Used 2011 Dodge Nitro SUV Consumer Reviews
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Best SUV For the Buck!
motownrocker, 10/02/2011
2011 Dodge Nitro Shock 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
58 of 58 people found this review helpful
This review is for my 2011 Nitro Heat 4.0 (a model that wasn't listed in your roll-down). The Heat version is Chrysler's former "SXT" trim: decent exterior trim but inexpensive (cloth) interior seating. At model year's end, it was tough to locate a Heat with the rare 4.0 engine option (same engine that the old RT's had). Apparently that's a little-known option on the Heats--even the salesperson was unaware of it. You HAVE to get the 4.0 engine if you want great performance and gas mileage (better than the std. 3.7). I just completed a 300 mile trip (with 400 miles on the odometer) and got over 22mpg at an avg 75mph. The engine's quick off the line, the build quality is great, etc.
The little engine that could..tow a house
Dan989, 11/11/2015
2011 Dodge Nitro Heat 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
103 of 107 people found this review helpful
I got my wife a 2011 nitro heat 3.7 with 55k miles about a year ago because we needed a little more room but didn't want to break the bank. She likes the smaller suv's and I've always liked the Tonka truck look of the nitro. My experience with dodge so far has been very good so decided to stick with it. The nitro is an old fashioned old school suv that feels like a truck, drives like a truck, and is tough like a truck. There's nothing fancy about this rig but it has it where it counts. We take it all over and have put on 20k miles in year without a single issue. What did surprise me was what the nitro could actually do. We're big out doors people and own a 4k+ pound 21+ ft travel trailer we take out a few times a year that we thought we were going to have to park for a while since I no longer have a truck to pull it with. Unbeknownst to me was the heavy duty 5 link suspension, heavy duty chasis, transmission cooler and 5k pound towing capacity of the nitro. Once I discovered that I quickly installed a hitch and brake controller ,due to our nitro not being equipped with the tow package, and we were ready for action. Well we recently took a week long trip where we towed our trailer from az to camp on beach in San diego and the nitro preformed flawlessly never even heating up anywhere, mountains include, along the way. We were looking for a small/mid affordable suv with unique looks and got a helluva lot more than we bargained for. It's not the suv for everyone as it has a stiff ride and modest mpg at best, but if you're looking for something that takes you back to the pick up truck feel of a few years ago, has unique styling and can tow mountains above its useless crossover counterparts, than the nitro might just be what you've been looking for.
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2011 Dodge Nitro for sale near you
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Going Back to Dodge
nitro_drummer, 09/12/2011
2011 Dodge Nitro Shock 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
20 of 20 people found this review helpful
This is the first Dodge I've owned since having a Dodge Daytona Shelby Z back in 1992. After experiencing all the problems with that car, I said I wouldn't own another Dodge. Well, I bought my 2011 Nitro Heat 4.0 on Aug 31st and so far, I'm very happy. I had been in the market for a 5 passenger SUV, and after growing tired of looking at all others with no real style or excitement, the Nitro, with it's large grill and huge 20" chrome wheels hit me like a breath of fresh air. I have to thank my wife for helping me find a car that makes me smile again.
Love My 2011 Dodge Nitro
johnherrera305, 07/29/2011
2011 Dodge Nitro Heat 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
27 of 28 people found this review helpful
Excellent value for mid-size SUV. I love my Bright Silver Nitro. It's stands out on the road. Comfortable vehicle. Plenty of room for my needs. Fun to drive.
NITRO LOVE AFFAIR
slownomore, 12/03/2011
2011 Dodge Nitro Heat 4dr SUV 4WD (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
58 of 62 people found this review helpful
we have been with the nitro since our new 2008 sxt that we recently lost in a house fire.This was my wifes baby. I didnt think we could find a replacement and after looking at other suvs nothing filled the void like a 2011 nitro heat.we love the vehicle.When I get the chance to drive it I enjoy the way it handles and rides.For us the 3.7 has plenty of power.And living in MN the 4wd is awesome in the winter.My wife loves to shop so the cargo space is great.With the rebates and incentives dodge was offering in november we got into the nitro under 20,000. A great deal for a 4wd suv
2011 Dodge Nitro 4x2 Detonator
duckettsteven, 05/19/2011
2011 Dodge Nitro Detonator 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
14 of 14 people found this review helpful
Amazing SUV!! Handles and dries great, very quiet comfortable cab. Its a head turner. Nothing but compliments from other people. I average about 19-22 MPG but i have added a cold air intake by mopar for more horsepower and better gas mileage. Tank usually lasts me about 350 miles. My children luv it. Car is more than worth the $$.
Love the heat!
gypzboyz, 03/13/2011
2011 Dodge Nitro Heat 4dr SUV 4WD (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
13 of 13 people found this review helpful
I have had my Dodge Nitro Heat for three months and I could not be more happy I love that it looks like a Hummer and people look to see what it is love the ride very sporty for a 4000lb suv the 20" rims set it apart and the price could not be beat from any other suv I looked at all before I got the Heat.
Love my Dodge Nitro Shock 2011
KKR, 10/09/2010
2011 Dodge Nitro Shock 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
41 of 45 people found this review helpful
While gas mileage is not great, driving it is! I feel safe and secure. I have owned my Nitro Shock for about a month and have no complaints so far. I love the hands free phone, the touch screen radio, and the power sunroof. The leather is nice and the seats are very comfortable. Spacious and nicely designed. Power is everything I need, can't wait til' winter to try out the 4 wheel drive capabilities! The Dodge Nitro looks like a cross between a jeep, range rover, and a hummer. Love it! It is elegant but tough!
Best SUV under $40,000
rockinroller, 09/11/2011
2011 Dodge Nitro Detonator 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
The Nitro's appearance creates a response much like the Dodge Ram pickup when it first came out: You either LOVE it or HATE it. I happened to embrace the rugged square "jaw" of the Nitro and having had some driving experience with the original 2007 RT version which featured a very energetic 4.0 liter engine (vs. the horribly anemic 3.7 liter that's found in the Jeep), I was pleasantly impressed. This rugged yet refined truck-like SUV conquers most snowy roads that I've experienced in Michigan, plus affords a reasonable cost to drive based on 20mpg in mixed city/freeway driving. Lots of storage and creature comforts too. Could have used more than 2 cup holders in front though.
Rough like a tank, but treated like luxury!
Marilyn, 08/03/2018
2011 Dodge Nitro Shock 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
11 of 11 people found this review helpful
I have owned my vehicle since 2011. I liked the sporty look with all chrome exterior and leather heated seats. The first winter I used the heat control for my seats the side of the leather seats cracked. That was not good. I have had it in the shop twice for check engine light on. This resulted in a new catalytic converter and oxygenator replacement. The struts on the front make the ride a bit rough and shocks on the back. After 6 years I have replaced struts and shocks. The ride is smoother and more gas efficient about 20 to 22 mpg. Now it's time for new tires which is normal. Over all I like my car.
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not as happy as others seem to be
soonerfanfl, 04/16/2012
2011 Dodge Nitro Heat 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
51 of 57 people found this review helpful
I bought my Nitro late in the year (Nov). Enjoyed the ride and handling. Reminded me of my 2000 Pathfinder that I miss tremendously. I put over 200k miles on that car in 7 years and never had any issues at all. So far with the Nitro I have 43k in 16 months (I drive 30k a year) and the check engine light comes on occassionally. Not sure why. A/C blower went out right at 36,500 when the warranty ran out. Fortunately the dealership I bought it at fixed it w/o question. At 14k the head gasket blew and was leaking oil like a faucet. Still under warranty the dealership fixed it. I'm still undecided whether I like the car or not. Of course, the engine light is on again.
I liked my Nitro a lot ... LIKED it a lot
northcoast19, 02/04/2015
2011 Dodge Nitro Heat 4dr SUV 4WD (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
27 of 31 people found this review helpful
I bought a 2011 Dodge Nitro Heat 3.7 4x4 in January of 2011, and traded it in for a 2014 Jeep Cherokee Trailhawk in March of 2014. Over that time, I put $65,000 miles on the Nitro as I drove it extensively for work. I never had a single problem with the vehicle and never had it in the shop other than routine maintenance. The Nitro was a cool SUV, but it was from a past decade. It just felt like a vehicle designed in the 90's that they had stored away and rolled out in the 2000's. The shifting was horrendously rough to the point where it felt like I ran something over when it would shift during acceleration. There was no 4 wheel low, and the 20" rims on a 4x4 SUV was a joke.
Overall Love It!
Niecha G., 03/09/2021
2011 Dodge Nitro Heat 4dr SUV 4WD (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
7 of 7 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2011 Dodge Nitro Heat with 97K miles on it. I have had it for 4 years and it now sits at 147K miles and still drives great! I have had little to no issues with it. Besides traditional maintenance, I did replaced the battery my first year with it ($120), and recently switched out the intake air temperature sensor ($40). I also need to replace the master switch after a button popped off ($25). All very minor, easy and low cost expenses. The only real issue I have currently is that the stereo will go silent, it still has power and will reflect the time and everything but no sound or sound control. It is the stock stereo so I can only assume it is due to old weathered wiring. Will hopefully be fixed once I replace the stereo. One other issue I am having is a fin on the ac fan is broken, so every once in a while it will hang and knock for a bit when I turn the ac on. But it always evens out and stops. Other than these, the interior has held up well, the exterior still looks great, you wouldn't think this car is 10 years old. The power in this thing is great! I have towed trailers with no issue or over heating, canyon drives are a breeze. And being able to switch between 2 wheel and 4 wheel drive has been fantastic! Very handy, and helps me feel secure, especially driving around with my small children in bad weather. I am overall so so happy with this car!
Waste
Brooke, 07/16/2017
2011 Dodge Nitro Heat 4dr SUV 4WD (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
23 of 27 people found this review helpful
I bought my Nitro in 2012 as of this date I have had the engine amd transmission rebuilt. Things on the interior or falling apart one by one.
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Great SUV
Chris, 06/29/2020
2011 Dodge Nitro SE Fleet 4dr SUV 4WD (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
My family bought a used SE 4x4 edition of this Nitro and we haven't had issues like quite a few of the other reviews. When we purchased the Nitro, it had 26000 miles and we are at 102000 and it is still running strong. I am a mechanic as well so if you take care of it, it will last. We have driven it several times between California and Missouri, once from California to North Carolina and finally from North Carolina to Florida.....NO ISSUES! It was also my daily driver. The only con I guess would be the small cabin but it also has plenty of storage in the back. It towed a 17ft hydrasport boat with no issues and never had a problem backing down a boat ramp. Gas mileage was 13-17mpg which isn't that bad compared to large SUVs of the same year. I appreciate the truck like handling and suspension since it is very responsive and you actually feel the road.
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LOVE, LOVE, LOVE MY NITRO
Nosila, 08/06/2020
2011 Dodge Nitro Shock 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I have owned two 2011 Nitros, one from new and one from used. My first was a 3.7 with no bells and whistles. My 2nd is a 4.0 Shock that I bought used with 29k miles on it in 2014, now has 110k. I have had none of the issues with either of mine that others have had. Although I work for an independent repair shop and my hubby is a Dodge/Chrysler Tech, as with any vehicle, they have to be maintained and rust is NEVER a good thing! I have replaced my timing belt, water pump, spark plugs and flushed my cooling system all done because of mileage and recommended. I keep my oil changed every 4k miles and rotate every other oil change. My baby has been paid for 3 years now and I have no intentions of going into any car payments or getting rid of my Nitro. Really hate they stopped making them..
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Nice little tank in the winter
Nitrogirl, 12/17/2020
2011 Dodge Nitro Heat 4dr SUV 4WD (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
6 of 6 people found this review helpful
I owned a 2011 Dodge Nitro Heat for 5 years. Handled great in the winter (after you learned the hard way that it was light in the rear). Beefy and rugged. Loved it but sadly things started to go wrong, one after the other. Blower motor, radiator, heater, alternator, transmission line leak. Took on water when it rained and no one could figure out why. Traded it when the transmission started slipping.
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Looks Great But Look Elsewhere
hu5k3y, 02/23/2011
2011 Dodge Nitro Heat 4dr SUV 4WD (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
15 of 18 people found this review helpful
It has a sharp body with aggressive lines but that is where the great qualities end. It has the potential to be a great light SUV with it's size, sharp turning radius, and rear-end that refuses to loose grip but thats where the good qualities end. To create a light SUV dodge has made the front and back seats very compact so its far from roomy. The Nitro's suspension transfers most every bump in the road to the passengers but doesn't have body roll like some SUV's. As the driver you feel unattached to the Nitro with the vague steering and throttle response. Fuel mileage is also a problem since its no better than it's larger Dodge counterparts. In review, light SUV with no real feel or perks.
Good SUV
John.R, 01/14/2021
2011 Dodge Nitro SE Fleet 4dr SUV 4WD (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
3 of 3 people found this review helpful
Bought it used with 102,000 miles, ride is good, very comfortable seats, steering is very precise and handles well. 3.7 liter is very responsive. Overall very pleased with the Nitro and hope to get 5 years or longer with it.
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Weaknessses in the Standard 3.7 L V6 4 Speed Auto
badger377, 06/22/2011
2011 Dodge Nitro Heat 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
8 of 11 people found this review helpful
I recently rented a 2011 Dodge Nitro in a 10 day trip from Las Vegas and up into the mountains of Utah. The good - the car did not overheat, it was reasonbaly comfortable and roomy. Gas mileage was about what is rated. The bad includes the following: Under the load of two adults, two kids and two suitcases, the engine stuggled each time the air conditioning was turned on. The temperature conditions were between 70 - 100 F. Each time the AC unit was turned on under any load you would get a studdering similar to an alternator going out. I found thid quite annoying and would try the larger engine model before buying this. Try before you buy!
What an absolute TURD!
James McCarthy, 11/28/2018
2011 Dodge Nitro SE Fleet 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
9 of 13 people found this review helpful
In 2016 I made the monumental mistake of handing over $9,000 for a 2011 Dodge Nitro with 116,000 miles on it. The mileage should have had me running for cover but everyone said, "Miles don't matter on these new cars." Oh but they do. I left the lot with a new exhaust, new tires, and a fresh inspection sticker, all very exciting. Before I even got home I noticed the driver's side window would only go up if you jiggled the button. This continued on from that day on. The radio went out about 5 miles up the road. No explanation, just a shorting out crackling sound and off it went. The radio came back on later and this was the way it went to this day. I tried everything, called everywhere, there was no fix. I posted a YouTube video entitled, "How To Fix The Radio In A Dodge Nitro" and it is simply me punching the dash until it comes back on. The video has almost 9,000 views in 2 years. I am assuming I am not the only one with this issue? The air conditioner has never once worked, but my salesman said, "It is almost winter you won't need that anyway." Wow, what an excellent point. (Eye roll.) The switch for hot and cold didn't work right and I froze for two nights until I got it to switch over, and I left it on hot year round for fear it wouldn't switch back again. That was fun in summer. I replaced the water pump about 7 months in. 2 months ago I enjoyed dumping another $1,100 into it for a new oil pan and transmission pan, both which had rusted through and were leaking all over hell. Last week I had no heat, and after dropping it off at the dealer they called to tell me suddenly the starter was bad and that would be $285 before they could even look at the heat issue. Yeah nah, I said that's a wrap and had it towed home where now I will probably plant flowers in it this Spring or use it as a "She Shed." I close with this, for your sake, your family's sake, the sake of your bank account, and for God's sake, never, ever, EVER buy one of these colossal pieces [non-permissible content removed].
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Nitro Glycerin
sjs63, 05/07/2011
2011 Dodge Nitro Shock 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
10 of 15 people found this review helpful
Purchased March 2011, Put performance Chip and K&N filter and not only got much better Performance, but also a increase of over 5 MPG over 22-23 MPG on highway, was getting about 16 MPG. Handles great, tight suspension, can haul heavy payload with very little sway. I love it
Love It
Jennifer S, 02/04/2021
2011 Dodge Nitro Shock 4dr SUV (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
4 of 5 people found this review helpful
I bought it 2020 and absolutely love my Nitro. It has 95,000 no complaints nothing wrong it runs perfect. You just need to keep up-to-date on oil changes and keep it serviced.
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Faults encountered!
Obie, 06/15/2023
2011 Dodge Nitro Detonator 4dr SUV 4WD (4.0L 6cyl 5A)
2 of 2 people found this review helpful
Vehicle performs most tasks well. Heater did not get very warm, Removed sand from System. Cruise shifts up and down on slightest grade. Doors only lock sometimes from door lock switch on drivers door.
Wasn't sure about the Nitro but...
evey1, 06/03/2011
2011 Dodge Nitro Heat 4dr SUV 4WD (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
14 of 25 people found this review helpful
We purchased our Dodge Nitro December 2010. I read all of the reviews..poor performance but good reliability it said. After driving it for 6 months, I can say it is 100% reliable, excellent in the snow. I did not have a worry and made it to work in all of the snow. The interior isn't glamorous..could use a better design to match the exterior. Plenty of trunk space which I love having 2 kids. My husband talked me into buying this truck ..and I am pleasantly surprised..I love driving it.
I bought a used 2011 Dodge Nitroglycerin
Stephen, 02/25/2020
2011 Dodge Nitro Heat 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
2 of 4 people found this review helpful
Avoid this product. Buy Honda. Or Toyota. Unless you have lots of savings you don't mind spending on repairs.
GREAT SUV !!
Dodge Nitro owner, 11/23/2021
2011 Dodge Nitro SE Fleet 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 1 people found this review helpful
I bought my 2011 Dodge Nitro from a retired Police dispatcher at a good price.. I LOVE this vehicle!. Drives well,decent gas milege,and drives well on camping and fishing trips I take in the Sierra.
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Not happy
Nancy, 03/12/2019
2011 Dodge Nitro Heat 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
1 of 4 people found this review helpful
I owned a 2011 Dodge Nitro and after120,000 miles the motor seized up -hope this doesn’t happen to anyone else !!
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My Stylish Nitro
Frances Albuquerque, NM, 09/18/2023
2011 Dodge Nitro Heat 4dr SUV (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I like some things of my Dodge Nitro like the excellent strong exterior material & the extended bumper & front hood. It did great on crash tests. It feels safe to drive in but the power steering is non-existent. You have to get use to the steering wheel having limited mobility. The things I dislike about it is that it's a gas guzzler & it is extremely compact inside. If you have kids you have to constantly adjust the seats in front & it still feels crowded. Even to drive there is hardly any leg or foot room. Plus your head will almost hit the ceiling. Also the shocks are not good at all, everytime you drive over a bump it feels like an earthquake just hit. Lol Other than those minor things I feel happy & BLESSED to have this stylish beautiful vehicle!
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Classy
Greg N., 11/19/2024
2011 Dodge Nitro Heat 4dr SUV 4WD (3.7L 6cyl 4A)
0 of 0 people found this review helpful
I purchased it used w/ 18,000 plus miles on it. I've had a lot of people give me compliments on it and I keep it garage kept! The previous owner must have been cheap because they didn't get blue tooth or phone connect. In all, I love the vehicle, paid it off, and on have 72,584 miles on it.
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