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2008 Dodge Nitro Review
Mid-size SUV is practical and distinctive.
2008 Nitro Review Summary & Specifications
The Nitro has all the Dodge character. It feels bigger than its size, thanks largely to a high beltline, high seating position, and much glass instead of sheetmetal at the rear corners. It's not easy to make an SUV look distinctive, and the Nitro tries very hard. Mechanically, it's hindered by the 3.7-liter engine and four-speed automatic transmission in the SXT and SLT, the most popular models. The R/T, costing on average about $3200 more, has a more powerful and smoother 4.0-liter engine, which gets about the same gas mileage at the 3.7, along with a good five-speed automatic transmission. It also has a more comfortable ride. Go for the R/T.NewCarTestDrive.com correspondent Sam Moses filed this report from San Diego, California, with Kirk Bell reporting from Chicago.
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| Vehicle Category | Sport Utility Vehicles |
| Editor | New Car Test Drive |
| Model Lineup | Dodge Nitro SXT 2WD ($19,595), SXT 4WD ($21,255); SLT 2WD ($23,005), SLT AWD ($24,665); R/T 2WD ($26,180); R/T AWD ($27,840) |
| Engines (standard) | 4.0-liter sohc V6 |
| Transmissions (standard) | 5-speed automatic |
| Engines (optional) | 210-hp 3.7-liter V6; 260-hp 4.0-liter V6 |
| Transmissions (optional) | 6-speed manual; 4-speed automatic; 5-speed automatic |
| Safety Equipment (standard) | multi-stage frontal airbags, head-protecting curtain side airbags; anti-lock disc brakes with brake assist, electronic stability program with traction control and electronic roll mitigation, child seat anchor system, tire-pressure monitor |
| Safety Equipment (optional) | rear obstacle detection |
| Basic Warranty | 3 years/50,000 miles |
| Assembled In | Toledo, Ohio |
| Manufacturer Phone | 800-4ADODGE |
| Manufacturer URL | www.dodge.com |
| Base Price MSRP | 19595 |
| Model Tested MSRP | Dodge Nitro R/T ($26,180) |
| Standard Equipment | YES Essentials cloth upholstery, air conditioning, leather-wrapped steering wheel with audio controls, six-way power adjustable driver's seat, remote keyless entry with power windows and door locks, heated power exterior mirrors, 115-volt power outlet, flat folding front passenger seat, 60/40 folding rear bench seat, AM/FM/CD with MP3 and six speakers, Sirius satellite radio, auxiliary input jack, tilt steering column, theft-deterrent system, rear window washer/wiper, roof rails, vehicle information center, auto-dimming rearview mirror, universal garage door opener, fog lights; Load 'n Go cargo storage system with tie-down rails, overhead console, cruise control, compass; tinted windows, sport suspension, P245/50R20 Goodyear Eagle tires on chromed aluminum wheels |
| Destination Charge | 660 |
| Options as Tested (MSRP) | Trailer Tow package ($820); power sunroof ($895); Premium Sound group with AM/FM/6 CD/DVD/MP3 with 8 speakers plus subwoofer ($350), full-size spare, Convenience group with rear obstacle detection, UConnect wireless cell phone link, remote engine starting ($1,345) |
| Gas Guzzler Tax | |
| Price as Tested | 30250 |
| Layout | rear-wheel drive |
| Horse Power | 260 @ 6000 |
| Torque | 265 @ 4200 |
| Fuel Economy | 15/20 |
| Wheelbase | 108.8 |
| Length/Width/Height | 178.9/73.1/69.9 |
| Track Front/Rear | |
| Turning Radius | 36.3 |
| Seating Capacity | 5 |
| Front Head/Hip/Leg room | 40.6/56.8/40.8 |
| Middle Head/Hip/Leg room | |
| Rear Head/Hip/Leg room | 40.8/47.4/37.7 |
| Trunk Volume | 75.6 |
| Payload | |
| Towing Capacity | 5000 |
| Front Suspension | independent, upper and lower A arms, coil springs, shocks and stabilizer bar |
| Rear Suspension | live axle with upper and lower trailing arms, track bar, coil springs, stabilizer bar and shocks |
| Ground Clearance | 7.3 |
| Curb Weight | 3971 |
| Stock Tires | P245/50R20 |
| Brakes Front/Rear | disc/disc with ABS and brake assist |
| Fuel Capacity | 19.5 |
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