[Guest]

I have not purchased a Nitro yet but, I am seriously considering it. I have been doing some research into this vehicle with regards to vehicle tests, descriptions, etc. One thing that I have found a little perplexing is that no tester has really been ecstatic about this vehicle. I was severely disappointed in the review in Consumer Reports. They were very demeaning in their test segment of the Nitro. I have driven one in a test drive and I thought the experience was very pleasant. I know that in past auto tests this magazine seemed to really dislike North American automobiles and preferred Japanese builty vehicles. If anyone has some comment on this I would appreciate it. Currently, my wife is driving a 2007 Caliber R/T and loves it. So far it has been a really good vehicle, good on fuel, pretty high fun factor, etc. I feel the same about the Nitro but am a little concerned with these negative reviews. Thanks in advance for your thoughts. Cheers!

Bakes

 

[dk1677]

Don't believe them

They are very biased, I have had no problems in over 2500mi and Love the Nitro, I understand your concerns , I think most of the problems were in ones built last year. I would recommend the Nitro! And Welcome to the forum!:wave:

 

[Quiet Lunatic]

Well I am a new 16 yr old driver, and therefore have not had the opportunity to drive many cars, so take my opinion for what you will. I personally love the Nitro. I find that it fits me well, (which may just be a personal matter). It is a really good size. It sits me up high on the road, which I like. As for performance, I have the SLT 3.7L, which is obviously not as quick as the RT 4.0, but it gets the job done. If you really mash the gas, you will find that it gets up and goes. As for the overall appearance, it looks like a 40k+ suv, for a price in the mid 20's. It has a very tough look to it, yet it rides very car like in my opinion. There is very little corner lean and It pulls out of turns nicely. Again, I know that I havn't been able to drive many different cars, but I really beleive that the Nitro is a good, high quality SUV. Good luck in your decision!

 

[BearlyNitro]

Go for it and buy a Nitro!

I have written this so many times elsewhere on this forum, but will repeat it one more time.

I have not had as much fun in any car/truck since my first NEW vehicle, a 1976 Mazda Rotary Engine Pick-Up. My Nitro R/T is a blast to drive, has a ton of modern features that are usually reserved for much more expensive vehicles, it gets decent gas mileage (averaging between 20 and 21.5 mpg) and I get more compliments on how it looks than anything I have ever owned. Being almost 51, I have owned many vehicles and some of them were pretty nice, so my comments and praise are not just because I have only owned junk before.

Get a Nitro, you won't regret it!

Good luck (and remember Sunburst Orange is best) :Banana01::ura1:epper::Racing:

 

[dk1677]

Yup

ORANGE is the best

 

[electricblue]

Like they say , "Don't beleive everything you read" I don't think they test drove the same ride we have, this is one fun SUV, if you test drove it once and liked it, test drive it again and you'll love it. Remember though, Blue is the only way to go.

GO BLUE !!!:ura1:

 

[David Louis Harter]

Do Not Believe "Consumer Reports"

I feel the same about the Nitro but am a little concerned with these negative reviews. Thanks in advance for your thoughts. Cheers! Bakes

I would suggest that "Consumer Reports" produces very biased "reviews" of products, basing their "reporting" on preconceived prejudices rather than empirical knowledge. I read several dozen reviews of the Nitro while waiting for my Dodge Ramcharger (http://www.catechnologies.com/blog/rammmmm1.jpg) to sell. I would estimate that a good 2/3 of these reviews were very complimentary. Several of them emphasized the performance and construction quality. I read reviews specific to the R/T model, since that was what I intended to buy. The other 1/3 of the reviews I read were lukewarm. None were patently derogatory. I did not read the "Consumer Reports" review, since I believe their reporting lacks credibility. What I did in order to locate reviews was search for "Dodge Nitro R/T review" using Google.

I have owned my Nitro R/T (http://www.catechnologies.com/blog/mrnitroplate.jpg) since February 5. I have been overjoyed with the construction, performance, and mileage. I have experienced no issues whatever. I am very difficult to please, and the Nitro has pleased me incredibly. I specifically wanted a vehicle that would allow me to go to the places the Ramcharger had taken me (the mountains, the beach, off-road trails, etc.) and offer good fuel economy. The Ramcharger had a 360cid V8 and averaged 8 mpg city and 10 mpg highway. My Nitro R/T will take me anywhere the Ramcharger did. Although I could have taken the Ramcharger places the Nitro would not go due to clearance, these are places I do not go. The Nitro is more comfortable by far than the Ramcharger, has considerably more features, would easily outperform the Ramcharger, and is averaging 16.2 mpg city and 22.9 mpg highway. Fuel economy was lower when the vehicle was new, but that is to be expected.

An undeniable issue with regard to the Nitro is its visibility factor. By this, I mean it is virtually impossible to drive the vehicle without turning heads, causing people to stare, and provoke people to comment. Overwhelmingly, the stares and comments have been exceedingly complimentary.

- David :i_rolleyes:

 

[TJNITRO]

I never read that mag. anymore, I love my R/T

 

[TJNITRO]

Yes orange! is The best

 

[AZ Blue SXT]

Blue Rules!!!

I know that in past auto tests this magazine seemed to really dislike North American automobiles and preferred Japanese built vehicles.

You got that right - after their Year in Review issue (06) I quit reading their garbage. I had been test driving everything (free Donuts and coffee at most dealers on early morning visits ) - looking and trying to get a feel for new vehicles in general............................so I thought I'd look at some of the reviews and see how they compared to my impressions from actually driving the vehicles.....................

As stated by you - when it comes to Consumer reports, if it's not Japanese, it can't be good. My test drives were wayyyyyy off from their articles.

Look for "owner" reviews - I learned to do this with electronics a long time ago. I think allot of the so called experts just go by others writings and never test 1/2 the stuff they write on.

We own an 06 RAM and the Nitro - I don't understand why Dodge is not selling in higher volume, both of my trucks are great.

I've put 2000+ on the Nitro, it was for my Wife.....................I usually let her drive it on Fridays I did get an SXT with a manual - to me that adds to the fun.........................

BLUE RULES!!!!

 

[HighVoltageNITRO]

I have not purchased a Nitro yet but, I am seriously considering it. I have driven one in a test drive and I thought the experience was very pleasant.

Take another test drive and let the seat of you pants decide for you. Personally I love mine. I have owned a lot of cars in the last 28 years, and I have to say this is by far my favorite. My '93 Z28 was faster of course and better in the curves, but overall the Nitro is a lot more useful and gets about the same mileage in town. What do I really think it reminds me of?? Well, the Nitro is an SUV, but what I really feel like I am driving is a car from the early '70s. Back when they still had enough horsepower to lay down some rubber, the ride quality was a little more plush, and the steering wasn't so dampened that it required both hands to spin the steering wheel. The quietness of the cabin and the solid feel of just closing the doors and hearing that "thunk" we have all become familiar with is very satisfying. It is small enough to maneuver into tight spaces, yet with a large enough interior for most owners and passengers to feel that it is spacious. If you have the means, get an R/T, you won't be sorry. By the way, welcome to the forum!

Oh, and Blue RulZ!!

 

[dk1677]

70s?

Early 70's before the first emission controls that really hurt performance and driveability maybe 70 to 73 ? ORANGE is the juice!

 

[HighVoltageNITRO]

I was thinking 70-72. But your right on track. The last ones made before emissions standards ruined everything and we had our 'first' gas shortage.

 

[dk1677]

I had a 73 (I know its off topic)

AMC and all they had was a cut off for the vacuum advance that didn't allow it until the car was up to operating temp, ( I connected the carb vacuum line direct LOL ) and the hot air hose from the manifold that was thermostatic ( I ran a hose from the air cleaner snorkel to the grill for cold air) I did more things to that poor Hornet, Thrush muffler, Flex fan , Sorenson Magnition,more that I cant remember I had that thing apart all the time inside and out . I had fun in those days and you didn't have to worry about computers and emissions but all and all I will take todays engines) 74 they added air injection, EGR , and things went down hill for years Sorry for the rant

 

[Guest]

Thank you all very much!

Your attention to my first post in this forum is incredible. Thanks to all who read and replied to my query. All of the information is extremely useful and has alleviated many of my concerns. The only problem now is, what colour? I look forward to perusing the other threads. Cheers to all and thanks again!

Bakes

 

[dk1677]

Color

ORANGE its the only logical choice!

 

[KenCary]

Your attention to my first post in this forum is incredible. Thanks to all who read and replied to my query. All of the information is extremely useful and has alleviated many of my concerns. The only problem now is, what colour? I look forward to perusing the other threads. Cheers to all and thanks again!

Bakes

I have had all types of cars in my day also. I test drove dozens of mid-size and small SUV's and most of them looked and felt like pleasant appliances. The Nitro was the only one that made all of us in my family say oooo and aahhh.

To me the humpy fenders and prominant hood remind me of a car from the late 30's to early 40's. One of my friends hit it on the head when he called the Nitro a "Dick Tracy" car. I like that.

I picked black. One reason is that all the black and gray trim blends in nicely. This is a big deal with me because I ordered the SXT. I had to have the manual ---- another reason I wanted the Nitro.

Ken

 

[Guest]

I know where you're coming from..

I read the same reviews last week and couldn't figure out what car they were driving.

I work a few blocks from a dealership, and over the past few weeks I was in there almost daily.

I test drove the Cherokee, Commander, Liberty etc... overall the Nitro won hands down, it truly is fun to drive and has all the comforts of more expensive vehicles. I should also say I looked at the Hummer H3 and the Land Rover LR3. Each one has something to offer, whether technology or toughness. In the end, the Nitro has a nice balance of everything.

I would suggest, if possible, just rent a Nitro for the weekend and judge for yourself. When you turn in the vehicle on Monday, you will know in your heart if you want one or not. Don't let the reviewers decide for you.

 

[electricblue]

Your attention to my first post in this forum is incredible. Thanks to all who read and replied to my query. All of the information is extremely useful and has alleviated many of my concerns. The only problem now is, what colour? I look forward to perusing the other threads. Cheers to all and thanks again!

Bakes

Bakes their is only one color Blue, or anything but orange. LOL
good luck with what ever you decide to do.

GO BLUE !!!

 

[Guest]

I have had all types of cars in my day also. I test drove dozens of mid-size and small SUV's and most of them looked and felt like pleasant appliances. The Nitro was the only one that made all of us in my family say oooo and aahhh.

To me the humpy fenders and prominant hood remind me of a car from the late 30's to early 40's. One of my friends hit it on the head when he called the Nitro a "Dick Tracy" car. I like that.

I picked black. One reason is that all the black and gray trim blends in nicely. This is a big deal with me because I ordered the SXT. I had to have the manual ---- another reason I wanted the Nitro.

Ken

Hi Ken,

I really think the black is a classy colour for this vehicle. Are you finding it tough to keep clean? I would think that this colour would show every speck of dirt and dust that was in the air. Is a "California Car Duster" a necessary piece of equipment used to keep the shine? Thanks and cheers!

Bakes