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Used 2009 Dodge Nitro Consumer Reviews

4.2 out of 5 stars
83 reviews

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We have a limited number of reviews for the 2009 Nitro, so we've included reviews for other years of the Nitro since its last redesign.

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Pros
Cons
3.25 out of 5 stars

This Vehicle Leaks!!!

Denise, 10/26/2009
2008 Dodge Nitro SLT 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 6 people found this review helpful

Got this vehicle for Christmas 2007 and thank God that my car dealer is honest and loyal. This vehicle leaks from the roof!! Whenever there's a heavy rain, I have to go running back to my dealer. This is a terrible Manufacturer's Flaw. Will never purchase another Dodge Nitro again!!

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5 out of 5 stars

My explosive review of dynamite 2008 Nitro

Kimberly Jensen, 08/16/2017
2008 Dodge Nitro SLT 4dr SUV 4WD (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 7 people found this review helpful

Every car is different, do your research and make sure you know everything possible about your purchase and the dealership.

Safety
5 out of 5 stars
Technology
5 out of 5 stars
Performance
5 out of 5 stars
Interior
5 out of 5 stars
Comfort
5 out of 5 stars
Reliability
5 out of 5 stars
Value
5 out of 5 stars
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4.38 out of 5 stars

So far I love it

Matthew, 06/07/2008
2008 Dodge Nitro SXT 4dr SUV 4WD (3.7L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I love this machine! The only thing I have to say is it could be better on gas, but I my total miles back and forth to work is only 6 miles a day. The reviews are not that great in C.R. but I must say I don't agree with a lot of the test reviews! The style inside and out is great and I think it handles very well. ( keep up the good work Dodge)

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5 out of 5 stars

Excellent SUV

We love our NITRO!!, 06/26/2008
2008 Dodge Nitro SXT 4dr SUV 4WD (3.7L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

We really enjoy our Nitro, it handles really well, and is very good on gas, the seats are comfortable. There is nothing bad I can say about the Nitro, one of our friends is looking into one for a family car, and a car she feels safe in, and she feels safe in our Nitro.

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3.13 out of 5 stars

Bad Experience

Ali, 09/25/2008
2008 Dodge Nitro SXT 4dr SUV 4WD (3.7L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought Nitro on its look and power, didn't know about the poor driver's side view mirror visibility. It could have killed me the other day. and secondly its 4WD doesn't work, i got stuck for about 3 hours on a small piece of sand people laughed a lot. Ali

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Love my Nitro!

Jill, 12/06/2008
2008 Dodge Nitro SXT 4dr SUV 4WD (3.7L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I traded in my 2005 Dodge Grand Caravan for this SUV. I did not want such a large vehicle now that my little ones are getting older they need less stuff to tote around, I test drove Grand Cherokees, Dodge Darango, the new Journeys and the Equinox, nothing could compare to the exterior and interior appeal of the Nitro, especially when it came to price. I really thought I wanted a new Cherokee, until I sat in one for $32,000 and there was nothing in it! But for $9,000 less I got everything I wanted except DVD.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Why would you buy Japanese?

tony, 12/13/2008
2008 Dodge Nitro SXT 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This vehicle is overall very nice and a great ride. I love the sort of retro rugged look, compared to the typical frying pan looking Japanese and German cars.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Nitro with an attitude

Peter, 01/08/2008
2008 Dodge Nitro SXT 4dr SUV 4WD (3.7L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

1st new car for myself and love it. It looks rough and rugged. Body style and the ride is what hooked me along with the price. Smooth ride, nice radio, great sun roof. Plenty of room in the back for storage. Goes like butter on the beach.

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4.25 out of 5 stars

2008 dodge nitro;

Cindy in Poway, 08/06/2009
2008 Dodge Nitro SLT 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

I bought a nitro 2 wheel drive RT loaded with tow package. I really like it, it drives good, controls are convenient. It is stylish, bright blue, I get good comments all the time.The only had to have a couple little things fixed. Gas mileage around town is only like 18-20 though. It pulls the boat fine. You can use 87 octane.A/C works great. I can find out temperature, gas mileage, etc. on display

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Nice ride

Charles, 06/14/2010
2008 Dodge Nitro SXT 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

It's been a great car for the wife to drive, in fact I even enjoy driving too.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Nitro Extreme

FRED, 08/01/2007
2008 Dodge Nitro SXT 4dr SUV 4WD (3.7L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

Nice all around. Great braking. Decent ride. Handles well, better then what's been reported. Great value for the dollar

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Great in the snow!

Don, 03/09/2008
2008 Dodge Nitro SXT 4dr SUV 4WD (3.7L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

We moved to very snowy southwest Colorado and realized we needed a SUV that was comfortable and rugged. After test driving the Ford Escape, Jeep Libery and Kia Sportage we drove the 2008 Dodge Nitro. The Nitro had the best look, most cabin room and best ride of everything we tested. Since our purchase we've had 3 major snow storms and the Nitro has been absolutly awesome getting through the deep snow. We've also taken the Nitro on a couple of long road trips and the ride is smooth and comfortable and I love the sound of the engine when you put the pedal to the metal.

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4.13 out of 5 stars

A car with character and style

GB, 03/24/2008
2008 Dodge Nitro SLT 4dr SUV 4WD (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

This thing is 70 percent a Jeep. It feels and handles like a Jeep, with all these truck-like, rugged characteristics. If you want a SUV that handles like a Porsche, this is definitely not your car. But it handles quite well and predictably. I feel very safe in this car, riding in this solid box of steel "above" the normal traffic. There is plenty of passenger room (esp. legroom for second row passengers) and a lot (!) of cargo space with the seats folded down. It tows heavy loads with ease. The 4 wheel drive is very simple (can only be used on slippery surfaces and with low speed)but works extremely well in heavy snow or muddy roads. The interior practical, not fancy.

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3.25 out of 5 stars

Think Gas First

Queen, 05/15/2008
2008 Dodge Nitro SXT 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful

The dodge Nitro is my first car, the exterior is awesome. I would like more of a luxury feel on the inside something like the "Ford Edge", but for the price... This is a nice SUV, but it is very terrible on gas. This baby runs me about $60-$65.00 a week "light travel". DO NOT let the gas tank get below half full, you're going to have to shell out so much money to fill her up. Gas prices are steadily rising and I would NOT suggest anyone get this car unless you can really afford $350- $400 a month on gas. Its not ideal for a college student or anyone on a budget.

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2.63 out of 5 stars

Poor mileage

WWALKER, 04/17/2008
2008 Dodge Nitro SXT 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 6M)
1 of 2 people found this review helpful

You can actually see the fuel gauge move in this vehicle. I have owned vehicles in most all styles & from all different car companies over the past 40+ years. Up until I got this nitro with the 3.7 v-6, I have always loved Chrysler products. I was even a loyal Chrysler man back in the 1970's/ when "build quality" was just a word in the dictionary at Chrysler. Overall I am unhappy w/ this vehicle. I should have gotten the hemi, as it could not drink any more gas than this 3.7 does. This vehicle get the worse fuel economy of any of any vehicle that I have ever owned or driven. The 3.7 is also low on power, if you intend to make a pass, you better plan ahead & allow lots of room.

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2.75 out of 5 stars

I had better

484385756, 04/02/2010
2008 Dodge Nitro SLT 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
6 of 27 people found this review helpful

I purchased my nitro brand new since i bought it, it has given me nothing but problems. in the past year i have taken it to the dealership 8 times and that's not including regular maintenance. I have been driving the engine turned off, or if i come to a stop and then press the gas to go the engine just revs and then slams into gear. i do not recommend this car to anyone.

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5 out of 5 stars

Mad About You!

dls, 07/04/2008
2008 Dodge Nitro SXT 4dr SUV 4WD (3.7L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have leased 2 Jeep Grand Cherokees, a Dodge Durango, a Jeep Wrangler Rubicon and now a Dodge Nitro. By far, the Dodge Nitro is my absolute favorite hands down! The Dodge Nitro is such a pleasure to drive and a head turner to boot! The overall performance is so impressive for an SUV, I would recommend this vehicle to anyone. The price point on the Nitro is far less than what you would expect to pay for such quality. Thank you to Chrysler for designing such an awesome machine!

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5 out of 5 stars

My Dodge Nitro is Great!

Zack, 07/15/2008
2008 Dodge Nitro SXT 4dr SUV 4WD (3.7L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I really enjoy my Dodge Nitro, it handles really well, and is very good on gas, better mileage than I initially thought it would be. This is based because I have owned 4x4 Jeeps and Suzuki's. My family of four enjoy riding around together and feel very safe and comfortable in this vehicle. There is nothing bad that I can think of at this time to say about my Dodge Nitro.

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5 out of 5 stars

All around good

myown, 07/16/2008
2008 Dodge Nitro SXT 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I have over eleven thou on my Dodge Nitro, am very pleased with it after I took care of the things to do, I get 22 mpg in town if I stay out of it, performance is as good as most v8's, snappy,handles like a dream, Have your dealer put nitrogen in tires, retune the computer, align front end to zero, keep upkeep up & drive like you want to keep it for 15 years, my overall average is 26 combined driving city and open road.

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4.5 out of 5 stars

Great Fun to Drive

MarNan, 07/21/2008
2008 Dodge Nitro SLT 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

One of the best cars we have owned. Great ride, a little hard, but very good none the less. Having just completed a 3300 mile trip and averaging over 23.4 miles per gallon was surprising. Granted we drove the speed limit using our cruise control and air conditioning only when necessary but performance was excellent. Long stretches of driving under these conditions on the interstate resulted in over 25 MPG. Rode a little stiff and driver seat a little firm for my liking but only minor problem compared to all of the other excellent features of this vehicle. Dodge has a winner in my opinion. Hope they don't decide to discontinue the model in the near future.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

The Best!

FASANI, 07/21/2008
2008 Dodge Nitro SLT 4dr SUV 4WD (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

Got the diesel version for outside the US market (I live in Chile, South America). Great car, beautiful, nice equipped, good interior and exterior nice. Not a single noise inside and I drive at least 10 miles a day on unpaved roads as I live in the farm. Great on mud and tried it on sand. The diesel engine is incredible. Fast and silent. Not a single problem. May be a little soft suspension, but that's good when you need it to drive on highways, as it feel as a tall car. Good rear seats space. I had many cars, including Grand Cherokees, Mercedes, etc., and this is different and great. I enjoy to drive it every day.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Great Mid Sized SUV

GDC55, 02/17/2009
2008 Dodge Nitro SLT 4dr SUV 4WD (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

After I test drove one my wife & I were hooked. Gas mileage overall. average 22 mpg and highway 25, pretty good for a 4,000 lb. + vehicle. Drove a Ford Escape & Exolorer, didn't like the Escape and the Explorer was $10,000 more.

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5 out of 5 stars

I Love my Nitro!

PLC, 03/19/2009
2008 Dodge Nitro SLT 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I drive, a lot! I spend about an hour a day if not more in my car so I really wanted something I could rely on and like. I LOVE my nitro!! It's super cute and just what I needed. I chose between this, the Pontiac G6, and the Ford Mustang. Yeah, a wide variety. I got this because of all the room!! I can take my 2 Labs everywhere with me and they ride comfortably. There are a couple things I would change but for the most part I absolutely LOVE it! It hasn't given me any problems yet (knock on wood) and I've put almost 17K miles on it in 7 months! If you get one, give in and get the sound system. I didn't and wish I would have!

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5 out of 5 stars

OUR RED NITRO

M&M, 09/10/2009
2008 Dodge Nitro SXT 4dr SUV 4WD (3.7L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

We bought our nitro new and has been flawless after 10 months. Have found no flaws in the paint and interior. I use 4x4 for snow. The seats are very comfortable. We average 20mpg overall mileage after 9000 miles. The sunroof chrome clad 17 inch wheels, red paint really gets noticed. It has plenty of power and rides good for a 4x4. It is a solid suv at a good price.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Love this Nitro

Keith, 02/16/2008
2008 Dodge Nitro SLT 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've only had mine four days but I'm in love with this vehicle. Initially was looking at other comparable SUV's and didn't even consider the Nitro until I saw one and then that's all I wanted. I have the inferno red and it's loaded with everything from the sunroof to the 20" chrome wheels and better suspension which are an option on the SLT. I love the very dark tinted windows in the back half. It's been a head turner so far and think I made a very good choice. Can't comment on gas as I'm still on my first tank but it drives great and has decent power. Outstanding price for what you get.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

80 Nitro R/T review

Aaron, 11/11/2007
2008 Dodge Nitro SLT 4dr SUV 4WD (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

5000kms on my 08 Nitro R/T and if I given the choice I would do it again. Fuel economy improves with every tank, styling is unique in a sea of rolling eggs. Infinity stereo is awesome, slide and go storage is great. While cross shopping this vehicle I wound the imports to be thousands more for less performance. 2 thumbs up.

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4.88 out of 5 stars

Fun and Fast 4.0 R/T Edition

Craig, 10/30/2007
2008 Dodge Nitro SXT 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've only got 3200 miles on the clock, but the 4.0 V-6 is starting to get broken in, and really quick. I love the all-black exterior with black leather seats. Handling seems a little top-heavy with a fairly quick tendency toward oversteer. Not bad, just not a sports car!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

Love It !

Sidney, 12/04/2007
2008 Dodge Nitro SXT 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've had my 2008 Nitro for 2 months now and I love it. I do a lot of driving ( 8300 miles already) and this just makes it fun. I like the look of it, mine is dark blue and I like the way it handles and the way it looks.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

Lovin The Nitro

Yolanda H, 03/19/2008
2008 Dodge Nitro SLT 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I purchased my 2008 Nitro in December. I went from the GMC Envoy to the Nitro and I'm loving the Nitro. Road handling is great and the interior is very comfortable, I love the two-tone color of the seats, I wish there was a vortex engine to give the Nitro more power. I haven't put mine on the road yet, but I can't wait to take my first out of town trip.

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4.38 out of 5 stars

disappointed

andrea, 05/06/2008
2008 Dodge Nitro SXT 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful

I've only had my truck for 3 months and at first was very excited and loved my truck until the transmission started to give out a brand new vehicle took back to dealer been without my truck for 3 wks only to find out now that the parts that is needed to repair it is on Nationwide back order what's up with that!

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4.63 out of 5 stars

R/T 4.0L

vermontdodge, 06/03/2008
2008 Dodge Nitro SLT 4dr SUV 4WD (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

I am very impressed with the overall feel and build quality if this SUV. It has a good blend of sport and utility. Drives well on both pavement and dirt roads. So far I am averaging 17 MPG.

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4.75 out of 5 stars

In Love with a SUV!!

samijay, 04/17/2009
2008 Dodge Nitro SLT 4dr SUV 4WD (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 1 people found this review helpful

So I've had this for about 2 weeks and am in love with it. I love the design and about everything in it as well. Anyways I don't have to worry about the small car hazards anymore. The roll-over factor of this suv is high and the gas mileage isn't great but those are the only two things I can find I don't like about it!

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2 out of 5 stars

Just the truth

Tom, 06/10/2018
2008 Dodge Nitro SXT 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 6M)
0 of 13 people found this review helpful

Don't buy its not that good

Safety
3 out of 5 stars
Technology
3 out of 5 stars
Performance
3 out of 5 stars
Interior
3 out of 5 stars
Comfort
3 out of 5 stars
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