Dodge Nitro Model History

Spawned from a largely production-ready concept car first shown at the 2005 Chicago Auto Show, the Dodge Nitro was presented for sale during the 2007 model year. Sharing its platform with the Jeep Liberty, the Dodge Nitro was a mid-sized sport utility vehicle set for the younger vehicle consumer.

Offered with either a rear-wheel or a four-wheel drivetrain, the 2007 Nitro was offered with SXT, SLT and R/T trim levels. On the SXT and SLT variants of the Dodge Nitro, a 210-horsepower, 3.7-liter V-6 was mated to a standard six-speed manual transmission. A four-speed automatic was optional with the 3.7-liter engine.

On the 2007 Dodge Nitro R/T, a 4.0-liter V-6 engine generating 260 horsepower and 265 pound-feet of torque. With the 4.0-liter powerplant, the Nitro can tow up to 5,000 pounds of load. Inside the Dodge Nitros five-passenger cabin, standard features include air conditioning, dual 12-volt power outlets, keyless entry and an MP3-compatible sound system provided meaningful comfort.

At the rear, a system called Load n Go allowed the cargo floor to slide out by 18 inches providing more efficient loading and unloading of items. Ample to function with up to 400 pounds of weight, Load n Go was standard on the SLT and R/T trim levels for 2007. In 2010, the trim levels choices for the Dodge Nitro was reshaped by the addition of Heat, Detonator and Shock.

Retail sales of the Nitro ended after the 2011 model year with the compact sport utility vehicle offered only as a fleet vehicle through 2012.