CTC Review: 2007 Dodge Nitro

[random006]

Carries the "Muy Macho!" philosophy a tad too far IMHO. 

Still, I'm sure there will be buyers.

[Craig]

How many?  Five?

DCX are introducing SUVs and crossovers at a ridiculous pace, and they seem to get worse with each iteration.

Where is that "Jeep Compass - WINNER!" guy when you need him?

[Mitlov]

Let's hope.

When I see the "out of touch with reality" vehicles that Ford and Chrysler are coming out with (from a fuel mileage point of view), it doesn't make me feel bad about watching them both circle the drain.   The world does not need more gas guzzling boxes on wheels that drive like wagons and handle like crap.   

The FJ Cruiser is neither more practical nor more fuel-efficient than the Nitro.  Why no frustration aimed at Toyota?

[Mitlov]

How many?  Five?

DCX are introducing SUVs and crossovers at a ridiculous pace

Toyota sells SIX different SUVs/crossovers, a van, and two different trucks.  Just for the record.

[Craig]

"Five" was my estimation of the number of Nitro's sold, not DC SUVs produced.

Toyota SUVs are more fuel efficient, better looking, and have ridiculously-high reliability ratings.  If you have to have an SUV, you can't do much better.  Cheaper, sure.

[Trainman]

Let's hope.

When I see the "out of touch with reality" vehicles that Ford and Chrysler are coming out with (from a fuel mileage point of view), it doesn't make me feel bad about watching them both circle the drain.   The world does not need more gas guzzling boxes on wheels that drive like wagons and handle like crap.   

The FJ Cruiser is neither more practical nor more fuel-efficient than the Nitro.  Why no frustration aimed at Toyota?

I've given up being frustrated by Toyota      When the MR2, Celica and Supra went away with no real replacements, they sort of lost my interest.  The Sienna is a great van, but it is just a van.

As for comparing the FJ to the Nitro, 2 different beasts.  At least Toyota did not gut the 4Runner's platform for the FJ the way DC looks like they did to the Liberty to make the Nitro.  In fact I understand the FJ is a better off-roader than its origins while the Nitro appears to be worse.  But I am sure DC will sell a lot of them anyway   

[Mitlov]

As for comparing the FJ to the Nitro, 2 different beasts.  At least Toyota did not gut the 4Runner's platform for the FJ the way DC looks like they did to the Liberty to make the Nitro.  In fact I understand the FJ is a better off-roader than its origins while the Nitro appears to be worse.  But I am sure DC will sell a lot of them anyway   

It doesn't matter how good the FJ is off-road.  There are at least a dozen in my town, and I've never seen a speck of dust or mud on any of 'em.  Not one speck.  They're being bought by yuppies and soccer moms and the like.  It's a very different crowd than, say, XTerra owners (where seeing a clean one is a rarity around here).

Toyota should have put FJ-like bodywork on the new RAV4.  It would have served the customers who are actually buying them much better than the FJ's off-road-capable chassis.

[Loudpedal]

Let's hope.

When I see the "out of touch with reality" vehicles that Ford and Chrysler are coming out with (from a fuel mileage point of view), it doesn't make me feel bad about watching them both circle the drain.   The world does not need more gas guzzling boxes on wheels that drive like wagons and handle like crap.   

The FJ Cruiser is neither more practical nor more fuel-efficient than the Nitro.  Why no frustration aimed at Toyota?

Good question.  Mainly as I see Dodge as making and marketing the Nitro as a mass market vehicle, whereas the FJ I consider a niche specific vehicle.  I'm not sure exactly what a Nitro is good for, except taking up space and getting crappy mileage while doing so.    Also, I would expect twice as many Nitro's out in circulation than FJ's this time next year.     

I look at what is being passed off as a current day middle class family vehicle and its appalling.   I'm not sure what's worse, the manufacturers making them or the lemmings buying them.         

[Mitlov]

Good question.  Mainly as I see Dodge as making and marketing the Nitro as a mass market vehicle, whereas the FJ I consider a niche specific vehicle.

Maybe Toyota has promoted the vehicle as a Wrangler Unlimited competitor, but I mainly see them parked at the organic food grocery store and the Shakespeare Festival here in Ashland.  Seriously.  And there's a LOT of 'em here.

[vwcedric]

Good question.  Mainly as I see Dodge as making and marketing the Nitro as a mass market vehicle, whereas the FJ I consider a niche specific vehicle.  I'm not sure exactly what a Nitro is good for, except taking up space and getting crappy mileage while doing so.    Also, I would expect twice as many Nitro's out in circulation than FJ's this time next year.[/quote]

The EPA ratings in the US are the same for an FJ cruiser or a Nitro RT (4.0 V6). And I see so many FJ's on the road I really dont agree with the FJ being a "niche" car. Both cars also pull 5000 lbs, both offer bold design, both have the same price range (ok the Nitro can be had for less but the top end models are 35-37k)...I see a lot of things in comon.

What I have to admit is that I dont get why you would buy an FJ or a Nitro if your never going to tow anything.

One very cool feature for he Nitro is the MyGig system.  GPS, Bluetooth, Sirrius, Toutch screen, 20 gig HD, USB, Ipod...all for 1700-2000$  I find that to be a screaming deal when you look at how much other companies charge for Nav systems that dont do half of what this system does.

[horst]

I have been reading with great interest your comments and came to one conclusion. I had no idea how many people are disliking the "Dodge's"brand and  that includes James Bergeron. Remember no Automobile is perfect and is being built for everyone. So, having sad this to all you whiners out there lets be more realistic in testing our vehicles. Here are a view pointers. A modern engine of 3.5L should have at least 90 to 110 HP per LT. and 300 to 325 ft/tq. at 2500 RPM. Until we have reached this volumetric efficiency there is really no point in arguing what should or should not be under the hood. As far as the Nitro and all other similar vehicles is concerned, there interior looks cheap as well.  Maybe you have to buy the top model available in each line up. Have a Nitro day.

[wing]

Everyone is certainly entitled to their own opinions, but I am certainly not against Dodge as a brand at all.  I simply dislike dull plastic interiors and this happens to be Dodge's current offerings.  They do make vehicles I enjoy and as I said the more upscale SLT I drove was MUCH better than the base model they originally gave us, it has more accents and different materials around the interior which made the entire experience much more enjoyable.

[quadzilla]

I have been reading with great interest your comments and came to one conclusion. I had no idea how many people are disliking the "Dodge's"brand and  that includes James Bergeron. Remember no Automobile is perfect and is being built for everyone. So, having sad this to all you whiners out there lets be more realistic in testing our vehicles. Here are a view pointers. A modern engine of 3.5L should have at least 90 to 110 HP per LT. and 300 to 325 ft/tq. at 2500 RPM. Until we have reached this volumetric efficiency there is really no point in arguing what should or should not be under the hood. As far as the Nitro and all other similar vehicles is concerned, there interior looks cheap as well.  Maybe you have to buy the top model available in each line up. Have a Nitro day.

So you want 3.5L engines to have between 315-385hp and 300 to 325 ft/tq. @ 2500 RPM.  Why would most cars even need this much power?  More power also means more gas 

Do any cars currently qualify?

[Mitlov]

I have been reading with great interest your comments and came to one conclusion. I had no idea how many people are disliking the "Dodge's"brand and  that includes James Bergeron. Remember no Automobile is perfect and is being built for everyone. So, having sad this to all you whiners out there lets be more realistic in testing our vehicles. Here are a view pointers. A modern engine of 3.5L should have at least 90 to 110 HP per LT. and 300 to 325 ft/tq. at 2500 RPM. Until we have reached this volumetric efficiency there is really no point in arguing what should or should not be under the hood. As far as the Nitro and all other similar vehicles is concerned, there interior looks cheap as well.  Maybe you have to buy the top model available in each line up. Have a Nitro day.

So you want 3.5L engines to have between 315-385hp and 300 to 325 ft/tq. @ 2500 RPM.  Why would most cars even need this much power?  More power also means more gas 

Do any cars currently qualify?

Apparently even the IS350 and the new G35 are underpowered 

[quadzilla]

The Cayman (no S) just makes it at 90 but the S-model is short at 86.7 

2007 Porsche Cayman/Cayman S Specifications:

Engine   
2.7-litre flat 6, DOHC, 24 valves
3.4-litre flat 6, DOHC, 24 valves

Horsepower   
245 @ 6500 rpm
295 @ 6250 rpm

Torque (lb-ft)   
201 @ 4600 rpm
251 @ 4400 rpm

[wing]

He only said 3.5L engines though

[quadzilla]

He only said 3.5L engines though

Yes that is right...my bad.  I guess the new engine rule will only apply to one size and one size only 

[wing]

2.0L s2000 engine runs 120Hp/liter but then again that's not until 8000rpm

[ghost]

I'm reminded of
a) a Lego block truck that I once built when I was 8
b) a head of one of the Transformer robots.
c) a box that was used for giant CRT TVs but with wheels.

[vwcedric]

I think dodge now lets you ad a "painted body trim" package on the SXT model.  Looks a million times better painted.  One great thing about the Nitro is MyGig...1700-2000$ for GPS toutch screen, Bluetooth, MP3, USB, Uconnect, Sirrius (with 12 months free), Ipod capability...  I really like the features on this little truck. If you could get the 6 speed in the RT I'd be sold.