 4/10
Styling: 3/10
Comfort: 7/10

Pros: "No real mechanical issues, Roomy interior"

Cons: "Overpriced, Cheaply made, Engine has no power"

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

"I bought my 2007 Nitro new and I wish I would have researched more when making a new vehicle purchase. This was the first year of this model and it seems they never worked out the kinks because they stopped production only a few years later. I had a recall within the first year and since I had that work completed I notice the engine has lost power. With a V6 engine it has NO pickup! I would also say it was way overpriced and has lost a lot of value in the 6 years I have owned it. All the trim is cheap plastic including the interior door handles which have snapped and broken on me 3 times now! My runningboards have cracked and the plastic trim on the roof has been lifting for years. I also have had to replace the tail lights several times. It seems the average life is about 6-8 months for each one. Overall I have had no real mechanical issues except for lack of power and pick up with the engine. It struggles going up a steep hill and I need to make sure I have plenty of room when pulling into traffic to get up to highway speed. The ride is comfortable and the interior is very roomy. It does well in the snow, but the "traction control" is a joke. All it does is make a sensor go off telling you you are sliding. I don't feel any assistance with it."

4 people out of 4 found this review helpful

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best vehicle i have ever driven!!

By dee (FL) on Friday, February 15, 2013

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 50,000

10 10.0

overall rating 10 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 10/10
Value: 10/10
Reliability: 10/10
Quality: 10/10
Performance: 10/10
Styling: 10/10
Comfort: 8/10

Pros: "everything"

Cons: "none"

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

"I love my 07 dodge nitro. Its great on gas. Its comfortable. I have never had to do any repairs on it. I only use full synthetic oil in it . I wish dodge would have kept this line of vehicles. I would have definately bought a new one of these every 4 yrs. I sencerly miss this vehicle."

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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Never again will I purchase from Dodge

By NeverAgain! (WI) on Wednesday, December 19, 2012

I own this car - My approximate mileage is 48,000

10 1.0

overall rating 1 of 10rating details

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating: 1/10
Value: 1/10
Reliability: 1/10
Quality: 1/10
Performance: 2/10
Styling: 8/10
Comfort: 4/10

Cons: "Burns oil, new engine at less than 50,000 miles."

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

"Bought this beautiful 2008 Dodge Nitro SLT last year. In May of this year had to go through a series of oil consumption test as the vehicle was burning more than a quart of oil every 500 miles. After Dodge admitted that there was something wrong and offered to give me a warranty on this problem the orginal dealer refused to work on it (due to the warranty), had to take it an hour away to only have the gasket seals replaced to see if that was the cause of the leak (even though there was no visable signs of leaking). Now I had to have the vehicle towed to another dealer to tell me that I now need a new engine and you would think that Dodge would continue to offer me that same warranty on the same problem...NO. All I get is "the higher ups" (whoever the heck that is) have denied all assistance to this problem. So the vehicle sits while I continue to make payments on a fairly new vehicle that needs a new engine. NEVER AGAIN!"

2 people out of 2 found this review helpful

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See all 329 reviews