Dodge Nitro
| Dodge Nitro | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Overview | |
| Manufacturer | Chrysler (2007–present) |
| Production | 2006[1]–present |
| Model years | 2007–present |
| Assembly | Toledo, Ohio, United States |
| Designer | Dennis Myles |
| Body and chassis | |
| Class | Compact SUV |
| Body style | 4-door SUV |
| Layout | Front engine, rear-wheel drive / four-wheel drive |
| Platform | Chrysler KA platform |
| Related | Jeep Liberty |
| Powertrain | |
| Engine | 3.7 L (226 cu in) PowerTech V6 4.0 L (241 cu in) SOHC V6 2.8 L VM Motori I4 Diesel (Europe only)[2] |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual 4-speed 42RLE automatic 5-speed A580/5G-Tronic Mercedes automatic |
| Dimensions | |
| Wheelbase | 108.8 in (2,764 mm) |
| Length | 178.9 in (4,544 mm) |
| Width | 73.1 in (1,857 mm) |
| Height | 69.6 in (1,768 mm) |
| Curb weight | 4,162 lb (1,888 kg) |
The Dodge Nitro is a compact SUV from the Dodge division of Chrysler. Launched for the 2007 model year at the Chicago Auto Show, the Nitro shares its platform with the second generation Jeep Liberty. It is assembled at the Toledo North Assembly Plant in Toledo, Ohio. The Jeep facility is part of an automobile complex which includes the Toledo South Assembly Plant, home to the Jeep Wrangler since the 1940s. On November 4, 2009, Chrysler announced the model will continue until 2011 when it will see a second generation.[3]
History
Introduced for the 2007 model year, the Nitro became Dodge's first compact SUV since the Raider was discontinued in 1990. It also became the first modern Dodge branded automobile to be sold in Europe since its introduction in early 2007. In the U.S., the Nitro went into production in August 2006 and went on sale in September of the same year as a 2007 model. All Nitros are available with rear-wheel drive, and part-time four-wheel drive is available as an option. The Nitro was Dodge's entry-level SUV until the 2009 model year, when the larger, car-based Dodge Journey crossover SUV priced below it, arrived in showrooms.
Dodge touts the SUV's class-leading 5,000-pound towing capacity, as well as the "Load 'N Go" sliding cargo floor as major selling features. Similar to a system offered on the Saab 9-5 station wagon, the floor can be extended through the rear hatch by 18 in (457 mm) to ease loading. Another purported attribute of the SUV, is its hot rod styling; complete with a bulged muscular appearance and unmistakable pronounced fenders.
Model years
2007
For its initial debut, two-wheel drive and four-wheel drive drivetrains were offered, along with a choice of a 3.7-liter V6 or 4.0-liter V6 engines. The model designations were the SXT, SLT and R/T. There were three types of upholstery made available; basic cloth, stain-repellant cloth, and perforated leather. Standard safety features included; front and rear side airbags, side curtain airbags, an electronic stability program with traction control and brake assist, electronic roll mitigation and a tire-pressure monitor.[4]
2008
The Nitro came in both a 4x2 and a 4x4 versions with each offering two trims: the SXT and the SLT. Both trims came with a standard 210-hp 3.7 liter V6 engine. The SXT trim included a standard six-speed manual transmission with an optional four-speed automatic. The SLT trim came with a standard four-speed automatic but the optional R/T package increased the level of equipment with a 260-hp 4.0 liter V6 engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission,. The Nitro's SXT trim offered standard amenities such as power mirrors, windows and door locks with remote keyless entry, satellite radio, air conditioning and seating for five. The SXT and R/T added alloy wheels, power driver's seat, stain repellent cloth, the "Load 'N Go" retractable cargo floor, cruise control and an overhead console with a trip computer, compass and exterior temperature display. Standard safety features included; front airbags, side curtain airbags, traction and stability control with roll-over mitigation, brake assist, and a tire-pressure monitor.[5]
2009
Once again, the Nitro was offered in both a 4x2 and a 4x4 versions with two trims levels; the SE and the SLT. Both trim levels came with a standard 210-hp 3.7-liter V6 engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The SXT with its six-speed manual transmission had been replaced by the SE trim which featured the automatic transmission. The SLT trim offered the optional R/T package which was made available with a 260-hp 4.0-liter V6 engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The Nitro's SE trim offered standard amenities such as power mirrors, windows and door locks with remote keyless entry, satellite radio, air conditioning and seating for five. The SXT and R/T added alloy wheels, power driver's seat, stain repellent cloth, the "Load 'N Go" retractable cargo floor, cruise control and an overhead console with a trip computer, compass and exterior temperature display. Standard safety features included; front airbags, side curtain airbags, traction and stability control with roll-over mitigation, brake assist, and a tire-pressure monitor.[6]
2010
For 2010, three new model designations became available; Heat, Detonator and Shock trim levels. The 4x2 and a 4x4 version, can be had as either Heat, Detonator, or Shock trim. The Heat trim is equipped with a 210-hp 3.7-liter V6 engine mated to a four-speed automatic transmission. The Detonator and Shock trim are fitted with a 260-hp 4.0-liter V6 engine mated to a five-speed automatic transmission. The Heat trim level offers power mirrors, windows and door locks with remote keyless entry, satellite radio, air conditioning. The Detonator adds rear-park assist, remote start system, power driver's seat, cruise control and an overhead console with a trip computer, compass and exterior temperature display. The premium Shock trim level adds heated front seat, leather trim interior, and power sunroof. Among standard safety features are front airbags, side curtain airbags, active head restraints, traction and stability control with roll-over mitigation, brake assist, and a tire-pressure monitor.[7]
Total American sales
| Calendar Year | Sales |
|---|---|
| 2008[8] | 36,368 |
| 2009[9] | 17,443 |
Criticism
U.S. Consumer Reports magazine named the Nitro as one of the "11 worst cars for 2008", along with its sister, the Jeep Liberty.
Controversy
A TV advertisement in the U.S. for the Nitro with the tag line: "charged with adrenaline", showed a dog getting electrocuted after touching the SUV's front wheel. The ad gained a substantial amount of negative attention and was quickly pulled off the air.[10][11]
References
- ^ "Dodge Nitro production begins". autoblog.com. Retrieved 2009-05-01.
- ^ "2008 Dodge Nitro" (PDF). Retrieved 2009-09-26.
- ^ Hardigree, Matt (2009-11-04). "Chrysler's Complete Product Plan". Jalopnik.com. Retrieved 2009-11-18.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ Dodge Nitro 2007 Dodge Nitro. AOL Autos. Retrieved 2009-11-13.
- ^ Dodge Nitro 2008 Dodge Nitro. AOL Autos. Retrieved 2009-11-13.
- ^ Dodge Nitro 2009 Dodge Nitro. AOL Autos. Retrieved 2009-11-13.
- ^ Dodge Nitro 2010 Dodge Nitro. AOL Autos. Retrieved 2010-08-24.
- ^ "December 2008 Sales: Chrysler LLC". CheersandGears.com. Retrieved 2009-01-05.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ "Chrysler Group LLC Reports U.S. December 2009 Sales". CheersandGears.com. Retrieved 2010-01-05.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ Wert, Ray (2007-07-19). "Dodge Nitro Kills Dog, Makes Us Cry A Little - Ads/Promotions". Jalopnik.com. Retrieved 2009-09-26.
{{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help) - ^ "Marketing Mess - Top 10 Chrysler Moments". TIME. 2009-04-27. Retrieved 2009-09-26.
{{cite news}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in:|publisher=(help)
Notes
- "Dodge targets young families with Nitro SUV". AutoWeek. Retrieved 2006-02-06.
- "Dodge Nitro: A small SUV with attitude". Detroit News. Retrieved 2006-02-06.
- "2007 Dodge Nitro SUV". Allpar. Retrieved 2007-09-28.
External links
