[Kastang]

I am getting my licenses in less then a month, today my dad and I went looking for cars, my parents are buying my a new car, I originally wanted a car, A Scion tC but after going to look at it, I decided against it - I really didn't like how small it really was It didnt look too safe either. I looked at, and liked the Ford Escape. When we were on our way to go look at the Nissan dealership, we passed the Dodge dealership and I happened to see the Nitro, we turned around and I fell in love with it when I saw it. My dad also liked it, so thats was a good thing.

I really like the orange SLT, the black also isnt too bad. I have been reading reviews on it today, got great front/side crash ratings. I have read mostly good things on this vehicle.
Until I got to THIS article. Is anything in this artical true, it seems as if this author hates the Nitro.

I also had a few questions:

Is this an OK vehicle for a new driver? I am used to driving either my dads F350 diesel truck or my moms Ford Expedition. So the size really is not anything new to me.

I personally think that is a waste to spend almost 2K on a Navigation system when I can get one for less then half of the price, such as a TomTom or Garmin. Has anyone else gone down this route instead?

 

[johnlamotte]

i disagree

i read the review and have had my nitro for about 6 weeks now and love it

 

[Quiet Lunatic]

Test Drive It

Hey Kastang......As with everything in life, people are entitled to their own opinion. I guess this guy doesn't like the Nitro and that's HIS opinion. Get your own by taking one for a test drive. Is it the comfiest ride?..No. Does it feel twitchy on the expressway? maybe, but at the end of the day it's how it feels to you not some stuck up auto "expert" who unfortunately is in a position to sway people away from a product without even trying it. Go for a good long test drive...twisty roads, expressway, stop n go traffic and I'm sure you'll love. Just ask my wife as she gets really pissed if I take mine to work. As for a good beginner vehicle...I just wish they were around when I was 19...
GO FOR IT

 

[HighVoltageNITRO]

Welcome to the forum Kastang. Don't put too much faith in what any review has to say about the Nitro. Most of these reviewers compare everything they drive to their favorite luxury car. The Nitro is more like a truck than a car and should be reviewed as one. Your mom's and dad's Fords are much larger than the Nitro (or anything else you looked at for that matter). The Nitro will get better gas mileage than either one. It is definitely a cool vehicle to have right now. As far as other navigational systems are concerned, yes, there are several forum member here that have gone different routes other than MyGIG. Use the search feature at the top menu bar and search for navigation. There are about three pages of threads from which to read. Good luck on your new Nitro!

 

[KickerNitro]

I love my Nitro. Theres plenty of room for personal touch Modifications to be done...and lots of room for stereo stuff! and when your 19 you know how important those things are!

 

[Kastang]

Thanks a ton for the fast replies guys, I have found a lot of information on these forums. If all goes well, I should be getting it within two weeks . Im really excited actually, originally my parents told me I had to buy my own car, so for the past two years I have been saving up money for it, I saved up quite a bit, just a week ago they told me they were proud of me for how much I saved up and they said they were going to buy me the my first vehicle so that was great!

When I get it I will probably get a few extras for it that aren't available through Dodge. The customization threads are quite helpful here. Im more of a computer technical person rather then a car technical person, but a lot of these simple modifications don't look hard at all to do.

Thanks again guys! I have a feeling ill be spending a lot of time here once I get my Nitro, such a friendly community!

 

[danpfay99]

I've found in life the more bad reviews something gets , Makes me want to go get one & I usually wind up liking it & wondering who these people are & what they are on that don't like it. You will love your NITRO & enjoy the heck out of it & mod till you drop.:wave: Oh Welcome to the site.epper:

 

[AirJunky]

I read that review when I was looking at the Nitros too. Several things really stuck out in my mind; the trouble he had getting in & out of the car, and the lack of power the 3.7 delivered.

I'm 6'1" and had no problems getting in & out. I just lowered & reclined the seat a bit.

And I test drove the Nitro on the freeway, accelerating quickly on the on-ramp, and it did as good or better than our 2005 Pacifica with the 3.5 liter.

Also, I didn't notice nearly the interior problems as the reviewer, ie; excessive cheap plastic (aren't they all in this price range), heater/AC too far away, etc. It's certainly along the same quality lines as my Dakota, Neon or Pacifica.

So knowing that the review was wrong on those counts, I threw it out altogether.

3 months later, 3 minor issues the dealer resolved, and not regretting the decision a bit.

 

[Kastang]

I actually just got back from the dealership, I got to sit in the car and take it around in the parking lot, since I only have my permit ATM they wouldn't let me take it on the road. It seems to have handled very smoothly. I like the interior a lot in it

The one they have on the lot is the one I am going to be getting. Here is what it includes besides for the standard, it includes:

OPTIONAL EQUIPMENT Electric Blue Pearl Coat Exterior Paint
$ 225 Customer Preferred Package 24F
Full-Size Spare Tire $ 150
P235/65R17 OWL Performance Tires $ 100
DESTINATION CHARGE $ 660
TOTAL PRICE:* $ 25,280


I really like it, I figure I can add the few things other that I wanted, Such as the Garmin GPS, and a Sirius Radio. Also some other things that I think I will have fun installing like a remote starter!

 

[Quiet Lunatic]

I personally think that is a waste to spend almost 2K on a Navigation system when I can get one for less then half of the price, such as a TomTom or Garmin. Has anyone else gone down this route instead?

I couldn't agree with you more. Also portable GPS units are cheaper than you think. The major units for tomtom all came down by $100. The ONE is $299, GO 910 is $499, and GO 510 is $399. I think competition is finally pushing the prices down in the GPS market. But either way you are right it's not worth spending a couple hundred extra on an in-dash unit.

 

[Raytee]

Buy It!

I say form your own opinion once you're able to drive one. I've test driven an H3 and compared to my R/T, the Hummer just isn't in the same class. The H3 was sluggish (to me) and the interior wasn't any larger than our Saturn VUE AWD.

I've also tested the Nitro SLT w/the 3.7L and it felt okay but then again I would notice the drop in power after a while since the cars I've been driving have had more hp than what that engine is rated for. It all depends on what your driving style is and how you plan to use it. :Racing:

Ultimately, you decide what you like about the Nitro and if it moves you enough to buy it, do so. I've had mine for almost a week and I'm loving it so far.:Banana01:

I think it would make a great first car/truck/suv.

 

[MamaLoca]

Welcome to the Forum! You are going to be the talk of the high School parking lot with a new Nitro. You will love it.

 

[Quiet Lunatic]

Hey kastang! I am actually in the same situation as you are!(sorta) I will be turning 16 this fri (the 20th) and When i got home frm school yesterday, there was a brand new silver nitro slt waiting for me. I drove it around a little and I must say, i was impressed. It handled great, was very quiet for an SUV and had decent power. It had all the necessary options and suits me well. I hope you get your nitro and then we can experience our first car experiences together lol. Let me know how it goes!