Topic: CTC Review: 2007 Dodge Nitro

[Loudpedal]

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.

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.
[/quote]

The door configuration alone of the FJ relegates it to niche vehicle status. Also, any 4WD with an inclinometer is pretty activity focused.   The white roof doesn't help either...   

[slowpoke1426]

i dont understand what u guys are talking about ... do any of u own one ?...i do and i love it it gets 25 mpg good room mine happens to have the 20 inch the ride is great no complants so far ...and its black lowered 2 inchs cooled air intake magna flow exhuast and programer . lay off

[tpl]

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 

Technically it should not be a problem to get 90-100 bhp litre out of a modern emission compliant atmospheric engine with good reliability... but engines like that and I suspect the S2000 is one of them, may not be the best match to slush box automatic transmissions....which 90% of people buy.

For sure if those cars had some gently forced induction they could have smaller engines and 100bhp/litre.
which would save some gas at some expense in complexity AND a torque curve ideally suited to an automatic.  Ecoboost anyone?