Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see the latest vehicles!
Options
Dodge Nitro
This discussion has been closed.
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
What amazes me is how the critics ripped into the interior quality of the recent Chrysler products, ie Jeep Compass, Dodge Caliber, etc. I looked at the Compass recently and didn't think it looked too bad, nice two tone interior. Car and Driver compared the Nitro interior to the Neon, ouch. It can't be that bad, can it?
For those like me who expected to see more back seat foot room, it's the same as we have now. The front is the same as now. The inside is the same dimensions as not too. The windows are not as tall, has the new Dodge low rider look. The reason this Nitro won't make any huge numbers for DCX are, same OLD 4 speed auto. trans. The 3.7 is really a gas sucking go no where in a hurry V-6, push rods and all. The engine and transmission make this vehicle nothing to get excited about. The 4. L due out late in the model year are not a much better. If Jeep is to have a winner with the new Liberty they need a power train that is something to brag about. The 3.8 in the new Wrangler might be nice mated to a 545 RFE. If DCX is to win people over then there has to be something that proves that the Liberty is hot! Even with a different dash arrangement the materials have to show some quality other than the plastic dash that yells out "made in China," Hopefully the seats are easy to keep clean as the older sear covers show up rain drops a dirt spots. To clean to old seat cover ia a major effort, with very poor results.
With the added storage room in the back more families just might reconsider the Dodge or the Jeep. DCX seems to be slow in catching up with the consumers request. Maybe there is a change as the Nitro shows change is coming, I am anxious to see a Patriot, maybe that will be better than it's sibling the Compass.
Farout
the 3.7 is a SOHC motor not a pushrod job,
Second the 4.0 is a bored out 3.5 liter motor.
Third the 3.8 in the Wrangler is a 20+ year design that is currently in the minivan. ( that is a pushrod motor)
Out of all them the 4.0 will be the best motor. Nothing to get exited about but much better then the 3.7 or the 3.8 liter motors they put in their cars.
Would be nice to see a 3.8 liter Hyundai motor in that vehicle. They already use a 1.8, 2.0, 2.4. They should buy their 3.3 liter and 3.8 liter v6s.
I just googled the Jeep Patriot...very cool. I hadn't heard of it until today. It sort of looks like a Grand Cherokee and regular cherokee combined.
The last car I had with RWD was my 1970 Plymouth Duster 340 which was fassssssssssssst on dry surfaces but not so great on wet or snowy roads with my Goodyear Polyglas tires.
My wife and I both have driven a two wheel drive Nitro and a 4 wheel drive version. I have since ordered a 4x4 RT. We both agreed that we liked the little bit of extra seat height the 4x4 had. We are both sold on AWD or 4x4 also as we do drive a lot on wet and slick highways.
I did not notice any difference in performance but the 4x4 really did feel more stable. I ordered the full-time 4x4 as it is essentially an AWD, and I have no desire to take it off-road.
We need two cars, and now, my wife is also considering getting/ordering one for herself.
I am trying to determine if the added costs, the 1 MPG less in gas mileage plus the added parts that can break would be worth the extra cost for the 4X4. It sounds like you are for the 4X4.
Is your 4X4 always engaged or can you select the 4WD when desired?
I also am not expecting any off road driving but will be driving in some snow at times and do not want to buy the strap on chains or sand bags I needed for my RWD Duster of years past.
Read what this pro has to say about it:
http://www.4x4abc.com/4WD101/glossary.html
A very informative site. It was the reason for our decision. Good luck.
According to the Dodge Nitro Specs on the www.dodge.com site, the term "Part Time 4WD" is used for the 4 speed Automatic transmission.
According to the link you provided, the 4WD should only be used when moving in a straight line on surfaces without good traction. The article says:
"Here is why part time 4WD should not be used on pavement:
If you own a vehicle with part time 4WD the need for different rpm front and rear represents a major problem. The transfer case will power the front and rear drive shafts with same rpm and is not able to satisfy the front axle's need for more rpm. Remember, the combined rpm of front wheels (A+B) is higher than the combined rpm of the rear wheels (C+D). Only full time 4WD systems are able to negotiate the needs of front and rear.
So, with part time 4WD engaged your front wheels are forced by good traction on the ground to rotate faster than the rear - but since the front drive shaft delivers only the same rpm as to the rear there is a fight between front wheels and rational force coming from the front drive shaft. The front drive shaft in effect tries to slow down the front wheels. This results in very wide turns (understeer) and dangerous handling on pavement.
The name "part time" derives from its use. It can only be used part of the time - most of the time (for most uses) it has to remain in 2WD. Only "full time" - notice the name - can be used full time for all uses"
The article also indicated that a part time 4WD car that is engaged in 4WD has this situation----
"Here is another important fact: Since front and rear axles are not able to rotate independently ABS will not work properly."
Thanks again for the link.
It now seems that the 4X4 is only useful if I get stuck in mud or trying to SLOWLY go up a snow covered hill.
As that site says...for slick pavement, AWD or full-time 4WD is best.
Is this MP140 and MP143 a code for manual or automatic transmissions?
With the full time 4wd, I believe the additional traction benefits will be available on rain slick or snow covered roads.
If this how you have found the Nitros that you drive?
"If" you plan to use your Nitro off-road a lot...then consider the part-time 4WD.
I am surprised your R/T is still in order mode. I have seen a number of R/T's in the dealers inventory on line in the Baltimore/Washington area. The Fitzmall site still does not have the R/T's but the 28 other Nitro's are offered at $1000 to $1500 off MSRP.
Incidentally, that translates to 1 mile offroad for every 100,000 miles driven. Thought you'd like to know.
tidester, host
Not having driven a vehicle with a drivetrain other than RWD and FWD is one reason I don't know that much about the pros and cons of 4WD part time, 4WD full time or AWD. With an offering of a variety of drivetrains on the Nitro and other car/truck vehicles, I am interested in determining if the costs will match the benefits for me.
The link provided by linderman was very helpful
Read what this pro has to say about it:
http://www.4x4abc.com/4WD101/glossary.html
Is there an active forum on drivetrains?
link title
http://www.myspace.com/nitro
This chick posted on the nitro myspace page and she is real cute
http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile&friendid=119458- 840
P.S. The Caricature of Dr. Z is sexy.....lol
This is really disappointing if Dodge doesn't come make full time 4wd available.
I can't figure out is why the highway mileage rating is higher than the liberty when the drivetrain seems to be the same. Anyone have any experience there? How do people like their Nitros?
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
Hmmmmm...I'll go and try to 'hit my butt on something hard in the seat', but so far haven't done such. Hmmmmm.
We only have a few hundred miles on it so far, but have NO complaints about it.
I like the simple interior, as in my '05 Dak Quad and our '07 Caliber.
I reckon anyone can nit-pick anything to death, if they so desire.
My wife...well, it was her decision and I was only there for back-up. She is quite tickled with it. It actually drives better and smoother than I had anticipated. When I finally did get a turn at driving it.
I simply don't understand who Chrysler could launch a vehicle thats so hot on styling then do a total 180 on the interior materials. Considering that GM and Ford upgraded their interior materials almost two years ago its difficult to understand what Chrysler executives were thinking. It tells me that they are not committed to being a major player and would instead prefer to just do enough to keep up with the competition. Whats sad about the decisions they made on interior plastics is that no other company in the industry is using that much plastic.
I still would like to buy a Nitro but they would have to seriously upgrade the interior and do more to address the Nitro's fuel consumption.
Features? It doesn't really have anything to get too excited about unless you get NAV system or the MyGIG.
I got mine with a moon roof, love that. The compass and temp gauge is a must have for me and you only get that with the customer preferred package. I don't really care for where the parking break is located, mostly because it's oddly large.
I test drove one with the running boards, hated those as I banged my calf on the them every time in and out of the truck.
As for appearance definitely upgrade the wheels, we got the 17" aluminum wheels over the 16" steel faced ones. The R/T wheels are amazing..I wish the SXT came with those.
Keep in mind too that you can get the SXT with the color matched fender flares, it's only $200 or so option. My SXT is color matched and doesn't have the grey cladded bottoms.
You can see pics of it in my carspace.
\
ETA that I LOVE my Nitro!
tidester, host
SUVs and Smart Shopper
Thanks,
Brent
The round dial is where I change the setting.
It is going back into the shop again tomorrow for this same problem, but of course the dealer says he has no "bulletins about this problem and actually suggested that the car is "possessed".....................I think this is the only Nitro I will ever own. Had a 2004 Durango before this and it was wonderful......should have my head examined for trading!!!!!!!!